The Duke of Bedford[1] fought vigorously in Henry's behalf. In five
years the English had got possession of most of the country north of
the Loire. They now determined to make an effort to drive the French
Prince south of that river. To accomplish this they must take the
strongly fortified town of Orleans, which was situated on its banks.
(See map facing p. 84.)
[1] During Henry's minority, John, Duke of Bedford, was Protector of
the realm. When absent in France, Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, acted
for him.
Forts were accordingly built around the place, and cannon planted to
batter down its walls (S239). Six month later, so much progress had
been made in the siege, that it was plain the city could not hold out
much longer. The fortunes of Prince Charles seemed to depend on the
fate of Orleans. If it fell, nothing, apparently, could save France
from yielding to her conqueror.