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William Longspee

c. 1167 - 7 March 1226

House: Plantagenet

Titles: 3rd Earl of Salisbury, High Sheriff of Wiltshire, High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire, High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, High Sheriff of Somerset, High Sheriff of Devon, High Sheriff of Staffordshire and Shropshire

William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, was an Anglo-Norman nobleman born in or before 1167. He was the illegitimate son of Henry II, King of England, and Ida de Tosny. Recognized as the king's son in 1188, he was granted the honour of Appleby and later married Ela of Salisbury, acquiring the title and lands of the earldom of Salisbury.

Longespée was a loyal supporter of his half-brother King John, serving in various military and administrative roles. He commanded English forces at the Battle of Damme and participated in campaigns in Wales and Ireland. He eventually sided with Louis of France during the baronial revolt but returned to support Henry III after John's death.

William Longespée died on 7 March 1226 at Salisbury Castle and was buried in Salisbury Cathedral. He was succeeded by his son, William II Longespée.

Notable events

  • In or before 1167
    Born as the illegitimate son of Henry II, King of England, and Ida de Tosny.
  • 1188
    Recognized as son of King Henry II and received the honour of Appleby, Lincolnshire.
  • 1196
    Married Ela of Salisbury, gaining the title and lands of the earldom of Salisbury.
  • 1210-1212
    Served as commander in the king's Welsh and Irish expeditions and appointed Viceroy of Ireland.
  • 1213
    Led a fleet to Flanders, destroying a French invasion fleet at Damme.
  • 1214
    Captured at the Battle of Bouvines while commanding the right wing of the army.
  • 1215
    Remained loyal to King John during the baronial revolt after the signing of the Magna Carta.
  • 1216
    Joined the side of Louis of France during the civil war but later supported Henry III.
  • 1225
    Survived a storm at sea and took refuge at a monastery on the French island of Ré.
  • 7 March 1226
    Died at Salisbury Castle and was buried in Salisbury Cathedral.

Other details

Death: Died at age 58–59 at Salisbury Castle and was buried in Salisbury Cathedral.

Children: William II Longespée, Nicholas Longespée

Marriages: Ela, Countess of Salisbury

Parents: Henry II of England, Ida de Tosny

Sources

ionicons-v5-r
Compiled from various 3rd hand sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Longesp%C3%A9e,_3rd_Earl_of_Salisbury