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.