Joan of Arc in Rouen

Early 15th century : The Hundred Years War is raging. The English repression over Rouen is terrible but Joan of Arc's exploits help Normandy to hope anew. Caught at Compiegne by the Burgundians, Joan of Arc is "sold" to the English by French bishop Cauchon for the price of 10 000 gold ecus.

The trial starts on February 21st, 1431. Torn between questionnings and doubt, Joan retracts on May 24 on the scaffold. She is sentenced to life imprisonment, a decision that maddens the ennemy. Joan, misled by foul stratagems, shown as having abandoned her faith, is burnt alive on May 30th, 1431. Her ashes are scattered and her heart thrown in the Seine.

Rouen is liberated in 1449 by Charles VII (crowned King of France in Reims in 1429 thanks to Joan). Rehabilitated in 1456, canonized in 1920, Joan of Arc becomes the patroness of France.

During the following period, also called Golden Century, Rouen and Normandy live a tremendous expansion mostly due to seaborne trade. Guilds are powerful. Magnificent Renaissance style houses are built, such as the Law Courts. Half-timbered houses with carved facades are plenty. (Read also "Rouen Downtown" and "Rouen - From the Cathedral to the Aitre Saint-Maclou").

More information :

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