Joan of Arc

Two years after the Peace of Troyes, both Henry V and Charles VI were dead. The Treaty had not anticipated such an event. Who would ascend to the throne of France now?

Regents for Henry's son, Henry VI, claimed the throne was his. Charles' son - called the dauphin - disagreed. He said no Englishman but Henry V had a claim to the throne. Since Henry V was dead, the throne could not belong to England.

Charles proclaimed himself king and took the name Charles VII.

Declaring himself king - and being king - were two very different things. The dauphin soon learned his people would not recognize him as king until he was crowned in the traditional manner and place. French coronations always took place at the Cathedral in Rheims.

But ... Rheims was controlled by the English.