Bayard, Pierre Terrail, seigneur de

(1474-1524)

   nobleman, military leader

   Known in legend and tradition as "chevalier sans peur et sans reproche" (fearless and blameless knight), Pierre Terrail, seigneur de Bayard, considered a model of chivalry, was born in Dauphiné, near Grenoble. As a young soldier, he came to the attention of Charles VIII, and was knighted for his bravery after the battle of Fornovo in Italy (1495). He was cited for contributing to louis xii's conquest of Milanais (1499-1500) and distinguished himself in the defense of the bridge at Garigliano (1503) against a spanish force, and in the battle against the Venetians at Agnadel (1509). Such was Bayard's reputation for valor that several incredible stories were told of him, including one in which he single-handedly defended a bridge against 200 of the enemy. He was captured twice, but his chivalrous character and reputation secured his release without a ransom payment. During the war between Francis I of France and Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, Bayard held the fortress town of Me-zières with only 1,000 men for six weeks, against a force of 35,000. He also played a part in the decisive victory of Marignan (1515). Bayard was mortally wounded while covering the retreat at the Sesia River in Italy.