William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury

William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, was an Anglo-Norman nobleman known for his role as commander of the English forces at the Battle of Damme and his loyalty to his half-brother, King John. The moniker ‘Longespée’ likely refers to his tall stature and use of large weapons. He was the illegitimate son of Henry II of England and Ida de Tosny. Henry II acknowledged him and granted him the honour of Appleby in 1188. Richard I arranged his marriage to Ela of Salisbury, making him the Earl of Salisbury in 1196.

Salisbury served in various offices, including High Sheriff of Wiltshire and Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. His military career included campaigns in Normandy, Poitou, and Flanders. He led a significant victory at the Battle of Damme in 1213. After being captured at the Battle of Bouvines in 1214, he returned to England amid baronial revolt but stayed loyal to King John until briefly defecting in 1216. Following John’s death, Salisbury supported his son, Henry III, and held influential government positions during the king’s minority.