In 1893 a dramatic sculpture of Joan of Arc, by Jules Roulleau (1855-1895) was erected in the Place Jeanne D’Arc in Chinon. This is, after all the very city where Joan revealed her divine mission to the dubious court of the Dauphin. The statue depicts the Maid, armoured, with sword and banner, at full gallop, presumably leading her troops to victory at Patay in 1429.

Close inspection reveals that amongst the debris of battle beneath Joan’s horse’s hooves are two rather unfortunate Englishmen. One is a billman, his face crushed into the mud, yet still vainly clutching his weapon. The other seems to have an arbalest, or crossbow, visible beneath him, and the associated leather strap over his shoulder.

It is a fine and dramatic piece but while it conveys all the excitement a true French citoyen of the 1890s might demand, it should be a trifle more worrying for British subjects who are visiting a city dedicated to its tourists. How many of our English martial statues and war memorials include dead or dying enemies beneath the boots of Thomas Atkins?

As we explore more sites and scenes of the Hundred Years War, it will become clear that the conflict between England and France (although six centuries ago) still reflects and sometimes remains a source of national pride and resentments. Chinon, with its royal fortress, is well worth visiting and this splendid sculpture a detour…but let us spare a thought for two honest Englishmen, victims of war, who have been trampled underfoot now for a century and a quarter.