FRANCE’S OTHER JOAN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 July 1939, Page 6

FRANCE’S OTHER JOAN

CELEBRATIONS AT BEAUVAIS.

“FESTIVAL OF THE ASSAULT.”

In compliance with an order issued by Louis XI, and which has been obeyed for centuries, the city of Beauvais in Northern France observed the “Festival of the Assault,” from, June 26 to 28, in honour of Jeanne Hachette, when a medieval fair was held in the town which she saved from destruction, at the hands of the Burgundians, almost 500-years ago. In the course of her history, France has had- two Joans, and every year, Beauvais pays honour to- Joan No. 2, who was also a heroine and a girl-war-rior. Her valorous, exploits date back to 1472; A.DI, about the time when Christopher Columbus was collecting the cash for his now famous voyage to America. She was only 18 years of age. but she handled an axe with such force and dexterity that her name was immediately changed to Jeanne Hachette which may be translated Joan Battle Axe. There is some doubt as to her real name; it was either Fourquet or Laine, but in alii French history she is registered as Hachette. Jean Hachette had better luck than the Maid of Domremy. She was never sold to her enemies; she was never accused of heresy; she was never burned at the stake; she was nevermade a saint either. On the contrary, she married, had children, and seemingly lived happily ever afterwards. This is the story of her heroism. The city of Beauvais was besieged by the Burgundians. They had even climbed the walls, and one of the Burgundians had planted his standard' there, and was about to enter the city when Jeanne Hachette intervened. With her axe, she attacked this soldier, knocked him into the moat below, captured his banner, and so revived the drooping courage of the inhabitants. The king was so pleased with Joan’s intrepedity that he immediately sought out a husband for her. Fortunately, he chose the man whom Joan had already selected. So, they were married/and by a royal decree they were relieved from the paymnt of taxes. Louis XVI also issued a command that Beauvais should observe the "Festival of the Assault.” every year, an order which is still obeyed in France. On June 26-to 28. Beauvais became, once again, a medieval city; costumes and customs of the Middle Ages were resurrected; the distant past was revived, with all its colour and pageantry, as wreaths were placed about the statue of Jeanne Hachette. Knights and bishops and barons were present and a torchlight parade was staged in honour of Joanne No. 2. Archers, pages, prelates, swordsmen, seemingly taken from the pages of a Walter Scott novel, took part. In the parade was carried a fac simile of the historic standard which Joan tore from the hands of the Burgundian soldier. Finally the chimes of Beauvais cathedral. recently restored and now operated by electricity, pealed forth in a melody of thanksgiving for the victory by Jeanne No. 2 which took place 467 years ago. Once more, Louis XI received the keys of the city, with Jeanne Hachette by his side, as the burghers of Beauvais, all attired in costumes like those of 1472, renewed their oath of fidelity to France.