John Creswey facts for kids
John Creswey was an English captain who led groups of soldiers during the Hundred Years War. When the war slowed down, he and his men became part of a larger group of unemployed soldiers. These groups, sometimes called the "Tard-Venus," traveled through the French countryside. They often took supplies from towns to survive.
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John Creswey: A Medieval Captain
John Creswey was a skilled leader of soldiers, known as a mercenary captain. Mercenaries are soldiers who fight for money, rather than for their home country. Creswey fought during the Hundred Years War, a long conflict between England and France.
What Happened After the War?
When the fighting in the Hundred Years War paused, many soldiers like Creswey and his men found themselves without jobs. To survive, they formed large groups. These groups were sometimes called the "Tard-Venus," which means "latecomers." They moved across the French countryside, taking what they needed from towns and villages.
Because of these groups, the Pope at the time, Innocent VI in Avignon, called for a special action against them. He wanted to stop the groups from causing trouble.
Marching Towards Avignon
After taking supplies from areas like Mâcon, Lyon, and Forez, Creswey joined forces with other leaders. These included Naudon de Bageran, Francois Hennequin, Espiote, Robert Briquet, and Camus Bour. Together, they decided to march towards Avignon.
Avignon was a very rich city and home to the Pope and many important religious leaders called cardinals. The city was not well protected. The combined groups hoped to take control of Avignon and perhaps hold the Pope and cardinals for a ransom.
The Battle of Montpensier
On June 3, 1362, Creswey's large group faced a strong army. This army was made up of 400 soldiers from Spain and Castile, led by Henry of Trastamara. Henry later became the King of Castile and León.
The two armies met at a place called Montpensier. In the battle, Creswey's forces were defeated.
Creswey's Story in History
John Creswey's actions and the events involving the "Tard-Venus" are mentioned in the famous historical book, the Chronicles of Froissart. This book tells many stories from the Hundred Years War.
