The imprisonment of Joan of Navarre in 1419, at Pevensey castle highlights a degree of Francophobia against her. The Hundred Years War and a long history of turmoil between the two countries indicate the reasons for her imprisonment. Rather it was not solely against Joan though there was in fact a political motive behind this reaction by Henry V. Henry V did have a personal vendetta against Joan however this was not the only reason for his reaction to accuse Joan of witchcraft. Therefore, highlighting how the imprisonment of Joan was a statement for the turmoil caused by the Hundred Years War.
Witchcraft is usually associated with the witch mania of the English Civil War led by Matthew Hopkins. This was important and regional to East Anglia, these women were accused to not aligning with the traditional values of the time. These differences would cause these ‘common’ women to be accused of witchcraft. The link between the two historical events is the fact that during political turmoil there is the need to find a scapegoat and that can be on an unknown factor such as witchcraft. This correlation is important as the result of Joan’s imprisonment meant that she could not collect revenue for her dowry lands or access financial support. The removal of her ability to have control over finances and property meant that she had no ability to have financial power over Henry V. This meant that Joan was at the mercy of Henry V, a position that someone like Joan would not have wanted to be in.
However, when more pressing issues occurred for Henry V, Joan was allowed to be free. The concept of necromancy which she was accused of could have been a charge that came from her grieving the death of her husband. As unknown grieving rituals could have been assumed as witchcraft practices. These practices were nothing like paganism but rather anything that didn’t conform with christian beliefs.Though the most likely cause of this is a superficial charge so that Henry V did not have the concern of France invading England to take the throne.
Additionally, Joan was stronger than Henry V in a plethora of ways and to ensure that during a period of instability that Joan could not try and dictate Henry V. This decision to imprison her was a choice by Henry V to ensure that he could take charge of the finances and various other decisions in regards to war against the French.
Furthermore, Joan was unable to attain power where Henry V was able. This was due to the expectations on gender during this period. Though this is a western outlook as in prehistory and ancient civilisations there was many female rulers. Asian rulers in Japan and Korea had empresses and princesses for centuries. However, western Europe was behind and the degree of power that women had was seen as unusual. Though, unlike in later periods of history women were not actively oppressed. Even within Europe and Asia during the late medieval and early modern period there were a multitude of female rulers as well. Though for western Europe suitability to lead was judged through a patriarchal lens.
There can be a lot of speculation surrounding Joan II of Navarre but the factor to remember is that when Jean IV died Joan did become ruler for a short period of time. This conveys how Joan broke through this western narrative and this may have contributed to the reasons why Henry V had Joan imprisoned. She was more than capable of ruling England she was well educated and had a significant understanding on rulership. Joan lacked military capabilities where Henry V had training this was the only area that Henry V was more suited to rule.
After Joan’s imprisonment and realise in 1422 she was not involved in any further turmoil. She went back to France and led a quiet life until her death in 1437. Though, during in her time that she was held captive there was the fact that Henry V changed the narrative surrounding her. The demonisation of Joan II of Navarre had led to the reasons in why she had been lost in the historical narrative. Henry V destroyed her reputation and allowed her to be lost to history especially as his reign is dominated by the Battle of Agincourt. The Hundred Years War leads to Joan to be forgotten. In some cases even demonised with the portrayal of her as a bad mother and stepmother. For a queen consort the ability to be a good mother was a vital factor in her success of being queen. However, for Joan this is overlooked and the reputation that Henry V shaped for her led to her image being ruined for centuries afterwards.
In conclusion, the imprisonment of Joan of Navarre was a turning point for her as attitudes towards her were shaped by Henry V. This led her to become the invisible queen that she is often referred to as in the historical narrative. This was not aided by the turmoil caused by the Hundred Years War. However, without Joan the outcome of the Hundred Years War would have not been the same. Joan is vital to understanding queen consorts and their ability to shape the historical narrative even if it is accredited to the king. Therefore, Joan is reflected in succeeding queen consorts.
Secondary sourced used:
Woodacre, E. 2023 "infanta, duchess, queen, witch? Joan of Navarre" Routledge.
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