The New Student's Reference Work/Charles VII

Charles VII, king of France, born Feb. 22, 1403, succeeded his father, Charles VI, in 1422, when all northern France was held by the English, who proclaimed Henry VI, of England king of France. The English, after some successes, laid siege to Orleans, the capture of which would wholly cut off the French from the north. At this time the famous Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orleans, by her wonderful courage and belief that she was sent by Heaven to deliver her country roused the courage of nobles and people. The siege was raised, the English retreated, and soon lost all they had gained in France. In 1437 Charles entered Paris and spent the remainder of his reign in restoring order and prosperity to France, after the great misfortunes the country had suffered. He died July 22, 1461.