The Greatest Knight That Ever Lived: William Marshal

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When William Marshal died in 1219, he was the Earl of Pembroke, and the regent for the young Henry III, after defeated a great rebellion of English lords and thrown back a devastating invasion by the French.
Archbishop Stephen Langton called him “the greatest knight in the world.”
His talent as a knight, on the battlefield and as a tournament champion, won him renown and riches through hundreds of victories.
For 51 years he loyally served King Henry II, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, their sons Henry the Young King, Richard the Lionheart, King John, and their grandson Henry III.
But was he really the greatest knight who ever lived?
This is the incredible life story of William Marshal.
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Artwork of William Marshal by Mat Edwards
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Video Sources
The Greatest Knight - Thomas Asbrige: amzn.to/41bZP8N
The History of William Marshal: amzn.to/3Kucgqr
Richard the Lionheart - John Gillingham: amzn.to/3yvjXDX
Richard I - John Gillingham: amzn.to/2VI3BK3
The Plantagenets - Dan Jones: amzn.to/3lIxC78
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Video Chapters
00:00 The Greatest Knight
01:25 Video Sponsor
02:42 Part 1 - A Child at War
09:43 Part 2 - Tournament Champion
17:45 Part 3 - The Young King
24:45 Part 4 - Royal Service
33:16 Part 5 - The Death of the King
41:58 Part 6 - Guardian of the Realm

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thanks for watching. Please do hit "like" on the video, it really helps me out. If you enjoyed this video please support the channel on Patreon: www.patreon.com/dandavisauthor William Marshal (and the Battle of Lincoln) appears in my novel Vampire Outlaw: amzn.to/3SwVetA

[@michaelbehrens1660]

Love your work! Can’t wait for your next books.

[@funlucastimes]

Hi Dan!! I dont know if he is the greatest knight in history, but you should read about Diego García de Paredes (Dont take it wrong). He is considered in Europe the best knight of all times, only see for everyone who he served. Thanks for all ☺️.

[@bethbartlett5692]

Most worthy content sought: Was there ever a *"King of England" that was of original English (those that were post flood era and pre-Germanic influence, ie: Roman, Angles, Saxons, Jutes, Vikings, Normans, and later British, influence",* as defined by current DNA *(NOTE: DNA Studies confirm that less than 2% of original English Males exist in the current population of British.)* The identification of English becomes blurred as is not clear in any content I've found. It suggests that all English Males, at some point, were eradicated, (babies, children, adolescents, and adult males). The absence of this in the History of Britain is noticable, a people whom are known for record keeping and legends. It has an answer, what and where are the answers? My location limits access to the records, although they may only have crumbs of substantial value. I desire the facts on this subject, and note how obvious their absence are ... I will not Lower my ethics, logic, nor knowledge to accept the "Mainstream Academics/Archaeologists" and their "19th Century Theory based Paradigm and Linear Timeline". DNA has already established sufficient data that sets the Theory aside, more continues to surface, "Peer Reviewed " and "Journal Published". The "Standards of Science and Research" prohibits using a Theory as a Fact, Ethics and Dignity prohibit the Gaslighting behaviors that demonstrate the Lower Mind aka Ego Mind. *"Authentic Academics"* follow the Standards. I appreciate any value of content that reveals answers to this subject. Best Thoughts, Beth a Sociologist/Behavioralist and Historian Tennessee, USA (Irish American, lineage of County Kerry, Ireland) "Facts, Fortitude, and Fearless defines Freedom" - Carole Cole

[@ballsack6547]

@@funlucastimes el cid ?

[@hotstepper887]

The Roman's tried and failed to defeat the Cornish in the 1st century, upon the Roman's arrival they initially recorded the Dumnonii but later reported on the Cornovii of Dumnonii. The Romans colonized much of central and southern Britain, but Dumnonia was left unaffected by the conquest. Roman rule had no impact on the region of Cornwall, meaning it could flourish as a fully independent kingdom which evidence shows was sometimes under the dominion of the kings of the Britons, and sometimes to have been governed by its own Dumnonian monarchy, either by the title of duke or king. This kingdom shared strong linguistic, political and cultural links with Brittany. The Saxons also tried and failed to defeat the Cornish. When the Kingdom of Wessex were expanding their territory westwards towards Cornwall. The Cornish were frequently embattled with the West Saxons who used their Germanic word walha meaning "stranger" or "foreigner", to describe their opponents, later specifying them as Cornwalas (the Cornish). Conflict continued until King Athelstan of England determined that the River Tamar be the formal boundary between the West Saxons and the Cornish in the year 936, making Cornwall one of the very last retreats of the true Britons.

[@manofgod1910]

Got married at 43; had 10 children; led armies out to battle at age 70: there’s still hope for me yet!

[@Amar-rc4dc]

😂 indeed

[@damienholland8103]

It ain't over 'till it's over.

[@ArsenalFC-hp7xr]

Give then hell me’lord

[@2serveand2protect]

You're damn right! PLUS! - that was in the 12th century when the average lifetime of any given human being was half the one we have today! 😂 ...just don't wait TOO long! 🤣

[@zaphodtrillian5237]

all his kids had ADD, ADHD Developmental Delay Autism. His wife had to turn tricks and make medieval porn.

[@rabidspatula1013]

William Marshall has to be one of the most impressive individual physical combatants for the sheer volume of documented combats he prevailed in.

[@theodoresmith5272]

Him and el Cid would have been a hell of a fight.

[@mitchelllemieux3704]

​@@theodoresmith5272 put miyamoto Musashi in there, make it a free for all. Lol.

[@bakters]

@@mitchelllemieux3704 " *Musashi* " Was Musashi much of a rider? If not, he'd be utterly humiliated.

[@AntonioPerez-wf2lf]

Almost being hanged at 5 would probably bring a crazy amount of self awareness, being in a position to inherit nothing, he probably would've wanted to excel at the one way available. War

[@chrisbrown8640]

Oh ..What a Knight !

[@mattstakeontheancients7594]

How many men at age 70 can say they fought on the front lines of a country saving battle. This man saved the kingdom of England at 70 years old. The fact there isn’t a movie based on this almost mythological knight is a travesty. To say he’s the greatest knight in history isn’t a stretch at all. So many times he could have taken the easy way out but stuck to his principles even well past his prime.

[@avatarion]

A movie couldn't be long enough. It would need to be a mini-series.

[@mattstakeontheancients7594]

@@avatarion that’s a great idea a mini series chronicling his life.

[@MrEpeeFencer]

If they made a movie about him Hollywood would make him black or secretly gay or some other bs.

[@ProcyonAlpha]

​@@avatarionPlease don't , William Marshall would probably be portrayed by Will Smith and Richard the Lionheart would be a trans woman. It's strictly a white European story, so it ain't happening.

[@kurtlee3198]

amazon should put a lot of money into a tv series that's actually good, with all the shit he did i bet they would get 3 or 4 seasons out of his life

[@thomaszaccone3960]

He WAS the greatest knight ever, not just skilled in arms, but also a man of honor and loyalty. Sad his line died out.

[@jamesm1]

His male line died out, but his daughters lines more than made up for it. Through them he was the grandfather of none-other than Robert the Bruce, first king of Scotland. And 18 generations after that... GEORGE WASHINGTON.

[@ballsack6547]

@@jamesm1 Robert de brus wasn't the first king of Scotland as there wasn't such a thing , it was king of scots , only the first king of the house of bruce ,the house of Dunkeld /alpin were centuries before de brus although the stewart line descended through his daughter Marjories marriage to Walter de steward. other wise your partly correct 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@thomaszaccone3960]

@@jamesm1 Really ?

[@jamesm1]

@@thomaszaccone3960 yes, since it was a prominent noble family we have a complete family tree.

[@thomasmills3934]

@@jamesm1 ...not exactly.

[@fidelogos7098]

I read Thomas Asbridge's The Greatest Knight several years ago and it was good to be reminded again of William Marshall. He served four kings and led an English army into battle at the age of 70. Surely the epitome of knighthood.

[@Irmarinen]

On a shoestring budget, and still won.

[@bakters]

" *led an English army into battle at the age of 70* " It may seem weird in our age, but it wasn't unheard of. For what it's worth, the oldest Winged Hussar at the battle of Vienna was 94. He was wounded, while two of his sons, with whom he served, died. The third son wrote the story I'm relating here.

[@therightarmofthefreeworld4703]

What really makes him the epitome of knighthood is that regardless of his personal allegiances or what it might cost him, or even what was right or wrong (we need to get away from the romanticised version of chivalry), Marshall didn’t betray any of the kings he served. In an age where many simply did what they needed to survive (and I don’t blame them), that’s what makes William Marshall truly remarkable in my opinion.

[@jamesm1]

@@bakters That is quite an outlier. The vast majority of knights (and people in general) that managed to make it to 65+ in the premodern era (especially in settled societies) were usually burdened with the compounding effects of a lifetime of illnesses and wounds, and assorted health conditions of the lungs, joints, stomach, eyes, etc... that we can easily treat now but back then would often inevitably progress to the point of being chronic.

[@bakters]

@@jamesm1 In ancient Greece you were expected to serve from 16 to 60, and that's much more physically demanding service. It seems that we overstate the effects of modern medicine. While it's definitely capable of extending our life a decade or so, it's much less effective at extending the period of *healthy* life. With that said, it's true that at 70, and especially past that, the vast majority of men were unfit for any kind of military service. Some were not, though.

[@TimUrban]

We need Henry Cavill to play this man in a movie asap.

[@brianhope]

Sean Connery would have been a natural.

[@ltlwlwl5057]

Yes!

[@adathomas8604]

@@ltlwlwl5057 Liam Neeson would be better

[@ltlwlwl5057]

@@adathomas8604😵

[@mpojr]

@@brianhope for sure

[@johncalabria1607]

What a fantastic knight! The title doesn't exaggerate, he truly was the greatest knight that ever existed. While it is sad that his house died through the male line, it's important to me that through his daughter Isabel, he was the great-great-grandfather of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, and is an ancestor to all the English Monarchy from King Henry VIII to the current King Charles III. What a legacy!

[@clareryan3843]

The thing about the female line is you can be pretty certain the child is biologically related to the mother - not so certain on the male line ... patricarchy is a bloody funny idea when you think about it

[@TheRealBatCave]

That his a load of bs, wasn't this story forgotten until it was accidentally found in auction lol so how would his whole lineage b forgotten

[@Russell_Huston]

I was watching the film "The Lion In Winter", a great film by the way, and in the first scene a knight rides up to King Henry and Henry tells him to get Queen Eleanor and his sons and bring them to Chinon for Christmas. He calls him "Captain Marshall", and I'm thinking "I'll bet that was a real person", so I looked him up, and WOW was he! What a colorful life he lived. A true soldier-statesman. Thanks for this presentation.

[@jrhawk574]

Me too !! "The Lion In Winter" is one of the great docudramas... 👍

[@Martin-jk2ng]

I love that film. Sir Anthony Hopkins' first! Also Tim Dalton. So good

[@TheSec09]

I just watched this week this movie and I didn't know it was based on a real person. Actually, not until youtube recommended me this video. Anyway, great movie. I recommend you to watch the movie "Beckett" in which Peter O'Toole portrays a younger Henry II and Richard Burton plays Archbishop Thomas Beckett.

[@glenndavis4452]

William Marshall is possibly the greatest combatant knight known. Glad you are telling people about him.

[@GRIMWOODz]

The life of this man needs to be made into a TV series

[@villa_fan8882]

It would be made woke, they would end up making him gay or portray Marshall as a bad guy who treated women poorly. They would also use a black person to play William Marshall.

[@bohdan3239]

The best documentary on William Marshall I have ever seen. Bravo !Why the HELL hasn't Hollywood made a Blockbuster out of this story. Considering the Garbage they usually pump out, this would in turn be Monumental !

[@Apollo890]

Thank God they have not because Hollywood would shit all over the actual history.

[@joebowl8315]

He would have been played by a chick, and you bet she would have been gay and lame as frick

[@RandallvanOosten-ln5wf]

Wow!! What an inspirational story. To have saved the 9 year old king and also defeat Philip of France at the age of 70 is mind-boggling. However, his unwavering loyalty is what marks him as a legend.

[@strafe155]

William Marshal was certainly the Greatest Knight in English history, and if it wasn't for him then Louis might've succeeded in taking control of England. The course of Human History would have been Drastically different if not for this one man, and that cannot be said of most historical figures.

[@TheRealEmpowerMent]

William Marshal, a name that resonates through the ages, embodies the epitome of chivalry and valor. His life's tale, a tapestry of courage and honor, is a beacon of inspiration for generations. As we delve into the legacy of this remarkable knight, we uncover not only his personal achievements but also the timeless ideals of nobility and integrity that continue to captivate our hearts and minds. 🏰⚔🌟

[@leecox7814]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video. William Marshal is my 21st great grandfather and I am proud to share blood with such a noble man.

[@bct1959]

My 23rd according to Geni.

[@armynurseshark]

One of my favorite historical persons. I have always felt that he truly was the epitome of the Greatest Knight.

[@GoodGnewsGary]

Fantastic work Dan! It's truly astonishing that we know of his great deeds 800 years later. This is the first I've heard of him, keep up the great content!

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thanks Gary, glad you enjoyed the story.

[@leeowen6276]

I think his life's autobiography was found in a Sotheby's auction in the early 1900's he was forgotten about up until then if I remember write

[@michaelbatsford1028]

As an Englishman this moved me I love our rich history so much. What a time to be alive! Thanks for the video

[@SaucY213]

Shame our culture and history is being erased.

[@kevinjamesparr552]

Sadly our history runs with English blood and others in war outside family life

[@eadweardwoden7309]

william wasn't even english, he was a norman. grew up in normandy.

[@nickrad6966]

Anglo-Norman

[@eadweardwoden7309]

@@nickrad6966 no norman, his father as himself never married into any English nobility as there wasn;t many left after most died defending there land or kicked off there land by williams thug barons.

[@Shineon83]

I’ve always felt that one of the greatest acts of loyalty & courage shown by William was in his agreeing to take the holy pilgrimage on behalf of his deceased master. In those days, the odds of dying (from disease, at the hands of bandits, or during a regular outbreak of war with the Muslims) were greater than surviving-and returning-from pilgrimage….

[@ayriana22]

Elizabeth Chadwick has an amazing historical fiction series with William Marshal as the protagonist. The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion. A Place Beyond Courage covers his father's life as well. There are also novels about his daughter Matilda (Mahelt in the books). A note, William Marshal was John Marshal's 4th born son, 2nd born with his second wife Sibyl. (He had 2 sons Gilbert and Walter with his first wife Aline, but both predeceased John.)

[@scottm7297]

I am in the process of reading "A place beyond courage" right now without any prior knowledge of the other books, and I starting to watch this video I was like, waaaaaaaait a second :O. Looks like i'll have to come back to this video after I finish the book to avoid spoilers. I didn't realize it was loosely based on history.

[@CommonSwindler]

Excellent video. Sometimes we forget just how much the English-speaking world owes this splendid knight for without him, England stood at the mercy of the Capetian monarchy in 1216-1218. Without Marshal, we should have had no lasting Magna Carta for it was he who ingeniously modified and reissued it-it was this charter and not the 1215 version which survives marrow-deep in the Anglophonic world. Also, I applaud the detailed inclusion of Marshal’s loyalty in the dying days of the incomparable and peerless Henry II. It’s deeply moving how the great king rewarded Marshal with a young heiress and the massive fortune that came with it, though tellingly Henry left Richard to confirm it-a sign of how the father wished to allow his son to ultimately gain legitimacy through the service of his own men. I sense more than a hint of Thomas Asbridge’s biography in this video and that’s superb.

[@erikbostrom.9318]

William Marshall.. Ridley Scott's 'Robin Hood'.

[@timglasser2766]

He spoke French and was Norman . Nationalism did not exist as it does today. They were fighting about land and influence.

[@odranodonnell8539]

@@timglasser2766 exactly, not a word of English was spoken hahaha

[@prince-solomon]

Anglophonic? As said before, he was a Norman. Maybe the world would be a better place if William failed? Who knows

[@CommonSwindler]

@@prince-solomon Anglophonic meaning the English-speaking historical tradition. English is a very recent language but the English historical tradition is not and remains effectively the most influential on the planet. And no, the world would not be “a better place” since there would be no real, lasting Parliamentary democracy in the word, no Anglosphere and thus no “West” conceptually only a European continent marked by vicious cycles of despotism and revolution. Finally Globalism itself and all the connections that has brought is inseparable from the Pax Britannica and the subsequent but intrinsically related Pax Americana. With that in mind, as the Savior of an England under threat from a French monarchy sniffing at the first scents of eventual absolutism, William Marshal deserves the admiration heaped upon him.

[@impudentdomain]

The Marshall of England ! Amazing that more movies have not been made about this guy and his astounding life.

[@dbarnes9808]

the French have made at least one movie about Marshall that I know of.

[@anonanon7497]

Hollywood are too busy making their gazillionth installment of some ridiculous superhero franchise.

[@impudentdomain]

@@anonanon7497 or Fast and Furious Number 86

[@eddierodriguez3472]

William Hurt played a good role of William Marshal in the movie Robin Hood featuring Russell

[@ayriana22]

He was in The Lion in Winter but other than the Russell Crow Robin Hood, William is sadly left out of many movies that deal with the Plantagenets. Though A Knight's Tale is loosely based on his life.

[@radio-su6lh]

Wow what a national hero. Ashamed to say (as an Englishman), I’d never heard of him. Thank for enlightening me 🤗

[@crsm5850]

I'm a descendant of John Marshal and my mother and I have taken to calling William "Great Uncle Willie". It was so cool to learn more about his life from a KZbinr I've followed for months now!! Of course not the direct line of inheritance, but the Marshal name carried through all the way to the 1700s, where Sarah Marshal was arrested and sent on the second fleet of convicts to Australia, where she married and subsequently changed her last name to what's now my mothers maiden name. So its interesting how a noble family related to the greatest knight to ever live eventually became a family of convicts.

[@wayvicle]

'Straya!

[@cwcsquared]

But it’s said that his lineage ran out?

[@carmaela2689]

@@cwcsquared he said he is a descedent of JOHN Marshal, not William Marshal.

[@richardeasterlow6988]

​​@@cwcsquared his male line ran out but not that of his daughters. I am a direct descendant of his, via his daughter, Isabel, who married Gilbert de Clare

[@Anglo_Saxon1]

@@187blackbladeThere were no English people in America in the 1500's.The first English people to settle in America was in the year 1607.

[@AncientAmericas]

It's always a good day when Dan Davis drops a new video!

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@AncientAmericas]

@@DanDavisHistory Just finished the video. You did a wonderful job on this. Much more interesting than I expected!

[@janbarstow]

WOW, so THAT’s where the Magna Carta came from. What honor! He truly changed the world.

[@nialloneill5097]

Freedom, through service to one's fellow men.

[@levantos]

That was one of most entertaining KZbin video's I've ever seen. Mind, officially, blown. William Marshall. We need a proper film/TV Show on this guy.

[@anerdwithglasses7429]

I remember studying William Marshal in highschool, he was the epitome of knighthood to me. I thought he was absolutely brilliant having that much courage to stand and face the fact he could die every time he faced the Kings he dutifully served. I admire him for that strength because I for sure definitely couldn't do it, any person who can stand and possibly face death being the result has such admirable strength and self control. Living for your convictions and standing for your beliefs is rough and not ever an easy thing to do. I wish I had half his strength.

[@publicanimal]

It is truly incredible that so much history hinged on the life of this honorable fellow that is relatively unknown today. Even as an American I owe him a debt of gratitude due to his role in sealing and reissuing the Magna Carta, which has been so influential in shaping our own conception of Anglo-American law. You have done us all a huge favor in bringing his story to life here, thanks Dan.

[@eveningstar1]

Not sure what you learnt, but the magna cartas (plural, there were many of them) weren't some great document of individual freedoms, but attempts by kings to variously subdue rebellions and win favour. Total myth that it was an ancient document of protection.

[@joshsanders6891]

​@@eveningstar1 The king being forced to sign documents ensuring the property rights of other lords was the start of the political tradition of respecting property rights, and the cornerstone of the modern English traditions that were spread throughout the anglosphere. They're extremely historically relevant and it was a turning point in history from barbarian warlords taking what they want to the start of common law. It's only a myth if they try to say that it was some ancient English bill of rights, but op is right that if that didn't happen, we probably wouldn't of gotten the constitution of America, because who knows what would of happened.

[@catherinelw9365]

@@eveningstar1 You should demand a refund for your "education". Totally ignorant.

[@SantomPh]

@@joshsanders6891 the perception of the Magna Carta differs greatly of what happened in real life. The American Constitution and the other articles which shaped it are more based on French Republican philosophy as well as Enlightenment thinking of the 1700-1800s. The Magna Carta actually brought along an even more authoritarian England in the decades that followed.

[@joshsanders6891]

@@SantomPh Yes, and the American constitution was written because it went against ours. Taxation without representation? The American tradition and the enlightenment values are mostly based on the Anglo tradition, and yes they took a lot from the French in building their nation... Because it started at war with the British... Parliamentary systems wouldn't exactly be popular. And calling a period of centralisation authoritarian is redundant when nobody has any rights except the nobility. The point is the magna carta led to what we eventually developed and was a hugely historically relevant document, and is linked to the traditions of both nations because political traditions are built over time, and change over time. You didn't refute anything I just said, you just said some people have skewed perceptions like the last person did?

[@teukel1157]

Very. very well done. An example of Western virtue, strength, and integrity.

[@NashvilleDrumCoach]

I’m doing my genealogy, I discovered that among several notable people in Europe, im relayed this William Marshall. He’s my 30th great grandfather to be exact.

[@oldhippiejon]

I had just started secondary school when I picked up a book on this man, my history teacher was in the library at the time and filled me in on the man emphasizing what we the people owed him. It kicked of my interest in those times something that stayed with me through 60 years and a bookshelf full of books.

[@fenistereinc.5797]

The Cid was also amazing. I think he is in the top of the best knights with Marshal

[@raphaelandrews3617]

Thank you for a excellent biography of William Marshal a figure who has been sadly overlooked by many historians.

[@suzuya4717]

no offense, but that is only the case with the more pop-culture historians. There actually exist quite a few long and thorough academic works on Marshal - no historian of the english or french middle ages has not at the very least heard of him. The newest and most nuanced of the relevant books is the third edition of David Crouchs excellent work, but if i remember correctly you can access the books of Sidney and Painter on Marshal for free online. And of course, as pointed out by a few others in this comment section, the Greatest Knight (by Thomas Asbridge) is a retelling of the main source on Marshal and a very pleasurable read. The central source also exists in a translated form (the original was french), the newest english translation is by Nigel Bryant (i think that book is even shown in the video towards the end) if i remember right, and with the exception of it being somewhat repetitive in regards to tournaments, it is great fun to work through. If youre particularly interested in Marshals early life, Matthew Stricklands phenomenal work on Henry the Young King may also be of interest to you. Just type in the name of any of the authors mentioned in addition to „Marshal“ and youll find their work :) Hope this could help. Im very glad more people are getting interested in Marshal, it truly is a crime that he is pretty unknown outside of academic circles.

[@psforos]

One of those rare men that inspires belief in a better world if we are but better people.

[@ericb.4358]

As a history teacher I can say this video was not only well written but very well illustrated. Thank you Dan, for a job very well done.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@ragael1024]

what is a knight? a man of his word. a man forged into battle. a man of faith. William was all combined.

[@Stephen-uz8dm]

Nice pfp

[@J-J-Jude]

cringe

[@HamCubes]

Well done! I am over the Moon to see William Marshall receive some recognition! I have always suspected that GRRM was inspired by Sir William the Marshal when he was creating one of my favorite characters, Dunk/ Ser Duncan the Tall.

[@coolfool64]

I always saw William Marshall in Barristan Selmy. Selmy's rise as a renowned tournament fighter known for his daring, as well as his loss at the Trident but the respect, showed to him by King Robert Baratheon subsequently, is very reminiscent of Marshall and King Richard. Admittedly, Selmy has not proven himself to have the same political nous just yet in the story.

[@SuperIClaudius]

Well done. Thank you. In my old age, I'm filling in the gaps in my knowledge of European history. This so helped.

[@stormy3307]

I'm so so blown away by this mans life, by his drive, by his fire. So extraordinary for any era, any place, any time. Wow, just wow. They don't make em like that anymore. What an exciting life.

[@nialloneill5097]

Teas a life of dedication and service; he sought not riches, nor power, he simply wished to serve truth and righteousness, even unto death.

[@chpet1655]

Incredible man and clearly the most honest and honourable of knights.

[@firelock9080]

Probably the thing that makes William Marshall such an astonishing figure today is that he didn't decide whether to grant his loyalty based on the worthiness of his lord to receive it, but rather on how it impacted his own chivalry to do so. Today we most often will first question how deserving someone is to receive our loyalty. However, a man like William Marshall valued his public integrity over all else. Few men live like this today, and most would claim it too risky or too expensive to place integrity above all else. In fact, those men may be right - we live in a different time with different values. However, you don't earn the moniker "greatest knight who ever lived" by following conventional wisdom, as William proved time after time with the difficult decisions in his life. I also liked how Dan touched on the concept that what we commonly think of as "chivalry" today, was not at all the same as the medieval concept of chivalry. For one thing, chivalry only applied to those of a particularly high social status - common peasants were not included. So, protecting a noble woman who lost her husband in war was chivalrous, but so was murdering all the peasant women and children of a village that surrendered to the French without fighting back hard enough. Chivalry back then bears little resemblance to how chivalry is thought of today, thanks to a lot of 19th century over-romanticizing of everything medieval. Although I think our modern world stands more to gain from our modern perception of chivalry, we need to know and acknowledge that the concept should not be applied equally to all time periods and places. This "not the same as today" concept is well applied to nearly EVERYTHING that exists in both time periods, from vocabulary to materials, and avoiding the misappropriation of modern sensibilities and reasoning applied to medieval life is a cornerstone of a historian's duties. At any rate, Thank You Dan for a most excellent depiction of the life of one of history's most underrated heroes.

[@normtrooper4392]

Probably one of the greatest stories ever from history

[@MysticChronicles712]

William Marshal, a true exemplar of chivalry and valor, left an indelible mark on history with his unwavering loyalty, martial prowess, and unyielding honor. His life's story is a testament to the enduring values of knighthood and the impact of one man's unwavering commitment to his principles.

[@nathanmarshallmusic]

I had never heard of this William Marshal. I'm proud to carry the name of such a virtuous man. The like of his character surely existed with my own grandfather, Bill Marshall.

[@jamesm1]

Also he took the oath of a Templar on his deathbed because of a promise he made on his trip to the Holy Land. He had to keep this single secret from his wife, as a templar once sworn cannot be married. She died of sadness just two years later.

[@garynew9637]

Strange, I thought the Templers would be involved some where

[@hahayessir400]

@@garynew9637 they took his remains. Buried it in secret

[@forickgrimaldus8301]

Correction His wife died about 10 years after he died due to an illness.

[@forickgrimaldus8301]

@@garynew9637 its actually not that unheard of, Knights typically did join Catholic Military Orders to ensure a proper burial.

[@bruhmcchaddeus413]

@@forickgrimaldus8301 knights typically joined templar to ensure proper burial ? lol wot? Most templars died in fights, joining just for "proper burial" sacrificing ALOT when there was very high chance of their death being in combat? No, majority of templars joined only to fight for their cause..not for proper burial

[@colinb8623]

This absolutely Giga-Chad really told Richard "The Lionheart" and said, "If I wanted you dead, you would be"

[@timobrien2813]

Though I knew of William Marshal I had little detail. Thank you Mr. Davis for your work. This documentary confirms for me that those who serve morally and with courage are the greatest among us however humble, especially the humble. We really need more people like William Marshal. UKUK

[@Rockstar-bq5fm]

Great subject, you tend to get a lot of El CId bio’s when it comes to famous knights. Great to see the Marshal get some more shine. He has a brilliant story

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you. I am planning an El Cid video too.

[@claudiaxander]

Isn't he proven to be a moorish warrior?

[@Rockstar-bq5fm]

@@DanDavisHistory: looking forward to it!

[@DanDavisHistory]

No.

[@Rockstar-bq5fm]

@@claudiaxander: no he was Castilian, but he fought for both Catholics and Moores in Spain

[@deeppurple883]

I'm Irish and all thay it entails and I give credit where it's due. Churchill and Marshall are two I give this credit to. Loyalty and tenacity are two qualities I admire. ✌️☘️

[@votebritish]

Now both Ireland and Britain are being brazen invaded by consent of both treacherous parliaments What are you going to do to demonstrate similar qualities in defence of your people?

[@anerdwithglasses7429]

Churchill starved people to death in places like India while hoarding resources that didn't belong to England for English people. Even after ww2 he didn't give back what he took, he's not exactly the epitome of anything except greed maybe.

[@m.forrestal5893]

So am I! The life of William Marshal is not unknown to me, given that I grew up near New Ross, Co. Wexford! 🙂

[@lordsofafan372]

Winston Churchill was a horrible warmonger . What the fat fk did to the Welsh men, women and children in tonypandy was disgusting. Him and thatcher fkd wales over many times . Scumbags the pair of them .

[@user-ck2ed1eg1m]

also ernest shackleton

[@Mcbignuts]

What a total badass, and man of honor

[@gwgh]

I watched this video not long after it was posted and was so surprised today to discover that I'm one of his descendants! I'm his daughter Joan's 26th great granddaughter! I was so giddy after reading his name when I was researching, I immediately thought of this video!

[@markgannon7713]

A character in English history that not many know about. A fascinating story about an amazing man .. this very well done and enjoyable ..

[@FineArtIsLife]

Wonderful presentation, thorough and lucid. William is my 24th great-grandfather! He has set the standard quite high, and inspires thousands to this day.

[@jrhawk574]

Thank you so much for your work as a historian, novelist, and storyteller. There is not much honor to be found on earth these days; so it is good to be reminded that it has existed in extraordinary cases through the ages.

[@TenOrbital]

Up there with the Chevalier de Bayard, "the knight without fear and beyond reproach".

[@Paul_W_222]

A true marshal renowned for his great martial ability.

[@theicepickthatkilledtrotsk658]

Truly the greatest Knight.

[@mahatmamartinus]

Nope El Cid was the greatest knight

[@jacquelinedeigan776]

William was an absolutely Amazing Knight. Everything a Knight should be..Brave.. Valiant and Loyal.

[@Meloncholymadness]

It was a different time, but damn, he really accomplished a lot!

[@petrapetrakoliou8979]

Too bad he wasn't there at Bouvines! There is a good book on him by the renown French medievist Georges Duby: "Guillaume le Maréchal ou le meilleur chevalier du monde". Pembroke castle is still standing in quite a remarkable state of preservation, the great tower dating to the time of William Marshall. Some of the castles shown there are rather from the 14th century like Warkworth which is not how a castle would look like in the time of Stephen and Mathilda's wars, although not extremely far, and the gear of reenacters is sometimes from the 15th. Thank you for this fascinating story!

[@korakys]

Something that I didn't quite understand while watching and had to check: the military rank of "marshal", the highest rank in Britain and in France, comes from this great knight's name. Prior to that it was just the title of someone who looked after their lord's horses and literally means "mare-servant" (aka horse-servant). William Marshal got the name from his father, who had that job.

[@TheRukisama]

What a story, and what a knight! My personal knightly hero is Pierre Terrail (I'd love a video about him, though he's more in the Early Modern Period), but William Marshal is now definitely high on the list.

[@tselengbotlhole750]

Very interesting documentary. I had never heard of William Marshall before...... A true legend

[@Boric78]

I knew the story, but this brought it to life excellently. Epic social climbing brought about by what must have been fearsome skills. Total loyalty - a dream subject if ever there was one. Great vid.

[@mktf5582]

Other Knights that need an episode/Bio - Sir John Sully (105 yrs old), Sir John Of Cornwall (Baron Fanhope),Sir John Savage (War of the Roses),Sir Robert Umfraville (KG - Lord of Reddesdale).

[@mahatmamartinus]

El Cid more

[@bloodygoat6941]

What a badass. So sad he is so little known

[@JamesBrown-wo2qj]

I have been a student of English and European history and medieval languages my entire life (my grandmother had a PhD in and was a teacher of British literature, and my college majors were in English and History with a focus on medieval literature and languages)...and I am currently sitting here wondering how in the H*ll it is that I have never heard this incredible story? Literally SMH. What a fantastic story. Proof that one is *never* too old to learn something new. Bravo Zulu.

[@klaunwelt4404]

Dan Davis returns with an hour of glorious narrative. Happy days! Thank you Dan.

[@NCCorruption]

The Marshal sword is in the Edinburgh castle collection. It is a diamond shaped board sword suggesting a skilled swordsman who fought in the German style on the point.

[@lisaa.4667]

This is the best documentary I've seen of Sir William Marshal. Thank you!

[@nicholassteel5529]

Marvellous story! The reprieve of the boy’s execution got me🙏❤️😢

[@chrisbrown8640]

" The Knight is young......"

[@JakeKlineMusic]

Same

[@Shaden0040]

Thank you for the insight on one of my ancestors, Willliam Marshall through one of his daughters.

[@margaretkerr7920]

Brilliant well researched video! William Marshaall's story is truly inspiring❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻⭐️

[@GaryGillKeeper]

I love the fact that you you've timed the adverts properly, on every chapter, it makes the experience so much better

[@OffRampTourist]

Love how this connected bits and pieces from other lives to make a great man's story.

[@kimberlypatton205]

What a magnificent knight! I’d never heard of him before this video, but he is indeed an inspiration for his fine qualities and resolve! Thanks! I enjoyed this SO much!

[@2btpatch]

Thank you for this video presenting the life of a truly amazing man. It is his personal code of honour, as well as his prowess, that shines through.

[@2persons]

An amazing story of an amazing life of this man Sir William Marshal a Templar Knight by an amazing ending. Well told.

[@greyetch]

WOW what a life this guy lived. When he faces off with Richard the Lionheart - that could be the climax of a movie or something. Great work telling the story.

[@blanconievesbarbanegra]

That was inspiring... These real tales of honor make my blood flow faster

[@jamessadler5073]

Great job for putting it on YT for us all to see for free. Thank you good sir!

[@Imaewok]

Great documentary! I love the history during that time period and didn’t realize how legendary William Marshall must have been. Thanks for enlightening me and paying homage to this man!

[@invidatauro8922]

What's amazing about this story is it shows that an honorable, loyal, and stalwart man could indeed survive and achieve great things.

[@Aaron_Beach]

I loved this story! William Marshall is my new favorite historical figure.

[@lost_porkchop]

It's difficult to imagine a seventy year old (especially when seventy was seventy!) leading his men in an attack but I guess he was just that good

[@IronianKnight]

@Conon the Binarian Bit of that, bit of constant practice. Once your body stops growing it's all about momentum, and I figure the Marshal was not a day without martial practice most his life.

[@sheilahorn8913]

Been waiting for a great documentary on The Marshal! Thank you!

[@shaunembleton4624]

Excellent! I've been looking for a comprehensive documentary about sir William and this is the best 👌

[@milliebanks7209]

Thank you for bringing a truly noble man too life! They don't come often but when they do, get out of their way! This is the first I have heard of William Marshall. I agree with the gentleman that a movie should be made of this knight! Again, thank you.

[@davidwhelan1545]

A great story, of a great man, told exquisitely. Thank you.

[@nuperaa6617]

We really need a tv show for this man

[@erisu69]

Amazing work on this video. By following a single life from beginning to end, it gives such an illuminating look into the social forces that shaped these people's lives. Thanks for the work that went into producing this.

[@jasoncastle4818]

Outstanding AF!! Eagerly awaiting your next installment!! Incredible life for a truly incredible man!!

[@nickbarton6022]

As always Dan, a truly awesome story wonderfully told. Thank you.

[@sholomrabin2011]

beautiful narration and concept. as a student of history (as a hobby) i knew quite a bit of this but your in depth look into this great man was a joy to listen to even as backround while i was doing other thing. i am on to listen to your other videos and hope you continue. i shall be subscribing so i dont miss out. well done and keep up the great work.

[@budgie204]

What a brilliant piece of history , thank you.

[@BlackhandsTravels]

Great storytelling, easy to follow. Good calm voice and a good, and for me, unknown story. Amazing knight amazingly tought. Thank you for this.

[@conradnelson5283]

I wish I had a dozen more videos to watch on men like this. Very inspiring story. Just what I have come to expect from your channel.❤❤❤

[@victoriatampling5049]

I live in Caversham, his manor, he is our local hero, I have seen his grave at the Temple church, London. We have all this as local history in Reading. Well done for raising his profile, enjoyed this 👏☮️🇬🇧