Martin Schwartz (mercenary) facts for kids

Martin Schwartz (died 16 June 1487) was a German mercenary. A mercenary is a soldier who fights for money, not for their home country. Schwartz died in a battle called the Battle of Stoke Field. He was fighting for Lambert Simnel, who claimed he should be the King of England.

Who Was Martin Schwartz?

Martin Schwartz was born in Augsburg, a city in Germany. His father was a shoemaker. Martin was a very skilled soldier, but he was also known for being a bit proud. He became a successful military leader, organizing groups of soldiers for different wars.

A Soldier for Hire

Schwartz was a famous mercenary, meaning he led soldiers who were paid to fight. These soldiers would join armies for different rulers and countries.

Early Life and Skills

Martin Schwartz grew up in Augsburg, Germany. Even though his family was not rich, he became a very good soldier. He was known for being smart and brave in battle.

Fighting for Different Rulers

His first recorded fight was in 1475. He fought for Charles the Bold, a powerful duke from Burgundy, during the Siege of Neuss. This was a big battle where armies tried to capture a city.

Later, in 1486, a powerful leader named Maximilian hired Schwartz. Maximilian later became the Holy Roman Emperor, a very important ruler in Europe. Schwartz helped Maximilian fight against the French in the Burgundian Netherlands. He also helped stop a rebellion in a place called Flanders. Schwartz commanded 200 Swiss mercenaries in these fights.

The Fight for the English Throne

In England, there was a lot of fighting over who should be king. This time was known as the Wars of the Roses.

Supporting Lambert Simnel

A young man named Lambert Simnel claimed he was the rightful king of England. He was a "pretender," meaning he said he was the king, but many people didn't believe him. A powerful English noble, John de la Pole, 1st Earl of Lincoln, decided to support Simnel.

Lincoln's aunt, Margaret, Duchess of Burgundy, was also very powerful. She hired Martin Schwartz to help Simnel. Schwartz agreed to bring 2,000 soldiers to England to fight for Simnel.

The Battle of Stoke Field

In 1487, Martin Schwartz and his soldiers, along with Lincoln's forces, invaded England. They faced the army of King Henry VII. The two armies met at the Battle of Stoke Field. It was a very important battle. Both John de la Pole, Earl of Lincoln, and Martin Schwartz died in this battle. King Henry VII's army won, ending Simnel's claim to the throne.