John Hawkwood was one of the foremost mercenary leaders *Knights in 14th century Europe, who became an almost mythical and legendary figure in medieval times.
Historians are not sure who knighted Hawkwood, but the ‘Black Prince Edward of Woodstock’ son of King ‘Edward III’ is the most likely person.
John Hawkwood was one of the most prominent and successful mercenary leaders of 14th century Europe.
The century was marked by near-continuous warfare in different theaters of Europe and Hawkwood steadily rose from humble origins to be one of the foremost military leaders of the era.
Although of English origins, it was in Italy and the neighboring territories that he displayed his real military talents, often successfully leading his mercenary army against a number of foes.
He was also noted for continuously switching sides in a way that benefited him and his company ‘The white company’ consequently earning him the loyalty of the troops and a vast fortune.
Although of humble origins and illiterate, Hawkwood was able to rise to fortune, wealth, fame, and power during his long career.
According to unconfirmed historical sources, Hawkwood was briefly employed by the English forces during the Hundred Years’ War under King Edward III and participated in some battles on the English side.
However, what is more definitely known is that he later became a part of a number of mercenary companies in Burgundy and traced a mercenary career which soon landed him as the head of the famed White Company by 1360s.
He subsequently relocated to Italy together with his mercenary company, frequently taking part in the battles between different Italian cities and Papal factions. Historians are divided as to whether he participated in the Battle of Crécy in 1346 and Battle of Poitiers in 1356.
From 1364 to 1387, Hawkwood remained one of the most prominent mercenary leaders in Italy. During this period, he fought for a number of cities and factions.
Due to his military prowess, he was frequently paid by factions in battles not to participate or to participate on their side despite payment from the enemy faction.
Map of Medieval Italy Le Repubbliche Marinare
Hawkwood was able to exploit this to his profit and amassed a vast fortune as well as land estates in Tuscany, Romagna, and other places. He fought for Pisa against Florence in 1364 and then against both Pisa and Florence in 1370.
In 1375, he fought for the Papal forces and a few years later, became a part of the anti-Papal league.
His expert maneuvering usually brought him even more profit as the warring factions in Italy eagerly sought a battle-hardened mercenary leader like him who commanded a loyal body of mercenary troops.
Medieval crossbowmen help to defeat the French at the battle of Crecy
Although he remained a mercenary through most of his career, John Hawkwood spent his final years in Florentine, offering his military services for the defense of the city a number of times.
He led the Florentine army as commander-in-chief in the 1390s and successfully warded off the Milanese threat.
He was subsequently able to defeat the Milanese army and brought the Florence-Milan conflict to an end. In recognition of his services, Florentine granted him citizenship, pensions as well as posthumous honors.