[MR] Wikipedia: Joan of Arc

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends,

On this date in 1431, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for heresy,
mainly dressing in men's clothing which was a capital crime under Church
Law. Joan's inquisition was stage managed by her English captors and was
pretty much a show trial with a pre-ordained outcome.

Joan's brief military career began with Siege of Orléans where she arrived
with the relief forces on 29 April 1429. With her inspiration, the French
were able to break the siege and relieve the city. Joan was then accepted
into the French leadership. She was present at several more successful
battles, which revived French hopes.

As an aside, during the Siege of Orléans Joan's escort included 60 Scottish
men-at-arms and 70 Scottish archers. They were commanded by Sir Patrick
Ogilvy of Auchterhouse, hereditary Sheriff of Angus.

On 23 May 1430 while defending the town of Compiègne from a Burgundian
siege, an unsuccessful mounted sortie was made by the French. Joan's unit,
which formed the rear guard in the retreat, was surrounded and she captured
by the Burgundians.

After being imprisoned by the Burgundians (with several escape attempts,
and efforts by the French to free her by force), Joan was sold to the
English for 10,000 livres. After that, her death was assured.

More of Joan's interesting story is found at
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_of_Arc .

Yours Aye,

Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆