Joan of Arc was born in the midst of the Hundred Years’ War between England and France. Her ‘uniqueness’ came to surface in her teen years when she claimed she could hear the voices of saints. She claimed the voices told her to drive English forces out of France so that Charles VII – the then heir to the French throne – could be crowned King. Within said mission, Joan took a vow of chastity, and despite the pressures placed on her to marry, she stayed loyal to her vow.
The story of the Battle of Agincourt follows the age-old narrative of the beloved underdog rising against the odds. A legacy of victory and glory would become synonymous with Henry V after this epic episode in medieval history. An idyllic tale of knights, courage and king; it is recounted even in modern memory, but how honest is it?
Tristan was a socialist writer and activist in early nineteenth century France, and was one of the founders of modern feminism. She was also a keen travel writer. Evie Hull profiles her interesting life.
Francois Hollande recently became embroiled in scandal after an alleged affair with a French actress uncovered by the French press. Tom Oliver investigates the cases in history when sex and politics have become enmeshed.
Sophie Brownlee explores Parisian pastry, its origin and its global migration.
