A question for our Medieval and/or Renaissance Europe experts and enthusiasts. Did such men exist in during this time? If so, when (during what timeframe) and where (across Christendom, only in parts, or only during times of conflict)?
I'm not talking about full mercenary companies -- I know medieval and early modern Europe had those. I'm talking about individual mercenaries: men more or less on their own with just a weapon, of low or foreign birth, who just offered their services to whoever paid/fed them. (And yes, I'm picturing Bronn from Game of Thrones, if that helps.)