Actions taken and other salient facts

During this period, he attracts the attention of the Black Prince, Edward Prince of Wales, who takes him under his protection. He is probably knighted by the King of England himself following the Battle of Poitiers (September 1356). He is given command of 250 archers.

He ravages Gascony where he seizes a large booty. He storms Pau, raids Béarn, robs the clergy and leaves the laity in peace.

After the Treaty of Bretigny, he forms the Great Company with other condottieri. The venturers unite in Champagne; they conquer the castle of Jonville, then retreat to Burgundy. The company is strong with 12,000 men, of which 3,000/4,000 are veterans. John Hawkwood leaves Pau and also joins with Bernardo della Sala. He seizes 60,000 francs of booty; his share is recognized (December) as a sixth.

He besieges Pope Innocent VI in Avignon; at the same time, he carries out numerous raids in the territory between Avignon, Lyon, Tarascon, and Perpignan. In January, a crusade is organized against the venturers. In February, the Pope sends a letter to 3 captains of the Great Company (the marshal John Hawkwood, remembered as Johann Scakaik,; Richard Musard and the Scottish Walter Lesley, Earl of Ross). In March, the venturers withdraw after the delivery of 100,000 florins, of which 30,000 are paid by the pontificals and the rest by the Marquis of Monferrato to have the company at his service against the Visconti. (10,000 florins is the quota belonging to Hawkwood). The condottiero decides to move to Italy to counter the lord of Milan Bernabò Visconti in the service of the Marquis Giovanni of Monferrato.

According to Froissart, in March John Hawkwood leaves the White Company to return to France and, in April, to take part in the Battle of Brignais against the French commanded by James of Bourbon, Count de la Marche. The English are superior in number to their opponents; they manage to hide the real size of their forces from enemy spies and occupy the best positions in the field. The French attempt an assault on the enemy lines but are repelled; they retreat in disorder under the throw of a large number of stones thrown at them with vigor and precision; at the same time, they are attacked on the flank by the English infantry armed with long lances (six feet). Bourbon, seriously wounded, takes refuge in Lyon where he dies a few days later from the wounds received in combat. Subsequently, it seems that Hawkwood left Picardy, crossed the Lyonnais, went up the Rhone to reconnect with the “White Company” after having overcome the resistance of the Savoyard militias commanded by Richard Musard. According to Caferro, it is more likely that the transalpine chronicler was mistaken and that Hawkwood, for the entire period, remained in Piedmont to plunder the territory of Tortona.

Leaves Rivarolo Canavese. With Alberto Sterz, Roberto Canolles and de la Neuf; surprises Count Amadeus of Savoy at Lanzo Torinese: the capture of the latter is followed by negotiations for the ransom of prisoners and the return of Savoyard locations in the hands of the venturers. At their conclusion, they are given 180,000 florins.

He plunders the Alessandrino, the Tortonese and the Novarese; occupies Castelnuovo Scrivia and Romagnano Sesia. He is finally forced by Luchino dal Verme to abandon Piedmont.

He leaves the Pisan area with 1,000 horses and 2,000 infantry and enters Val di Nievole. He tries to surprise Montale, crosses the Pistoiese area and camps not far from the walls of the capital. From here he infests the Florentine countryside with depredations and fires. The Pistoiese, fearful of a possible attack, hire many armed men; they put, among other things, a bell on each of the four city gates to be able to ask for help quickly. They finally appoint Bartolomeo Lazzari as their war captain. John Hawkwood returns to Pisa after suffering some losses due also to bad weather conditions (snow and ice). The pay of his company is raised to 25,000 florins per month.

He goes with Anichino di Baumgarten to Val di Nievole in command of 6,500 horses between English and Germans and 1,000 Pisans. He separates from Baumgarten and, through the Val di Marina, arrives in Mugello; he carries out some raids between Laterina and Barberino di Mugello (capture of 100 citizens and raid of a lot of cattle). He places his camp between Scarperia and Borgo San Lorenzo. Pandolfo Malatesta (1,200 horses) comes against him. John Hawkwood contrasts the enemies with small contingents of troops who, for their part, continue to conduct their incursions into the nearby lands. Following a skirmish won by the Florentines, Hawkwood decides to change the route. He eludes the surveillance of Malatesta overnight and leaves Mugello for the Bisenzio valley. He aims at Prato, where Anichino di Baumgarten is already located; he sets fire to the villages he finds on his way, even those spared by his German colleague. He enters Pescia; he besieges the castle of Petraia and devastates the counties of Montughi and Fiesole. At the beginning of May, he moves from the side of Montemorello, aims at the castle of Vincigliata and sets it on fire (on the spot now stands the villa “I Tatti”, once the residence of Bernardo Berenson and bought and rebuilt, in his time, by John Temple-Leader). The Pisans return to Florence the following day; they cross the Arno devastating the villages of Legnaia, Verzaia and Arcetri. They camp in front of the gate of San Frediano. They try in vain to knock it down: repelled, they retreat.

He does not associate with Alberto Sterz and Anichino di Baumgarten when they, corrupted by the Florentines through the sending of some flasks of wine full of gold coins, abandon the salaries of the Pisans. He informs the authorities of their intentions to enter the city in order to sack it. He is elected general captain. Most of the soldiers at his disposal are German and Italian. The English captains, Guglielmo Cogno, Robert Astor, William Thornton, Robin Castel, Thomas Berton and William William, are at his side.

He stations at San Savino with 4,000 horses, 6,000 infantry and 500 Genoese crossbowmen. He tries to catch the Florentines camped at Cascina by surprise. The opponents, having laid down their arms, are busy due to the great heat bathing in the Arno or have dispersed in the surroundings in search of food. John Hawkwood promises his men double pay and other incentives. In the march of his, it is noon, he makes sure that they have the wind and the sun behind them. Manno Donati and Bonifacio Lupo notice the advance of the Pisans from the dust raised by the men of Hawkwood; they immediately reinforce the roads leading to the camp by placing infantry and crossbowmen on their sides. Hawkwood is surprised by the prepared fortifications; he is repelled and defeated by the Florentine counterattack carried by Galeotto Malatesta. He manages to save himself at San Savino with a good part of his company as he is at the rear. In the clash (Pisan sources) 30 English and 500 Pisans are killed, many of whom die drowned in the Arno, especially among the wounded who throw themselves into the river to quench their thirst and the burning of the wounds; 200/300 infantry and 600 townspeople are captured; 1,000 are killed and 2,000 prisoners. The Florentine sources, in this regard, have higher values. The prisoners are led bound to Florence with 42 carts; they are paraded in triumph through the city streets to be finally locked up in prison. They will later be used to build the Loggia dei Pisani in Piazza della Signoria.

Comp. ventura

Perugia Siena

Penetrates into the Sienese territory and sets fire to the castle of Porrona. He goes to Siena. Pushed by the pontificals (they give him 3000 florins) he attacks Perugia. With Alberto Sterz, he is attacked at San Mariano by Anichino di Baumgarten; he is defeated. In the clash, 3000 men die on both sides; more than 1500 English and Hungarians (for a total of 2024 men) are taken prisoners to Perugia. Many English, released, will be killed by the inhabitants. Hawkwood repairs in the Sienese in Val di Pogna and within a few days reorganizes his company. He resumes hostilities by setting fire to the Sienese territory. He is tailed by Baumgarten and Sterz, recently enlisted by the Sienese, who closely monitor his movements. Put to flight again at Magliano in Tuscany, he crosses the Val d’Orcia, reaches San Quirico using the ancient Via Francigena, moves to Maremma and goes up along the coast to retreat towards Liguria.

Joins in Sarzana with the Company of St. George of Ambrogio Visconti. Thus is constituted the largest venture company ever appeared in Italy, strong of 7000 horses. In mid-October with Giovanni degli Ubaldini and Visconti, he forces the Florentines to recognize him a bounty of 6000 florins in exchange for which he promises not to damage Tuscany for a quadrennium. The treaty is stipulated in the Pisan with the ambassador Doffo Bardi. The agreement is also signed by Thomas Merezal, Ugolino Ethon and 42 other constables. The condottiero breaks into the Sienese from Marmoraia, touches Santa Colomba, San Galgano, Roccastrada and Buonconvento. He plunders the countryside up to Isola d’Arbia and Villa al Piano (Villa). He touches Montalcino. The municipality prepares an army to face him, so the condottiero takes the road to Colle di Val d’Elsa and continues for Sarzana.

Enters Elci, attacks Castagnolo in Val d’Elsa; the prisoners are ransomed with 40 florins. He turns in the Cortonese, takes the way to Arezzo. Harasses the lands of the Tarlati with Niccolò da Montefeltro.

Leaves Todi and through Perugia and Montepulciano returns to the Sienese with Giovanni d’Asburgo at the head of 8000 horses and many infantrymen. The Sienese make some gifts to the 2 captains: the venturers do not yield, so the inhabitants set fire to the straw to prevent them from lodging in the countryside. Ambrogio Visconti also arrives. Fires, destructions, and devastations follow around the capital within a radius of twenty miles. In mid-April, the Sienese recognize the venturers 10500 florins (5500 at the end of the month and another 5500 at the beginning of May) behind the promise of a rapid abandonment of the territory. The company asks to be able to cross the Sienese once a year for five years with the promise of not causing harm to the inhabitants.

From Buonconvento, he takes the road to Pisa and from there he goes to Lombardy in the pay of Bernabò Visconti.

He prepares to penetrate the Sienese. He sends an ambassador to Cardinal Albornoz to assure him that he would not offend the lands of the Church, nor those of Florence, Pisa, Siena, Grosseto, Arezzo, and Cortona.

In the month, Pope Urban V and Visconti reach an agreement; Ambrogio Visconti returns to Milan and the Company of St. George dissolves. John Hawkwood remains in the territory of Orvieto with a small company composed of only four corporals, two English (Ugolino Ethon and Thomas Merezal) and two Hungarians. He is attacked and surprised at night at Casaglia, near Orvieto, by Ugolino da Montemarte. In the clash, Ugolino Ethon is captured among his men. At the end of the month, through Niccolò da Montefeltro, an agreement is reached between the parties: Hawkwood commits to not molesting the territory of the Church State for a year and to crossing it in a friendly form (within six days) riding no more than sixteen kilometers a day. Ugolino Ethon will only be released six months later. It is the first time that such a case occurs, that a company of venturers leaves a territory without receiving a bounty in return.

He is near Lake Trasimeno; repelled, he aims at Arezzo. He is confronted by Ugolino da Savignano, Rinieri da Baschi, and Francesco da Santa Fiora with whom he has numerous skirmishes between Casole d’Elsa and Montalcinello. He prefers to move to Pisa; he is reached at Bagno a Morbio by Andrea di Belmonte and Giorgino.

He stops at Ilci and still infests the Sienese. He is contacted on behalf of the Florentines by Doffo Bardi who proposes a conduct of 150/200 English lances to counter Charles of Bohemia. He touches Casole d’Elsa, Radicondoli, and Belforte. He defeats Savignano, Baschi, and Santa Fiora at Montalcinello: among the Sienese, 150 horses are captured with Ugolino da Savignano, who is imposed a bounty of 10,000 florins. He moves to Perugia via the road of Vescovado and Buonconvento; he touches Piegaro, continues to San Mariano, San Biagio della Valle, setting fire to houses and palaces and killing men. After fifteen days he arrives at San Costanzo, crosses the Tiber under Torgiano, enters Assisi; he camps at Bastia Romanesca (Bastia Umbra). At the end of the month, he beats the Perugians at Ponte San Giovanni in a three-hour clash in which 1500/1800 men are killed on both sides. Among the opponents, Enrico Paher and Lamberto da Pietramala are captured; the prisoners are so numerous that the Perugians are forced to take out loans in Venice and Florence to ransom them. In addition, Hawkwood imposes a bounty of 4,000 florins, plus another 3,500 as compensation for the mounts lost in the fight. The citizens are also obliged to compensate the German mercenaries in their service with another 3,000 florins, always as compensation for their mounts lost in the clash. Immediately after, Hawkwood returns to Siena to collect the rest of the bounty imposed on the commune; he also collects the ransoms of the prisoners, including that of Savignano; finally, he imposes on the Sienese to also compensate the mounts he lost both at Montalcinello and at Ponte San Giovanni. The second bounty is imposed for having sent troops to aid the Perugians in order to oppose him. Also in the month, he is hired for a few days by the Florentines, in order to prevent the devastation of their countryside by the troops of Emperor Charles of Bohemia in transit.

He camps with Ambrogio Visconti between Fossombrone and Urbino. They are confronted by 2000 horses led by Gomez Garcia and Malatesta Ungaro. He separates from Ambrogio Visconti and returns to Val di Chiana to divide the spoils and treat the wounded. The Sienese give him 3000 florins. At the same time, Cardinal Albornoz releases the English prisoners of Casaglia who were held in prison in Orvieto. He then heads towards Pisa. Doffo Bardi gives the venturers 500 florins so that they do not devastate the Florentine in their passage. In Pisa.

At the head of 1000 horses, he goes with Giovanni dell’ Agnello to Porto Pisano to welcome Pope Urban V who is coming from Avignon. The Pope, at the sight of so many armed men on the beach, taken by fear, decides to land at Corneto (Tarquinia).

John Hawkwood lodges in Pisa at the hotel of Martino near the Camperonesi. In the same hostel is also hosted a daughter of Emperor Charles of Bohemia, who arrived in the city with a bishop and an escort of 60 horses.

He splits from Ambrogio Visconti and returns to Lombardy: he is reached by the Florentine ambassadors Doffo Bardi and Bono Strada who remind him of the previous commitment not to molest Tuscany. At the beginning of April, he rides towards Mantua with 40 lances; he unsuccessfully attacks Luzzara; he moves under the capital. He has his men dismount from their mounts and attacks Porta Cerese; among the English, six horses are killed, including a relative of his. He retreats and sets fire to the territory up to Borgoforte and Scorzarolo.

In Guastalla with Bernabò Visconti. The pontificals are aided by numerous troops. Hawkwood is thus blocked in the Mantuan territory by the troops of Charles of Bohemia who break the banks of the Adige. Visconti entrusts him with the guard of the bastion of Borgoforte due to the departure from the Visconti ranks of many German captains guilty of having attacked and killed 500 Italian mercenaries at the bastion of Solara.

He goes to Pavia and Milan to attend the wedding of Visconti’s niece, Valentina, with the third-born son of the King of England Edward III, the Duke of Clarence Lionel. The condottiero has, moreover, an important role in the prince’s entourage also because of his influence in the foreign policy of the English monarch. The ceremony takes place in Milan in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Shortly after, he is apparently dismissed by the Visconti; in nine days, under the guidance of Bindo Monaldi, he crosses the Bolognese territory: in his passage he touches Panzano, Corticella, Medicina, Varignana; he runs through the countryside. He penetrates Romagna and Tuscany to aid the Perugians with 2000 horses. Near Arezzo, he is defeated in a night clash by the pontificals led by Flach of Risach, Giovanni di Raten, and Simone da Spoleto.

He is at Ponte Nuovo, near Deruta, contacts Raten and Risach and convinces them to desert from the papal field and fight with him in favor of the Perugians. He positions himself with 4000 men under the fortress of Viterbo; he raises cries and threats against Pope Urban V. He is about to organize a race for the prostitutes under the walls; the ambassador of the King of Hungary dissuades him from this purpose. He moves away not without setting fire to the vineyards of the surroundings; he heads for Montalto di Castro.

He is again sent by Visconti to aid the Perugians with 400 English lances. He puts the whole territory that lies from Rome to Urbino into turmoil.

He camps at Viterbo and besieges the city; returns to Umbria on the payroll of the Perugians; devastates the countryside of Assisi with Flach di Risach and Giovanni di Raten.

He attempts to seize Castiglion Fiorentino with the two German captains; he moves to the territory of Cortona due to the resistance encountered.

He opposes the Estensi; breaks the banks of the Adige and prevents the opponents’ march. Returns to Perugia.

He connects again with Giovanni di Raten. Enters the territory of Volterra and, from there, moves to Pisa, to Laiatico; touches Terricciola and Alica; roams in Val d’Era with 500 men-at-arms (2000 horses). From the company, 400 horses detach to plunder the territory of Cascina. From Pisa, some ambassadors arrive at his camp to seek his help against the Florentines. Hawkwood also moves to Cascina; his men now desolate the Valdarno countryside up to San Savino: they do not take prisoners, but take possession of everything possible.

At the beginning of December, he is reported in Ripoli. The Florentines are stationed at San Miniato with 3000 men between horses and foot soldiers, as well as 400 crossbowmen led by Giovanni Malatacca. The opponents descend from Castel del Bosco towards Pontedera divided into three squadrons; they have supplies for four days. Hawkwood clashes with Malatacca at Cascina on the Armonico ditch or Mercato delle Mosche. The enemy captain is prompted to action by the commissioner Filippo Cavicciuli. Hawkwood simulates the retreat suggesting he wants to cross the Arno; at the same time, he ambushes his best troops with the order not to move until the entire Florentine army has passed. The opponents ford the river according to his plans and find themselves surrounded. Malatacca is captured along with many of his captains, including Giovanni Mangiadori; more than 2000 men are taken prisoner. The troops of Hawkwood seize the royal banner; the flag is sent to Visconti. With victory, he falls on Montespertoli and Monterappoli, plunders the Valdarno again between San Giusto, Orticaia, and San Marco up to Vettola stealing fodder, raiding livestock and knocking down numerous homes. Due to the cold, many pieces of furniture are burned. However, he fails to free San Miniato from the siege due to the resistance posed by Roberto di Battifolle. At the end of the month, with Giovanni di Raten and 500 horses, he is only able to bring a convoy of supplies and weapons into it. At the end of the expedition, the venturers go to Pisa to stock up on what they need in exchange for weapons, mules, and mounts from their Cascina loot.

With the conquest of San Miniato by Giovanni Mangiadori, he leaves Empoli to assist Giovanni da Lugnano, besieged in the fortress. Arriving late, he places his lodgings in Montespertoli, devastates the counties of Poppiano and Lucignano; moves to Val di Pesa and runs up to Ponte a Greve: the damages are estimated at 10000 florins, excluding the ransoms imposed on men and women. He goes to Rifredi (where he arms four knights and holds two palio races), touches Peretola, Brozzi, and San Donnino. He fords the Arno, reaches La Lastra, and moves to Val di Serchio plundering and setting numerous houses on fire. At the end of the month, he takes the road to Migliarino, arrives at Motrone and Massa; passes through Sarzana and heads towards Lombardy.

Besieges the Gonzagas in Reggio Emilia. Defeated at San Raffaele by the Pontificals, he again takes refuge in Parma with the loss of 200 soldiers among horses and infantry and an equal number of armed men captured by the enemy. He decides to attack the Bolognese, sets up his camp at Crespellano, moves to Zola Predosa at the Reno bridge. Upon learning that the Viscontis are in difficulty due to the actions of Manno Donati and Feltrino Gonzaga, he returns to Reggio.

Still with Giovanni di Raten, Andrea Rod and Ludovico dalla Rocca, he tries to reintroduce Giovanni dell’Agnello in Pisa; he overcomes the resistance prepared by the Lucchesi in Sarzana and Massa. He attacks the city at the Lion Gate and the Gate of San Zeno. He is repelled by the bombard fire after 80 of his soldiers tried to climb the city walls at night. Among other things, the Pisans capture 4 soldiers and throw them from the walls; two others are taken prisoner. One of these, a slave belonging to an English soldier, is tortured and hanged. He crosses the Arno, goes to Parrana San Giusto and Livorno. He robs some Angevin galleys moored in the harbor of their loads (wine and other supplies); he leaves the area with dalla Rocca. He heads to the Maremma with more than 1000 horses and 12000 infantry; he occupies Montescudaio. Having set fire to and devastated the entire territory up to Volterra, he returns to Santa Lucia.

He is mentioned with Giovanni di Raten in Santa Lucia, San Regolo, Casciana, Lari, Crespina; he returns to Maremma. He attacks Guardistallo; from there, he heads towards the Caldane of Campiglia Marittima and Piombino. During the transfer march, crops are damaged, and livestock is raided. He reaches Collesalvetti. Upon hearing that the Florentines, Pisans, and Lucchese, under the command of Rodolfo da Varano, have sent him the gauntlet of challenge and have arrived in Empoli, he crosses the Arno. The opponents reach Laiatico and enter the Val di Serchio (Montecchio and Calcinaia). The company decides to retreat to Emilia, taking the road to Motrone and Pietrasanta. He heads towards Parma: Giovanni dell’Agnello is abandoned by the Visconti and dies in poverty in Genoa in 1387.

He joins forces with Ambrogio Visconti; together, the two condottieri defeat Francesco da Fogliano in Rubiera, despite his superior forces. 1000 infantry and 700 cavalry are captured. A new truce follows; Hawkwood remains in the Modena area.

In the Modena area, where he is confronted by the Marquis of Ferrara, Niccolò d’Este. He is challenged to battle by Bartolomeo Cancellieri: some discussions follow to choose the battleground. In reality, Hawkwood is not interested in the matter and keeps changing his opinion until the challenge is no longer mentioned. On the contrary, he is sent by the Visconti, with Ambrogio Visconti and 400 lances, to aid Galeazzo Visconti. He besieges Asti; a bastion is built to hinder the flow of supplies to the defenders. The operations do not go well; there are numerous desertions, including English soldiers, due to delayed pay. After the capture of Jacopo dal Verme at Malemont, he challenges the enemies to battle. This is postponed because the Milanese captains cannot agree on the choice of battleground. Hawkwood pushes the Savoyards beyond the Tanaro River.

At the end of his contract, he leaves the camp, cursing the ministers of the Visconti who prevented him from attacking the camp of Amedeo di Savoia. He heads towards Parma and Reggio Emilia. He requests an increase of 200 lances and 200 archers to his contract.

He rides to Reggio Emilia with 300 English lances and 200 archers and sets up camp in Castel San Giovanni. Galeazzo Visconti refuses to recognize his wages for his service under Asti and for the raids carried out by his men. Visconti sends his son Ambrogio to convince him to remain under the wages of the Milanese under the same conditions. The negotiations fail; Hawkwood then heads towards Scandiano, where the camp of the new papal captain general, Enguerrand de Coucy, is located.

He reaches an agreement with the papal legate, Cardinal Pietro di Bourges, who grants him a wage of 40,000 florins for a contract of 500 English lances and 500 archers. Among his captains are now many Englishmen, including Giovanni Breccia, Guglielmo Bosone, Richard Ramsey, and Guglielmo Cogno. The Pope also writes to Queen Giovanna d’Angiò of Naples, requesting that his pension, which was granted and later denied, be reinstated. He joins Amerigo del Pomerio in Reggio Emilia and moves to the Milan area. His sons and wife (an Englishwoman) are taken hostage by the Visconti, who, without success, contacts him through his treasurer Massolo della Strada, promising the release of his family members. He is now regarded by the Pope as “a champion of God and a loyal Christian knight.”

He is in the area of Piacenza with Amerigo del Pomerio, crosses the Po near Pavia. The recent rains have swollen the river and prevent the passage of the troops of the Count of Savoy. Hawkwood is able to occupy the territory from Trebbia to Borgonovo Val Tidone and seize this castle. Plundering, rapes, imprisonment of 600 defenders, and imposing ransoms on prisoners are the characteristics of his actions. This treatment frightens the towns along his path. He reaches Voghera, sacks Castelnuovo Scrivia, and forces the surrender of all the hilltop castles from Scrivia to Crostolo. He occupies Broni after a fierce clash and provokes a revolt among the local Guelphs.

He is summoned to Bologna by the papal legate Anglico di Grimoard, who is in dire straits due to a devastating action by Ambrogio Visconti. He stops in the area of Piacenza.

With Dondaccio da Piacenza, he continues his tactic characterized by theft and assassination, which encounters no obstacles in the Piacenza area against Corrado Lando and Francesco d’Este. The logistical bases of the two Visconti captains are Rocca d’Olgisio, Gropparello, Valconasso, and Zena. Hawkwood besieges Bartolomeo di Seccamelica in a bastion near Sarmato: he surrenders after losing a hundred men; he is robbed of money, furniture, and livestock, with a total value estimated at 8,000 florins. Trapped in the bottom of the tower of his castle, Seccamelica, despite the cold weather, manages to escape through a hole dug in one of the fortress’s vaults. Finally, Hawkwood leaves the Piacenza area with 200 lances and joins his allies. He plunders Savignano and defeats Ambrogio Visconti at Schivardella/Crevalcore, who is returning with 1,000 men-at-arms and 300 archers laden with booty from a raid in Cesena. Many of the Visconti men are captured, and many drown in the Panaro River while trying to escape capture.

He plunders Bazzano, Zola Predosa, Canetolo, San Giorgio di Piano, Medicina; he liberates Bologna from the siege. Disorder arises in favor of the pontiffs in Piacenza. Hawkwood returns to that territory. He advances rapidly along a southern route, while Amedeo di Savoia, another papal captain, must carry out a similar maneuver further north. However, the Count of Savoy is late for the appointment, so Hawkwood has to retreat to the Bologna area.

The pontiffs organize a new offensive. Hawkwood leaves Ferrara with Enguerrand de Coucy and Amerigo del Pomerio; they cross the Po at Stellata, pass through the Mantua area, continuing to plunder the countryside crossed by their militias. Their objective is now Brescia. At the same time, the Count of Savoy moves from Vimercate to Brivio, reaching the Adda River and aiming for Bergamo.

Initially defeated at Montichiari, on the banks of the Chiese River, with Amerigo del Pomerio and Enguerrand de Coucy, he forces Jacopo dal Verme to retreat towards Cremona. He defeats the Visconti forces at Gavardo and Montichiari, capturing Francesco d’Este and Francesco da Sassuolo along with 50 other Italian men-at-arms, imposing a total ransom of 100,000 ducats. Anichino di Baumgarten and Gian Galeazzo Visconti flee. Despite the victory, officially due to the losses suffered, he does not advance further, preferring to retreat to Bologna. He passes through the area of Parma while waiting for his credits to be paid, the real reason for his inactivity. Financial difficulties continue throughout the summer, causing his company to disband and engage in plundering in the Mantua area.

He carries out new raids in the Oltrepò Pavese; he occupies the lands of Broni, Stradella, San Paolo, Cigognola, and others in the surrounding area. He then moves to the Bergamo area in support of the local Guelfs. He returns to Cotignola and strengthens its defensive works.

He carries out further raids in the Parma and Piacenza areas and plunders some localities near Borgonovo Val Tidone and Colorno. He defeats his adversaries in the Bologna area, penetrates into the Pavia area again, and moves to support Vercelli. He sends Giovanni Breccia to Avignon to urge the payment of his company’s emoluments. The Pope promises him and Giovanni Tornaberini some lands in the Marche region (the castle of Montefortino to Hawkwood and the castle of Montalto to Tornaberini). The proposal is deemed unsatisfactory as it does not bring money into the company’s coffers.

The conflict temporarily comes to a close with the signing of a one-year truce. He goes to Ferrara to prepare for incursions into Tuscany. He is accompanied by Giovanni Breccia, Guglielmo Cogno, Giovanni Tornaberini, Richard Ramsey, as well as other captains, all English, including John Clifford, John Foy, John Dent, William Tilly, John Coleman, William Best, David Roche, Nicholas Tansild, Filippo Puer, and Thomas Beston, the latter already being part of the original “Compagnia Bianca”. They are also joined by two contingents of non-English soldiers led by the German Niccolò di Froia and the Italian Bartolomeo da Gaggio. The condottiero also contacts the Tuscan Ghibellines and the exiled Lucchese Alderigo Castracani. At the end of the month, Hawkwood returns to Gazzolo.

Pisa Lucca

At the signing of peace between the opposing sides, he finds himself without pay. He enlists many men-at-arms who have fought on both fronts and forms the “Compagnia Santa” with them. He plunders the Modena and Mantua regions between Suzzara and San Benedetto Po. After receiving money from the Gonzaga family (through an agreement with Filippo Guazzalotti), he moves to the Bologna area and stops in the Apennines. The papal legate Guglielmo di Noellet urges him to go to Tuscany and attack the Florentines, who are suffering from an extraordinary famine, in order to set fire to their crops. The people of Pistoia block his path at Sambuca Pistoiese. Ambassadors from Florence, Simone Peruzzi and Spinello Alberti, approach him to negotiate an agreement. The condottiero meets Filippo Guazzalotti and some ambassadors from the Republic of Florence in San Felice Panaro. The Florentines agree to pay the company 130,000 florins in four installments (40,000 in cash and the rest in three monthly installments between July and September). The negotiations are conducted by Pietro di Murles and Ruggero Cane, and the agreement is signed near an old bridge on the Via Emilia. Hawkwood promises not to disturb the lands of the Florentines and their allies for five years. The money is handed over to Spinello Alberti, whom Hawkwood donates 3,000 florins, but Alberti refuses and returns it to his commune. Hawkwood crosses the Idice near Imola, traverses the Apennines, and reaches Firenzuola accompanied by Doffo Bardi and Giovanni Ducco. They pass through the lands of the Ubaldini family, who act as their guides. The company advances in three columns, with Hawkwood in the center and Giovanni Tornaberini and Guglielmo Cogno on the flanks. They enter the Mugello region, and the usual devastation begins despite Hawkwood’s previous assurances and the Florentines’ promise to provide free provisions for the passing troops. They arrive near Prato, where a local monk named Piero da Canneto organizes a conspiracy to hand over the town to Hawkwood. The plot is discovered (it is not known whether with Hawkwood’s assistance), and the conspirators are hanged and quartered; their bodies are set on fire. In Prato, Hawkwood is approached by three messengers sent by Saint Catherine of Siena, including a former Burgundian soldier and Catherine’s confessor, Raimondo da Capua. They deliver a letter in which Hawkwood is reproached for his actions and urged to embark on a crusade to the Holy Land. Hawkwood receives the messengers favorably but ignores their pleas. The appeal has no effect, as will be the case years later with a similar call from Saint Catherine to Alberico da Barbiano. The cardinal legate hastens to write to Hawkwood, urging him to break all agreements, but he does not comply. The Florentines recognize payment for 800 lances, 200 mounted archers, and another 300 men on horseback in his company. Free from obligations, Hawkwood moves to the Pisan area to San Savino and San Casciano in Val di Pesa. Due to a lack of provisions, he fords the Arno at Cozzano and plunders Mezzana and Montemagno in the Val di Calci. He sends 800 men into the valley, and they greatly harm the inhabitants, engaging in robberies, arson of houses, and capturing 200 people, including men, women, and children. They also seize 1,000 head of livestock.

At the beginning of the month, the people of Pisa recognize 30,500 florins for his men, of which 3,000 are directly for Hawkwood (through annual installments of 500 florins). Another 2,500 are allocated to Tornaberini and Cogno, also with the same installment plan. The remaining amount is to be paid in two installments: half within ten days of signing the agreement and the rest by the end of September. The agreement is signed in the Franciscan convent of Nicosia, near Calci. His men are allowed to enter the city to purchase necessary supplies (2,500 at a time without weapons). The company then positions itself between Cascina, Pontedera, Ponsacco, and Bagno ad Acqua. All the bakers in Pisa and its surroundings are ordered to provide bread to the soldiers at a predetermined price. Just like with Florence, Hawkwood promises not to disturb the Pisan territories for five years. In the meantime, the ambassadors from Florence arrive at the camp and deliver 40,000 ducats to the company. The money is distributed to the soldiers by four captains: Richard Ramsey, John Foy, Robert Seaver, and William Tilly. During the same period, the Florentines also offer him a lifelong pension of 100 florins per month for as long as he remains in Italy. The pension is tax-exempt and payable every year in July. Hawkwood then reaches an agreement with Lucca for 7,000 florins. The inhabitants of Lucca grant him and Tornaberini citizenship and also provide him with an annual pension and ownership of a house in the city. Additionally, the people of Lucca give him 9,800 florins, which corresponds to the balance of a debt owed to him by Alderigo Castracani. To fulfill this request, the citizens sell some of Castracani’s assets until the expected value is reached. Hawkwood leaves Giovanni da Montecatini as his representative in Lucca. He departs from Lucca, passing through Capannoli, Forcoli in Val d’Era, Pomarance, and Laterina while waiting for the completion of payments from the Florentines and the Pisans. During this time, he devastates various territories but refrains from imprisoning people for ransom. He arrives in Bibbiena and then proceeds to Arezzo, where he is promised another 8,500 florins. The people of Pistoia also recognize a payment of 13,000 florins to him. In Volterra, he meets with ambassadors from Siena, but he refuses their offer of 12,000 florins and begins plundering their territory for a few days. An agreement is eventually reached, similar to the one with Pisa, for the sum of 30,500 florins. The payment is divided into three installments: 10,000 immediately and the remaining 20,500 to be paid in August and September. Hawkwood also demands that the Sienese recognize a sum of 120 florins for his chancellor’s work on the agreement, as well as 19 barrels of wine, 12 bags of fresh bread, and 60 pounds of confetti for him and his captains. Including these additional expenses, the total cost of the campaign amounts to 31,000 florins. From the Val di Chiana, he marches to Lucignano, on the border between Siena and Arezzo. During the march, the company sets several houses of Sienese citizens on fire (including a castle belonging to Nicoluccio Malavolti) due to the delayed payment of the first installment of the ransom. They camp in Laterina, where further looting occurs. One of the castles owned by the Ricasoli family is also attacked, leading to complaints from the Florentines. In exchange for the castle and the release of hostages, the mercenaries receive a sum ranging from 8,500 to 13,000 florins. At the Laterina camp, Oddo Maccaione and Piero da Civoli of Pisa deliver 6,500 florins, while the Florentine Spinello Alberti provides an additional 30,000 florins. The Queen of Naples also recognizes the payment of an old ransom owed to him. In total, the company acquires approximately 215,000 florins from their expedition in Tuscany, not including the loot of cattle and other agricultural goods. Hawkwood is now a wealthy man. In August, Florence and Milan form a defensive alliance against the papal forces.

Hawkwood is contacted by the Florentines to join their service, while also having a dispute with the papal forces who refuse to hand over the promised castle of Montefortino. He spends his time in the vicinity of Arezzo and Siena. At the end of the month, he sets up camp at Badia a Isola (Abbadia a Isola). He puts pressure on the Sienese to fulfill their obligations, while the Florentines deliver the third installment through Spinelli. He is contacted again by the Florentines, this time through Giorgio degli Scali.

Hawkwood moves to the territory of Florence to collect the remaining payments. The people of Reggio Emilia recognize a ransom for the company. He rejects the offers of a contract from the Florentines to serve under the command of Abbot of Montmajour Gherardo di Puy. They offer him an annual salary of 30,000 florins, an advance on two installments, and a monthly wage.

He enters Viterbo without resistance through the previously burned Santa Lucia gate with 3,000 horsemen, aiming to recapture the city from the papal forces. He arrives in the large square of the fortress but finds the passage obstructed by a large number of caltrops (multi-pointed spikes). Bombards, moats, and barricades made of intertwined tree branches prevent his cavalry from advancing. He is attacked by the city militias led by Francesco di Vico and soon finds himself in difficulty because his cavalry cannot deploy through the narrow streets and obstacles. The men of his company scatter in disarray. Repelled outside the walls, Hawkwood retreats to the nearby countryside and regroups his troops, with many casualties and injuries among his horses. Only after four days can he resume the journey to Perugia. He enters the territory of Città di Castello with Tornaberini (1,500 lances, 500 archers, and many infantry). The citizens have captured the officials of the Papal States and thrown them out of the windows of the town hall. The bodies are hanged on the walls. Hawkwood’s task is to provide assistance to the papal forces who have taken refuge in the keep due to the revolt of the citizens aided by Piero del Verde. He tries to enter the city through the Santa Maria gate and connects with the defenders of the first castle who are still resisting. However, he fails to penetrate the keep that leads to the city center. The people of Todi defend themselves by launching flaming arrows and other combustible materials onto the bridge that connects to the city. In the end, the Englishmen are forced to abandon the assault. They make another unsuccessful attempt with the same outcome. Hawkwood then continues his journey with 300 lances. He leaves Ponte San Giovanni and provides assistance to the papal forces besieged in the fortresses of Perugia, where Guglielmo Cogno and Bernardo della Sala are holed up with their Breton soldiers. The attempts by the inhabitants to stop his march, including offering gifts such as a new horse, are unsuccessful. The Breccia is captured by the besiegers, and John Hawkwood responds with a raid in the surrounding territory, capturing hostages. The bombardment of the citadel by the people of Perugia continues. At the end of December, the condottiero sends his corporal Bartolomeo da Gaggio to negotiate the terms of surrender on behalf of the defenders. He promises to leave Perugia within two days and not to harm its territory for six months. He is compensated for the damages suffered. Bartolomeo da Gaggio, for his role as a mediator in the affair, receives some immovable properties as a gift, with an annual income of 200 florins. The members of Hawkwood’s company supply themselves in the city with horses, weapons, and provisions.

He stays at San Martino in Campo to ensure the proper execution of the agreements, escorting the Abbot of Montmajour with Giovanni Breccia and 300 lances. He passes through Assisi, Gualdo Tadino, and Foligno, and then moves to Romagna. He accompanies the prelate to Rimini and hands him over as a hostage to Galeotto Malatesta until his credit (130,000 ducats) is settled. He positions himself between Cesena and Bertinoro.

He is in Castrocaro Terme, which has rebelled against the papal forces, facing Sinibaldo Ordelaffi’s troops. He seizes the location and refuses to return it to the Papal States until his payments are made. Mid-month, he leaves Castrocaro Terme and moves towards Faenza. He camps outside Forlimpopoli and sends 100 lances to Cesena.

He purchases the locality of Sant’Arcangelo di Romagna from Mucciolo Balacchi with the pontifical placet. He obtains Castrocaro Terme, Bagnacavallo, Cotignola, and Conselice as fiefs from Cardinal Noellet as payment for past wages. During the same period, he rejects an offer from the Venetians, made with Lucio Lando, to devastate the lands of his friend Francesco da Carrara for fifteen days for 30,000 ducats. He seizes Massa Lombarda and sets his sights on Bologna.

He leaves Bologna to reclaim Granarolo, which has fallen into the hands of Astorre and Francesco Manfredi. He captures Massumatico. Upon hearing about the rebellion in Bologna led by Taddeo Azzoguidi, he camps in Medicina and harasses the surrounding countryside. He abandons the camp with 400 lances and rides towards the city, reaching the Ponte Maggiore. He sends Tornaberini, Cogno, and Filippo Puer to the city to monitor the situation. 100 horses are captured, including Filippo Puer, Cogno, and the natural sons of Tornaberini and Breccia. One of his own natural sons, Thomas (who will later join the condottieri), is also taken prisoner. The Bolognese imprison all the Englishmen and confiscate their belongings. The papal legate Guglielmo di Noellet, disguised as a hermit friar in the monastery of San Giacomo, and Bishop Enrico da Sesso are also captured. The Bolognese send Roberto da Saliceto to negotiate with Hawkwood to calm his fury. The condottiero demands the release of his men, while the Bolognese demand the surrender of Faenza and Massalombarda, which he has taken. An Englishman acts as an intermediary between the two parties. During the negotiations, Hawkwood launches a brief and ruinous raid into Bologna, capturing three hundred people and plundering countless heads of cattle. An agreement is finally reached through Beltramo Alidosi, the lord of Imola. The English prisoners are released (except for Cogno), and Hawkwood agrees to a sixteen-month truce with the citizens. He returns the prisoners and the plundered livestock. Immediately after, he storms into Faenza, pillaging the city overnight and killing 300 people. His men kill anyone who tries to defend their property, rape women, and desecrate sacred places. In order to settle his debts and by explicit command, he imprisons 300 of the city’s leading citizens and expels another 11,000. During the sack of the city, he encounters two of his constables who are quarreling over the capture of a young nun. With a Solomon-like judgment, Hawkwood decrees, “Half for one!” and cuts the unfortunate woman in two. A violent brawl breaks out among the English soldiers during the division of the spoils. Thomas Belmont, son of Andrea di Belmonte, is injured, as is Breccia. At the end of the month, he is approached by the Venetians, through Niccolò Morosini and Leonardo Dandolo, to fight against Duke Leopold of Austria. They secretly offer him a contract for 1,000 lances and 600-700 archers for four months, along with a sum ranging from 100,000 to 120,000 ducats and a bonus of 10,000 florins. Each lance is promised a monthly salary of 28 ducats, higher than the prevailing market rate. Preliminary negotiations are conducted through his son Thomas and the sons of Breccia and Tornaberini. According to some sources, these negotiations do not conclude due to Hawkwood’s demands, and he is also in contact with other potential “clients,” such as the King of Aragon, who is at war with the King of Castile, the Florentines, and the Visconti, who send Ruggero Cane to Faenza to meet with him.

He leaves Faenza and, with 500 lances, reaches Medicina, near the tower of Mengolo Isolani, where the company of Bretons and Cardinal Roberto di Ginevra are stationed. He has a dispute with the prelate and remains in Romagna. In the same period, his attempts to obtain Granarolo and enter Arezzo through an agreement with Masio da Pietramala fail.

The papal forces give him 13,520 florins. The Florentines hire 700 lances and 300 archers from his companies. Each lance is recognized a monthly salary of 22-24 florins. Caporals who abandon the condottiero (Filippo Puer, John Berwick, and John Gifford) are granted significant loans and advances on their wages. Hawkwood tries to have a meeting with Rodolfo da Varano, a Florentine condottiero, but is defeated by the Bolognese between Faenza and Modigliana (capturing 200 lances from his men). His attempt to enter Forlì with the Bretons also fails. He goes to Pisa with Ruggero Cane to meet with the Cardinal of Amiens, who has been sent by the Pope to seek peace among the warring parties. In Lucca.

In Cesena, 3,000,400 Bretons are killed by the inhabitants. John Hawkwood enters the city through the Porta del Soccorso while the Bretons leave the citadel. He joins them in the sack, which ends with the killing of 5,000 people. Chronicles tell of a poor mother: she lowers herself from the walls with ropes, carrying a child in her arms, attempting to cross the moat already filled with corpses floating in stagnant water. In overcoming the obstacle, the child drowns; the woman arrives exhausted on the opposite bank, just in time to see her husband’s body lying on the same moat’s edge. Mad with grief, she places the child on that corpse and throws herself, screaming, into the midst of the Bretons. Episodes like this lead Hawkwood to allow the surviving inhabitants of the massacre to leave the city through Porta Cervese at night: a thousand men and women can thus make their way towards Rimini. Having transported his rich booty to Faenza, the condottiero moves to Fano and Fossombrone.

He stays between Cesena and Forlì. At the end of his contract with the papal forces, he agrees for one year with the Florentines through Spinello Alberti and Ruggero Cane. He and his men are promised double pay for the first two months, receiving 5,200 florins per month during that period. Each lance receives 42 florins, and the archers receive a sum based on their seniority, ranging from 16 to 28 florins per month. From the third month, the salaries of his men adjust to market rates. The cost of his company is estimated at 25,200 florins per month. One-third is borne by the Florentines, one-third by the Visconti, and one-third goes to the minor allies (Perugia, Bologna, Siena, Arezzo, Viterbo, Ascoli Piceno, Forlì, Urbino, Fermo, Città di Castello, Ravenna, San Severino Marche, Imola, Camerino). He goes to Milan and on a Sunday morning, he marries Bernabò Visconti’s daughter, Donnina, who brings a dowry of half of Gazzuolo and extensive estates in the Milanese worth 12,000 florins. The ceremony takes place in front of Visconti, his wife Regina della Scala, and their children. The marriage is celebrated according to chivalrous customs and includes a joust; no dances are held because the Lord of Milan is in mourning for the death of a stepsister. After the ceremony, he takes his young wife to the palace previously owned by Gaspare del Conte and the Bishop of Parma. The lunch is held there. Regina della Scala honors the natural daughter of her husband in the best possible way, and the bride’s stepbrothers do the same (a gift of a cup containing 1,000 ducats from the former; rich pearl jewelry worth 300 ducats each from the brothers-in-law Marco and Ludovico). The following Thursday, Hawkwood reaches Parma, from where he proceeds to Cremona, where his company is being assembled. In the letter announcing his marriage to the people of Lucca, he takes the opportunity to request the return to the state of the exile Masseo Padio, a friend of his chancellor Jacopo da Pietrasanta.

He crosses the Bolognese territory and inflicts serious damage because the commune refuses to pay its share in the payment for his service. The citizens, in the end, have to acknowledge 30,000 florins to him. He advances on Faenza and attacks the city. His ally on this occasion is Astorre Manfredi. The Bretons leave Cesena to defend Faenza but realize the numerical superiority of the opponents and withdraw. At the end of the month, the condottiero returns to Gazzuolo.

He stations between Panzano and Medicina and aims for Modena, where a treaty in favor of the Visconti is thwarted by the Este family. He assists Astorre Manfredi in his return to Faenza. At the end of the month, he confronts his opponents near Cervia. The Bretons withdraw to Umbria. At the same time, he engages in diplomatic activities on behalf of the new King of England, Richard II, at the court of the Visconti.

He damages the territory of Ravenna and harasses the retreating Bretons towards the Upper Tiber. He moves to aid the Perugians with 4,000 cavalry, along with Lucio and Everardo Lando. His men plunder the countryside, which causes a reaction from the Perugians who refuse to provide him with any logistical support for the troops. He forces Raimondo di Turenna to leave the Maremma. He advances into the Val di Chiana and camps between Montepulciano and San Quirico d’Orcia. The Sienese honor him greatly, gifting him a horse worth 150 ducats and presenting other gifts of equal value. However, the conduct of his men towards the population provokes protests from the Eight of Balia. The Bretons now head towards the Kingdom of Naples. From the camp in Montepulciano, he begins peace negotiations with the papal forces and various members of the league.

From Siena, he goes to Ponte San Giovanni, in the Val di Ceppi, to harass the territory of Foligno. Some of his squads invade the lands of Masio da Pietramala around Citerna. Recalled due to a truce between Perugia and Foligno, he moves to the Marche with Lucio Lando, Azzo da Castello, and Giovanni degli Ubaldini to oppose Rodolfo da Varano, who has switched to the papal camp.

He winters with his men in the Val di Nievole despite the invitations from the Florentines to move to the Marca d’Ancona. Due to strong pressure, he is convinced to establish his winter camp in the Sienese territory at San Quirico d’Orcia. He takes advantage of this phase to develop his diplomatic action, meeting with representatives of the Pope, the Visconti, Florence, and the King of England.

He is in Rome with Ruggero Cane, then he proceeds to Pisa. He visits Florence and is offered a banquet in the Palazzo della Signoria. He returns to his lands in Romagna. From there, he has to return to Fucecchio to join his men due to some disturbances that arose in the camp.

At San Quirico d’Orcia, where he is engaged in peace negotiations with representatives of the King of England, Ruggero Cane, and Alderigo Castracani. Also present at the camp are Giovanni Tornaberini, il Breccia, the Breton captain Bernardo della Sala, as well as ambassadors from Milan and the Pope. These discussions lay the groundwork for the peace conference to be held in Sarzana. For this purpose, he refuses to move with the troops into the Perugian territory, also due to the usual delay in the payment of wages.

He leaves the camp at San Quirico d’Orcia and, with Ruggero Cane, escorts the Cardinal of Amiens and the archbishops of Pamplona and Narbonne to Siena, where they receive great honors. He then proceeds to Pisa (where he is a guest of Jacopo d’Appiano), Lucca, and Sarzana.

He goes to Florence to claim the payment of 10,000 florins, then leaves the Valdarno and spends six months in the service of the Visconti. He enters the territory of Verona and witnesses the ceremony at the city gates where his father-in-law knights his sons Carlo and Rodolfo. He is accompanied by Cogno and Nicholas Sabrahan, an English soldier who fought in France at the Battle of Crécy and in several crusades in Prussia, Hungary, Alexandria, and Constantinople. This warrior is identified by some historians as the soldier who served as a model for a character in the prologue of Geoffrey Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales.”

His company is reinforced by that of Lucio Lando. They breach the Scaliger defenses between Villafranca di Verona and the marshes of Povegliano. There is a lack of provisions, causing the dispersal of the soldiers who engage in autonomous initiatives. He crosses the Adige River and sacks the territory up to San Martino Buon Albergo and Caldiero in search of forage. The soldiers’ actions inflict damage on the people of Mantua, leading the Mantuans to retaliate by robbing and killing the soldiers caught alone or in small groups. Sabrahan has his horses and a precious collection of swords and other objects stolen from him near Monzambano. Other soldiers under his command suffer the same fate, such as the Frenchman Allan Donfol, who is robbed while riding near Piubega, and Tiberto Brandolini, who is returning to camp from Bagnacavallo. Hawkwood pays 60 florins for Brandolini’s ransom and works to recover Sabrahan’s belongings. He criticizes Cogno for the pillaging in the territory of Mantua. The Hungarians and the Carraresi, allies of the Scaligeri, force him to retreat with Lucio Lando.

He positions himself between Piadena, Villafranca di Verona, and Monzambano. The enemies have free rein in the territory. During these days, he travels to Milan on behalf of King Richard II of England, along with Ruggero Cane and the Englishmen Walter Thorpe and Geoffrey Chaucer, for a diplomatic mission regarding the possible marriage of the English monarch to a Visconti. He returns to the camp at Monzambano.

A 45-day truce is established between the parties. John Hawkwood then heads to Cavriana and later quarters in Cremona.

At the end of the truce, with Lucio Lando and leading 1,400 lances and many infantrymen, he supports Regina della Scala, wife of Bernabò, in a new attack on Verona.

He crosses the Adige River without encountering resistance from Giovanni Mangiadori. With Lucio Lando and Giacomo Cavalli, he enters Valpolicella and Valpantena, which are pillaged up to Roncà and Monteforte d’Alpone. Montebello Vicentino and Arzignano are destroyed, and Trissino and Valdagno are also looted. Hawkwood withdraws upon learning of the return of Giovanni di Polisna and the Voivode of Transylvania from Brescia and Verona. He is defeated on the Sebeto River and forced to abandon the spoils after suffering some losses at the hands of the Hungarians. The Visconti suspects that Hawkwood and Lando have been bribed by the Carraresi. Hawkwood and Lando sever ties with their father-in-law Bernabò Visconti, who refuses to pay their wages and seizes the property of Hawkwood’s wife, Donnina. In retaliation, Hawkwood and Lando ravage the territories of Brescia and Cremona. The Visconti complains vehemently to Emperor Wenceslaus about their actions and requests measures against Lando as a German. A copy of the letter is also sent to Leopold of Austria, Stephen of Bavaria, Frederick of Nuremberg, and Robert, Count of the Palatinate. The Lord of Milan offers a reward of 30 florins for every soldier from their companies, whether English or German, who is captured or killed. The Florentines try to reconcile Hawkwood and Lando with their father-in-law to prevent them from turning towards Tuscany with 1,200 lances.

He opposes the exiles from Lucca, Siena, Perugia, Pisa, and Florence who have joined forces with the troops of Charles of Durazzo.

Venture company

Città di Castello

Venture company

Faenza, Ravenna

Guelfucci

Perugia, Siena

Umbria and Tuscany

Urged on by antipope Clement VII, he initially heads towards the Marche with Giovanni degli Ubaldini and Ramsey. After receiving some bounties from cities controlled by Pope Urban VI, he continues his journey. He stops at Bagnacavallo and harasses the Manfredi family and the people of Ravenna. Alongside Lando, he serves the city of Città di Castello for ten days to counter the local exiles led by Brancaleone Guelfucci. He passes through Fratta Todina and Ponte San Giovanni and receives 4,000 florins from the people of Perugia. In Assisi, he negotiates with the Florentines, through Spinello Alberti, to join their service and that of their allied cities. He then moves to Tuscany (May), where the cities of the region remind him and Lucio Lando of the obligations they undertook during the war of the Otto Santi. Hawkwood and Lando respond that the current company is something different due to the presence of Everardo Lando, who did not sign any such document at the time. He rides through the Val di Chiana, threatens Siena, and unsuccessfully requests 25,000 florins from the Florentines. The Sienese hand over 6,000 florins to him, Lucio, and Everardo Lando. Hawkwood is also given 100 measures of wheat and an additional 2,000 florins for the killing of several horses belonging to members of his company (the value of a war horse is 40/50 florins each). The chancellor of Hawkwood, Jacopo da Pietrasanta, and his assistant Gasparino da Bergamo each receive 78 florins for drafting the document. The Florentines, on their part, recognize 12,000 florins. In mid-June, Hawkwood, Lucio, and Everardo Lando are invited to a grand celebration in Florence to commemorate the agreements reached. The company disbanded shortly after in Gracciano. The city of Siena retains 200 English and German lances in their service until February 1380. Another 1,600 florins are given to Hawkwood and Everardo Lando for this purpose. The Florentines are also forced to hire some of his men.

With Cogno, he returns to Romagna to his lands in Bagnacavallo and Cotignola. Thirteen lances under the command of William Olney escort him. The Florentines are obliged to pay a salary to Olney. He arrives in Bagnacavallo, where Nicholas Clifton is on guard duty. With his arrival, Clifton leaves the city and also joins the service of the Florentines. He confronts threats from the Manfredi family and the da Polenta family. The Lord of Faenza attacks Bagnacavallo, and Hawkwood responds by sending a contingent of 300 lances against Faenza. He also sends 250 lances under Cogno’s command to Forlì to prevent possible attacks from that side and another 100 lances to Bologna for the same purpose. Finally, he positions himself in the defense of Bagnacavallo with 50-60 lances and the militias provided by Giovanni di Alberghettino Manfredi. Florence and Bologna intervene, and Manfredi gives up his objective. At the end of August, his wife Donnina joins him in Bagnacavallo with their daughters Janet and Catherine. Hawkwood dedicates much of his energy to the defense of his Romagnol state and maintains contacts with Gazzuolo. He also invests part of his money in England through the purchase of land and castles in Essex.

He remains in Bagnacavallo. During this period, he assists his ally Giovanni di Alberghettino Manfredi in seizing Marradi.

He reveals to the Florentines a treaty against them that he has come to know of. He is given 12,000 florins for his information. Hawkwood names the conspirators with the promise that nothing would be done to harm him. However, six conspirators are executed, and fifty of them are banished into exile with their properties confiscated.

In the employ of the Venetian Republic. The start of operations is delayed, so command of the operations is transferred to Carlo Zeno.

Florence is threatened by the “Company of St. George,” led by Alberico da Barbiano, reinforced by numerous exiles. Hawkwood is granted a monthly provision of 1,000 florins for six months. He is accompanied by Richard Ramsey (109 lances) and Giovanni Beltoft (50 lances). The payroll of Florence also includes Facino Cane with a company of ten lances. The cost of the army deployed (500 lances) for six months is estimated at 130,000 florins.

In Florence, he enters the city amid the ringing of bells and the sound of trumpets. In mid-month, he is given the insignia of command in the Palazzo della Signoria. He joins forces with Lucio Lando, travels to Staggia, Colle di Val d’Elsa, and defeats the mercenaries at Malmantile.

He assists the Chiaravalle family in reclaiming Todi, from which they were expelled by Catalano degli Atti. He divides his army into four parts and attacks the city. He is defeated in the plain of Sant’Agostino, then moves to San Valentino until the inhabitants surrender 1,000 florins. He returns to Romagna and acts as a peacemaker in the dispute between the brothers Astorre and Francesco Manfredi, alongside Guido da Polenta, Sinibaldo Ordelaffi, and Bertrando Alidosi.

Operates in the Marche region with Everardo Lando. He is contacted by the Duke of Bavaria with an offer to join his service.

He is in Montevarchi with 1,200 lances to monitor the movements of the troops of Charles of Durazzo and Alberico da Barbiano, who have halted at Arezzo. He engages in some skirmishes with his opponents. The mercenaries withdraw after receiving 40,000 to 45,000 florins owed to them by the Florentines, which the Republic owed to the Papal States. They return to the Kingdom of Naples. His contract is expiring, and to avoid losing him, the Florentines commit to defending his Romagnol states against the claims of Astorre Manfredi.

He is reappointed to his position by the Florentines for another six months. During the year, he makes a donation for the construction of a hospital in Rome, dedicated to Saint Thomas Becket, to accommodate English pilgrims in the city.

His conflicts with the Lord of Faenza, Astorre Manfredi, continue. He has 600 horses at his disposal. His allies are Francesco di Dovadola and Giovanni di Alberghettino Manfredi. The Florentines intervene once again to pacify the contenders.

His contract (appearance) is renewed with 25 lances and 18 archers for seven months. Additionally, a company of 90 lances and archers is hired, which he can use as needed. He also compels the Florentines to hire Cogno, Ramsey, and John Berwick. He is granted an annual salary of 4,000 florins (333.33 monthly, tax-exempt).

The truce with Manfredi expires, and their conflict resumes. There is a conciliatory ruling by the Bolognese to address his ongoing disagreements with the Lord of Faenza. Unable to effectively defend his Romagnol lordship, he enters into negotiations with Niccolò d’Este in Bagnacavallo to sell the territories he controls to the Lord of Ferrara. The final agreement is reached in Lugo.

He conveys his fiefs of Cotignola, Conselice, and Bagnacavallo to Filippo Guazzalotti, representing Niccolò and Alberto d’Este, thereby extinguishing a previous loan of 60,000 ducats. He requests to be released from his obligations by the Florentines and joins forces with Everardo Lando and Giovanni Unghero.

Siena

Upon the expiration of his contract with Florence, he forms a new company. He reaches Isola Romanesca (Bastia Umbra) and, together with Corrado Lando and Giovanni Unghero, commits not to harass the Florentines and their allies for three months. The company includes the German corporal Hugo Calesten, who previously served Florence but had to flee the city due to his debts. Through Spinello Alberti, he receives 5,000 florins. He moves to the Val di Chiana, and the people of Siena give him another 4,000 florins (the overall cost of the raid for the state budget, including various regalia, amounts to 5,600 florins). The three condottieri promise to respect the territories of Siena, Cortona, and Montepulciano for three months, thus ensuring free passage on predetermined roads. The people of Perugia, also through Alberti’s intermediation, grant him ownership of a house in the city.

He penetrates the territory of Fermo with Corrado Lando. He stations in the district of Montottone, supports Boffo da Massa in Rotella and Montalto delle Marche. He returns to Montottone, attempts to capture its castle, and proceeds to the Abbey of Chiaravalle. He then moves through the Macerata area and camps at the Ponte di Monastero near Treia.

Under the pretext of reviewing his troops, he enters Florence to suppress some disorders that have arisen in the city by the followers of Giorgio Scali and Tommaso Strozzi, who have been sentenced to death by the authorities. At the end of the month, he leaves the city with his company, 100 German lances, and another 100 English lances led by Giovanni Beltoft (65) and Berwick (35). He confronts the companies of Alberico da Barbiano, Villanuccio da Villafranca, and Guglielmo Ferrebach. He clashes with Villafranca in Marcialla, and the mercenaries retreat towards San Donato in Collina. Hawkwood pursues them to Castelnuovo Berardenga, recovers a large portion of the loot, and liberates many prisoners. In Florence, he is accused of allowing the opponents to retreat.

Carlo di Durazzo recalls his troops from Tuscany to protect Naples. Siena believes it is entitled to defer the payment of 1,000 florins, but Hawkwood does not accept the situation. He switches to the payroll of Pope Urban VI and receives 14,000 florins.

He arrives in Perugia and requests 1,000 florins from the city, which are immediately handed over to him. He meets with the pope in Rome and marches on Naples accompanied by Carluccio Brancaccio and Andrea Carafa.

He defeats the troops of Louis of Anjou and captures thirty-seven prisoners for ransom. He tries to collect the corresponding ransoms (10,900 florins). When some nobles, who were previously taken as prisoners and released according to the agreements, fail to keep their word and refuse to honor their commitments, Hawkwood appeals to the King of Naples. He is granted justice, and numerous payment decrees are issued against the defaulters. The case is entrusted to a judge of the royal court, Donato d’Arezzo, who is responsible for enforcing the royal orders. The issue proves difficult to resolve because not all debtors are under the control of Carlo di Durazzo. For example, Ugo da San Severino is outside the Kingdom of Naples, Iacopo da Capri is in prison, Asserello da Capua is still fighting with the Angevins, and Andrea da Messina is far away as he serves another lord. John Hawkwood does not give up and successfully recovers part of the debts. With the money collected, he turns to the Sienese banker Raimondo dei Tolomei, who invests it in the purchase of several estates and the construction of his main residence in Rocchetta sull’Elsa near Poggibonsi. In the middle of the month, he is contacted by Count Amadeus VI of Savoy for a truce.

He leaves the Roman countryside and advances into the territory of Perugia with Giovanni degli Ubaldini and Ramsey. After receiving 15,000 florins, he moves into the Val di Chiana, occupying Fabbrica, attacking Buonconvento, and devastating the Val d’Arbia. When the Sienese oppose him with the help of the Florentines, he moves to the territory of Arezzo. The mercenaries are given 7,000 florins. He negotiates with the envoy from Lucca, Andrea da Volterra, assuring him that he does not intend to raid the territory of that city. At the same time, he urges Ramsey to devastate their lands.

He enters the territory of Chiusi and reveals himself as an enemy of the Sienese. He is surprised near the location by Guido d’Asciano, who captures many of his horses.

After receiving 15,000 florins from Prefect Francesco di Vico and Antipope Clement VII, he continues to oppose the Sienese in the Papal States. He defeats Guido d’Asciano and Niccolò Malatesta between San Lorenzo Nuovo and Lake Bolsena, rides to Magliano in Tuscany and Collecchio. The Florentines recognize him with 18,000 florins, and the Sienese provide another 11,000.

He camps in Cortona and forms the “Company of the Rose” with Ramsey and Ubaldini. He plans to move to Romagna to join forces with Lucio Lando.

He confronts his opponents with Alberico da Barbiano. He joins with 300 lances and Lucio Lando and carries out several raids in the Marche and Romagna regions.

He serves Galeotto Malatesta and devastates the territory of Ravenna. In mid-month, he is reported in the territory of Orvieto, where he defeats 1,500 poorly armed men who attempt to oppose him. Perhaps prompted by Rinaldo Orsini, he then targets Perugia. He is accompanied by many exiles from the city. The intimidated municipality offers him a “loan” of 400 florins, while another 1,200 is offered to the members of the company. In total, the Perugians spend 2,000 florins on this occasion. He strengthens his brigades with the arrival of Ramsey. At the end of the month, in the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi, he allies himself through an oath with Ubaldini and Ramsey.

He continues with new raids in Tuscany alongside the two condottieri. The Sienese hope to be spared and send three ambassadors to congratulate his arrival. They offer the company 8,000 florins (5,000 officially and 3,000 under the table). Finally, Hawkwood is granted a monthly provision of 100 florins for a year. He threatens Lucca. He camps in Cortona, where he meets with the ambassador of the municipality, Andrea da Volterra, a week after Christmas. The meeting concerns the debts he claims from Alderigo Castracani. He asks for 7,300 florins, and the negotiation concludes with the immediate delivery of 2,300 florins and the remaining 5,000 to be paid in installments over two years. He moves to the territory of Città di Castello with 2,000 horsemen and 1,000 infantry, and the Florentines deliver an additional 20,000 florins on behalf of the pope. He is supplied with provisions from Citerna.

The Florentines, on behalf of the pope, deliver another 10,000 florins to settle outstanding wages. He leaves Naples. In return, Urban VI lifts the interdict on Florence that had been in effect since 1375. In response to his debts to the condottiero that he cannot settle, Carlo di Durazzo grants him the Casale di Carinaro in Abruzzo and some properties in Capua and Naples.

Umbria, Tuscany

He arrives in Barletta and then moves to the Marche region, where he threatens Amandola, which is controlled by Rodolfo da Varano. He attempts to capture the fortress of Spoleto from Rinaldo Orsini with Ubaldini. He then moves to the Pisan territory and joins forces with the Visconti troops due to some riots in Pisa.

Pisa

Lucca, Perugia, Ascoli Piceno

He positions himself near Cortona, causing fear once again in Tuscany. He defeats the Sienese and seizes not only hostages but also a significant amount of ammunition and artillery pieces. The Sienese give him 11,000 florins to appease him (in reality, the total cost of the raid rises to 16,000 florins). The Pisans supply him with provisions, grant passage to his troops, and give him an additional 9,000 florins. The Lucchese also provide him with 4,000 florins. He returns to Umbria, facing futile resistance from the Perugians led by Boldrino da Panicale. He stops in the territory of Montegiorgio to plunder Ascoli, and the inhabitants of Fermo must each pay him and Ubaldini 1,000 florins. At the end of the month, he is reported in Castignano and camps in Sant’Elpidio A Mare with Ubaldini before retreating.

Vico

Church

He carries out ineffective actions on behalf of the Perugians along Lake Trasimeno. During this campaign, he seizes the Montecchio Vesponi Castle, which he receives from the Perugians in lieu of a ransom payment. At the same time, he takes control of two other towns near Arezzo, Migliarina and Badia al Pino (Badia a Ruoti), which are also granted to him by the Perugians or perhaps by Carlo di Durazzo. A similar request to the Sienese for Monte San Savino, however, is rejected. He continues to fight alongside Ubaldini in support of Francesco di Vico.

He is engaged in Romagna, where Astorre Manfredi has attacked the stronghold of Sezada. The Florentines intervene, and a renewed two-year truce is established with Manfredi. He can now focus on the events unfolding in Tuscany.

He resumes his wandering life with Giovanni degli Ubaldini and Riccardo Ramsey. At the end of the month, he heads towards Anghiari and extorts money from the Sienese with Ubaldini, Corrado Lando, and Rinaldo Orsini. Siena still owes Hawkwood a remaining sum of 500 florins from old unpaid debts, and the condottiero collects the amount through his agent, the merchant Vituccio da Pisa.

He receives a letter from his brother-in-law Carlo Visconti informing him of the capture of his father-in-law Bernabò Visconti by his nephew Gian Galeazzo.

Milan

He moves into the Bolognese territory with Ubaldini, Boldrino da Panicale, and Taddeo Pepoli. The inhabitants give them 30,000/35,000 florins (officially 15,000). He travels to Lombardy, where his brother-in-law Carlo Visconti seeks his support in liberating their father. He meets with an envoy from the new ruler of Milan in Cavezzo, and Bernabò is abandoned to his fate. Hawkwood is promised a monthly stipend of 300 florins (30 lances) plus a bonus of 1,000 florins. The contract is signed at the company’s camp near Milan. He regains the lands that were previously confiscated from him in Pessano con Bornago, Carugate, Valera, and Santa Maria alla Molgora. The following month, Gian Galeazzo Visconti will also return the Abbey of Sant’Alberto near Pavia to him. At the end of the month, he returns to Tuscany with Coucy and Ubaldini. He stops in the territory of Cortona until the lord of the city, Uguccione Casali, invites him to leave the area.

He goes to Rocca Contrada (Arcevia). The Florentines give him 1,100 florins out of the requested 2,000 to prevent damage to their territory. During the same period, Hawkwood supports Guglielmino d’Assisi in his conflict with the capital city and negotiates a two-month truce between the parties.

He is urged by the Florentines to plunder Siena with Everardo Lando and Taddeo Pepoli (2,500 horsemen). The raid is particularly devastating due to the political unrest within the city. He stops in the Val d’Arbia, and the incursions end with the capture of hostages and the looting of livestock, including 600 pairs of oxen and over 8,000 bushels of wheat. The Sienese pay him 15,000 florins, and the Florentines grant him some lands in the Arezzo area. All three condottieri also receive a warhorse, and Hawkwood is additionally given three pieces of silk fabric. He moves into the Perugian territory.

Lucio Lando, Everardo della Campana, Giovanni Beltoft, and Taddeo Pepoli station themselves in the Perugian territory between Papiano, Spina Nuova, and Cerqueto until they are paid.

He follows Charles of Durazzo to Hungary, where Charles has been appointed king. He returns to Italy following the assassination of Charles. In December, Bernabò Visconti is poisoned and dies in Milan. The King of England entrusts him with an embassy to offer condolences to Gian Galeazzo Visconti.

He has some disagreements over his pay with the young Ladislaus of Anjou, who succeeded his father Charles of Durazzo in the Kingdom of Naples. Consequently, Hawkwood militates with Ladislaus’ opponents, the Angevins.

He forces the Sienese to pay him 800 florins out of the requested 1,000. He visits Siena with an escort of 40-50 horsemen, then moves to Romagna while part of his men continue to harass the Val d’Ambra. He joins forces with Giovanni degli Ubaldini and Giovanni Tedesco da Pietramala. He comes to the aid of Antonio da Montefeltro, who is threatened by the Florentines. He devastates Montefeltro, passes through Colbordolo and Talacchio, and causes unrest in the territory of Fano. The inhabitants of Fano give him 500 florins. Finally, he moves to Abruzzo. Queen Margherita of Anjou, Ladislaus’ mother, orders the people of Chieti to provide supplies for his troops and forage for their horses.

He is in the territory of Cortona, causing trouble for Chiugi and threatening the people of Perugia. He is driven away by Boldrino da Panicale.

He crosses the Adige River, reaches Castelbaldo, and enters the Veronese territory. He is with Ubaldini at Cerea and attacks the Veronese region in hopes of finding provisions for his men and their horses. He is forced to retreat to Bussolengo, where he is blocked for twenty days without receiving necessary supplies. The soldiers are without bread and meat and are forced to eat legumes and turnips. A messenger from the Lord of Verona arrives at his camp to negotiate a truce. Hawkwood’s spies are alert and warn him. The messenger is actually an observer with the task of obtaining information to harm the Paduans. Hawkwood has him captured and confined in a tent without allowing him to speak to anyone.

He goes to Castelbaldo because the passage is blocked by a strong fortress built by Giovanni Ordelaffi at Castagnaro. Before the battle with Ubaldini, he knights Conte da Carrara along with his brother Giacomo, followed by Bernardo Scolari, Pataro, and Francesco Buzzaccarini. Hawkwood divides his troops into eight squadrons and leads the first one with 500 men-at-arms and 500-600 English archers. He pretends to retreat, luring the Scaligeri to pursue him into marshy terrain unsuitable for heavy cavalry combat. He has his men-at-arms dismount from their horses on dry land and advance in tight formations. The opponents move with confidence but are forced to halt in front of a canal and try to cross it. At the same time, the archers, positioned on the flanks, shower the enemy with arrows, creating gaps in their ranks where the dismounted knights insert themselves. Hawkwood then circles around the swamp and attacks the Scaligeri from behind. The victorious soldiers are given double pay and a month’s salary. Hawkwood returns to Padua in triumph.

He returns to the Veronese region via Monselice and Montagnana, overcomes the resistance of the opponents in Soave and Villanova, and brings his devastation to Porta Vescovo in Verona. He sets fire to all the villages along the way to Montorio Veronese. He goes to Padua after a week and serves the Florentines to avoid aiding the Visconti, who have meanwhile allied with the Carraresi.

In Florence. He is in the service of the Florentines for six months.

With Giovanni Beltoft, he assists the Petrucci family against the Malatesta. Alongside this condottiero, Ubertinello, and Boccaccino Petrucci, he ambushes Carlo Malatesta in Fratta.

He monitors the movements of Bernardo della Sala’s company, which has returned from a raid in the Pisan territory and is heading towards the Perugian region. The people of Siena offer him 4,000 florins to prevent him from attacking their territory.

He joins forces with Alberico da Barbiano and Otto of Brunswick and leaves Capua to support the defenders of Castel Capuano in Naples. He is in Caivano with 4,000 cavalry and 500 infantry.

At the end of his contract, he leaves the Kingdom of Naples. The Florentines assign him the task of monitoring their borders and dissuading Beltoft from further raids in the Pisan and Lucchese territories.

He stays in his castle in Montecchio Vesponi, where he learns of a conspiracy organized in Cortona by a court physician who was bribed by the Count of Virtù to harm the lord of the city, Uguccione Casali, and Carlo Visconti, who is a guest of the Casalis. Thanks to his information, the plot is foiled, and the physician is dragged through the city and eventually killed. He then enters Chiugi, joins forces with Carlo Visconti (1,400 cavalry), proceeds to Bettona and Foligno, and devastates some territories in Umbria and Marche with 3,000 cavalry. He separates from Corrado Lando, who is followed by 1,000 cavalry. He receives 2,000 florins from the people of Siena out of the initially requested 4,000.

The people of Bologna give him 3,767 florins for one month of his company’s service and recognize an additional 10,000 florins on the condition that they are not harassed for two years.

He heads towards Apulia. In Trevi, he negotiates with Beltoft to hire him with 200 lances. The Florentines provide him with 5,000 florins for this operation, of which 1,000 are immediately delivered to his agents Giannichino Trichil and Perotto Fedini. The remaining 4,000 will be disbursed only when Beltoft’s troops have actually joined his men. Finally, he is requested to take action to recover some mules and hides stolen by his soldiers from Florentine merchants.

He carries out devastations in the territory of Siena with Corrado Lando and Bernardo della Sala. He asks the commune for ownership of a house within their territory.

He stays between Liburna (San Pietro a Patierno) and Afragola. He arrives in Capua with 1,300 cavalry to join forces with the Durazzeschi.

At the beginning of the month, he moves with Otto of Brunswick from San Pietro a Patierno. He clashes with some Angevin soldiers who came out of the center to confront him at Casanova (Casalnuovo di Napoli). The defenders prevail and capture some prisoners. In the middle of the month, he sets out to support the defenders of Castel Capuano. With the help of the Durazzeschi fleet (4 galleys, 6 brigantines, and many light vessels), he positions himself in front of Casa Nova and San Pietro all’Ara. The assailants enter the two locations while 400 armed men come out of Castel Capuano to contribute to the battle. Luigi di Montjoie’s troops are prepared for the impact and, after a long and bloody fight, force Hawkwood and Brunswick to retreat. He returns to Afragola. At the sight of this, the defenders of Castel Capuano surrender, lower the flag of Ladislaus of Anjou and that of Butillo Prignano, the pope’s nephew, from the ramparts.

Having received 3,000 florins, he leaves the Kingdom of Naples with 400 lances and 500 infantry. He tries to persuade Brunswick to follow him in the service of the Florentines. He visits Aversa, Rome, Borgo San Sepolcro (Sansepolcro), and the territory of Orvieto. He goes to Florence, where he is contracted for six months with a monthly salary of 500 florins. His company lodges between Perugia and Cortona, near his castle in Montecchio Vesponi.

He is contracted for nine months and receives a monthly provision of 500 florins. He has 500 lances and 500 infantry and crossbowmen under his command. He positions himself initially in the territory of Narni, but the Florentines order him to refrain from causing harm to Perugia. After moving to Tuscany, he penetrates the territory of Siena. He is confronted by Paolo Savelli at Asinalunga (Sinalonga) and is forced to flee after a seven-hour battle.

He reaches his troops stationed between Montone, Fratta Todina, and Borgo San Sepolcro (Sansepolcro) and launches an attack against the Sienese. The Perugians send Antonio da Romignano and Felcino da Perugia to monitor the movements of his company along their borders.

He assists Gaddo da Frosini, who is under siege in his castle. He is at Olmo with Corrado Lando and Carlo Visconti (1,000 lances) and moves to the Val di Chiana. He attacks Poggiolo and, after organizing his men (3,000 cavalry and 1,000 infantry), he advances into La Scialenga in the Val d’Arbia. The Florentines provide him and Lando with an additional 1,000 florins to intensify the devastation of the countryside for a month. He sets fire to San Sano, Montalcino, Camigliano, San Giovanni, Castiglioncello del Trinoro, and Monteguidi. The raid ends with Lando’s injury. Hawkwood withdraws towards Colle di Val d’Elsa, followed as always by Savelli. He reaches San Galgano and the plain of Rosia but fails to obtain 36,000 florins from the Sienese despite his pleas.

He returns to Olmo with the spoils, and there the company disbands. He leaves his salary in Florence to return to the Kingdom of Naples, attracted by the generous offers made by Queen Margherita of Anjou. Efforts by Ghino di Roberto, Giovanni Orlandi, and Piero Baldovinetti, who were sent repeatedly to him, to hire him with promises of money are in vain. They appeal to his pride, rekindling the hatred he has long held towards Gian Galeazzo Visconti.

He is contacted by the Florentines in Gaeta, along with Carlo Visconti, and definitively joins their service. He leaves Rome and, through Pitigliano, heads to Maremma with 150 cavalry, 300 infantry, and 50 archers, eventually reaching Volterra.

He is enlisted for one year of service and one year of respect (200 lances for 500 florins per month). He also commits not to act against the republic for the following two years. He discusses the terms of agreement with Duke Stephen of Bavaria with Carlo Visconti and Francesco Novello da Carrara.

He goes to Bologna and rides through the Modenese region with Giovanni da Barbiano, capturing peasants, plundering livestock, and seizing crops.

He is in Florence to discuss the strategy with the Dieci di Balia (the Council of Ten). The authorities designate him as the “protector of the state.” He reaches the Parmense region with 1,600 lances and refrains from looting to incite the population to revolt. With the defection of Marchese Alberto d’Este, he is initially forced to retreat. However, due to the successful attacks by Francesco Novello da Carrara in Polesine, he can relocate near Reggio Emilia. He uncovers the treachery of a German squad leader who was supposed to desert to the enemy and attack the Florentine ranks from behind. The captain is captured with his men, and the Viscontians withdraw towards Reggio Emilia.

He returns to the Senese region. With Carlo Visconti, he confronts Paolo Savelli in a seven-hour-long battle. Both sides claim victory. He is approached by a hydraulic engineer appointed by the Florentines to divert the water supply to Siena.

He decides to continue the war from the Paduan region. He moves through the Vicentine and Veronese regions with 1,400 infantry, mostly crossbowmen, and 2,400 lances from Florence, Bologna, and Carrara. From there, he heads towards the Modenese region with 1,500 lances, devastating the area. He besieges two castles defended by 200 lances, but they attack his camp and are repelled with the capture of 240 horses. Hawkwood ravages the Reggiano and the Mantuan region (Coazze), making significant gains, which are brought to Bologna. He protects the vineyard workers in the Bolognese region. He then moves to the Parmense region and seizes a large booty. On the return journey, his baggage carriers prevail over a strong enemy cavalry contingent (200 lances).

He is in Bologna and penetrates the Ferrarese region, forcing the Marquess of Este to change alliances. By the end of the month, he is in Padua, preparing plans with the Carrara family for the upcoming offensive in Lombardy.

He leaves Padua in mid-month, at dawn, at the exact hour indicated by the astrologer Alessio Nicolai. He commands 1,400 lances and 15,000 infantry (according to Carrara sources) or 2,000-3,000 lances, 2,000-4,000 infantry, and 500 archers (according to Tuscan sources). Also by his side are Astorre Manfredi, Giovanni da Barbiano, Francesco Novello da Carrara, and Conte da Carrara (the latter with 600 German lances). The Marshal of the army is John Balzan (monthly salary of 50 florins), and Hawkwood also has direct command of John Wenlock and Carlo Visconti. He arrives in Castelbaldo, joins Barbarano with Francesco Novello da Carrara, crosses the Adige River, and occupies Illasi. Overcoming initial resistance from the Viscontians, he focuses on Verona, hoping that the population will revolt in favor of the Scaligeri family. He defeats the enemy once again (capturing 150 prisoners) and settles in the village of Santa Lucia. Finding no signs of rebellion, he enters Valpolicella and Valpantena, then turns towards the Mantuan region, plundering its territory up to four miles from the capital.

He is appointed the Captain General of the league. The Florentines grant him an additional annual provision of 2,000 florins, in addition to the 1,200 florins he has been receiving since 1375, to be paid in quarterly installments. He also succeeds in securing money from the Florentines for his daughters’ dowries: Janet (14 years old), Catherine (13 years old), and the youngest, Anne. The city promises to provide each of them with a sum of 2,000 florins as a dowry. On the military front, Hawkwood is forced to return to Padua with Conte da Carrara due to the lack of supplies and the sudden departure of Manfredi from the camp. Manfredi, corrupted by the Viscontis, has made a secret agreement with the enemy to kill Hawkwood and Francesco Novello da Carrara during a war council.

He leaves Padua again with 1,500 lances, 1,000 infantry, and 300 crossbowmen, devastating the Vicentine and Veronese regions. This time, he is accompanied by Corrado Lando, Corrado Prospero (100 lances), and other minor captains such as the Germans Albert Coiser (92 lances) and Corrado di Rotestein, and the Englishmen Balzan (still holding the title of Marshal), David Falcan (79 lances and 37 archers), Roger Nottingham (10 lances and 5 archers), and other small contingents under the command of William Cook (son of Cogno) and Richard Croft. Many lances are composed of soldiers from different nationalities, including English, German, Italian, French, and Hungarian. The astrologer Nicolai once again determines the most favorable moment for the army to set off.

At the end of the harvest season, he leaves Padua for the third time with 2,200 lances, 1,200 crossbowmen, and a large number of infantry. He heads towards the left bank of the Po River to join forces with Giovanni d’Armagnac, who is planning to invade the Visconti territories from the west. Hawkwood crosses the Vicentine region and defeats several cavalry contingents in Verona twice. In the second encounter, he routs Taddeo dal Verme, who commands 300 lances and a significant number of infantry, capturing 60 men-at-arms and 200 infantry. He crosses the Mincio River and repels 9,000 cavalry and 3,000 infantry who try to block his path. He accelerates his march towards the Oglio River and foils new ambushes set by the enemy (700 cavalry attacking the rear guard during a river crossing). Corrado Lando ambushes Taddeo dal Verme at Civilerghe di Mazzano, allowing Hawkwood to enter the San Martino valley, where he is joined by local Guelf forces. He defeats Jacopo dal Verme and Facino Cane outside the gates of Cologno (Bergamo) in a battle that results in the deaths of 80 men-at-arms and many crossbowmen among the Viscontian forces. During the engagement, 200 Milanese soldiers drown while attempting to cross a river (a total of 4,000 deaths on both sides). Repelled by Bergamo, he passes through Trescore Balneario and Cenate, breaking into Val Cavallina. He clashes with the enemy in Colognola, then passes through Ponte San Pietro, Presezzo, and Bonate Sopra, constantly plundering the surrounding territory. He camps in Mapello but fails to cross the Adda River. With the same swiftness, he takes the road to Brignano Gera d’Adda, Pandino, and Villanova, reaching Ghiaradadda. On the banks of the river, on the day of St. John the Baptist, he holds a horse race. He advances with his raids up to fifteen miles from Milan, always pursued by dal Verme and Ugolotto Biancardo (1,800 lances), who try to cut off his supply lines.

He challenges Jacopo dal Verme to a battle but the outcome remains inconclusive. Hawkwood sends him the traditional bloody glove as a sign of the challenge, but the enemy commander refuses to engage in open battle, abandons the field, and moves to Piedmont to face Armagnac. Upon hearing the news of Armagnac’s defeat and death at Castellazzo, Hawkwood immediately decides to return to Padua. He sets up camp in Paterno in Cremona, with dal Verme in front of him and two large rivers blocking any possibility of retreat. Hawkwood pretends to withdraw and lures the Viscontian forces into a small forest, where they are caught by surprise and defeated by Corrado Lando. In this encounter, 400 horses are killed or drown in the river, and another 400 are captured. Hawkwood manages to ford the Oglio River, passes through Calcinato and Montichiari, crosses the Mincio River (where he arms twenty knights), and the Adige River, losing many of his men who, exhausted and hungry, drown in the river crossings. Dal Verme has the embankments of the Adige River cut, flooding the nearby countryside and Hawkwood’s camp. Many infantry soldiers perish in this event. The opposing captain is so confident of victory that he sends Hawkwood a caged fox. In response, the Englishman says to the herald presenting the object, “I see the animal is not sad, it means it will find its way,” breaks a bar, and sets the animal free. Hawkwood abandons the camp, taking all the tents and equipment to slow down the enemy’s pursuit. He advances to Legnago through the flooded fields and safely reaches Castelbaldo, thus preserving the army entrusted to him for the Florentines. He arrives in Montagnana, and the Viscontians are forced to abandon the pursuit of his troops. He leaves Padua and reaches Bologna, raiding the Romagna region as the Este family changes sides again. He repels the attacks of Ugolotto Biancardo, Antonio Porro, and Antonio Balestrazzo. For his remarkable ability demonstrated during this campaign, the Florentines grant him an extraordinary reward of 1,000 florins, to be paid in two installments, half at Christmas and half at Easter.

He returns to Tuscany with 1,200 lances and 1,000 crossbowmen via the Sambuca route. He passes through Pistoia and San Miniato, where he is joined by Giovanni da Barbiano and Luigi da Capua. He crosses the Arno River and cuts off Jacopo dal Verme’s routes to Siena and Florence. He stops at Montopoli in Val d’Arno, closely monitoring the enemy’s movements with 1,000 lances. He traps his rival between Empoli and Pontormo, crosses the Arno River at Signa, and follows the enemy to Tizzano, constantly disrupting the enemy’s supply lines. Florence sends him reinforcements of 10,000 men, mostly from the militias of the countryside. He arranges his troops in battle formation after realizing that the Viscontians are climbing Mount Albano in an attempt to move into the Val di Nievole. He devises a daring plan, sending 1,000 lances to attack the enemy’s rear guard and infantry through mountain paths, while he follows with the remaining lances and crossbowmen. He destroys the Viscontian rear guard (500 lances) at Uzzano, capturing Taddeo dal Verme, Gentile da Varano, and Vanni d’Appiano. At the same time, the Florentine infantry engages the enemy near Montevettolino and Pieve di Nievole. However, the action is not decisive due to Hawkwood’s hesitation, allowing dal Verme to reach Montecarlo under the cover of night. From there, he can move towards Lucca (where his troops find provisions) and eventually head to Ripafratta, where he fortifies his position. At dawn, Hawkwood reaches Montecarlo, where abandoned enemy supplies are found, including some bombards. After two days of rest in Pescia, he heads to San Miniato, while dal Verme retreats to Cascina.

He moves between San Miniato and Castelfiorentino, constantly monitoring dal Verme’s movements and closely shadowing him in the Val di Nievole. He takes quarters in the castles of that valley, concluding the campaign in this way. He secretly negotiates with the captains of a Breton company that serves in the enemy’s army to incite turmoil among the Viscontian forces. However, the plot is uncovered, and those responsible are executed.

He is sent with Ugo di Monforte to the aid of the Bolognese, who are threatened by the appearance of Ceccolo Broglia’s company, Brandolino Brandolini’s company, and Biordo dei Michelotti’s company in the territory. These companies, apparently dismissed by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, are preparing to enter Florentine territory. Upon hearing of Hawkwood’s arrival, the three condottieri change course and head towards Sarzana.

At the end of the conflict, Hawkwood retires to private life in Florence. He lives between the capital, San Donato in Polverosa (where Villa Demidoff now stands), and Montecchio Vesponi near Cortona. At the end of the month, the council of the Podesta of Florence decides by a large majority to erect a funerary monument for him in the Santa Maria del Fiore church. The tomb must be built of stone and adorned with marble statues.

He asks the city to settle his life pensions and agrees to receive 6000 tax-exempt florins, with 2000 paid immediately and the remainder in several quarterly installments. In addition to this amount, he is given 1000 florins as a farewell gift upon his departure. He dies in mid-March at his home in San Donato in Polverosa. His body is immediately transported to Florence and displayed in San Giovanni on a platform set up around the baptismal font surrounded by candles. The corpse is covered with a golden cloth, and a sword is placed on his chest, while he holds the commander’s baton in his hand. The funeral procession departs from Santa Maria del Fiore, consisting of 200 priests, 300 monks and friars, and numerous knights. When the procession arrives at the church of San Giovanni with the coffin, his body is placed there, and the procession resumes its journey towards Santa Maria del Fiore to accompany him to his tomb. He is followed by his son, daughters, and wife, all dressed in mourning attire paid for by the city. The bishop celebrates the mass. Finally, the body is taken to the sacristy to await burial in the choir near the altar. The cost of the funeral is estimated at 410 gold florins, 1 lira, and 11 soldi. In gratitude for his memory, the Florentines establish a dowry of 2000 florins for his three legitimate daughters and a pension of 1000 florins for his wife Donnina. The following year, at the request of King Richard II of England, his body will be transported to England and buried in the parish church of St. Peter in Hedingham Sible, where it will rest for several centuries before his remains are dispersed and his tomb destroyed. Hawkwood is featured in a novella by Franco Sacchetti, in which two Franciscan friars go to his castle in Montecchio Vesponi to beg for alms. When they greet him with “God give you peace,” the condottiero replies, “God take away your alms,” as he lives by war and peace brings him misery. John Hawkwood is also mentioned in the novel “Cavaliere Errante” by Tommaso III, the Marquis of Saluzzo. As for his funerary monument in Florence, it is still not ready after a year. The city commissions Agnolo Gaddi and Giuliano d’Arrigo to paint his image and that of Piero Farnese in the church for a sum of 30 florins. Lastly, in May 1436, during the renovation of the cathedral, the city of Florence commissions Paolo Uccello to create a fresco depicting Hawkwood, to be placed in the same spot where Gaddi’s work is already present. The condottiero is portrayed on horseback with his armor, commander’s baton, and a hat on his head. Two coats of arms are depicted on the base: a deer and three scallop shells of St. James. The representation is completed by the inscription: “Joannes Acutus Eques Britannicus/ Dux aetatis suae cautissimus et rei/ Militaris peritissimus habitus est.” In 1524, the fresco will be restored by Lorenzo da Credi, including the execution of the grotesque frame. There is also a portrait of him by Cristofano dell’Altissimo in Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. Biographies of D. M. Manni, Richard Gough, John Temple-Leader, and Friedrich Gaupp have been written about him. William Caxton wrote a biography of him, contrasting him with Roberto Canolles/Robert Knolles, in the translation of the work “Del ordre de cavayleria” by the blessed Raymond Lull. Hawkwood’s amorous adventures are reported by William Winstlay (ca. 1600) and Hubert Cole. Some streets in Villanova di Bagnacavallo (Aguta), Arezzo, Cagliari, Rimini, Padova, and Florence are named after him.