The capture of Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier on November 4, 1429 extended French control along the Loire and earned Joan of Arc noble status from Charles VII.
Key Facts
- Date of town's capture
- November 4, 1429
- Initial assault outcome
- Failed; retreat was sounded
- Second assault outcome
- Town taken with little resistance
- Forces assembled at
- Bourges
- Reward to Joan of Arc
- Noble status granted by Charles VII
- Statue of Joan unveiled
- August 24, 1902
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
French forces under Joan of Arc and Charles d'Albret pursued a strategic aim of securing all enemy strongholds along the Loire river banks. Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier, a small but heavily fortified town surrounded by a deep moat, was identified as a target in this campaign.
Joan and Charles d'Albret united their forces at Bourges and advanced to besiege Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier. A first assault failed and a retreat was called, but Joan rallied the troops for a second assault. Despite the defenders' vigorous resistance, the town was taken by storm on November 4, 1429, with Joan's bodyguard Jean d'Aulon among the wounded.
Following the town's capture, King Charles VII rewarded Joan of Arc by granting her noble status, recognizing her military leadership. The victory extended French control along the Loire, advancing the broader Lancastrian War campaign objectives for the Armagnac–Burgundian conflict.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Joan of Arc, Charles d'Albret.
Side B
1 belligerent