William Marshal | |
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![]() Arms of William Marshal | |
Earl of Pembroke | |
Tenure | 10 July 1199 — 14 May 1219 |
Predecessor | Title created |
Successor | William Marshal, 2nd Earl of Pembroke |
Born | c. 1146 Caversham, Berkshire |
Died | 14 May 1219 Caversham, Berkshire | (aged 72–73)
Buried | 24 May 1219 Temple Church, London |
Noble family | Marshal |
Spouse(s) | |
Issue | |
Father | John Marshal |
Mother | Sybilla of Salisbury |
Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Regent of England | |
Tenure | 19 October 1216 — 14 May 1219 |
Monarch | Henry III |
William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke (c. 1146 — 14 May 1219), sometimes called William, the Marshal or simply the Marshal amd also William Marshal I and nicknamed the Great or the Fearless was an English knight and a nobleman who served four kings of England during his time as a knight: Henry II, Richard I, John, and Henry III. He was the Regent of England during the childhood of King Henry III from the king's ascending to the throne in 1216 until William's death in 1219.
During his time, he was one of the most important persons in the monarchy next to the Royal family itself. He was noted for his superior combat skills, his continuing loyalty to his Kings and his great ability in diplomacy. Marshal began his life as a “landless” knight to become the Earl of Pembroke and one of the wealthiest men in the country.
Shortly after his death in 1219 at the age of 73, his oldest son, William Marshal, 2nd Earl of Pembroke, commissioned a biography of the life of his father. Though biographers often embellish their subjects, many of the events of William's life stated there are clearly recorded elsewhere in historical records. Five of his sons succeded William as the Earl of Pembroke: William, Richard, Gilbert, Walter, and Anselm.
William had a great reputation. He was considered to be one of the greatest and most loyal knights in history. William was very active fighting in battles even in his old age. He successfully defeated the French at the Battle of Lincoln in 1217. William led his army to victory and thus, resulted in winning the First Barons' War for King Henry III and resisting the French invasion.