Cauchon, Pierre (died 1443)

French Bishop of Beauvais. He became famous for the part he played in the trial of Joan of Arc. He was expelled from his see in 1429, whereupon he left for the English court. On the capture of Joan of Arc in his diocese, Cauchon asserted his right to put her on trial, and, it is said, went to great lengths in order to secure her condemnation. In 1456 Joan's case was retried by Calixtus III, Cauchon's judgment declared null and void, and he himself solemnly condemned.