Background
Bayard was born in 1473 at the Château Bayard, Dauphiné (near Pontcharra, Isère) in southern France. The descendant of a noble family, the head of which had fallen in battle in nearly every generation for two centurie.
Bayard was born in 1473 at the Château Bayard, Dauphiné (near Pontcharra, Isère) in southern France. The descendant of a noble family, the head of which had fallen in battle in nearly every generation for two centurie.
In 1490 he took service as a man-at-arms in the household of Louis de Luxembourg, the seigneur de Ligny (November 1490); a favorite of King Charles VIII of France.
He accompanied his sovereign, Charles VIII, to Italy. This campaign is now known as the Italian War of 1494–1498.
At the Battle of Garigliano he single-handedly defended the bridge of the Garigliano against 200 Spaniards, an exploit that brought him such renown that Pope Julius II tried unsuccessfully to entice him into his service.
In 1508, Bayard accompanied King Louis XII against rebellious Genoa. In the battle that broke the back of the rebellion, Bayard played the role of champion and spearhead in the French assault.
He was also conspicuous for valor and energy throughout the Italian campaigns of Louis XII and Francis I. His defense of Mezieres, France, against the superior army of Charles V gave Francis I time to collect his forces and expel the invaders in 1521.
Bayard was mortally wounded at Robecco in Italy, April 30, 1524.
He was noted for the exactitude and completeness of his information on the enemy's movements, which he obtained by careful reconnaissance and a well-arranged system of espionage. In the long history of mounted warfare, he rates highly as one of the greatest cavalry leaders of all time.
The king made him a knight of the Order of Saint Michael, and commander in his own name of 100 gens d'armes, an honour until then reserved for princes of the blood.
As a youth, Terrail was distinguished for his looks, charming manner, and skill in the tilt-yard.
His gaiety and kindness won him, even more frequently, another name bestowed by his contemporaries, le bon chevalier.
