William Marshal (1146-1217) was possibly the greatest knight in history. William is the classic underdog story of knighthood. William was the son of a minor nobleman named John Marshal. With no lands or titles to the family name, William went to his uncle`s manor to begin his training as a Knight-Errant.
Under his uncle he went on multiple campaigns into French Normandy where he gained fame as a great fighter. He was knighted in 1166 while on one of those campaigns. After that he competed in multiple knightly tournaments where he was incredibly successful. These events were incredibly dangerous, tournaments could kill, injure and bankrupt young knights. However, young Marshal managed to make his claim to fame here, besting over 500 knights in his career.
While again on campaign with his uncle, he was ambushed and captured. He was ransomed by the famous Eleanor of Aquitaine, who integrated him into the English royal family. Where he advised and fought for 5 different kings, including Richard the Lionheart and King John. He was present for both signings of the Magna Carta and earned multiple titles. At the advanced age of 70 he amazingly fought his last war against rebel Barons and the French to secure peace for the very young king Henry III.
William died at 72, having gone from a no land nobleman to one of the richest men in the kingdom and witnessing some of the most critical moments in medieval English history. Easily gaining the title of “the Greatest Knight that ever lived” (Stephen Langton).
Hope this was intersting. Thanks for reading ;)
