May 30, 1431 French heroin Joan of Arc is burned at the stake by the English for heresy, aged 19 years old. Inspired by the voices of Catholic saints in her head, she helped secure several victories for France against England during the Hundred Years War. The first major coup was the lifting of the siege of Orleans and other victories followed that many historians believe turned the tide of the war in France’s favour. It was largely thanks to her military leadership and inspiration that Charles VII was able to be crowned at Reims. She was captured by Burgundian troops, who then sold her to their allies the English. Eventually she was found guilty of heresy for rejecting the authority of the church and was burned in Rouen. Joan of Arc was canonised in 1920.
Picture: What happens to French girls who whip English armies