Dan Snow and Dan Jones Discuss 'The Coolest Man in Medieval History'

The Knight's Templar were a religious military order founded in 1119 and recognised by a papal bull in 1139. The order became one of the most powerful organisations in medieval Christendom, and a large supranational administrative network set up a complex financial system which was an early form of banking.
Here medieval historian Dan Jones takes Dan Snow through the Temple Church near Fleet Street in London, explaining how the order functioned and the involvement of one of medieval England's most famous knights.
They also agree that William Marshal, buried in Temple Church after joining the order on his deathbed, was probably the 'coolest man in medieval history'.
#DanJones #DanSnow #KnightsTemplar

[@andrewcbartlett]

Templars, Hospitallers, The Teutonic Knights, Sword Brothers of Livonia, The Order of St. Lazarus, The Knights who say "Ni"

[@paulh3935]

All big on the Prog Rock scene in the 70s.

[@hogwashmcturnip8930]

@@paulh3935 I am sure I saw the 'Sword Brothers of Lavonia' the supporting local band 'Sweaty Betty'. in our Arts Centre once! the Tuetonic Knights were big on The Gay Scenes, and the Order of Lazarus just died, so sad. There was a brief revival, but it fizzled out and not much more was heard of them.

[@Min61449]

That’s funny.. showing your age there. I wonder how many people got it. 😂😀

[@hogwashmcturnip8930]

@@Min61449 Not many. If they haven't seen it on Netflix or been told by a Minister nothing counts.

[@TheBreechie]

@@hogwashmcturnip8930 meow! Boomer says what?

[@tigerfight85]

I love how Dan Jones looks like a total lad but is a great historical writer

[@ardenalexa94]

He is pretty cute. He doesn’t look like your stereotypical historian at all.

[@TheKoolbraider]

His books are very well written and easy to read.

[@richardkrilljr.8711]

I’d absolutely love to sit down and just listen to an endless conversation between these two brilliant guys.

[@JointFive]

Reciting the past does not take much, in as way of "brilliace". I do like many historians though, before I sleep

[@nomagea2684]

Same here

[@davidgiles5030]

I was at the Temple when it opened one day. I went inside and for five precious minutes I had it completely to myself. Very,very cool experience.

[@frankb821]

That is truly awesome!

[@bladehoner3185]

William Marshall is my 23 great grandfather and I'm reading a book about him right now.

[@mancunian4eva332]

Dan Jones books on the crusades are fascinating. He has the uncanny ability to be able to turn a very complicated history with many facets into an understandable narrative

[@Desmond17]

Dan Jones & Dan Snow together to talk history. We're lucky Dan Carlin wasn't there or the amount of Dans would have tear the fabric of space and time apart...

[@HistoryHit]

We'll have to try and make that happen one day! 😂

[@Neenerella333]

@@HistoryHit You'll need a few hours.

[@milosit]

Can I just comment on how tall Dan Snow must be? He towers over Jones. I'm 6ft and have stood next to and taken pictures with Dan Jones and I can see that he must have a good 3 inches in height over me.

[@tygressblade]

Dan cubed.

[@voiceofraisin3778]

Sorry but for a 3rd Dan you get a brown belt, minor telekinesis and the ability to break bricks and boards. You need a 10th Dan to tear spacial reality.

[@NijimaSan]

When I was a kid and getting into medieval history, the name that kept popping up and got my notice was William Marshall. He was an absolute badass for virtually his entire life.

[@jarlborg1531]

After one tournament, William Marshall's helmet was so bashed up that the only way he could remove it was to put his head on an anvil while a blacksmith hammered it back into shape. How cool is that.

[@kingmaker2865]

These guys need their own show... like battlefield Britain was with dan and his legendary dad. Going around England to castles.. and battlefields. It would be amazing. We are blessed with such a amazing history on this island... and these heroes bring it to the masses. They need a show. Road dripping about England... having a beer and a chin wag 👍. It would be a top seller !!!.

[@hogwashmcturnip8930]

Road dripping! My mind is boggling. Does that involve tarmac? This is Dumb Down. Anyone who cites Dan Brown as a reference is in Poundshop History territory right there.

[@LilianaVelascoAriza]

After watching endless history clips I've come to be Dan's biggest fan! He makes everything so easy to understand, interesting, detailed enough to keep me at least glued to all his series! Thank you!

[@sidp5381]

Liliana V.A. Hough definitely my favorite historian

[@rogerlacaille3148]

I have all of his books...they're awesome! He's Brilliant!

[@ellenmarch3095]

Which one?? 🤣🤣

[@rogerlacaille3148]

@Ellen March ..😂😂😂 Dan Jones lol

[@MrIsntOnAGen]

Secrets of British Castles is soooo good

[@peglegpeete9122]

Thank you. There is never enough of either Dan's work available to us viewers in the USA.

[@Conorp77]

Try on KZbin there's a tonne

[@galahaddayne]

The legend himself Dan Jones and the greatest knight to have ever lived William the Marshal. Do I sense another book coming about William Marshal?

[@thgentleman9210]

William de Marshall * Norman heritage..

[@michaelmccomb2594]

@@thgentleman9210 doesn’t ‘de’ mean of, which would mean William was from ‘Marshal’. ‘Marshal’ however was not a geographical region, it was a leading role in the English government, hence the name ‘William the Marshal’, because he was the Marshal

[@cleverusername9369]

@@thgentleman9210 Robert de Bruce= Robert the Bruce = Robert of House Bruce = Robert Bruce, it's all the same.

[@Heisenberg882]

The greatest knight was chevalier de bayard

[@michaelmccomb2594]

@@Heisenberg882 what makes you say that

[@catherineloxton5727]

Thank you for showing Jones and Snow together as it is easy to get them mixed up. Snow is a very tall guy, which TV presenter, Jones, handles professionally enough on a one-to-one ... can't get enough of William Marshall's tales of chivalry, nor of his fairy-tale integration marrying Ireland ...

[@bright9187]

Dan snow is a bit more than a television presenter.

[@Melanrick]

Yes, however the two of them together becomes Jon Snow and that makes them knowing nothing.

[@glenriches4779]

I did a stained glass replacement effigy for William Marshall in a phonebox on the embankment near temple. His story really struck me.

[@katescrimgeour3884]

I have one thing to say: More Dan Jones and Dan Snow conversations!

[@janeoxley4829]

Love the history of England, especially medieval history.

[@pyewackett5]

Medieval art & imagination is simply sublime. The music is something else too. Highly recommend giving it a listen. It's otherworldly with knobs on

[@malahammer]

The Irish (for 800 years) didn't.....neither did the Scots 👍🏼

[@alleynealisleem9777]

Me Too! English History Rocks!!!🥰⛪🇬🇧💖💕

[@mijanhoque1740]

@@malahammer Relationships probably would have been better under a Anglo-Saxon king than a Norman king

[@Karl_with_a_K]

@@malahammer Paul, the Anglo-Normans became "more Irish than the Irish themselves".

[@jonathangoll2918]

I'm a fan of William Marshal. Not only was he honourable and loyal, but he is the real author of our liberties. When King John signed Magna Carta in June 1215, he hadn't the slightest inclination to abide by it; he knew his law well, and he knew he could always discount it, as "signed under duress". When King John died in October 1216, he willed that William Marshal - just about the most honest man he knew - should run the country on behalf of his 9-year old son, Henry III. William did so very successfully, and one of his first acts - I think as early as the November - was to re-issue Magna Carta. This and subsequent reissues ensured that Magna Carta was enshrined in our law.

[@shirleymental4189]

I used to love Simon Templar. He was a saint.

[@andrewdowns3403]

Roger that

[@taterkaze9428]

Emma Peel.

[@ageingviking5587]

Dan and Dan are my two favorite historians .

[@Andaer11]

This makes me happy, the two of you working together

[@milosit]

Only one man had the nerve and ability to unseat Richard the Lionheart from his destrier in combat and that was William the Marshall. Trained for decades in France and fought in numerous tournaments, The Marshall was the fighting man's fighting man.

[@vickywitton1008]

I LOVE William Marshall too!

[@jsieverink8409]

Popped up on my radar, thought it could only, possibly be about William Marshall, 1st Earl of Pembroke, and I am not disappointed, sirs.

[@kiobio7311]

Its so amazing to see history being celebrated instead of viewed through the lense of new times Thank you guys so much for these kind of videos

[@victoriawhite3662]

I adore Dan Jones!

[@starrfam]

As a many greats granddaughter of William Marshal through the Marshal's daughter Eva, it was interesting, even if brief, to hear why the Marshal waited to become a Templar on his death bed. I had wondered about it and now I know. Thank you, Mr Jones.

[@lynneturner553]

Read Templer Silks by Elizabeth Chadwick. She wrote 3 books about him as novels but completely true to facts.It explains why he waited until his deathbed to convert.Stay well everyone.Love from New Zealand.

[@rayleekain3921]

I too am descended from William Marshal through two daughters Isobel and Eva. Have read a few books about him. Such an interesting man. Would have loved to have known him. Must go to the Templar church next time I'm in London if I'm lucky enough to travel again from Australia.

[@johnhamilton4677]

Another descendant here.

[@foots-qt4pk]

I'm also a granddaughter through his daughters Eva, Maud, Sybil, and Isabel, but I'm also a granddaughter of the Plantagenet Kings and Simon de Montfort among many others but William is my favorite. If you love William as much as I do you have to get a copy of the biography his son William had written about his life , "The History of William Marshall". He did indeed take his Templar vows on his deathbed, and because one of the vows was chastity, he gave his wife one last kiss before he made his vow.

[@jenathome575]

Another descendant of William and Plantagenets here too

[@Luna.3.3.3]

Love these two historians together! This was four years ago - that's too long without a repeat collaboration. Encore please! 😊 Dan Jones' 'Britain's Bloody Crown', 'Britain's Bloodiest Dynasty' - absolutely _Superb!!_ They play out like a great long movie to me. I've watched both several times. I've watched _All_ his documentaries, more than once. Lol

[@Karl_with_a_K]

William Marshall considered the greatest Knight, founded the town of Newross, Co. Wexford a major medieval trading hub for South East Ireland. Built Hook Lighthouse the oldest fully entact functioning lighthouse in the world on the Hook peninsula. The town of Temple, and multiple Norman ruins on the peninsula. Fascinating.

[@belfastlad55]

Amazing history

[@TheKoolbraider]

Marshall had one quality most others lacked: loyalty. He was truly an amazing man.

[@karigirl3569]

I’m currently reading an actual CONTEMPORARY BIO on William Marshal, the first contemporary bio on a medieval knight in history. Marshal is a true hero and legend, something that can be said of only a handful of men.

[@heathersmith8549]

My 2 favorite Dan’s!!!!

[@bindon4]

I could marry both Dans and live happily ever after listening to them discussing history!....

[@colin.d]

Two Dan's is better than one!

[@leonstevens1382]

Two scholarly hot guys!

[@majorblue777]

As a descendant of Henry Billingsley, Lord Mayor of London and first translator of Eulicid into english, I am mesmerized by English history. Just found this channel and am loving it fully! Thanks to the Dan's!!!

[@TheStalec]

Who wouldn’t love this crossover?

[@janeoxley4829]

Henry II rule really interesting, father to King Richard the Lionheart and King John, William Marshall served as their knight to all these three Kings.

[@Conorp77]

And briefly to the infant Henry III!

[@archivesoffantasy5560]

@@Conorp77 yes, stopping the french Louis VIII taking over England at age 72 battle of Lincoln remarkable

[@CompelledUsername]

“My life, when it is written, will read better than it lived. Henry Fitz-Empress, first Plantagenet, a king at twenty-one, the ablest soldier of an able time. He led men well, he cared for justice when he could and ruled, for thirty years, a state as great as Charlemagne's.” Such an underrated King.

[@Nadamos]

They should have a show called "Historical Dans" about the best pranks in history

[@aprilcoursey4533]

Thanks for this. I had never heard of him.

[@SuperNictastic]

I love the fact that Dan Jones is not some dusty old history professor type. He looks like your mate down the pub.

[@patrickpaganini]

At the end "we can practise later" lol good delivery.

[@NeilOB9]

Knew who it was before I even clicked on the video: ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’.

[@y_ffordd]

Nice one Dan Snow, good Templer action

[@smackedinthejaw]

I didn't imagine that Dan Jones had tattoo's down both arms and on his chest.

[@rinalore]

"Never judge a book by it's cover." 🇨🇦✌🏻❤️

[@jt0094]

I think you’d be even more surprised by his preferred choice of music! And outerwear attire, very rock n roll ;)

[@cassiedelon743]

@@jt0094 And his wife Jo is very cool!!

[@eztyson]

@@rinalore never judge a book by its sleeve 😬😂

[@JCZARK2]

Thought for sure Dan Jones was an old crusty Englishman

[@janetwebster5099]

So great to see them together! :)

[@along9971]

My two favorite Dans! These guys are so cool

[@BretCoreysFilms]

What really cool about William Marshall is the he is George Washington's ancestor of which they both developed the English and American Declaration of Independence.

[@josephinemiller68]

How is this really funny to me? The coolest man cracked me up. Amazing that they are standing right next to these legends.

[@flywheel986]

Think about the physiological differences between a medieval warrior and a modern human male. William Marshall in melee tournament, sometimes with over two hundred knight participating, needed the arm and wrist strength to deliver hundreds of heavy blows, with 15 pound sword, or 20 pound mace, while on horseback. Marshall won more tournaments than any other ten knights in history, and claimed over 500 kills in battle. Mind boggling!!

[@shazanata]

Very interesting and beautiful church. Enjoyed my visit.

[@kingmichealthefirstofroman2278]

The best crossover in history

[@koenmeier8553]

when you get surprised by a game reference from an historian.

[@madMARTYNmarsh1981]

I named my son after William Marshal, although I reversed the names. It annoys me when people ask if I named my son after Marshall Mathers!

[@JohnnyWishbone85]

6:00 - As I understand it, in northeast Europe, like Poland, the Baltic nations, and western Russia, the Teutonic Knights are still invoked to scare little kids into behaving themselves.

[@colboysigmax]

I agree William Marshal! Thought this was going to be about Edward III.

[@EMMYK1916]

My local pub here in Ireland is called the Knights Templar.

[@wmr9019]

Coolest dude WM is my 26th GGF ❤❤ my most favourite ancestor🎉

[@LewiLuvLife]

I knew this was William Marshal without even watching. If it’s not, it should be

[@RobertLidstroem]

Yes!!! William Marshall! I was thinking that when I saw the headline! I need a good movie avout him! And a 1 hour wellmade documentary about him!

[@gillieb13]

I can't get over how tall D. Snow is.

[@paulkirton8945]

6ft 6

[@gillieb13]

​@Paul Kirton I know. I passed him at St. Pancras once. He towered over me at 5'10".

[@Anonymouse85]

The Dans are such a cool couple of history dudes

[@kiltedjohn1000]

You two could make a tv program called The Two Dans

[@marionbanks-wilkinson8368]

I am descended from William the Marshal among others including Robert the Bruce

[@jorgem.1564]

My vote. William Marshal and El Cid. Can't pick between them.

[@jolaobisesan7795]

William Marshall vs Bertrand du Guesclin vs Sir John Chandos. Ooft that would be an interesting debate

[@bx8321]

Yeay, History Chad talk!

[@annduncan4081]

I had to watch it twice . They're so hot that I didn't hear a word the first time lol

[@hogwashmcturnip8930]

Strange taste you have in men! Maybe you are a nun?

[@Matatabi6]

When I clicked on this video I said out loud I bet it’s William the marshall I was not disappointed

[@jaymarshall845]

As someone who's middle name is William, this is pretty fun 😅

[@thetoymanator7723]

Check out a movie called "Ironclad". I'm pretty sure William Marshal as a Knight's Templar is a character. Not sure how historically accurate it is, but a good watch.

[@yxx_chris_xxy]

Damn, I always thought Dan Snow and Dan Jones were the same person. If they aren't standing next to each other, they look the same...

[@dashinvaine]

The oblong chancel was redone during the reign of Henry III, who originally intended to be buried there, though he ultimately decided to be buried in Westminster Abbey. I believe there was an earlier, slightly smaller chancel on the site, so the church was always keyhole shaped, and it would never have been just the round bit.

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Ha ha @ 5:00 “Count me in for all of that....now that I’m dying” Ah Dan, that was really funny.

[@Amc933]

I love that you mentioned the difficulty in pronouncing "Hospitaller"... I thought I was the only one! (it is easier to pronounce it in French!)

[@lawrencegt2229]

Which came first - the round temples of the Templar or the legend of Arthur & his round table?

[@waynecurie71]

Snow and Jones go together like Morecombe and Wise..... Smith and Jones

[@hogwashmcturnip8930]

other notable jokers. I got it.

[@kevinstreet5709]

Brilliant, thank you

[@TomOkkaTom]

The most fascinating person of the period is definitely stupor mundi, the astonishment of the world, Frederick II

[@nicksmith9371]

History hit. Mark Felton, David Starkey all on youtube is a good thing. Our history is being lost to the detriment of our culture and we are breeding people making up their own history to fix a narrative and distorting what has come before. Great to see interesting series like this finding a new audience online.

[@philroberts7238]

This comment is itself a distortion of the greatest magnitude. It seems to me you have an agenda: to retain the myth and ignore the history. Go and fight your culture wars if you want to, but ultimately objective scholarship will prevail over the comfortable nationalistic grandstanding which I suspect you would prefer to hear. History is not, or should not, be reduced to a series of patriotic platitudes.

[@philroberts7238]

Incidentally, I enjoyed this clip as much as you apparently did - so you see, not everything is as black and white as you seem to suggest.

[@nicksmith9371]

@@philroberts7238 Well hello Mr angry. Where have I said I would like a jingoistic view of history to prevail as opposed to a balanced account of our history. schools, colleges, mainstream media and universities are not presenting a balanced view it is overtly negative and in no way representative of history and most certainly not "nationalistic grandstanding". Its funny how you accuse me of having an agenda when I merely commented that history is being lost and its good we can watch videos like this to keep it alive. You must be very intelligent boarding on psychic to work out all of my thoughts on a subject from one comment or perhaps with all your "suspicions" they are in fact crafted from a mind who wants it desperately to fit a narrative to serve your agenda. Never once did I preach myths over fact, though I do believe the good elements of our history ( and no matter what people say there are plenty) are being ignored. Ask 1000 people who William the Marshal was and id be amazed if 1% actually knew, despite his importance to our past. Hell, most secondary school children struggle to accurately place the start of the second world war and who Churchill was and yet they believe he was a racist because tick tock said so. Purely out of interest I once asked 10 people when WW2 finished and there was 1 answer of 1947 and that was the closest. Non could say when it started. History is full of subtle nuances that require context to be taken into account and sadly, no matter anyone's agendas it is a skill that is being lost.

[@philroberts7238]

​@@nicksmith9371 Well, yes, of course, history is all a matter of balance and nuance. History is a matter of collecting data and then presenting it as a coherent narrative, and that must always be a matter of interpretation. Thus far, I imagine, we might be in furious agreement. We might differ in that interpretation, however, and I might take issue with you over this "overtly negative" view you accuse all our institutions are taking. Incidentally, I'd be very surprised if any secondary school child who was unable to place the Second World War in its time could care less about Churchill one way or the other, regardless of what some TikTok user might have to say about him. Let's look at Churchill, seeing that you've brought him up. He was undoubtedly an effective and charismatic wartime leader and for that he must be revered. But he was a very complex character and certainly no saint. Among other things, he was an out and out racist, in common with many of his era - though certainly not all of his contemporaries. You don't need to go TikTok for verification of this: WSC himself provides us with all the evidence we need. It may be embarrassing for us to admit that some of our heroes may be slightly tarnished when looked at from a more modern perspective, but that's no reason why unpleasant truths should not be acknowledged. That is not the same as "ignoring" all the good bits and I very much doubt that that is the case, out in the field. "Our history is being lost to the detriment of our culture and we are breeding people making up their own history to fix a narrative and distorting what has come before." Yes, I am a bit angry about that sentence, come to think of it, because I think it is a slur on today's historians, amateur and professional, academics and teachers alike. The "truth" is far more balanced and far more nuanced than that. Being interested in characters such as William the Marshall doesn't mean that we shouldn't be looking at ALL aspects of our country's history - the "good" elements, the "bad" elements, and all those elements in between. So, no, I don't flatter myself as a psychic when I say that I think I got your measure as someone who had swallowed the whole "culture war on woke" thing hook, line and sinker. It's all about the evidence, sir: evidence, not anecdote! Meanwhile, carry on enjoying this excellent series. As shall I.

[@hogwashmcturnip8930]

Phil Roberts did the Prozac work? I do hope so. By the way this is history for the cheap seats and very subjective . Click bait Also Nick did not accuse you of anything! But as a rather uninformed childish, unfocused incoherent rant ,that must be worth the 'Booker Prize' of you tube! Well done!

[@Philipp.of.Swabia]

He was quite cool, but personally I can think of at least 3 other people that are just as cool as him.

[@scottfoster3548]

OH OH I am conjuring a vision where Dan and Dan follow history OR even go to pre-history sites like a LIKE a "Two Greedy Italians buddy show through history....

[@zactorbeam3809]

Incredible literally

[@teresabetancourt4734]

Dan Jones got a real makeover! He looks much hotter!!!

[@brockpodgurski6144]

No way this conversation only lasted 7 minutes.

[@tolvaer]

thank you very much gents

[@kingston4313]

I wanna see william marshall. He was mentioned a lot on the Plantagenet podcast

[@azariahisrael5632]

I'm a decendant of William Marshall.

[@booboodafoo3247]

We could use another crusade now.

[@CM-ol5qj]

Thanks!

[@Gemmagalgani99]

The Templars spent a lot of time in prayer and religious activities- people like to warp history to meet modern secular standards…

[@bigbasil1908]

A Rotunda. Reminiscent of a stone circle or a roundhouse (not particularly the one in Dagenham)

[@wallyjansen898]

Elizabeth Chadwick has written about William Marshall. A fairly new book about Marshall in Jeruzalem and what he did there. Fiction of course but very readable. It's called Templars Silk.

[@karenwilkinson5923]

I’ve read her books about William the Marshal and the tale about him purchasing and then keeping hidden the length of plain white silk is a most enjoyable read and likely holds a kernel of truth. His interaction with his brothers (still fiction) but also likely and very touching. He was a very great man, the fact that he holds such fascination 800years later is a testament to that.

[@pinaytravelsinuk5852]

More please ♥️

[@brandonhernandez371]

Dan Snow lord of Winterfell and warden of the North

[@yaboyed5779]

Two legends😍✊🏾😩😍✊🏾😩

[@TheVJTiticaca]

I want to see them do togehter an hours long docu serie about experiencing the History of bathing, like the history of the turkisch bath, bathing like Cleo, the history of sauna and so on.

[@robbyrobrob1]

I think you might be sympathetic with William of Tyre - applauds when necessary but never misses a chance to criticize . Example : The siege of Ascalon , 1153 . The " suicidal" charge of 40 nights Templar led by their master Bernard . Failure to capitalize on opportunity in war is common. A few at the right time can, and has, made all the difference . I believe that was their thing always.. The Fatimid defenders were well led and did not panic, as most people would. They quickly closed the breach and trapped the Templars. .......... ' They had bad back up . That's all.

[@patrickpaganini]

It's certainly a good read.

[@amelierenoncule]

NOW, mes amis, I I needs study William The Marshal !

[@user-vq8dn9ix3f]

Disagree! El Cid is cooler! Would love for Dan Jones to do a series on El Cid and the reconquista.

[@animalsarecomradestoo.8995]

Can we get Dan jones and Marc Morris to fight to the death to find out who the top popular medievalist is ? Asking for a friend