Lion of the Cross Character Profile: Sir William II Longespée, (c. 1212 – 8 February 1250) (Long Sword, Latinised to de Longa Spatha) Sir William II Longespée was the son of William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, and Ela, 3rd Countess of Salisbury. His death became of significant importance to the English psyche, having died as a martyr due to the purported mistakes of the French at the Battle of Mansurah, near Al-Mansurah in Egypt. Longespée made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1240, and again in 1247. The second time, he proceeded to Rome and made a plea to Pope Innocent IV for support. Having succeeded in gaining the favor of the Pope, Longespée raised a company of 200 English horse to join with Louis IX on his crusade. To raise funds for his expedition, he sold a charter of liberties to the burgesses of the town of Poole in 1248 for 70 marks. During the Seventh Crusade, Longespée commanded the English forces. He became widely known for his feats of chivalry and his subsequent martyrdom. The circumstances of his death served to fuel growing English animosity toward the French; it is reported that the French Count dArtois lured Longespée into attacking the Mameluks before the forces of King Louis IX arrived in support. Robert dArtois, William II Longespée and his men, along with 280 Knights Templar, were killed at this time. It is said that his mother, Abbess Ela Longespée, had a vision of the martyr being received into heaven by angels on the day of his death. In 1252, the Sultan delivered Longespées remains to a messenger who conveyed them to Acre for burial at the church of St. Cross. However, his effigy is found amongst family members at Salisbury Cathedral, in England.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 09:00:00 +0000
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