Mercadier

Mercadier (died 1200) was a famous Occitan warrior of the 12th century, and chief of mercenaries in the service of Richard I, King of England.

In 1183 he appears as a leader of Brabant mercenaries in Southern France. He entered King Richard's service in 1184, attacking and laying waste to lands of Aimar V of Limoges. In 1188 he managed seventeen castles captured from the Count of Toulouse. He accompanied Richard on the Third Crusade but was sent back when Philip Augustus left for France. On arrival he and his mercenaries defended Richard's estates in the latter's absence.