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wlio was often a member of one of the important guilds and might also be of knightly rank. Another method of supplementing the normal feudal array was the fief rente, or annuity, but this again fell out of use after 1360.

The motivation of aristocratic feudal forces was as traditional as their systems of recruitment; morale, esprit de corps and self-identity were maintained though increasingly lavish and elaborate behaviour. Warfare also remained a major route to social and financial advancement, the mystique of the homme armees resting on the fact that he or his ancestors had won famę or wealth through their military prowess. The cult heroes of this warlike class included the Neuf Preux, the nine most worthy warriors of ancient literaturę and morę recent history - Hector, Alexander, Caesar, Joshua, David, Judas Maccabeus, Arthur, Charlemagne and Geoffrey de Bouillon - in addition to the traditional warrior Saints Michael, George and Maurice. By the 15th century contemporary heroes had also been added: the Black Prince, Bertrand du Guesclin, Boucicault, Don Pedro Nino, Jacques de Lalaing and others whose deeds were recorded in chivalric biographies.

Fighting alongside this feudal elite were professional soldiers hired under contact, who were usually from the same social background. Since this contractual system proved much morę reliable it soon superceded almost all other forms of recruitment. By 1350 contracts, verbal or written, might govern the hiring of soldiers and household Staff, nobles and commoners. The English system of fuli indenture, incorporating a Tetaining fee’, was, however, rarely seen in France. The Company of the Lord of Beaumanoir, contracted by the French king in 1351, may have been typical, consisting of four knights, 18 squires and 30 archers or crossbowmen. Most cavalry in such companies seem to have been members of a minor aristocracy whose fiefs provided them witli only meagre incomes, and sińce warfare was the only proper ‘work’ for a gentleman many became professional soldiers. Most of their leaders were from the established aristocracy, however, suggesting that the internal structure of these companies reflected feudal society. Nevertheless, sonie later 14th century company leaders were known only by their places of origin, suggesting that they were of humble or illegidmate birth.

Then there were foreign mercenaries, though in reality this term is misleading because most foreign troops were from States which bad especially close relations with the French crown. This would have included the famous Genoese crossbowmen and Castilian fleets. Troops of Imperial origin included the men-at-arms provided by the Bishop of Liege, each man receiving 15,000 livres plus 50 liitres for each day’s service. In addition a senior banneret got 40 sous, a simple banneret 20, a knight ten and a squire five sous in advance for each month’s service for as long as required. They agreed to hand their prisoners over to the king, but could keep the captives’ horses and armour. If they themselves were captured the French king promised to ransom them, and all horses lost on campaign would similarly be replaced.

The most famous infantry in the French armies during the first decades of the Hundred Years War were, of course, Genoese crossbowmen. In addition there were Genoese foot sergeants, and other Italian ragacins (ragazzini) from the Alps who probably served as light

The only surviving original statuę of a member of the Gent militia, madę around 1340, which once decorated the famous Belfry. These have now been replaced by replicas. (Stonework Museum, St Bavon’s Church, Gent)