Jeanne Hachette

Jeanne Laisne (or possibly “Forquet”) was just a teenager when, in 1472, she joined in the defense of the French city of Beauvais, which was under attack by the troops of Charles the Bold, the Duke of Burgundy.

The city was in dire peril, as the attacking Burgundians has already started coming over the battlements.  One had even planted Charles’ flag.

Jeanne, however, ran forward and gave the enemy soldier a push and, as he tumbled into the moat, she used her hatchet to chop down the hated flag.

Her heroic action lifted the morale of the citizens and they were able to repel the attack.

Louis XI honored Jeanne (now known as “Jeanne Hachette“) with a procession (which is still held in Beauvais).

During the annual procession, women march in the front and the men follow behind.

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