Glad you found us! You have NOT been "bugging the snot" out of "poor Wilhelm", he's very much enjoying your correspondence!

Jeff and I are are the only active RedCo. participants on this board, although I know at least 3 RedCo. members lurk here.

Although female centered, I think "The Book of Good women" has a host of fascinating details on urban life in Germany in the 13th- 15th C.

It's at the house and I'll post the URL when I get home.

How about being Flemish? That's a very plausible portrayal for the RedCo.

Welcome to the boards, and we look forward to having you participate with us!

Gwen
Captain's wife
The Red Company - 1471

Actually, a large number of the "German" mercenaries employed by Charles the Bold were of Swiss origin - regardless of the 1476-77 war.

In the last two battles with Charles, the Swiss were functioning as Mercenary auxilliaries of Duke Rene of Lorraine, and fought alongside Imperial troops as well (and French troops present - contravening Louis XI's treaty with Charles following the inconclusive 1472 conflict over the Somme towns). Grandson was the only battle in the last trio fought in which the Swiss were fighting alone and for the Confederation.

I would be seriously surprised if there were no Swiss (mercenaries) present in Charles army during his last battles - not many, but some I'd wager. What I wouldn't give to have unrestricted access to the surviving pay documents and a skilled translator...

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Bob R.

"The Legend of Good Women- Medieval women in towns and cities"
Erika Uitz
ISBN 1-55921 013 3
Moyer Bell, Limited, Mt. kisco, NY

"...fascinating and varied accounts of individual women and movements contributing to the rise of an urban middle class, and to the power that women gradually assumed."

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"Private life in the 15th C.- Illustrated letters of the Paston family"
Edited by Roger Virgoe
ISBN 1-55584-270-4
Weidenfield & Nicholson

"...Contemporary illustrations and current photographs relate the people to the places that they lived. Special features expand on issues raised in the correspondence. They bring history to life by taking you inside a 15th C. home or prisons, by describing the concerns of rural life or the role of religion, by itemizing the daily concerns of a housewife, or by commenting on 15th C. attitudes to love, sex, marriage, learning and the law."
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Although covering a bit later, Jamie might recommend "The Burgermeister's daughter", since it covers Germany. Speaking of which, I'll go dig out "3 Behaim Boys" and see if that looks like it might be helpful.

"The Legend of Good Women- Medieval women in towns and cities" by Erika Uitz

is currently out of print. However, if you use a book search engine, my fav Addall.com, you can find several Hardbound copies in near mint condition for a reasonable price.

http://www.addall.com/used

Use the Authors last name in the author field. Sometimes this is the best method, and medieval women in the Keywords field.

I think that would be ultimately cool. One of the things that many medieval groups are missing is music. I don't have my home "bookmarks" otherwise I would post some of the ones we have.

Good luck. I am sure you will find "tons" o' help with suggestions for getting started.