Anastasia Smith, Spring 2024
William Marshal, nicknamed, The Greatest Knight, was a 12th century Knight renowned across England. Marshal spent much of his life as knight errant, known for his prowess in combat, he eventually caught the eye of Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Subsequently, he was welcomed into the Plantagenet dynasty's household. It was during this service to the royal family of England, where much of his legacy as the greatest knight was expanded and soon defined. This project examines the life of William Marshal, and his legacy, through his service in the crusades that allowed him a relationship with the Knights Templar, his influence in the implementation and signing of the Magna Carta, and his time as King regent for Henry III.
Born in 1146 during "The Anarchy,” a civil war between King Stephen and Queen Matilda, his early life is defined as a hostage to King Stephen. After the war, William was released, but as a younger son he had no land or prospects to inherit, and thus, pursued a life of knighthood. Eventually, in 1170, after years of knighthood, Marshal was appointed as the Young King Henrys, tutor- at- arms by King Henry II.
Marshal and Young Henry traveled across England participating in knightly tournaments, where Marshal was an unrivaled champion. William remained in Henry's service for 13 years until being removed in 1183. It was this same year that Henry the Younger declared war on his father and brother Richard the Lionheart. Henry, however, contracted dysentery and died in June of 1183. After Henry's death, Marshal decided to follow through with Henry's vow to fight in the Holy Land.
By committing to the Holy Land mission, William Marshal, also committed his life to the Knights Templar cause. The Knights Templar was the most powerful military religious order in Europe. In 12th century England, the Templars, owned vast amounts of land and businesses, were heavily involved in the Crusades, garnered a positive relationship with the Vatican, and were friends and supporters of the Plantagenet Kings.
Marshal fought alongside the Templars under the cross and banner of King Henry II in Jerusalem in 1183. To the Templars this cemented his dedication to their lifelong cause, and in turn was granted the honor to be buried in Temple Church. Marshal died in 1219, in Caversham, Reading, his body was promptly transported to London, his final resting place in Temple Church, with an effigy tomb.
This burial contributes to the legacy of William Marshal as, not only was Temple Church the stronghold of the Knights Templar Order of England, but also, his effigy tomb is forever on display, illustrating the power and influence William Marshal had on English history. His tomb being an effigy tomb is reminiscent of English royalty who were also buried in effigy tombs. He ended his life as king regent, which will be explored later in this essay, and was buried in such a manner. His tomb has survived over 800 years, even while being partially destroyed during “The Blitz,” his legacy is entombed in the heart of London, in Temple Church, which has taken efforts to tell William Marshals story and contribute to the remembrance of him and his legacy.
Serving in the crusades with the Knights Templar and being buried in one of the most prestigious churches of the time, was not the only significant thing William Marshal achieved in his life. He also had significant influence on the Magna Carta and its implementation and signing. The Magna Carta is one of the most famous documents in history, it was one of the first attempts to check the power of the King, and laid the foundations for later governments and even human rights.
After years of conflict amongst the Plantagenet royals, King John became King in 1199. William Marshal supported his right to rule and even helped fight alongside John to defend England's land in Normandy. King John is often depicted as a tyrant, for the way he treated his people, and how he was constantly warring with magnates and barons. Marshal was loyal to John, despite them having brief quarrels over politics and the loss of Normandy. Eventually, after years of fighting, Marshall was summoned to the English court, in 1213, he was, once again, favored by John, and continued his loyalty and duty to the crown.
Throughout this time, John was in constant disagreements with the barons of the British Isles. After years of disdain, in 1215 in Runnymede, the barons presented John the Magna Carta. He refused to sign it. Marshal, as John's most loyal friend, convinced him to agree to its terms and sign it. After signing the document, John violated it within three months. This culminated in the First Barons War, Marshal remained loyal to John throughout it, until John's death in 1216.
After John's death, John's son, Henry III, became King. Under the guidance of William Marshal, Henry reissued the Magna Carta in 1216 and 1217. Although William Marshall was a nobleman, he did not sign the Magna Carta. His legacy as one of the most influential figures to its establishment, is not physically on the document, but rather something that is discovered through the story of the Magan Carta, and through the signature of his son William Marshal the second earl of Pembroke. His signature forever stains the original Magna Carta of 1215, and is a testament to his father, the first earl of Pembroke.
King John's death contributes to the legacy of William Marshal, as not only was he the man who had the most influence over the Magna Carta, but also in the wake of King John's death, John entrusted Marshal with the protection of Henry III. Henry was only nine years old, at the time of the father's death, too young to rule, Willam Marshall stepped up as King regent/co-ruler of England for Henry.
His influence over Henry was what allowed him to convince him to reissue the Magna Carta. Furthermore, Marshall became Henry's protector and at the age of 70, he commanded an army at the Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Prince Louis of France, entered England declaring himself King. This battle was a turning point in the Barons War, with many of the barons siding with Prince Louis. The battle of Lincoln, resulted in Marshal and Henry's victory, and the barons captured by Marshal’s forces. In the aftermath of the war, they were forced to agree to the terms of the Treaty of Lambeth. This treaty declared Prince Louis' claim illegitimate and fortified Henry's right to rule. William Marshal continued ruling as King regent from his estate in Caversham, Reading, until his death in 1219.
William Marshal is an incredible figure in English history. Considered the greatest knight to ever live, his legacy exists beyond his knighthood. His dedication to the English royal family, his influence on the Magna Carta, his role in the Crusades fighting alongside the Knights Templar, and his time as King regent have all contributed and secured his lasting legacy in history. This project examined very specific examples of Marshal’s legacy such as his burial in Temple Church, and his influence on the Magna Carta, but it is important to note that his legacy exists beyond these things. From the many estates he owned across the British Isles and Normandy, and his influence in contemporary and medieval tales. William Marshal left a legacy that will forever be preserved and ingrained in history, further fortifying his place as both the "Greatest Knight” and a critical figure in England’s past.
Bibliography
Magna Carta, 1215, British Library, London, United Kingdom.
John of Early. The History of William Marshal. Translated by Nigel Bryant. Boydell Press, 2018.
Lord, Evelyn. The Knights Templar in Britain. Great Britain: Pearson Education Limited, 2004.
Official Seal of King John, 1215, British Library, London, United Kingdom.
Painter, Sidney. William Marshal: Knight-Errant, Baron, and Regnet of England. Johns Hopkins University, 2020.
Tomb Effigy of William Marshall First Earl of Pembroke, 1219, Temple Church, London, United Kingdom.
Vincent, Nicholas. Magna Carta: Origins and Legacy. Bodleian Library: University of Oxford, 2015.
Weatherly, Myra. William Marshal: Medieval England's Greatest Knight. Morgan Reynolds Inc, 2001.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to the Study Abroad office and the Honors College for making this trip possible. Special thanks to the Honors College for helping fund this trip. Shout out to Ceceila for visiting Temple Church with me. Another shoutout to my mom and dad for additional funds on the trip.
