Raoul de Gaucourt

Raoul de Gaucourt, also known as the Sieur de Gaucort or Sire de Gaucourt (c. 1370–1461) was a French soldier and statesman. He fought at the Battle of Nicopolis in 1396 and the Siege of Harfleur in 1415, and spent 10 years as a prisoner in England. He was described by Juliet Barker in 2005 as "a medieval chivalric hero whom the modern world has forgotten". Early life and background Born c. 1370, Gaucourt came from a noble family from Picardy. The family was loyal to the House of Armagnac, and Gaucourt had "strong personal connections" with Charles, Duke of Orléans, Charles I d'Albret and Marshal Boucicaut. Military career Early career Gaucourt fought at the Battle of Nicopolis in 1396, and was knighted on that battlefield at the age of 26. He was captured and ransomed during the battle.