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Gilles De Rais

What is gilles de rais?

· Emily Grant

Key facts

name Gilles de Rais[1]
title Baron de Rais / Baron de Retz[1]
birth c. 1405[1]
death 26 October 1440[1]
birthplace Champtocé-sur-Loire, Anjou[1]
death place Nantes, Brittany[1]

Gilles de Rais was a 15th-century French nobleman and Marshal of France, convicted of the rape and murder of numerous children.

Context

Gilles de Rais was a 15th-century French nobleman, knight, and Marshal of France, best known for his conviction for the rape and murder of numerous children [1]. He was also a companion-in-arms of Joan of Arc [4]. Some sources describe him as one of history's first serial killers [2]. His career ended in a trial for Satanism, abduction, and child murder [3].

Documented claims

  • Gilles de Rais was a 15th-century French nobleman, knight, and Marshal of France. [1]
  • He is best known for being convicted of the rape and murder of numerous children. [1]
  • He possessed extensive estates in Brittany, Anjou, and Poitou. [1]
  • Some sources describe him as one of history's first serial killers. [2]

Questions and answers

Who was Gilles de Rais?

Gilles de Rais was a 15th-century French nobleman and Marshal of France, convicted of the rape and murder of numerous children [1].

When did Gilles de Rais die?

He died on 26 October 1440 [1].

Was Gilles de Rais a companion of Joan of Arc?

Yes, sources describe him as a companion-in-arms of Joan of Arc [4].

Sources

  1. Gilles de Rais | Biography | Research Starters — ebsco.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Gilles de Rais, the monster of Brittany - HeadStuff — headstuff.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Was Gilles de Rais Really History's First Recorded Serial ... — historyextra.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. The Trial of Gilles de Rais (1440): An Account — famous-trials.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in People