"The finest knight in all the world, part 2: William Marshal, baron, earl, and regent of England

Send us a textIn the second half of “The finest knight in all the world: the practical chivalry of Sir William Marshal,” Ellen and I examine the career of William Marshal as baron, earl, and, ultimately, regent of England for a child king. The challenge William Marshal faced as a baron was to retain possession of all his lands while still preserving his vaunted reputation for loyalty, a seemingly impossible challenge under the rule of the mistrustful and vindictive King John. ...