Mercadier facts for kids
Mercadier (died April 10, 1200) was a famous warrior from the Occitan region in the 12th century. He was a leader of a group of professional soldiers, known as mercenaries, who worked for King Richard I of England. Mercadier was known for his loyalty and skill in battle.
Mercadier first appeared as a leader of mercenaries in Southern France around 1183. He joined King Richard's service in 1184. He helped Richard by attacking and taking over lands belonging to Aimar V of Limoges. By 1188, he had captured seventeen castles from the Count of Toulouse. While some stories suggest he went with Richard on the Third Crusade, there is no real proof of this. It seems Mercadier stayed in Richard's lands with his troops to protect them while the King was away.
After King Richard returned from the Holy Land, Mercadier became his close companion and right-hand man. He traveled and fought alongside the King in many battles. King Richard often praised Mercadier's brave actions in his letters. He also gave Mercadier lands in Limousin as a reward. Mercadier fought in several wars between King Richard and King Philip Augustus of France. He battled in regions like Berry, Normandy, Flanders, and Brittany.
When King Richard was badly hurt during the siege of Châlus in March 1199, Mercadier's own doctor took care of him. After Richard's death, Mercadier stormed the castle to avenge the King. He captured the castle and punished those who had fought against Richard.
After King Richard died, Mercadier began working for Eleanor of Aquitaine, Richard's mother. He continued to lead his troops, causing damage in Gascony and the city of Angers. On April 10, 1200, Mercadier was visiting Bordeaux to meet Eleanor of Aquitaine. There, he was attacked and killed by six soldiers. These soldiers worked for Brandin, another mercenary leader who was a rival of Mercadier. Brandin was serving Richard's successor, King John Lackland.
One of the bridges at the Château Gaillard, a castle built by King Richard, is named after Mercadier. This shows his importance to King Richard and his time.
Mercadier in Stories
Mercadier has appeared in several fictional stories and films.
Books and Films
- Mercadier is featured in a series of five novels called "Les aventures de Guilhem d’Ussel" by Jean d'Aillon. In these books, he meets other mercenary leaders during the time of King Philip Augustus.
- He also appeared in the 1976 film Robin and Marian. In the movie, he played the role of Richard the Lionheart's loyal right-hand man.
- Mercadier is a major character in The Outlaw Chronicles book series by Angus Donald. He is shown as a tough mercenary leader in these stories.
