A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country/Hachette, (Jane)
HACHETTE, (JANE) Native of Beauvais, in Picardy, renowned for her Courage in the 15th Century.
The Burgundians having laid siege to this town in 1472, Jane, at the head of a troop of women, valiantly defended it; repulsed them when they assaulted the place, took their colours from the hand of a soldier, who was going to plant them on the walls, and threw him headlong from it. In memory of this action, the privilege of walking at the head of the troops, carrying these colours, was granted to her, and some others ensured to her descendants. The portrait of this heroine is still shewn at Beauvais; and, on the 10th of July, there was an annual procession, in which the women walked first.
F. C.