The Greatest Knight That Ever Lived: William Marshal

Dan Davis History・2 minutes read

William Marshall, a highly esteemed figure in England, rose from humble beginnings to become a renowned knight and respected advisor to English monarchs, earning fame, wealth, and titles through his exceptional combat skills and unwavering loyalty. Despite facing numerous challenges and betrayals, William Marshall's legacy endures as the greatest knight of his era, known for his chivalry, honor, and pivotal role in shaping English history.

Insights

  • William Marshall, starting as a second son of a minor noble, rose to prominence through his exceptional skills in battle and tournaments, gaining fame, wealth, and titles such as Earl of Pembroke and Regent for King Henry III.
  • Despite facing setbacks like being impoverished and without prospects after peace returned to Normandy, William Marshall's determination, courage, and strategic prowess allowed him to transform his status as a knight, leading to immense wealth, social elevation, and the reputation as the greatest knight of his time.

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  • Who was William Marshall?

    A renowned knight and tournament champion.

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Summary

00:00

William Marshall: Knight's Rise to Power

  • William Marshall, a powerful and respected figure in England, died in 1219, holding titles such as Earl of Pembroke and Regent for King Henry III.
  • He earned his reputation through his prowess as a knight and tournament champion, serving various English monarchs for 51 years.
  • William Marshall's early life as a second son of a minor noble saw him destined for little inheritance, but his skills in battle and tournaments brought him fame and wealth.
  • During a period of Civil War in England known as the Anarchy, William's father, John Marshall, strategically used conflicts to advance his status and wealth.
  • John Marshall, a cunning and brutal figure, handed over his son William as a hostage to King Stephen, using it as a ploy to buy time in the conflict.
  • William Marshall's childhood included being saved from execution by King Stephen, who was moved by the boy's innocence and spared his life.
  • After King Stephen's death, William Marshall served under King Henry II, excelling in military training and being knighted at around 20 years old.
  • In his first real battle, William Marshall displayed exceptional skill and bravery, fighting valiantly despite being wounded and losing his horse.
  • Despite his impressive performance in battle, William Marshall found himself impoverished and without prospects after peace returned to Normandy.
  • William Marshall's future seemed uncertain as he was left without a lord, home, or funds, contemplating his next steps as an impoverished knight.

14:06

William Marshall: Rise from Knight to Champion

  • William Marshall chose not to seek an easy life in his brother's shadow, selling his cloak for 22 shillings to buy a horse and set out to seek his fortune.
  • Participating in 12th-century tournaments, William faced mock battles with knights, aiming to win glory, wealth, and prisoners for ransom.
  • William's success in his first tournament, capturing valuable prisoners with daring horsemanship, led to financial success and transformed his status as a knight.
  • Returning to England after gaining fame and wealth, William found service with his maternal uncle, the Earl of Salisbury, who was called to support a campaign in Aquitaine.
  • William faced a different kind of warfare in Aquitaine, engaging in brutal sorties to hurt enemies through plundering and destruction of economic bases.
  • During an ambush, William's uncle, the Earl of Salisbury, was killed, leading William to valiantly seek revenge, fighting fiercely despite being gravely wounded and ultimately taken prisoner.
  • Ransomed by Eleanor of Aquitaine, William joined her retinue, serving as a skilled and courageous knight, accompanying her to England and attending the coronation of her son, Henry.
  • William was appointed as the young King Henry's tutor in arms, guiding him in matters of combat and becoming inseparable companions, with William's guidance leading to the young king's growth in honor and esteem.
  • Young King Henry's rebellion against his father, King Henry II, saw William Marshall choosing loyalty to the young king, renewing his oath despite the risks and remaining loyal throughout the conflict.
  • William's reputation and wealth grew significantly through tournament successes, becoming a renowned champion with exceptional horsemanship, combat skills, and strategic prowess, leading to immense wealth and social elevation.

27:56

William Marshall: Loyalty, Honor, and Chivalry

  • William Marshall's coat of arms featured a Red Lion rampant against a green and gold field.
  • William and the young king were close friends for around 12 years until a rumor accused William of betting Henry's wife, Queen Marguerite, leading to a rift between them.
  • In 1182, William asked for a trial by combat to prove his innocence, but Henry refused, resulting in William being banished from the household.
  • William became a free agent and entered a bidding war for his service, eventually returning to the young king's side due to the need for his help in a family conflict.
  • The young king passed away in June 1183, asking William to fulfill his vow of undertaking a crusade to the Holy Land, showcasing William's loyalty and honor.
  • William traveled to Jerusalem, befriending the Knights Templar and hospitaler, making a secret promise to the Templars.
  • William returned to Normandy and was granted a place in King Henry II's household, navigating the cutthroat court environment with careful equivocation.
  • William's loyalty to the crown won him favor with the king, who granted him his first estate in Lancashire in 1186, marking his emergence as a noble in England.
  • William advised the king on military strategies, leading to a campaign in the duchy of Berry in central France in 1188, where he played a crucial role in the conflict.
  • After King Henry II's death, William remained loyal to Richard the Lionheart, even engaging in a single combat with Richard to protect the fleeing king, showcasing his unwavering loyalty and chivalry.

42:36

William Marshall: Greatest Knight of His Time

  • In 1203, John abandoned Normandy due to sustained assault, with William Marshall leaving with him.
  • During negotiations with Philip, William paid homage to keep his Norman lands, angering John and causing a rift.
  • John's habit of mistreating nobility led to alienation and difficulties throughout his reign.
  • In 1207, John targeted Ireland, clashing with William's interests in expanding his authority there.
  • John humiliated William publicly, leading to a conflict where William's wife and knights defended their Irish lands successfully.
  • William's loyalty was tested when three knights were summoned to court, leading to a confrontation where they chose to defend William's lands.
  • William supported young Henry over King Louis during a civil war, securing the crown for Henry III and passing away in 1219, leaving a legacy as the greatest knight of his time.
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