May 30th 1431: Joan of Arc burned at the stake
On this day in 1431 in Rouen, France (under English control) the 19 year old Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for heresy. The peasant girl, claiming divine guidance, led France’s army to several victories during the Hundred Years’ War aiming to liberate France, making her a national heroine. However she was captured by the English, put on trial and then burned at the stake. She was posthumously declared innocent and made a Catholic saint; this day is used to celebrate her.