Gilles de Rais

Leader in the French army, companion-in-arms of Joan of Arc, convicted serial killer of children

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Lived 1405–1440, aged 35France

France Historical Figures

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France rank#145
Historical Figures rank#126
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Wikipedia
38 languages
Cross-language footprint
Rank in France
#145
Historical Figures
Era
1405–1440
Aged 35

Summary

Updated 2026-05-29

Medieval French knight who fought alongside Joan of Arc before his conviction for serial child murder. His name became synonymous with aristocratic depravity in 15th-century Europe.

Biography

About

Gilles de Rais, Baron de Rais was a French knight and lord who possessed extensive estates in Brittany, Anjou and Poitou. He served as one of the captains in the French royal army during the Hundred Years' War, notably taking part in the same military campaigns as Joan of Arc in 1429, up until the failed siege of Paris. He remains chiefly known for his conviction on charges of the rape and murder of several children.

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