Siege of Orléans (1428–1429)

The Siege of Orléans (1428–1429) was a major turning point in the Hundred Years’ War between France and England. It’s one of the most famous sieges in history, not just for its military significance, but also because it marked the dramatic emergence of Joan of Arc, who became a national heroine of France.

Context
Hundred Years’ War: A long and complex conflict (1337–1453) between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France, mainly over claims to the French throne.

By the 1420s, England was winning. Thanks to the Treaty of Troyes (1420), Henry V of England was recognized as heir to the French throne. After Henry’s death in 1422, his infant son Henry VI inherited the claim.

The Dauphin Charles (later Charles VII of France) held out in the south, but was in a bad spot. France was divided, morale was low, and resources were stretched thin.

Siege Overview
When: Began on October 12, 1428, ended on May 8, 1429
Where: Orléans, a key city on the Loire River in central France
Who:
English side: Led initially by Thomas Montagu, Earl of Salisbury, and later by William de la Pole, John Talbot, and Thomas Scales.
French side: Local defenders, and later, famously, Joan of Arc and Jean de Dunois (“the Bastard of Orléans”).

Why Orléans?
Strategically critical: Controlling it would give England a gateway to southern France and isolate Charles VII.
Symbolically important: Losing it could’ve ended serious resistance against the English.

Siege Developments
Initial Stages: The English slowly surrounded Orléans and built a ring of fortified outposts (bastilles) around the city. The French defenders held out but were under constant pressure.

Key Blow: Early in the siege, the Earl of Salisbury was mortally wounded by a cannon shot — a big morale hit for the English.

The English were short on men and supplies, and had difficulty completely sealing off the city, allowing French reinforcements and supplies to occasionally sneak through.

Enter Joan of Arc
Arrival: Joan of Arc came to Charles VII’s court in early 1429, claiming she had divine visions instructing her to help lift the siege.
Despite skepticism, Charles let her join a relief force headed to Orléans.
She entered the city on April 29, 1429 — a huge boost to morale.

Joan’s Impact:
Psychological Game-Changer: Joan’s presence inspired troops and civilians alike. She gave the French a sense of divine mission.
Offensive Action: Under Joan’s influence, the French launched a series of bold attacks on English bastilles in early May.
The final blow came on May 7, when they captured the key fort of Les Tourelles, with Joan famously wounded but returning to lead again.

Aftermath: Victory for France
On May 8, 1429, the English lifted the siege and retreated — a crushing blow to their campaign.
The victory at Orléans reversed French fortunes. It led directly to the coronation of Charles VII at Reims just months later, in July 1429 — also with Joan of Arc present.

Significance
Turning Point: First major French victory in a long time — completely shifted the momentum of the war.
Joan’s Rise: Cemented Joan of Arc’s reputation. She went from obscure peasant to national icon in just a few months.
Moral Boost: Unified French factions, restored confidence, and showed that the English could be beaten.

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