Sir John Hawkwood | A Boy From Essex Who Became a Knight

Sir John Hawkwood was a renowned English captain of bowmen and leader of a free company who became probably the most famous Condottieri in 14th Century Europe. Born in Essex, Hawkwood was known for his fierce fighting, strategic planning and ability to adapt quickly to different situations. Join Kevin Hicks as he explores John Hawkwood, the boy from Essex who became a knight and discover how Hawkwood became a legend, the most famous mercenary of his era.
#JohnHawkwood #SirJohnHawkwood #Condottieri #Mercenary #14thCentury #MedievalWarfare
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Image Credits:
Blason John Hawkwood: CC BY-SA 3.0 - Jimmy44 commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Massacre of Cesena: Created by AI

[@mattsamson309]

My favorite Hawkwood anecdote is his interaction with a passing monk who wished Hawkwood peace. Hawkwood’s reply was “may God take away your alms” when the monk asked why he would wish him destitute Hawkwood replied “do you not know that I am a man of war, and peace would ruin me”

[@thehistorysquad]

😂 yes, I know that one and it is brilliant.

[@mickeytwister4721]

Fucking giga Chad

[@MrVvulf]

Honestly, peace never stopped Hawkwood from carving out a living. I've read William Caferro's "John Hawkwood: An English Mercenary in Fourteenth-Century Italy", and will share one of my favorite stories. He took his company raiding into Tuscany because the Pope had stiffed him the fee they'd agreed upon. Hawkwood told emissaries from the terrirory that he'd only leave when they paid him. He extorted 130,000 Florins, with a value of approximately $60 million today. It boggles my mind that nobody has made a movie or tv series about Hawkwood...he's one of the most interesting men of the early Renaissance. Kevin didn't share this detail, but it was the King of England himself who requested Hawkwood's body be returned to England. The fresco that Kevin put up on screen at 15:32 marks his official tomb in The Duomo in Florence. He fact that he was honored with a tomb in the Duomo shouldn't be taken lightly - even Dante, Italy's greatest poet (and from Florence) wasn't given that honor.

[@user-je9gs7we1q]

History is written by the victor watch , Europa the last battle , listen to Barbara Learner Spectre, read Churchill's " Zionism vs bolshevism " and Henry Fords " The international Jew " the USS Liberty research IsraAid we have been lied to for a long time research everything.

[@josephinequinn8782]

Fifty years a soldier wow! The medieval times are so interesting. Like the models you use to show the battle tactics. Thank you.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@sdqw6131]

I ask you guys to follow Dr Zakir Nike❤

[@lewiscase546]

Hawkwood has long been one of my favorite medieval characters. What a career! What a soldier!

[@josephsolowyk7697]

“He was as cunning as a fox, some called him The Wolf”.

[@thehistorysquad]

Yeah, who knows why eh?

[@rosiello5100]

A little addendum if I may. He was called Giovanni Acuto in Italy at the time. Now, as you correctly pointed out, Giovanni and John are the same name in these two languages. Acuto means "Sharp" in English, but it's also pronounced kinda like the surname Hawkwood. Probably he introduced himself as "John Hawkwood" and, because very few people at the time knew english, then he became widely known as Acuto by word of mouth. It's kinda fitting that, almost as in English, "Acuto" in Italian also means a cunning, smart person. Anyway, great video and great channel.

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

Kevin is the type of teacher we all wished for while in school. Thanks for another excellent episode. May GOD bless

[@MichaelWilliams-tv1bm]

I'm glad you decided to do a video about one of the great characters of the Hundred Years War. He certainly shows the potential there was for social mobility in the 14th Century. I first heard of the White Company by reading Conan Doyle's book of the same name in the early 1960's. Sadly it is not about Hawkwood, but a mercenary company which goes to Spain with the Black Prince and fights at the Battle of Najera. Do you think that the choice of the pilgrim's shell as his device was an heraldic joke about his journey to Italy? Thanks Kevin.

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes, quite possibly could have been a joke 👍🏻

[@sdqw6131]

I ask you guys to follow Dr Zakir Nike❤

[@lyrigageforge3259]

@@thehistorysquad Hey, I really enjoy your videos. But as I been looking through them the same little problem persists. You have sound way way too low. When watch your video, and as always, use my head set - I will have to crank up the sound all the way to 90-100%. But you should be able to hear equally well the sound of a video, even thought the voice was set only 10-15% tops 20%. This tends to result to really painful experience instantly with the next video from somewhere else, because no-one but no-one listens to their computer at 100% using their head set. And extremely few people will actually not use a head set, because it disturbs rest of the household if you are doing something that keeps noise on your computer. I have two other family members who all use their computers at the same time in the same room - our flat is small. (We don't watch TV at all, there is nothing worth seeing on it.) So basically from anything that makes noise in entertainment from gaming and videos to movies and music - anything one wants to enjoy, it is only polite of us towards each other to use our head sets. That way everyone can do what ever they please without being disturbed and having their focus lost cause of some unnecessary other noise. For example, for me writing little stories for my own fun is exceptionally pleasing and fun pass time - but I could not write a single sentence hearing someone else talking at the same time from another persons computer. It is impossible to literally hear oneself thinking, when there is other background noise. And while that is a private matter per say, the fact that most people listen and watch videos ONLY using a head set - is not. And that is for what video there for should and must be adjusted for while editing it. I notice that your older videos are even more silent, so it is better in these new ones. But it seems like only different in being more clear sounding due a better mic likely - but not because the rendered volume of the video is set high enough. Like said, using a head set, the video should be heard as clearly at 15% as your videos are hard only at 90-100% volume settings. And that is editing matter. I am not a pro in sound so I don't remember how you fix this, but someone can mayhap help. Pls. try to figure it out. Your videos are really nice, but I could almost bet that some people would skip them simply because it does not sound loud enough in usual settings. I just happen to like medieval stuff a lot so I bother to crank it up - only then to forget that it's set high and when I watch or do something else that involves sound - at risk of repeating myself (lol) I will have a bit of a shock. This head set of mine literally vibrates for immersion in gaming, for certain sounds - so forgetting that you set your volume to full is really a bit uncomfortable experience after wards. Talk about special effects explosion right in your ears like standing next to a firing cannon. Kindly please, try to fix it, as I really like your videos.

[@thehistorysquad]

@@lyrigageforge3259 Hi there. I'm sorry to hear you've been experiencing difficulty with the sound. As you've noticed, we have made improvements to our studio which has helped with the reverb and makes for a clearer sound, and in addition we have increased the volume within our editing. Today we tested the sound on the Hawkwood video using two different sets of headphones (one wired and one bluetooth) and two different devices (laptop & mobile phone). In both cases the sound was fine, we didn't have to crank it up at all. As far as I'm aware, there are three possible volume settings that can be adjusted. 1. KZbin volume on the video (ours is always set to maximum) 2. Volume on device (ours was set to 1 setting above the middle on both devices 3. Volume on headphones (ours was set to mid on both sets) We have the capacity to increase the volume in editing by a little more, and will consider this, but I don't think, if you really have to crank up the sound it will be much of an improvement for you. All the best, Kevin & Julie

[@christopherfranklin972]

A fascinating period.There's an excellent series of four books tied in with Hawkwood,Chaucer,routiers,Italian mercenary armies and the combat techniques of Fiore dei Liberi written by the historical novelist Christian Cameron starting with 'The Ill-Made Knight',superb series and well worth reading.

[@phildicks4721]

Sir John Hawkwood is one of my favorite mercenary knights of the middle ages. The other is Götz of the Iron Hand.(you really need to do a video about his life.😉)

[@MrLuisfrossi]

I always loved learning about Condottieri such as Hawkwood, I owe my Masters to him and Italy as a whole. But It's unfortunate that I don't see many videos on the man himself, good luck KZbin has you guys to save people like me! Great vid as always, stay classy!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Luis, I'll try!

[@MrLuisfrossi]

@@thehistorysquad And You're doing a great job at it!

[@tinynuggins1029]

I love how we still tell the stories of people like John Hawkwood and William Marshal. People whose stories are so amazing and fantastic that we still tell them with reverence nearly a thousand years after their death. It often makes me wonder whose stories will be told and remembered a thousand years from now. Often the deeds of our best and bravest soldiers are classified. Will their stories somehow break through the all that red tape and classification and trickle down through the centuries to be told by future historians?

[@frankieblue1945]

The Marine Co. I was in had a First Lieutenant that started out as a Private. He treated ALL the lower ranks with respect but had a firm hand for doing ones duty. He was one of the most respected lower ranking Officers I ever encountered.

[@sdqw6131]

I ask you guys to follow Dr Zakir Nike❤

[@cuebj]

My grandfather served as a private throughout WW1. Three older brothers were killed. He'd have refused promotion to avoid being targeted by snipers. After WW1, became a policeman, rose to Deputy Chief Constable. Re-enlisted in WW2 as Military Policeman Lieutenant Colonel. A few days after D-Day, into France to reestablish civil authority

[@BleedEaglesGreen023]

I would love to hear more stories about John Hawkwood. I'm sure with 50 years of service, the stories could go on for hours.

[@TrashPick]

Most of them are imaginary probably

[@JamesHolmez]

Love your content. After learning Henry lll is my 25th Great Grandfather, I've been super interested in this era. Loved this period in History since I was a kid and now I know why lol Cheers!!!

[@lanzknecht8599]

Great narration, like always! The story of John Hawkwood reminds of a dialogue in "Game of Thrones" between Prince Oberyn Martell and Bronn. Martell: "And who are you? His hired killer?" Bronn: "Aye, i started that way. But now i´m a knight." Martell: "And how did that come to pass?" Bronn: "Killed the right people, i suppose." Could you do a video about the year 1066? The outcome of the 2 battles should make you as a bowman proud.

[@sirwi11iam]

🤣

[@sirwi11iam]

Loved Bronn

[@thehistorysquad]

Love the dialogue. Yes, for sure 1066 is on the list 👍🏻

[@BastardSprinkler3000]

Fantastic video once again Kevin! Absolutely LOVE it when u tell us tales of medieval Englishmen like the fascinating John Hawkwood as there are very few videos of this kind knocking about on YT. Brilliant stuff.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it, cheers.

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

Well done sir. All the noble blood in the world cant make a man a fighter like being there & surviving over & over.

[@leonjones8960]

Ah yes! One of my favorite historians, Mr Hicks here, referencing one of my favorite authors

[@siddd5745]

There was also a lot of background politics involved, French vs English, pope vs emperor, local Italian states

[@Shaymuhs]

Wow. 16 minutes seldom go by so fast. Great one as always!

[@sheilawest9757]

Also very nice touch with the three shells of Hawkwood

[@Kierkergaarder]

"A Mirror Darkly" is a brilliant history of both Hawkwood (also known as Agudo!) and his period. By Barbara Tuchmann

[@randalmayeux8880]

Good video, Kevin! Interestingly, there was a Renaissance festival near Fort Worth, where I live, back in the 90s called Hawkwood. Actually it was billed as a fantasy fair, but it had all of the same things as a typical Renaissance festival plus a little bit more. I preferred it to Scarborough Fair, the other nearby festival. Sadly, it only lasted about 4 years. I don't know if they had this Sir Hawkwood in mind when they named it, but it wouldn't surprise me.

[@ricebrown1]

I could watch your miniature videos all day long. Another great video for the vault!

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you like them! 👍🏻

[@Musrusticus-]

There’s a road, Hawkwood Road, and a rather nice house, Hawkwood Manor, named after him in Sible Hedingham, Essex and, of course, the DeVere’s Hedingham Castle is just a short way away in Castle Hedingham. Worth a visit, Hedingham Castle is very beautiful.

[@codycarter7638]

Sir, I LOVE your videos…your passion is contagious!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you!

[@ReneeHorth]

I’m a Minnesotan, and really enjoyed your story about the Mall of America.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Renee 👍🏻

[@Ranger5355]

Hi Kevin, This story really hit home for me. I turn 70 this year and the thought of having to carry all the weapons and equipment at my age fills me with dread and wonder. I'd like to think he rests in Essex. Well done as usual. A loyal follower, Lee

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Lee 👍🏻

[@marcoengelbracht4141]

Wow, what a story, what a man. I need to find me a book about him. Thanks for always reminding me of what I do not know yet and have to learn 😉

[@thehistorysquad]

Hawkwood: a diabolical Englishman by Frances Stonor Saunders is a great read.

[@Cormano980]

To live to 70 in that line of work that's a feat in itself, a life we speak of even after hundreds of years

[@pikiwiki]

Commentary with a tinge of the macabre gives it that soupcon of the real. The best kind of storytelling

[@80sbabejones54]

Another great model, great detail too. They're great Please keep these historical stories coming. Kevin, you make history fun and interesting. Not at all boring like i remember it at school 🎉😂

[@thehistorysquad]

That's the plan! Thanks 👍🏻

[@andrewrice2376]

A fascinating look at this man's career, from his humble beginnings as a bowman to his final amassing of rank and wealth. Very enjoyable, and, as always, very informative!

[@peterkelly1665]

Great stuff Hawkwood has a understanding of combined arms tactics! It shows that he had all the qualities of the leader and officers could do better than read and use him as a model of leadership Well done Kevin (Hakwood was a "hero of mine since I read the White company many years ago)

[@nickmail7604]

He run an earlier version of Wagner, and apart from a few fans in Italy is best remembered as such.

[@gabrielrock9446]

Another brilliantly articulated tale of valor from the master storyteller himself. Thanks, Kevin

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for listening 👍🏻

[@TheBanjoShowOfficial]

Medieval soldiers were a different kind of human. Imagine the level of gore and horror to engage someone in pure melee hand to hand, sword to sword combat, seeing limbs severed and people brutally slaughtered in battle? And then doing that for 50 years, all without the advent of modern medicine of any kind? And then surviving? Insane stuff, truly.

[@thodan467]

Just for the record, they would use likely not the sword but spear, bow, bill, poleaxe and imagine the gore when the queen of battles speaks

[@Khorne_of_the_Hill]

I'd dare say that level of carnage wrought by a modern artillery piece vastly outstrips anything they might have seen

[@chriscookesuffolk]

Another wonderful video, and the grim story of the massacre at Cesena is a reminder of how brutal we can be to each other given the right (or wrong) circumstances.

[@Christopherurich33]

Love what you do keep em coming 🦁

[@bugvswindshield]

thanks again!

[@toresque1]

Top notch as always

[@shaundavenport621]

Fascinating, thank you!😁👍

[@soma4u289]

Good story on a battle hardened warrior. Those dioramas are so realistic ,your whole presentation creates the atmosphere and magnificent efforts on your period costume selections.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks very much 👍🏻

[@iammyriad71]

Once again. Another great video. Thank you.

[@PJ35]

Loved the video!

[@hux8052]

Excellent work!

[@jodieg6318]

I’ve read a little bit on the campaigns of Hawkwood and this was another great dive. I always appreciate how you look at history and people from history, some of Hawkwood’s stories are inspiring, others are contemptuous but there’s no light with dark and vise versa. Incidentally I’m also reminded of another gang that roaming around about the same time; think you’ll do a film on the infamous Folvilles?

[@thehistorysquad]

Hi Jodie, thanks. The Folvilles, I just had to look them up, but an interesting topic for sure. I'll add it to the list 👍🏻

[@jodieg6318]

@@thehistorysquad got plenty of book titles to send your way if you like :)

[@thehistorysquad]

@@jodieg6318 Yes, that'd be helpful, thanks very much 👍🏻

[@michealgillman7418]

Fascinating...your accounts Kevin are fantastic 👏

[@lifeofmiles]

Amazing channel. Thanks for the content

[@TravisBrady-wn8fr]

Good show as always

[@SuperOtter13]

Another wonderful presentation. Thank you sir

[@jackdorsey4850]

I always learn a lot from you thanks

[@jozefklasen4319]

As always very informative and entertaining thank you sir very much

[@adamwoodhouse7865]

Love John Hawkwood, thanks Kevin, great channel

[@grantpavitt3198]

Great story thank you for sharing

[@passionforlust]

Watching now, must have been one heck of a fellow, thanks Kevin!

[@kenreeve6549]

As ever so very interesting Kevin. Merci from France

[@finolaomurchu8217]

That was very enjoyable thank you.☘️👍

[@dixiefallas7799]

Thanks again Kevin excellent.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@calliecooke1817]

I've definitely adopted a new adage from you Kevin. Take it on the toes. I've worked with several Brits, an Irishman, a Scot, Canadians, Jamacans, heck, folks from all over the British Isles and Commonwealth(I'm in Washington, D.C.) But I had never heard this one. Take it on the toes........ I love it!!!

[@garychynne1377]

humbling to know of such events. thank yew kevin.

[@paulspice4717]

Excllent as always

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks again!

[@1001CP]

Awesome pages of history! Thank you for a truly incredible story from the past that legends come from. Please keep these videos coming!!

[@Nozylatten]

love your channel!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you so much!!

[@greghelms4458]

Brilliant.

[@hemaccabe4292]

Wow, this was a great video. You can tell as many Hawkwood stories as you like and I shall watch them all quite happily.

[@fackyeahdude8069]

Absolutely thrilled to see this on the channel! One of my favourite English characters, great book by Jack Ludlow by the name 'Hawkwood' got me obsessed. Cheers for this one!

[@arthurcrego8297]

Super interesting

[@phillipallen3259]

Well done Kevin! Great story about a great Bowman! Perhaps you can do more on his life and adventures.

[@alanmackinnon3516]

Fantastic video as always.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks again!

[@kimtozer5517]

Another short but informative video. Great job.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Kim 👍🏻

[@hopatease1]

Iv seen other videos of yours but I liked this one so much I Subscribed : )

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks!

[@kevdimo6459]

Another great story Kev thanks very much mate.

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure

[@traplordgeorge5287]

Great video your channel has become one of my favorites. I especially enjoy the Medieval stuff! I also love the outfits and the models you make really makes learning alot more fun.

[@thehistorysquad]

Makes the effort all worthwhile, thank you 👍🏻

[@annemadison7258]

Brilliant video. Learnt something new about the Hundred Years War. Many of my ancestors fought in the Hundred Years War.

[@williamjohnbedford5776]

Cheers Kev, great, video, what a Bloke JOHN HAWKWOOD..

[@christophhaupt2520]

Wow! Life really authors the best stories . Thanks for telling the tale!

[@robertfrench8345]

Nice work, mate

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks!

[@kennztube]

Great story, I never knew of this character. Thanks Kevin.

[@florianpierredumont4775]

I discovered John Hawkwood's story by reading the manga based on his life. I was a student in history at that time, and I used the manga to make a lesson on the Hundred years war with my pupils. They liked it, so I agreed with the librarian to buy the manga, and wrote an article about it in the school newspaper. I e-mailed the librarian one year later, she assured me the manga have had a nice little success with other pupils. *Thank you, John Hawkwood* ! ^^

[@jenlifh2871]

Manga name?

[@anasnaufal7861]

​@@jenlifh2871Hawkwood

[@BaneFiriendly]

Do you know if Griffith, from berserker is also inspired by him? At least at the golden age arc

[@florianpierredumont4775]

@@BaneFiriendly I would bet on Lady Osca's anime for the chara design, and Arslan Senki for the background (in the West, we didn't had an anime based on Arslan until 2014 or 2015 if I remember well, but in Japan, they had it since the 80's-90's), that could explain a lot. Or maybe Miura knew about Conan Doyle's novel "the White Company" ?

[@mistersharpe4375]

​@@florianpierredumont4775 I believe one of Miura's main inspirations was a 1985 film called "Flesh and Blood", about a group of mercenaries in a medieval fantasy world. For Griffith, I think he was mostly modelled after the character Shin from "Fist of the North Star", and Ryo Asuka from "Devilman".

[@AdministrativeResults]

Another excellent video Kevin! Love your work.

[@thesilentfuzz]

So glad I found your channel. love your story telling. Going to Florence in May. I'll check it out. Ty

[@thehistorysquad]

Great stuff, so am I, thanks Jen. Oh boy, lucky you heading off to Florence. Be sure to check out the Stibbert Museum (stunning collections) and the Medici chapel where you'll see the famous relief of Hawkwood. Have a great trip 👍🏻

[@karenturcola4524]

Very interesting.

[@doofus5152]

Outstanding, Kevin! Yet another top-notch film which educates and entertains beautifully. Kudos, exhortations and greetings from Essex County, Ontario.

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, an Essex lad! Cheers 👍🏻

[@dmcarpenter2470]

Kevin: Another informative and enjoyable video, thanks. Recovering from knee replacement, good vids help, as I have to spend time inside.

[@thehistorysquad]

Oh bless, I sympathize. I hope you make a quick recovery.

[@dmcarpenter2470]

@@thehistorysquad Thank you. The other will be done in June.

[@HobbiesHobo]

Very interesting bit of history, thanks. Mike.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Mike!

[@okancanarslan3730]

Interesting story about a spectacular man and also good models!

[@JeremyFairbairn-mv3sz]

thanks kevin fantastic as always

[@fredazcarate4818]

Thank you Sir. I enjoyed your video lecture and presentation immensely. Hawkwood was more than a humble Bowman but a great Captain General of a free company that were a true band of brothers. His exploits are a true testament to both his courage and cunning. What a tale! It brings joy to an elderly gentleman heart. Kudos Sir. I await your future video on bated breath.👊👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you kindly Fred.

[@davemarks7322]

Fantastic story...fantastic story teller. Superb!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Dave!

[@resignedshore780]

Always look forward to new history quad uploads. Keep up the awesome content Kevin!

[@resignedshore780]

History squad*^

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks! Will do!

[@d.g.n9392]

Wonderful history and it’ll make me read additional stories. 🙋‍♂️🐈🐈

[@thehistorysquad]

Excellent. Having spent 50 years as a soldier, there's plenty of those 👍🏻

[@PeterDay81]

Cheers sir nice one.

[@jerrydempsey3490]

Great story.... Well done indeed. 👍

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

Complicated bloke, Giovanni Acuto. But yeah, a hard eyed killer. Good video mate.

[@petehall889]

A highly informative talk as always Kevin - many thanks.👍 One learns a great deal from your presentations, chiefly because of the way you so expressively tell the tales. It brings the events vividly to live, ably assisted by your splendid models - well done sir! I love your Hawkwood coat of arms tabard - your attention to detail is excellent. I have to say that I had little knowledge of John Hawkwood before viewing the video. My word, what a clever and resourceful man - as you say, as cunning as a fox! 🦊

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheer Pete 👍🏻

[@Sakai070]

Awesome film kev! I've always been quite interesting about him but never found much detail about his life. As you said this is just a primer really, but I for one appreciate it

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks a ton!

[@welshman8954]

How you keep finding all these amazing tales from our countrys history and all these fascinating characters you really being them back to life flawless work as always Kev diolch (thanks)🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers butty, I haven't even started on Welsh history yet 👍🏻

[@rainstand2772]

I had no idea about this man this was amazing! Bravo mr Hicks bravo

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@arthurdoucette1786]

Greetings once again from nova Scotia, thank you for another great video, top shelf as always. I gather this was an exceptional soldier, with such a long line of great bowman, standing out whould have been quite something,what a soldier.........Thanks again, be safe and as always best regards, Arthur

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Arthur 👍🏻