Notes
byNotes opens a window into a rich tapestry of shared legacy between France and Scotland, woven through the story of Jeanne d’Arc. Her military campaign at Lagny, where she triumphed over the Burgundians under Franquet d’Arras, gains added depth when her Scottish connections are considered. One remarkable detail is the possibility that her iconic banner was created by a Scottish artist, perhaps a James Polwarth or someone from the Hume family. This visual symbol, which accompanied her into battle, reflects not only her divine inspiration but the subtle presence of foreign allegiance. A monk from Dunfermline claimed to have witnessed her victories and final moments, underscoring how her story echoed even in distant lands. Through such testimonies, Jeanne’s image as a spiritual figure of resistance and purity gains transnational dimensions.
The symbolism that surrounds her martyrdom is striking. A Scottish archer reportedly kept a portrait of Jeanne, suggesting a personal veneration long before her canonization. Eyewitness accounts from the Rehabilitation trial mention a white dove appearing as her body burned—a moment interpreted by many as miraculous. Such testimony, collected decades after her death, contributed to the sacred aura that would eventually lead to her being declared ‘Venerable’ by the Church. Her spiritual legacy was not confined to France. Scotland, with its own history of resistance and faith, found in Jeanne a kindred spirit. The encouragement to consult M. Quicherat’s detailed trial records further validates the enduring curiosity and reverence her story commands, not only for its historical gravity but for its spiritual resonance.
The mention of Scottish archers in France around 1507, including two men named Lang or Laing, reminds readers of the continued Franco-Scottish alliance. These soldiers represent more than mercenary presence—they symbolize shared purpose and historical brotherhood in a continent marked by shifting loyalties. The military service of these archers stands as a legacy echoing the Auld Alliance, which formally united France and Scotland against common enemies. Jeanne’s campaign, supported by such alliances, paints her victories not merely as national achievements but as efforts sustained by international camaraderie. It highlights how wars are fought not just by nations but by individuals bound by shared values. In this sense, Jeanne’s connection to Scottish support offers a broader narrative of unity in a fractured age.
Toward the end of the chapter, a compelling shift occurs through the reference to Rev. John Blackader’s memoirs, particularly his account of the 1691 siege of the Bass Rock. While temporally distant from Jeanne d’Arc, the siege story mirrors her themes of resistance, sacrifice, and spiritual endurance. Those who defended the Bass did so with a faith that echoed Jeanne’s, holding firm against overwhelming force with belief as their shield. This connection bridges the 15th and 17th centuries, reinforcing a timeless pattern of courage fueled by conviction. Both Jeanne’s stand at Rouen and the defenders’ resistance at the Bass are framed not merely as military acts, but as declarations of spiritual resolve. The faith of these figures becomes a unifying theme across generations.
These layered narratives—of Jeanne’s sacrifice, the contributions of Scottish allies, and the echoes of resistance centuries later—form a portrait of enduring valor. It’s not just about remembering facts, but about understanding how stories survive and inspire. In a world often eager to forget nuance, this chapter encourages a reawakening of collective memory through documented truth and shared legend. By revisiting trial records, military roles, and siege journals, the reader is offered more than history—they’re given heritage. Through this lens, Jeanne d’Arc is more than a saint or soldier—she becomes a bridge between nations, centuries, and convictions. And the Scottish threads in that tapestry add weight to a narrative that refuses to fade.