Jeanne, D’Arc

Jeanne D'Arc was born to a devout family in 1412, and she was taught how to sew and spin but not to read or write. When she was in her early teens, Jeanne started to experience auditory hallucinations - and she would hear voices and see a bright light when by herself. She showed no signs of mental disorders, and the voices urged her to go to church regularly. She started to have visions, seeing St Catherine, St Michael and St Margaret and on their command she headed to Dauphin where she led 6,000 men in a successful mission to relieve Orleans.

She went on to take part in more battles against the allied English, displaying impressive bravery and skill. In 1430 she was captured by the Duke of Burgundy and imprisoned in a dungeon in Rouen. She was tried and found guilty of sorcery and heresy in an ecclesiastical court before being burnt at the stake. Her innocence was later established and proclaimed by the Pope.