Ecorcheurs

By Crusader1307

The Ecorcheurs were a type of Bandit that roamed 14th Century France. Born from the chaos and carnage of The Hundred Year War, these Men lived off Villages and Towns destroyed in Battles. They robbed and looted as a means of payment and survival. Their name means “Flayers”. Some Historians cite that The Ecorcheurs were actually Mercenaries who where left without means after a particular Noble was killed and his Army disbanded. As such, these Men were well trained in tactics. With the many Truces and Treaties between France and England – eventually The French Armies and later Constabularies were able to curb much of The Ecorcheurs activity. In some instances, Mercenaries were hired to pursue and bring to justice many of their ex-Associates – turned Bandits.