William Marshal, 5th Earl of Pembroke (?1145-1219)

As a landless young knight William Marshall jousted on the most famous tournaments of his times. His chivalrous skill was obviously so impressive that Queen Eleanor made him the tutor of her eldest son, Henry the Young King. Throughout his life William Marshal remained connected with the Angevin family. He rebelled with the Young King against his father, Henry II, and after he had gained his earldom by marriage in 1189, he defeated John's rebellion against his brother, King Richard I, in 1193. Yet, he supported John in 1199 and was his chief adviser. From 1216 to 1219 William Marshal was King Henry III's regent and fought the French at Lincoln at an age of nearly 70. His life was put down in words in the 'Histoire de Guillaume le Marechal' in 1225.