Context

England and France were at war with each other during the reign of Henry the V in England and Charles the VI in France which finally concluded with a marriage and the birth of a royal son named Henry.  This solution only served to split the nobility of France when both Henry V and Charles died, making Henry the VI the king of England and France before he was an adolescent.  With France split and portions refusing to acknowledge the young king, court life could be difficult and potentially life threatening (Allmand). 

Unfortunately for young Henry VI, he had uncles who preferred the throne over him.  The stage was set for another war between England and France. But how much of this information was known to the general public living day by day is unknown.  Extrapolating from other regions, some news was carried via word of mouth but life went on with daily chores, cares and necessity.

Joan of Arc arrived on scene at this point to help Charles, the Dauphin and heir to the throne, overthrow the treaty and his nephew.  Her story doubtless made it around the country as she told of hearing the voice of the Virgin Mary, the Saints and God telling her to lead men to battle.  Yet for her success, she was ultimately executed for witchcraft.  Joan was not royalty nor could she read, but her devotion came to known throughout France for the fervor and passion she felt.  Later manuscripts did depict paintings of Joan of Arc as a warrior of God.