Among the many plots that took place in English-conquered territory of France during the XVth century, one was particularly unusual and dramatic.
This was the case of the simple, poor troubadour, juggler, and itinerant harpist known as Phelippot Le Cat, famous in Normandy for singing and making music during his travels.
After hearing news of the liberation of Orléans and the epic story of Joan of Arc, in the summer of 1429, Phelippot decided to go to the Brix forest, a refuge of a French rebellion. In the forest, he proclaimed, "Hear ye, good people, let us deliver Cherbourg from the English yoke!"
However, the story was quickly reported to the English. The bailiff of Cotentin region had Phélippot Le Cat arrested and beheaded in Cherbourg on July 18, 1429, confiscating his harp before he was abandoned and later found by a priest "to pray for the soul of the deceased, of whom history has preserved no notes, no verses."
Today, a commemorative plaque stands in his memory in Cherbourg at Square Phelippot Le Cat.