Griff Hosker Popular Books
Griff Hosker Biography & Facts
Sir John Hawkwood (c. 1323 – 17 March 1394) was an English soldier who served as a mercenary leader or condottiero in Italy. As his name was difficult to pronounce for non-English-speaking contemporaries, there are many variations of it in the historical record. He often referred to himself as Haukevvod and in Italy, he was known as Giovanni Acuto, literally meaning "John Sharp" (or "John the Astute") in reference to his "cleverness or cunning". His name was Latinised as Johannes Acutus ("John Sharp"). Other recorded forms are Aucgunctur, Haughd, Hauvod, Hankelvode, Augudh, Auchevud, Haukwode and Haucod. His exploits made him a man shrouded in myth in both England and Italy. Much of his enduring fame results from the surviving large and prominent fresco portrait of him in the Duomo, Florence, made in 1436 by Paolo Uccello, seen every year by 4½ million tourists. Early life Hawkwood is believed to have been born in about 1323 at Sible Hedingham in Essex, the second son of Gilbert Hawkwood. Modern accounts often incorrectly portray him as living in poverty as a child, but Gilbert Hawkwood was, in reality, a tanner and minor landowner of "considerable wealth".: 33 His father had property in both Sible Hedingham and Finchingfield.: 33 Other sources state that his father was a tailor, but this was likely a mistranslation from his Italianized name, Acuto (or sharp, as in needles). Lack of information has created many myths about his childhood. For example, the Florentine chronicler Filippo Villani claimed that the reason his last name was "Hawkwood" was because when his mother was in labour she demanded to give birth in a forest. However, he did not reside at his parental home for long, and he moved to London to be apprenticed to a tailor. Career Hawkwood began his career in the Hundred Years' War in France under King Edward III as a longbowman.: 38 It has been argued that he participated in both the Battle of Crécy in 1346 and the Battle of Poitiers in 1356.: 41 After Poitiers, he joined the White Company, an infamous band of mercenaries, with whom he crossed into Italy in 1361 and became its captain in 1363. Although Hawkwood was knighted, there is no clear evidence by whom or where. Some sources say he was knighted by the Black Prince after the Battle of Poitiers, but there is no historical record of this. In Italy, however, all major condottieri were classified as knights. After arriving in Italy he fought for numerous factions such as the Pope, Milan and Florence for the rest of his life, ending his career in Florence. During Hawkwood's career he was usually paid in gold florins, the most widely used currency of the time. In the 30 years that he served as a captain, Hawkwood's earnings ranged between 6,000 and 80,000 florins annually (in comparison, a skilled Florentine craftsman at the same time earned 30 florins a year). Mercenary in France After the Treaty of Brétigny on 8 May 1360, many free companies began to form. The largest, the Great Company (later popularly known as the White Company or the English Company), was formed in eastern France. Hawkwood joined this and eventually rose to be its commander. During his time, the band moved to Champagne, Burgundy, and eventually Avignon. The company seized Pont-Saint-Esprit near Avignon on the night of 28 or 29 December 1360, ultimately holding it for three months. This blocked the collection point for taxes to pay for the ransom of King John, who was taken in the Battle of Poitiers. Initially, Pope Innocent VI wrote to the group seeking peace, in a letter which identified Hawkwood as its leader. The group was unresponsive to the Pope's plea and continued to harass the fort, which resulted in the company's excommunication. In March 1361, the company and the Pope made peace through a deal to contract them to fight for him "across the Pyrenees in Spain and across the Alps in Italy", with the promise of guaranteed military service, thus splitting the group.: 45 Hawkwood joined the group travelling to Italy. However, before the company arrived in Italy under papal orders, it joined the Marquis of Montferrat and his war against Amadeus VI, ruling count of Savoy. It successfully attacked Savigliano and Rivarolo, and remained in Savoyan territory for a year. Amadeus made his last stand in 1362 in Lanzo and lost to the company. This victory motivated the Marquis of Montferrat to sign a contract with the company on 22 November, stating they would now fight the Visconti under him.: 51–55 Serving Italian factions Hawkwood and his company arrived in Italy during the power vacuum following the Great Schism of the papacy, and many different political figures were vying for power. The Pisan–Florentine War was the beginning of Hawkwood's military career there, as he assumed command of the Pisan army in the winter of 1364–65, at the age of almost forty.: 97 The Battle of Cascina determined the war. Before the war, John Hawkwood and the Pisan army had met at Malatesta. Hawkwood's tactics in this battle are what distinguished him as a military commander, even though he lost it. He took account of the terrain and conditions of the battlefield and positioned his army accordingly. However, the turning point came when the opposing commander ordered an enveloping move that cut Hawkwood off from the rest of his army. Hawkwood ordered his army to retreat. The modern perception of the battle is romanticised, as it is claimed as a heroic stand against great odds. Yet the defeat is likely to have been due to young, undisciplined soldiers fighting on Hawkwood's side.: 109–113 The second telling battle in Hawkwood's career was Rubiera on 2 June 1372, fought between papal forces and Bernabò Visconti. Both sides had concluded a formal truce, but in reality, they were gathering more troops. Hawkwood and Visconti commanded a force of a thousand lancers with no infantry. The papal forces were larger: 1,200 lancers as well as infantry. Hawkwood outflanked and outmanoeuvred his enemy and took most of the high-ranking officers captive. The victory shows Hawkwood's ability as a commander, although it had no significant political results and ended in a truce between the Visconti and the Pope.: 141–143 One of Hawkwood's more important roles was in the Great Raid on Tuscany, which shows the connections of the condottiere and the political prosperity of the Italian states. The raid led directly to war between Florence and Gregory XI and boosted Hawkwood's career in fame and wealth. Frustrated by not being paid by the Pope, Hawkwood marched along the Via Emilia towards Tuscany and Florence. Two Tuscan ambassadors met him to conclude a truce, for which they paid him 130,000 florins.: 164 He continued to march through various territories, such as Pisa, Siena and Arezzo, where he continually pressed for money. Many believed these raids were under orders from the Pope, and so they led to a defensive league between Florence and Milan. Siena, Pisa,.... Discover the Griff Hosker popular books. 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Saxon Blood
Griff HoskerThe last Warlord of Rheged is faced with a dilemma. His brothers are besieged by the Saxons and he has to travel through hostile territory to rescue them. He is embroiled in a war ...
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Henry II
Griff HoskerBook 13 in the Anarchy Series.With the civil war seeming to be never ending, the Warlord and Duke Henry decide on a bold strategy which pits the men of the north against the might ...
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Crusader
Griff HoskerBook 14 in the Anarchy Series.William of Stockton, the son of the Warlord, is heading to the Holy Land to do penance. He is leaving a world that he knows and entering a new one. Th...
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Viking Blood
Griff HoskerThe comfortable world of Jarl Dragonheart is about to be shattered as a ghost from the past leaves Norway to settle a blood feud. The Clan of the Wolf had defeated Saxons and Danes...
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Viking Dragon
Griff HoskerJarl Dragonheart and his men raid Lundenwic and bring back a great amount of treasure but they also bring trouble. He incurs the hatred of a Danish clan who kidnap Aiden and seek t...
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English Knight
Griff HoskerThe throne of England is slipping from King Henry’s grasp. His only son has drowned in the English Channel and the predators are gathering ready to devour both England and Normandy...
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Saxon Throne
Griff HoskerWith King Edwin dead the Welsh and their Mercian allies rule Britain but it is short lived. When King Cadwallon and the Warlord fall out the land is divided once more. Leaders figh...
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Dieppe
Griff HoskerLieutenant Harsker and his elite Commandos are given no respite as they are sent behind enemy lines to help the Canadians on the ill fated attack at Dieppe. After escaping, by the ...
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Leader of Men
Griff HoskerBetrayal by friend and foe alike beset Sir John Hawkwood as he enters the murky world of Italian politics. He will emerge from the experience as a true leader of men but first he h...
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Hrolf the Viking
Griff HoskerHrolf the young Viking has left the service of Jarl Dragonheart and sails with Jarl Gunnar Thorfinnson. When they find a home off the Frankish coast they begin to accumulate a vast...
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Baron of the North
Griff HoskerWith the Empress Matilda about to marry the Count of Anjou, Alfraed is thrown into a world of intrigue and treachery as he tries to hold on to the North. When he succeeds he finds ...
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Viking Enemy
Griff HoskerWith his son, Wolf Killer, now in Valhalla, Dragonheart looks to secure his land as he finds enemies all around him. hen his borders are safe he leaves his home to sail far away wh...
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Saxon England
Griff HoskerThe Saxons have surrounded Rheged and only the Warlord of Rheged and his men stand between them and the annihilation of the last survivors of Britain. Fighting not only the Saxons ...
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Viking Wrath
Griff HoskerDragon Heart's daughter and daughter in law had been kidnapped. He has to to search for them in the lands and the seas of his enemies. He faces enemies with magical powers as well ...
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Tuscan Warlord
Griff HoskerSir John Hawkwood has almost all that he needs. He is the most respected and feared mercenary leader in Italy but he is surrounded by those who would do him and his family harm. He...
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Viking Clan
Griff Hosker60 years on from Viking Slave, Dragonheart sets sail once more!The legendary Jarl Dragonheart grows old but the fire still burns within him to make his land and clan secure. Taking...
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Earl
Griff HoskerAlfraed is now the Earl of Cleveland but his new position throws him into a world of intrigue. There are plots and coups as the enemies of England try to wrest the land from King H...
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Saxon Dawn
Griff HoskerThe Romans have abandoned Britannia to the barbarians. The land is overrun by Saxons and Angles. Three brothers are left as orphans as their family and settlement is slaughtered. T...
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Viking Witch
Griff HoskerJarl Dragonheart's granddaughter has almost come of age and is becoming a powerful witch. The Skull Taker clan wish to take revenge for the death of their own witch at Snorri's han...
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Viking Kingdom
Griff HoskerJarl Dragon Heart leaves the Isle of Man to go raiding. Beset by enemies both Viking and Saxon he has to rely on the Ulfheonar and his own skills to see him through. As a harsh win...
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Sword for Hire
Griff HoskerWhen his father is killed at Arsuf protecting King Richard, Thomas is knighted. His hopes of inheriting his family's manor are dashed when Prince John takes power in his brother's ...
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Viking Vengeance
Griff HoskerWhile Jarl Dragonheart raids the Empire his homeland is attacked. Taking his warriors he embarks on a war of revenge. He takes on the might of Wessex. When he discovers he has been...
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Viking Jarl
Griff HoskerThe Dragon Heart has come of age and sets off with his Ulfheonar to fight the Saxons. A chance visit to a cave brings him face to face with his past and changes his life forever. F...
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Saxon Slayer
Griff HoskerThe Warlord of Rheged is summoned to meet the Emperor of Byzantium where had and Myrddyn become embroiled in Eastern conspiracies. It is there he learns the truth about his sword, ...
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Irish War
Griff HoskerThis is the story of how Richard de Clare, Count of Striguil, aided by the Warlord took three hundred knights and carved out a kingdom for himself in Ireland. The Kingdom of Leinst...
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Breakout
Griff HoskerDday is over but the Germans still have the allies ringed in a foothold in Normandy. The Commandos are tasked with going behind enemy line to destroy a fuel dump. They become part ...
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Viking Treasure
Griff HoskerThe son of an old enemy plots the downfall of Jarl Dragonheart and not only his life but that of his family are threatened. Forced to fight off Norse, Danes, Franks and Frisians hi...
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Knight of the Empress
Griff HoskerAlfraed of Norton is given the task of protecting the Empress Matilda back to the Emperor, her husband. He and his men have to fight enemies, bandits and treachery from within as t...
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Saxon Revenge
Griff HoskerIt is the end of Roman Britain and King Aella is engaged in a death struggle with the last Kings of Britannia. Even though Lord Lann, the Wolf Warrior, is undefeated, there is trea...
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Viking Storm
Griff HoskerThe Dragonheart makes a journey to the top of the highest mountain in his land. He discovers a wolf cub which is close to death. He brings it back to health and it becomes part of ...
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The Battle for Antwerp
Griff HoskerWith Paris in Allied hands it seems as though the war is almost over but when the Airborne Brigade fail to capture Arnhem then Tom and his Commandos become part of the force which ...
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The Perfect Knight
Griff HoskerWith a legend for a grandfather, it is hard to live up to not only men’s expectations but also those of the king. Sir Samuel of Stockton is a great knight but any chance of peace i...
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Sword Beach
Griff HoskerDDay is approaching and the Commandos are needed not only to attack the Atlantic all but to discover what will be waiting for them when they do attack. Based on actual battlefield ...
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Housecarl
Griff HoskerSet in the years before the Battle of Hastings the story follows the trials and tribulations of Aelfraed, a young boy who aspires to be a warrior. When his uncle, Aethelward, takes...
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Saxon Slaughter
Griff HoskerThe Warlord of Rheged receives news that there is a new king of Northumbria and he takes an army north to Rheged to confront him. Although he defeats the king in battle another Sax...
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Viking Slave
Griff HoskerA Dragonheart is born!Book One in the Dragonheart series.A young Saxon boy and his mother are captured in a Viking raid. Fate transforms his destiny and, thanks to an ageing onearm...
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Viking Wolf
Griff HoskerJarl Dragon Heart has taken to the seas. With his wolf warriors he raids further afield than ever before as he seeks his destiny. He has to fight new enemies as well as treacherous...
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Magna Carta
Griff HoskerThe Earl of Cleveland has managed to put himself in King John’s good graces just at the time when other barons decide to rebel. They seek more land and power. The newly appointed E...
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Kingmaker
Griff HoskerWhen the Earl of Gloucester suddenly dies and the Empress Matilda is forced to return to Normandy it seems that the civil war is about to end and Stephen of Blois will have succeed...
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Enemy at the Gate
Griff HoskerThe Scots have decided to take advantage of the Civil War in England and King David invades. The only opposition to his mighty army of 26,000 men is the Warlord of the North and an...
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Blood on the Blade
Griff HoskerWhen the world in which you live is ruled by a tyrant then there is only one choice; you must sail beyond the edge of the world.Erik and his family are Norse who live on the island...
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Raider
Griff HoskerIt is 1940 and Britain is fighting alone against the Germans. With the RAF fighting above the skies of England it is down to the Commandos to go back to France and cause as much tr...
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The White Company
Griff HoskerPoitiers was in the past but it changed the life of Sir John Hawkwood for he gained his spurs and that was another step on his journey. Once he realised that he had more ambition t...
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The King is Dead
Griff HoskerThere are plots to invade England and Normandy. There are assassination attempts and the only man who can stop all of these is the Earl of Cleveland. Moving from Scotland to Norman...
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Return of the Knight
Griff HoskerSir Thomas and his new bride, Lady Margaret, have been forced to leave the Baltic. They cannot go to England and so he heads for Anjou where he hopes to take over the old manor of ...
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Viking Warrior
Griff HoskerThe Vikings on the Island of Man are set on revenge. Their families have been kidnapped and taken to Ireland. To rescue them they find themselves fighting not only Hibernian warrio...