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intriguingpeoplebyangelafloyd · 6 months

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GILLES DE RAIS

1404-1440

COMPANION OF JOAN OF ARC AND A CHILD SERIAL KILLER

Rais parents died in 1415 and he was brought up by his godfather Jean de Craon. He was spoilt so much that he had to have his own way in everything. When he was aged 16, he kidnapped a wealthy heiress who he married and quickly spent the fortune.

Rais was a warrior in the French army and was companion in arms for Joan of Arc. In 1429, Joan of Arc arrived in Chinon to speak with the King; Rais was entrusted with an army by Charles VII and devotedly stood by Joan of Arc’s side. From 1427-1435 he served in the French army and fought in the Hundred Years’ War.

When he retired from military service he moved into a castle, in Tiffauges, France. There he started experimenting with the occult and believed that he could regain his lost fortune by sacrificing children to a demon called Barron.

Children, mostly young boys would disappear and there were rumors that spread of orgies, torture, sodomy and black magic. In 1440, Rais had an argument with clergyman Ferron over a chateau and Gilles held him captive. Bishop of Nantes went to investigate in 1440 and what he discovered horrified him.

Rais was arrested and confessed to a long list of crimes, young boys bodies were discovered inside his castle as well as evidence of sodomy, torture, murder and the mutilation of children. It was said he killed around 140 children. During the trial, he would switch back and forth from a proud nobleman to insulting the judge and then break down in tears. He showed no remorse and said he enjoyed performing his crimes.

Rais and his two accomplices found guilty and were sentenced to death. At 9am, Rais was taken to the place of execution on the Ile de Biesse; he addressed the crowd and requested to be the first to die which was granted. At 11am, the platform was set on fire and Rais was hanged. His body was cut down before it was engulfed by the flames and was taken to be buried. His two companions were burned alive and reduced to ashes.

#gillesderais #joanofarc #truecrime

#gilles de rais #gillesderais #joan of arc #true crime

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themamil · 2 years

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St Malo to Nice 2022 - Day 2

Today was a bit of an unknown. Certainly the longest day of the tour, at 180km it was going to be a fairly long day in the saddle, but at only 1100m of climbing, there was a chance that this could have been a day for spinning the legs and just getting it done.

The reality was somewhere in-between, with endless roads of undulating proportions meant that at times it felt like we weren't getting anywhere, especially when the Garmin pointed out that the next turn was coming up in 17km!!

The wind also proved to be a stubborn adversory again today, well, all until the last 1/3 of the day when it turned into a rather kind assistant as it pushed us along the Loire.

We had elected a 2 major stop strategy, the first at 55k for a drink and pick-me-up and then lunch at 110k. The idea being that it meant that post-lunch not only had we broken the back of the ride but that the last part could be done with a break with 20k to go which would be really refreshing.

Anyhow, we set out from Vitre as well assembled and focused as any serious cycling group could be...

We (headed out of Vitre almost due south and fairly soon David, Neil and I formed a group. The morning part of the ride was really pretty small villages, immaculately kept, interspersed by the undulating roads which seemed to stretch for miles and miles.

Whilst the wind was against us, we made good progress and also managed to avoid the rain as we passed through Craon, where we thought we might stop for a drink but decided against it as it really wasn't hugely pleasent. Although their roundabout horse statue was a nice landmark.

So we headed on to the small village of Chatelais where we found a delightful shop / cafe and sat outside and enjoyed a pastry and a drink. We were soon met by George and Derek.

After our break we decided to rollout and shortly after leaving Chatelais we were rolling along and out of nowhere the heavens opened. Thanksfully I had my Gore jacket but poos Neil wasn't so lucky and got fairly soaked. The rain last about 10 minutes and we didn’t see it again for the rest of the day.

Shortly afterwards we crossed the River Loire and entered the town of Chalonnes-sur-Loire.

It was slightly earlier than expected but we were waved down by Derek so told us he had to drive back to Steve and Damien because they had a puncutre but the pump was in the day bag.

So Derek left us witht he trailer and the picnic and we proceeded to make ourselves lunch.

After a hearty lunch, Derek returned and we deided to roll on. With only about 70k left we wanted to crack on but had a plan to stop for a break at about 50k.

Scooting along the banks of the Loire was a joy and the wind had become our friend as the km's just fell away.

We even came across our first few Chateau in the form of Chateau de Brissac

and even had time for a little sprinting for fun.

We eventually found ourselves in St, Renny-La-Varenne where we stopped for a drink and got chatting to a chap called Timo who left Yorkshire 30 years ago for a new life in France.

Finally back down to the banks of the Loire and more lovely views...

before arriving in Saumur which was busy with Friday evening rush hour traffic, so not the best way to arrive.

All in all a day of 2 halves I think best summarises it, but great to get a long one under the belt and feeling good for tomorrow.

#stmalotonice #mamil #ride #cycling #themamil #bikelife

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