Siege of Orléans (1428–1429)

Quick Facts: Who was Siege of Orléans (1428–1429)?

Subject:

Siege of Orléans (1428–1429)

Known for:

The pivotal 1428–1429 military action that halted English advances in the Hundred Years' War.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The siege of Orléans (12 October 1428 – 8 May 1429) marked a turning point of the Hundred Years' War between France and England. The siege took place at the pinnacle of English power during the later stages of the war, but was repulsed by French forces inspired by the arrival of Joan of Arc. The French would then regain the initiative in the conflict and begin to recapture territories previously occupied by the English. The city held strategic and symbolic significance to both sides of the conflict. The consensus among contemporaries was that the English regent, John of Lancaster, would have succeeded in realising his brother the English king Henry V's dream of conquering all of France if Orléans fell.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

For half a year the English and their Burgundian allies appeared to be on the verge of capturing the city, but the siege collapsed nine days after Joan of Arc arrived. The siege of Orléans occurred during the Hundred Years' War, an inheritance dispute over the French throne between the ruling houses of France and England. The conflict had begun in 1337 when England's King Edward III decided to press his claim to the French throne, a claim based on his status as the son of Isabella of France and thus of the contested French royal line. Following a decisive victory at Agincourt in 1415, the English gained the upper hand in the conflict, occupying much of northern France. Under the Treaty of Troyes of 1420, England's Henry V became regent of France.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

By this treaty, Henry married Catherine, the daughter of the current French king, Charles VI, and would then succeed to the French throne upon Charles's death. The Dauphin of France (title given to the French heir apparent), Charles, the son of the French king, was then disinherited. Orléans is located on the river Loire in north-central France. During the time of this siege, it was the northernmost city that remained loyal to the Valois French crown. The English and their Burgundian allies controlled the rest of northern France, including Paris.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1337: 1337 Milestone — The conflict had begun in 1337 when England's King Edward III decided to press his claim to the French throne, a claim based on his status as the son of Isabella of France and thus of the contested French royal line.
2. 1415: 1415 Milestone — Following a decisive victory at Agincourt in 1415, the English gained the upper hand in the conflict, occupying much of northern France.
3. 1420: 1420 Milestone — Under the Treaty of Troyes of 1420, England's Henry V became regent of France.
4. 1428: 1428 Milestone — The siege of Orléans (12 October 1428 – 8 May 1429) marked a turning point of the Hundred Years' War between France and England.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Siege of Orléans (1428–1429)

True or False: “Did John of Bedford initially plan to besiege Orléans as part of his main military thrust?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Bedford's initial plan focused on the west towards Angers; he changed his mind after English reinforcements arrived under Salisbury in July 1428.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ashikaga Yoshimochi — Historical peer (Died in 1428) (1428): Fourth Shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate, ruling during Japan's tumultuous Muromachi period.
• Emperor Shōkō — Historical peer (Died in 1428) (1428): The 101st Emperor of Japan, whose reign spanned from 1412 to 1428.
• Gentile Bellini — Historical peer (Born in 1429) (1429): Master Venetian painter, renowned for large altarpieces and pioneering Orientalist themes.
• Jamshid al-Kashi — Historical peer (Died in 1429) (1429): Master Persian astronomer and mathematician, renowned for advanced computations.
• Giotto — Historical peer (Died in 1337) (1337): Pioneering Italian painter and architect who bridged the Gothic and Early Renaissance styles.
• Jean Froissart — Historical peer (Born in 1337) (1337): Master court historian whose Chronicles chronicled the chivalric age of France and England.
• Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor — Historical peer (Born in 1415) (1415): Holy Roman Emperor and fourth King of the Romans from the House of Habsburg.
• Jan Hus — Historical peer (Died in 1415) (1415): Czech theologian and philosopher, key figure in the Bohemian Reformation.
• Jean Fouquet — Historical peer (Born in 1420) (1420): Master French painter, pioneer of the portrait miniature, bridging Gothic and Renaissance styles.
• Sesshū Tōyō — Historical peer (Born in 1420) (1420): Zen master and unparalleled painter of Japanese ink landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Siege of Orléans (1428–1429)