The Hundred Years' War (1337 -1453) raged on between England and France, with its complex and cutthroat world of royal claim and counterclaim over titles and land. Through all the manoeuvring of armies and political games of princes came a young woman with a message of simple faith and passion for her country. Her words would be an inspiration to all around her, and her courage would give real hope to all who wanted to free France from the grip of the English throne. The Siege of Orleans in 1429 would prove a pivotal moment to believe in, or doubt, Joan of Arc, and for the very future of France itself.
How strategically important was the siege and how may the war have been altered if it had not been broken by Joan of Arc?
Orleans was important for both France and for Joan of Arc. For Joan it was a test to prove that she could deliver on what she had promised.
