This episode features historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook continuing their exploration of Joan of Arc's military campaign. They examine the dramatic four-day relief of Orléans in May 1429, when an illiterate peasant girl transformed French military fortunes.

The discussion covers Joan's arrival at the besieged city, her conflicts with experienced commanders like the Bastard of Orléans, and the tactical challenges of crossing the Loire River. Key sources include Joan of Arc The Image of Female Heroism by Marina Warner and analysis from The Autumn of the Middle Ages by Johan Huizinga.

The hosts detail the English siege positions, the role of commanders like Sir William Glasdale and John Talbot, and how Joan's charismatic leadership inspired French forces to break a six-month siege in just four days of intense fighting.

Joan's Ultimatum and Journey to the Dauphin

On March 22, 1429, Joan dictated her famous letter to the King of England: 'Surrender to the maid who is sent here by God, the King of Heaven, the keys of all the good towns which you have taken and violated in France'

Joan traveled 250 miles over 10 days, riding mostly at night through Burgundian territory, wearing male clothing including black hose, breeches, and a doublet

At Chinon castle, Joan promised the Dauphin: 'The King of Heaven has commanded that through me you are to be consecrated and crowned in the city of Reims'

Marina Warner's analysis in Joan of Arc The Image of Female Heroism describes Joan's 'astonishing ability to compel credence' - her genius for making people believe extraordinary things

The Strategic Situation at Orléans

The English siege force numbered only 4,000 men scattered across multiple fortresses, insufficient to completely encircle the large city of Orléans

Sir William Glasdale commanded Les Tourelles fortress on the south bank, using artillery to batter Orléans' walls and hurling abuse at defenders

The Bastard of Orléans, illegitimate half-brother of the captive Duke, served as the city's experienced military commander and the Dauphin's cousin

Joan arrived on April 28th on the wrong side of the Loire River, leading to her furious confrontation with the Bastard: 'Was it on your advice that I've been brought here on this side of the river instead of going directly against Talbot and the English?'

The Miraculous Wind and River Crossing

When barges couldn't move supplies upriver due to adverse winds, Joan knelt and prayed to God to change the wind direction - and it miraculously changed

The Bastard of Orléans was convinced by this miracle that Joan had indeed been sent by God, marking a crucial turning point in his support

Joan made her triumphant entry into Orléans flanked by the Bastard and La Hire ('the wrath of God'), a lame but formidable captain

John Talbot's response to Joan's demands was characteristically blunt: 'you are a whore. You should return to herding livestock. If you don't, you are going to be burned as a witch'

The Four-Day Relief of Orléans

On May 4th, the French captured their first English fortress after three hours of hard fighting, with Joan brandishing her banner in the battle line without drawing her sword

Joan's third ultimatum tied to an arrow declared: 'You men of England, who have no right to this kingdom of France, the King of Heaven orders and commands you, through me, Joan the Maid, to abandon your strongholds'

During the assault on Les Tourelles on May 7th, Joan was struck by a crossbow bolt and knocked off her ladder, but her squire Jean Doulon continued the attack with her banner

Sir William Glasdale, the feared English commander, fell into the Loire and drowned as French forces overwhelmed Les Tourelles, leading to the massacre of 500 English soldiers

The Autumn of the Middle Ages by Huizinga explains Joan's success through her 'superior, irresistible and infectious bravery' that inspired the French captains and soldiers