An old engraving of 'Free Company' horsemen A free company was also known as 'great company' or 'grande companie' and in France they were routiers and écorcheurs. It was an army of mercenaries between the 12th and 14th centuries recruited by private employers during wars. They acted independently of any government and so were 'free'. They were active mainly in France. The White Company of John Hawkwood, probably the most famous free company, was active in Italy in the late 14th century.
An old engraving of 'Free Company' horsemen A free company was also known as 'great company' or 'grande companie' and in France they were routiers and écorcheurs. It was an army of mercenaries between the 12th and 14th centuries recruited by private employers during wars. They acted independently of any government and so were 'free'. They regularly made a living by plunder when they were not employed. The term free company is usually applied to those groups of private soldiers that assembled after the Peace of Brétigny during the Hundred Years' War. They were active mainly in France, but companies operated elsewhere. The White Company of John Hawkwood, probably the most famous free company, was active in Italy in the late 14th century.
Size: 3165px × 2259px
Photo credit: © M&N / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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