1440 - Crime

Crime

The late Joan of Arc's erstwhile companion in arms, Gilles de Rais, is executed October 20 near Nantes. Made marshal of France at age 25, he became so addicted to alcohol and consumed by lust that he has been enticing young beggars and women to follow him and then having them taken to his châteaux at Tiffauges, Machecoul, and Chanptoce, where he allegedly violated them, tortured them, cut their throats, or hanged them. Charged with committing more than 140 crimes, he has been arrested, tried, and convicted.

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