John Hawkwood

"Tell me how you wish me to deal with these enemies of yours, for they are not able to camp, and I will deliver them in your hands in whatever manner you wish."

- John Hawkwood Sir John Hawkwood, known to the Italians as Giovanni Acuto, was an English soldier, knight, and mercenary in the 14th century. He led the White Company, one of the most renowned mercenary armies in Europe.

Hawkwood was born in 1323, the son of a minor landowner. He entered the army at a young age, and served as a longbowman. England was embroiled in the Hundred Years' War against France, and Hawkwood participated in the decisive battles of Crécy and Poitiers. He was knighted for his service.

When a treaty between England and France brought a temporary end to the fighting, Hawkwood and many other soldiers were left unemployed. With no land of his own to return to, Hawkwood stayed in France, and signed on with a mercenary army called the White Company. Hawkwood rose quickly through the ranks, and by 1360, he was its new leader.

The Company split into two factions shortly after Hawkwood's rise to leadership, and Hawkwood joined the faction leaving for Italy. The recent Great Schism has created a power vacuum, and the frequent fighting among the kingdoms of Italy and the Papal States offered many opportunities.

Hawkwood and his army served under Milan, Pisa, Florence, the Papal States, and many other factions during his time in Italy. He established a reputations for cunning and brutality, and occasional unscrupulousness. He was known to plunder the territory of his employers when he was not properly paid.

In 1394, Hawkwood retired. He maid plans to return to England, but died of unknown causes before hand, and was buried in the Cathedral of Saint Mary in Florence.

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