The book is about Sir William Marshall. William was born in 1146 and, as was common in those times in England, he didn't have a wonderful childhood. Life was hard. It was a time of Kings and wars and allegiences and knights. At the tender young age of 6 William was almost hanged. King Stephen besieged the castle of William's father, John, who had once been a supporter of Stephen, but turned on him. In order for Stephen to make sure that John surrendered the castle he held little William hostage and threatened to hang him in front of his father. William's father, John, being the "wonderful" man that he was told Stephen to go ahead and hang him because - "I still have the hammer and the anvil with which to forge still more and better sons!" Fortunately for the child, Stephen could not bring himself to hang young William.
Because William was the younger son of a minor nobleman he was not to inherit any lands or money and had to make his own way in life. At the age of 12 he was sent to Normandy and this is where he had his first lessons on becoming a knight. He found his true calling jousting in tournaments. He is said to have bested over 500 knights in his career. His reputation grew and soon he was appointed to the house of Henry the Young King in 1170. He and the young king continued to travel at all the tournaments.
William supported the young king in his efforts against his father, King Henry II. For years William lived with and worked for this royal family. In August 1189 King Henry kept his promise to William, who was now 43, and gave William the hand of 17 year old Isabel du Claire - along with her father's lands and estates in England, Ireland, Normandy and France and he became one of the richest men in the kingdom.
After many political moves, William went to the Crusades, supported King John, became a huge supporter of the Magna Carta and eventually helped sign it into law. On 14 May 1219 he died. On his deathbed he had invested into the Knights Templar and was buried at Temple Church.
What I've written here about him is extremely condensed. His life was amazing - he came from nothing and became one of the richest, most respected knights in England. He played hardball with kings and protected queens. He played the medival political game with skill and came out on top.
William Marshall is what little girl's dreams are made of - the ultimate knight in shining armour. He's my 25th great-grandfather and I'm very proud of that.
For more info "Bing" or "Google" Sir William Marshall.
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