Biography of William "Longsword" Longespee Earl Salisbury 1176-1226

Paternal Family Tree: Anjou aka Plantagenet

Maternal Family Tree: Amice Gael Countess Leicester 1168

Around 1176 William "Longsword" Longespee Earl Salisbury was born illegitimately to King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England (age 42) and Ida Tosny Countess Norfolk (age 20).

Death of King Henry II

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On 6th July 1189 [his father] King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England (age 56) died at Chinon Castle [Map]. William Mandeville 3rd Earl Essex Count Aumale was present. He was buried at Fontevraud Abbey [Map]. His son [his half-brother] Richard (age 31) succeeded I King of England.

Chronicle of Roger de Hoveden. 30th March 1194. On the thirtieth day of March, a Wednesday, Richard, King of England, held the first day of his council at Nottingham. Present at this council were: Queen Eleanor (age 72), his mother, Hubert (age 34), Archbishop of Canterbury, who sat on the king's right, [his illegitimate half-brother] Geoffrey (age 42), Archbishop of York, who sat on the king's left, Hugh (age 69), Bishop of Durham, Hugh (age 54), Bishop of Lincoln, William, Bishop of Ely, the king's chancellor, William, Bishop of Hereford, Henry, Bishop of Worcester, Henry (age 46), Bishop of Exeter, John, Bishop of Whithorn (Candida Casa), Count David (age 42), brother of the King of Scotland, [his uncle] Hamelin (age 65), Earl of Warenne, Ranulf (age 24), Earl of Chester, William (age 26), Earl of Ferrers, William (age 18), Earl of Salisbury, Roger Bigod (age 50).

Tricesima die mensis Martii, feria quarta, Ricardus rex Angiiæ celebravit primum conciJii sui diem apud Notingliam; cui interfueiunt Alienor regina mater ejus, et Hubertus Cantuariensis arcbiepiscopus, qui in dextris regis sedebat in concilio illo, et Gaufridus Eboracensis arcbiepiscopus, qui a sinistris ejus sedebat, et Hugo Dunelmensis, et Hugo Lincolniensis, et Willelmus Eliensis regis cancellarius, et Willelmus Herefordensis, et Henriecus Wigornensis, et Henricus Exoniensis, et Johannes Candidæ Casæ episcopi; et comes David frater regis, Scotiæ, et Hamelinus comes de Warenna, et Ranulfus comes Cestriæ, et Willelmus comes de Ferreres, et Willelmus comes de Salesbiria, et Rogerus Bigot.

King Richard I Re-crowned

Chronicle of Roger de Hoveden. 17th April 1194. On the seventeenth day of April, a Sunday within the Octave of Easter, a great assembly gathered in the Church of St. Swithun [Map]. Present were: Hubert (age 34), Archbishop of Canterbury, John (age 44), Archbishop of Dublin, Hugh (age 69), Bishop of Durham, Hugh of Lincoln, Richard of London, Gilbert of Rochester, William of Ely, Seffrid of Chichester, Henry of Exeter, William of Hereford, the Bishop of Worcester, the Bishop of St. David's, and the Bishop of Bangor, together with many abbots, clergy, and laypeople. Richard, King of England, clothed in royal garments and wearing a golden crown on his head, came forth from his chamber already crowned. He held in his right hand the royal sceptre, topped with the sign of the cross, and in his left hand a golden rod, topped with the figure of a dove. On his right walked William, Bishop of Ely, his chancellor, and on his left, Richard, Bishop of London. Preceding them in ordered procession were the archbishops, bishops, abbots, monks, and clerics. Following the king were earls, barons, knights, and a great multitude of common people.

And a silken canopy, supported by four lances, was carried above the king [[his half-brother] King Richard "Lionheart" I of England (age 36)] by four earls: Roger Bigod (age 50), Earl of Norfolk, William, Earl of the Isle of Wight, the Earl of Salisbury (age 18), the Earl of Ferrers (age 26).Three swords taken from the royal treasury were carried before the king: one sword was carried by William (age 51), King of Scotland. another was borne by [his uncle] Hamelin (age 65), Earl of Warenne. The third was carried by Ranulf (age 24), Earl of Chester. Among them, the King of Scotland walked in the middle, with the Earl of Warenne at his right and the Earl of Chester at his left.

Septima decima die mensis Aprilis, die Dominica in octavis Paschæ, convenientibus in unum in ecclesia Sancti Swithuni Huberto Cantuariensi, et Johanne Dublinensi archiepiscopis; et Hugone Dunelmensi, et Hugone Lincolniensi, et Ricardo Londoniensi, et Gilberto Roffensi, et Willelmo Eliensi, et Sefrido Cicestrensi, et Henrico Exoniensi, et¹.... Willelmo Herefordensi, et Wigornensi, et de S. David, et¹.... Pangorensi episcopis; et abbatibus multis, et clero et populo; Ricardus rex Angliæ vestimentis regalibus indutus, coronam auream habens in capite,² processit de thalamo suo coronatus, gestans in manu sua dextra sceptrum regale, cujus sum mitate habetur signum crucis, et in manu sinistra virgam auream, in cujus summitate habetur species columbz et a dextris ejus ibat Willelmus Eliensis episcopus, cancellarius suus, et a sinistris Ricardus Londoniensis episcopus. Præcedebat quoque eos ordinata processio archiepiscoporum et episcoporum, et abbatum, et monachorum et clericorum. Comites vero, et barones, et milites, et magna plebis multitudo, sequebantur regem.

Et pannus sericus quatuor lanceis superpositus ferebatur supra regem a quatuor comitibus: videlicet, Rogero Bigot comite de Norfolchia, et Willelmo comite de Insula Vectæ et—comite Salesbiriensi, et—comite de Ferreres. Et tres gladii de thesauro regis sumpti gestabantur ante regem; quorum unum gestabat Willelmus rex Scottorum, et alterum portabat Hamelinus comes de Warenna, et tertium gestabat Ranulfus comes Cestriæ: medius autem illorum ibat rex Scottorum, et comes Warennæ a dextris ejus, et comes Cestriæ a sinistris ejus.

Note 1. blanks for names of the bishops of Worcester and Bangor.

Note 2. coronam auream habens in capite. It is worthwhile remarking that notwithstanding the political significance given to this second coronation of Richard, it was a ceremony different in kind from the first, and far more in itself analogous to the great crown-wearing days of the earlier Norman kings. The king receives the crown from the archbishop privately (Gerv. l.?S7), and presents himself to the people already crowned and in his royal robes. It is not so much a renewal of his "inauguration" after an eclipse of dignity or even a loss of it, as an assertion that that dignity has undergone no diminution. The day and place recall the Easter crown-wearing of William the Conqueror at Winchester. Gervase was reminded by them of the Canterbury crowning of king Stephen, c. 1588.

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In 1196 William "Longsword" Longespee Earl Salisbury (age 20) and Ela of Salisbury 3rd Countess of Salisbury (age 9) were married. He by marriage Earl Salisbury. She the daughter of William of Salisbury 2nd Earl Salisbury (age 46) and Eleanor Vitre Countess of Salisbury (age 38). He the illegitmate son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England and Ida Tosny Countess Norfolk (age 40). They were fifth cousin once removed.

Around 1207 [his daughter] Ida Longespée was born to William "Longsword" Longespee Earl Salisbury (age 31) and Ela of Salisbury 3rd Countess of Salisbury (age 20) at Salisbury. She a granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

On 8th December 1207 [his son] William Longespée was born to William "Longsword" Longespee Earl Salisbury (age 31) and Ela of Salisbury 3rd Countess of Salisbury (age 20). He a grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

Battle of Damme

On 30th May 1213 William "Longsword" Longespee Earl Salisbury (age 37) accidentally encountered a large French fleet. The French crews were mostly ashore. The English captured around 300 ships at anchor, burning a further 100 ships. The battle resulted in a period of peace in England with France being unable to invade, as well as generating significant wealth for England.

Around 1216 [his son] Stephen Longespée was born to William "Longsword" Longespee Earl Salisbury (age 40) and Ela of Salisbury 3rd Countess of Salisbury (age 29) at Salisbury. He a grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

Before 1220 [his son-in-law] William Beauchamp (age 34) and [his daughter] Ida Longespée (age 12) were married. The difference in their ages was 22 years. She the daughter of William "Longsword" Longespee Earl Salisbury (age 43) and Ela of Salisbury 3rd Countess of Salisbury (age 32).

Around 1222 [his daughter] Ida II Longespée was born to William "Longsword" Longespee Earl Salisbury (age 46) and Ela of Salisbury 3rd Countess of Salisbury (age 35) at Salisbury. She a granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

In 1226 [his son-in-law] William Vesci and [his daughter] Isabella Longespée were married. She the daughter of William "Longsword" Longespee Earl Salisbury (age 50) and Ela of Salisbury 3rd Countess of Salisbury (age 39). They were fifth cousin once removed. She a granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

All About History Books

The Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough, a canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: "In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed." Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback.

On 7th March 1226 William "Longsword" Longespee Earl Salisbury (age 50) died at Old Sarum [Map]. Roger of Wendover in his Flowers of History writes that some accused Hubert de Burgh Count Mortain 1st Earl Kent (age 56) of having poisoned him.

Effigy at Salisbury Cathedral [Map].

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Flowers of History by Roger of Wendover 1232. When people saw the king's regard for Hubert (age 61), whom he had once so particularly favoured, changed into hatred, many of his enemies rose against him and accused him of many enormous crimes. Some accused him of having caused the death of the two nobles, William earl of Salisbury and William Marshall earl of Pembroke, by poison, and that he had killed Falcasius and Richard archbishop of Canterbury by the same wicked means. The citizens of London laid a complaint before the king that the said Hubert had hung their fellow citizen Constantine unjustly, and without any trial, for which crime they demanded justice; the king there- fore issued a proclamation throughout London, calling on all who had any complaint against Hubert, for any injury to them soever, to come to him when they should have justice done them. When Hubert heard of this, he fled in alarm to the church at Merton, where he concealed himself amongst the canons.

Effigy of William Longespee. WILLIAM Longespee was the bastard son of [his father] Henry the Second by the celebrated Rosamund de Clifford¹. His half-brother, [his half-brother] Richard the First, gave him in marriage Ela, daughter and inheritrix of William Earl of Salisbury. He bore a conspicuous part in the domestic divisions in the reign of [his half-brother] King John, whose general he was against the rebellious Barons in 1215, but in the following year went over to the party of Louis the son of the French king. On the death of John he abandoned the cause of Louis, did homage to the young King Henry the Third, and united with William Mareschal, the spirited Earl of Pembroke, then Regent, in raising the siege of Lincoln. In 1219 he was with other English noblemen at the siege of Damietta, which place was vigorously defended by the Saracens, and the capture of which cost the Christian forces very dear. In 1224 he went over into Gascony with Richard Earl of Cornwall, to subdue certain towns and castles to obedience to King Henry their Lord. Returning in the following year they were over-taken at sea by a violent tempest; after beating about for many nights and days they were carried far out of their course; and, giving themselves up for lost, committed all their treasure and rich garments to the deep. While they remained in darkness and despair, on a sudden the whole vessel was illuminated by the brilliant flame of a huge wax taper, which appeared on the prow, and by it a damsel of exceeding beauty, who protected the light with her garment from the force of the wind and rain. While the crew were lost in wonder at this miraculous nocturnal vision, the Earl of Salisbury proclaimed that their thanks were due to the Blessed Virgin for this merciful interposition, at whose shrine, on the day of his knighthood, he had offered a taper to be kept constantly burning on the daily celebration of the offices to her honour. The courage of the dispirited crew revived, and the following morning they made the Isle of Rhé, near Rochelle. Salisbury was speedily obliged to put to sea again, being informed of the design of the Lord of the place to make him prisoner. He braved the adverse elements for three months longer before he reached England. Such is the relation of Matthew Paris. His long absence gave occasion to a current report that he was lost at sea, and Hubert de Burgh, Justiciary of England, solicited to be allowed to match a kinsman of his, one Raymond, who had a claim to the Earldom of Salisbury, with his rich widow, but she, like another Penelope, rejected this suitor. At length the Earl landed unexpectedly in Cornwall, and demanded satisfaction of the King against Hubert, whose relative had assailed the honour of his wife. Hubert made submissive reparation by presents, but is reported to have taken the Earl off by poison, administered to him at a feast to which he had invited him in simulated reconciliation.

Note. William is now believed to be the son of [his mother] Ida Tosny Countess Norfolk; a charter William made that mentions "Comitissa Ida, mater mea" (Countess Ida, my mother).

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[his son] Richard Longespée was born to William "Longsword" Longespee Earl Salisbury and Ela of Salisbury 3rd Countess of Salisbury. He a grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

[his daughter] Mary Longespée was born to William "Longsword" Longespee Earl Salisbury and Ela of Salisbury 3rd Countess of Salisbury. She a granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

Chronica Majora. About the same time, Earl Richard, the king's brother, Earl G. Marshal, John, earl of Chester and Lincoln, the earl of Salisbury [Note. Unclear as to who this is referring since the last Earl of Salisbury William "Longsword" Longespee Earl Salisbury died in 1226 and his wife Ela of Salisbury 3rd Countess of Salisbury, de jure Earl of Salisbury, remained unmarried], G. de Lucy, his brother, Richard Seward, and many other nobles, assumed the cross. Earl Rchard at once ordered his woods to be cut down and sold, and endeavoured by all the means in his power to raise money to sustain his pilgrimage. Not long afterwards, by means of Simon de Montfort, earl of Leicester, and (as was reported) Peter de Eivaulx, Richard Seward unjustly incurred the king's anger, and was taken and imprisoned; but was soon afterwards released with the same ease.

[his daughter] Pernel Longespée was born to William "Longsword" Longespee Earl Salisbury and Ela of Salisbury 3rd Countess of Salisbury. She a granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

[his son] Bishop Nicholas Longespée was born to William "Longsword" Longespee Earl Salisbury and Ela of Salisbury 3rd Countess of Salisbury. He a grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

[his daughter] Isabella Longespée was born to William "Longsword" Longespee Earl Salisbury and Ela of Salisbury 3rd Countess of Salisbury. She a granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

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[his daughter] Ela Longespee Countess Warwick was born to William "Longsword" Longespee Earl Salisbury and Ela of Salisbury 3rd Countess of Salisbury. She a granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.