Free Companies
bands of discharged soldiers, who ravaged France after the conclusion of the peace of Bretigny, May 8, 1360. Bertrand du Guesclin, born in Britain in 1314, put himself at their head, and led them against Peter the Cruel, King of Castile, whom he dethroned in 1365, placing Henry, Count of Trastamara, on the throne. Edward the Black Prince recalled the free companies, defeated Henry at Najara, April 3, 1367, and restored Peter the Cruel, who was, however, defeated March 14, 1369, and killed by Henry of Trastamara, March 23.
FREELAND