Osprey - General Military - Knight - The Warrior and ... - Brego-weard

More than a mere warrior, the image given by his effgy, William Marshal had been the teacher, protector and
confidante of kings and princes. (Bridgeman Art Library)
and stable peace in which his charge could grow
up, William negotiated a settlement with Louis and
the rebels, and re-established Magna Carta, the
collection of rights and privileges imposed on John
by the barons in 1215.
Marshal fell ill in March 1219 and, entering the
Order of the Knights Templar, he made his final
arrangements. He distributed his clothing between
the knights of his household and the poor, confessed
his sins and died. He was buried in the New Temple
church, where his effigy can still be seen today. The
news of his death travelled across the Channel and
he was mourned by the King of France and his court
as the most loyal, wise and best knight of his age.
Earl William, his son, commissioned a history of
his life to be written, thus securing William's place in
history, couched in a suitably epic tone for one who
had been at the heart of chivalry for so long.