The Greatest Knight: The Remarkable Life of William Marshal, the Power Behind Five English Thrones

The Greatest Knight: The Remarkable Life of William Marshal, the Power Behind Five English Thrones

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This compelling narrative presents a captivating and intimate portrait of William Marshal, a legendary knight from the annals of history. Evoking the grandeur and brutality of the Middle Ages, Marshal emerges as a peerless warrior and exemplar of chivalry – a true Lancelot of his time. However, despite his remarkable achievements, Marshal's story was nearly lost to obscurity over the centuries. It wasn't until 1861 when a young French scholar named Paul Meyer made a remarkable discovery at an auction of rare medieval manuscripts. Meyer stumbled upon the only surviving copy of an unknown text – the first contemporary biography of a medieval knight, later known as the History of William Marshal. This richly detailed work played a crucial role in resurrecting Marshal's reputation and breathing life into his otherwise forgotten existence. Yet, even today, William Marshal remains largely overlooked. From his childhood encounter with the gallows at the tender age of five, Marshal defied the odds and went on to train as a medieval knight. Rising through the ranks, he served alongside five English monarchs, distinguishing himself as a tournament champion, a baron, and a politician. Ultimately, Marshal became the regent of the realm. Along his extraordinary journey, Marshal formed friendships with prominent figures of the time, including Richard the Lionheart, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and the infamous King John. He even played a role in negotiating the terms of Magna Carta – the first-ever "bill of rights." By the age of seventy, this once-forgotten child had transformed into the most powerful man in England. However, his final battle loomed as he fought on the frontlines to defend the kingdom from a French invasion in 1217. Renowned historian Thomas Asbridge weaves together the thirteenth-century biography of William Marshal with other contemporary sources to present a captivating account of Marshal's life and the era in which he lived. Asbridge takes us on Marshal's journey from the English countryside to the battlefields of France, the desert castles of the Holy Land, and the lush shores of Ireland. Throughout the book, he delves into the harsh realities of medieval warfare and the intricacies of royal court politics, immersing readers in a transformative period of history. This is not just the story of one extraordinary man, but also the birth of the knightly class to which he belonged and the forging of the English nation.

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