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William Longespée

Type Figure Region England Time c. 1167–1226 Also known as William, Earl of Salisbury

William Longespée (c. 1167–1226) was an illegitimate son of King Henry II of England and Ida de Tosny;…

Timeline

  1. c. 1176–1199England · EnglandHe grew up at court as an illegitimate son of Henry II by a noblewoman (some say Ida de Tosny), gradually acquiring lands and military training in the 1190s, laying the foundation for his future earldom.
  2. 1199–1220Salisbury · WiltshireCreated Earl of Salisbury in the late 1190s, he led a fleet that defeated the French at Damme in 1213, campaigned in Poitou with King John in 1214, and joined the Fifth Crusade (taking part in the siege of Damietta).
  3. 1226Salisbury · WiltshireOn his return voyage from Gascony in 1225, his ship nearly foundered in a storm, and he took refuge at the monastery on Ré island; after returning to England he died at Salisbury Castle on 7 March 1226 and was buried in Salisbury Cathedral. He was not killed by an arrow while besieging Roche Castle in Scotland.

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