1-155-886 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Joan of Arc, c1880. Nineteenth century representation of the 15th century French patriot and martyr St Joan (1412-1431), before the Dauphin, later Charles VII, at Chinon in 1429. Legend has it that Joan recognised the Dauphin although he was in disguise and this was taken as a sign that she was divinely guided. During the Hundred Years' War between England and France (1337-1453), Joan led resistance to the English. In 1430 she was captured by the Burgundians and sold to the English who passed her to the ecclesiastical court of the Inquisition at Rouen. She was tried for heresy and sorcery and burnt at the stake on 30 May 1431.