There are more ways than ever to listen to History Daily ad-free.

Listen with Wondry Plus in the Wondry app.

As a member of NoisorPlus at noisor.com or in Apple Podcasts,

or you can get all of History Daily plus other fantastic history podcasts at IntoHistory.com.

It's the morning of May 30th, 1431.

In the French market town of Ruehn, 10,000 people have gathered to witness an execution.

The crowd parts to allow a horse-drawn wagon to approach the middle of the square. Sitting in the back, her manacled wrists folded across her lap, is the condemned prisoner and military hero, Joan of Arc.

The 19-year-old Joan lowers her head as the hostile crowd spits insults and abuse, cries of

heretic and witch echo through the streets.

Joan closes her eyes and tightens her grip around the wooden crucifix clutched in her hand.

When the wagon comes to a stop, two guards step forward and drag Joan from the back of the cart.

They lash her arms to a wooden stake and position her atop of the

pyre. Joan trembles with fear, but she draws courage from the knowledge that even though her

accusers believe her guilty, she remains innocent in the eyes of God. Hearing footsteps, Joan turns

her head to see Bishop Kauchamp, the scornful and sneering priest who sentenced

Joan to death. The bishop silences the baying crowd with a raised hand. He grimaces as he unfurls

a parchment and recites Joan's various sins. Once he's finished, Bishop Kalshom beckons the executioner

who steps forward with a burning torch.

The crowd roars with bloodlust as the executioner lights the pyre.

Jones stares ahead defiantly, her bright eyes gleaming with the flames now flickering around her.

Conflagration quickly grows, and Jones screams as the fire scorches her flesh.

But still her eyes remain defiant, staring upward into the late spring sky until the smoke

...