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Gilles de Rais

Type Figure Region France Time c. 1404–1440 Also known as Marshal of France Gilles de Rais

Gilles de Rais (c. 1404–1440) was a Breton nobleman who served as Marshal of France during the Hundred Years' War and fought alongside Joan of Arc.

Timeline

  1. c. 1404–1429Brittany · BrittanyBorn into a prominent Breton family, he inherited vast estates in childhood. During the Hundred Years' War he served King Charles VII of France and was appointed Marshal of France around 1429, becoming a military nobleman on whom the crown relied.
  2. 1429–1435Loire Valley · FranceAfter the relief of Orléans in 1429 he advanced together with Joan of Arc, taking part in key engagements such as the Battle of Patay, and for a time was one of the most prominent generals under Charles VII.
  3. 1435–1440Nantes · BrittanyIn the 1430s, his extravagant spending, sale of his estates, and multiple criminal charges led to a joint investigation by the Church and the crown. He was tried at Nantes in September–October 1440 and on October 26 was sentenced to be hanged and burned, marking the end of his political and military career.

Sources