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William Marshal - The Perfect Knight Documentary

The People Profiles・48 minutes read

William Marshall's life was marked by battles, tournaments, and political intrigue in the 12th century, where he excelled as a Knight and gained fame through various victories and alliances. From his early training to becoming a trusted member of the royal entourage, William Marshall navigated complex relationships and military campaigns, culminating in his pivotal role in shaping English history with the Magna Carta and his loyalty to the crown after King John's death.

Insights

  • William Marshall, starting as a Knight, rose to prominence through tournaments, capturing opponents and gaining wealth, eventually becoming a trusted member of the royal entourage.
  • William Marshall played a crucial role in English history, supporting King Richard I and later King John, securing loyalty from Irish nobles, negotiating key events like the Magna Carta, and remaining loyal to the crown even after King John's death.

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  • Who was considered the greatest Knight?

    William Marshall

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Summary

00:00

William Marshall: The Greatest Knight of England

  • In the 12th century, two armies of Knights in northern France engage in a mass tournament rather than a deadly battle.
  • William Marshall, considered the greatest Knight, was born around 1146 or 1147 in England to John Marshall and Civil of Salsbury.
  • William's childhood was marked by education, and he trained under William of Ton Carville in Normandy to become a Knight.
  • Knights were expected to excel in various areas, including combat, chivalry, and military planning, requiring significant financial backing.
  • In 1166, William Marshall completed his training and faced his first battle in Normandy against invading forces at N Chatel Ombre.
  • Despite initial success in battle, William was left behind in enemy territory, leading to a challenging situation with injuries and loss of assets.
  • Expelled from his retinue, William turned to the tournament circuit, where he excelled, capturing opposing Knights and gaining wealth and equipment.
  • William returned to England in 1167 or 1168, joining his Uncle Earl Patrick of Salsbury's retinue and later protecting Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine in France.
  • During an ambush in 1168, William fought bravely, was captured, and held captive until Eleanor paid a ransom for his release.
  • William's close relationship with Queen Eleanor and King Henry the Young King solidified his position as a trusted member of the royal entourage, leading to further political turmoil and rebellion in the kingdom.

15:41

Young Henry's Rebellion and William's Rise

  • Young Henry, fearing his father's knowledge of his planned insurrection, gathered a powerful alliance in Paris with his brothers Richard and Jeffrey, William Marshall, King William of Scotland, and Count Matthew of Boulogne.
  • In June 1173, young Henry led an invasion of Normandy from France, failing to capture strategic targets like Rua and Néchatel, leading to a stalemate.
  • Young Henry's failed invasion forced him to invade England in May 1174, capturing Norwich and prompting Henry II to return to England.
  • King William of Scotland's capture spurred Henry II to defeat all rebel forces in England and France, leading to the surrender of the insurgents.
  • Despite his son's actions, Henry II was magnanimous, allowing young Henry to travel the kingdom under close watch, eventually entering the tournament circuit in France.
  • William and young Henry's tournament team became renowned for capturing over 500 knights, gaining immense wealth and fame by 1177.
  • Young Henry's death in June 1183 led to the collapse of the rebel movement in Aquitaine, with William fulfilling his last wish by carrying his cloak to Jerusalem.
  • William spent two years in the Levant, fighting to defend Latin territory from Saladin, before returning to England in 1186 and being appointed a member of King Henry II's household.
  • William excelled at court life, gaining favor with the king, land at Cartmel, and forming his own retinue of knights, including John of Earley and Jeffrey Fitz Robert.
  • In 1189, William defended Limo against a French invasion, engaging in a bloody melee and charging at Richard the Lionheart, leading to an inconclusive battle and Henry II's retreat.

30:56

Richard I: Rise, Reign, and Challenges

  • Henry II escaped to Shenon Castle in great physical pain, leaving his city ruined and smoking under the control of the captains.
  • Henry realized his impending death and negotiated peace terms with Philip and Richard, confirming Richard as his successor and compensating the captains with 20,000 marks.
  • Devastated to find his son John's name on the list of traitors, Henry died in agony on July 6, 1189, with Richard succeeding him as king.
  • Richard forgave William Marshall for charging him off his horse, forming a powerful alliance by supporting William's marriage to Isabel of Clair.
  • Richard was crowned King on September 3, 1189, and planned a new crusade to recapture Jerusalem, empowering John with castles and land.
  • Richard left for the Levant in July 1190, leaving William as a key noble in England, focusing on family and expanding his influence.
  • Richard's imprisonment by Duke Leopold I of Austria led to John assuming an unofficial kingship, negotiating with Philip and marrying Isabella of Gloucester.
  • William and Eleanor of Aquitaine led a faction against John, successfully negotiating Richard's release and shifting power dynamics in favor of the captains.
  • Richard reclaimed his kingdom, with William capturing Bristol Castle, leading to a series of victories against the French with William's support.
  • William Marshall faced challenges from John, disobeying orders to fight in France, leading to a loss of control over his territories and a confrontation with the king in 1207.

45:57

Decline of King Jon's Regime

  • August 1212: Insurrection in Wales diverts King Jon's army intended for France
  • William Marshall secures loyalty of 26 Irish Nobles, crucial for King Jon's support
  • Early 1213: Pope Innocent III commands Philip to invade England, sparking a potential crusade
  • 1214: Coalition invasion of Capian land fails, signaling the decline of Jon's regime
  • June 1215: Magna Carta limits crown's power, with William Marshall playing a key role in negotiations
  • October 1216: King John's death leads to Prince Louie of France's advance, supported by rebel Barons; William Marshall remains loyal to the crown
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