eHistory.com: Middle Ages: Hundred Years War: People

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Hundred Years War - Important People

Below are mini-biographies of the major participants in the war.

Joan of Arc (c.1412-1431)

Joan of Arc was a peasant girl who believed she was under a divine mission to save France. In 1429, she persuaded Charles VII to let her lead a force to relieve Orleans. She led the French forces to a decisive victory at Orleans which allowed France to finally gain permanent advantage over the English. She was captured in 1430 by the Burgundians at Compiegne; Charles VII did not attempt to ransom her. She was burned at the stake by the English as a heretic in Rouen on May 30, 1431. She was about 19 years old.

Edward, the Black Prince (1330-1376)

Edward was the first son of Edward III. His nickname is said to be either from the color of his armor or the ferocity of his temper. He was a key commander for the English during the war and heir to throne of Edward III. He joined his father during the raid of 1346 and was present at the English victory at Crécy (August 26, 1346). In 1355 and 1356 he led his own raids when he defeated the French at the important batle of Poitiers on September 19, 1356. He died a year before his father and thus the crown was passed to his son Richard II.

John of Gaunt (1340-1399

John of Gaunt (John was born in Ghent) was the fourth son of Edward III. He was one of the richest and most powerful lords in England. In 1373, John led a 600 mile raid from Calais to Bordeaux with about 10,000 men. Even though he cut straight through the middle of France the raid was without a single siege or battle. When his brother's son (Richard II) was crowned, John remained loyal and helped his nephew during his reign.