John Marshal (Marshal of England) facts for kids

John FitzGilbert the Marshal (born around 1105, died 1165) was an important nobleman in England during the 1100s. He lived during a time of great trouble called the Anarchy, which was a civil war. John FitzGilbert was known for being loyal to different kings and queens at different times.

He started his career as the royal marshal for King Henry I. This job meant he was in charge of the king's horses and later, his soldiers. When King Henry I died, John first supported King Stephen. King Stephen gave him control of important castles like Marlborough and Ludgershall, Wiltshire. These castles, along with Hamstead Marshal, helped him control the River Kennet valley in Wiltshire.

Around 1139, John changed his support to Empress Matilda, who was fighting King Stephen for the throne. In 1141, Empress Matilda had to escape from a battle in Winchester. She found safety in John's castle at Ludgershall. As John helped her get away, he had to hide in Wherwell Abbey. Sadly, the abbey was set on fire, and John lost an eye because of hot, melting lead from the roof.

In 1152, John had a famous standoff with King Stephen. Stephen had surrounded John's castle at Newbury Castle. John had promised to give up, but he didn't. So, King Stephen threatened to kill John's young son, who was being held as a hostage. John bravely refused to give in, saying he could have more sons. Luckily, King Stephen felt sorry for the boy and didn't harm him. This boy grew up to be William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who became one of the most famous and powerful knights in all of medieval England.

The important job of Lord Marshal became a family title because of John. It was passed down through his family. This role was first about looking after the king's horses. Later, it meant being the leader of the king's household soldiers.

John's Family Life

John FitzGilbert was the son of Gilbert, who was also a royal marshal to King Henry I. When his father died in 1129, John took over the important marshal title.

John first married a woman named Aline Pipard. Her father, Walter Pipard, was a friend of John's father. John later ended his marriage to Aline. He did this so he could marry Sibyl of Salisbury. Sibyl was the sister of Patrick of Salisbury, who had been John's rival and a supporter of King Stephen.

John had two sons with Aline: Gilbert (who died in 1166) and Walter (who died before 1165). Walter passed away before his father, and Gilbert died soon after inheriting his father's lands.

John's oldest son with Sibyl of Salisbury was also named John Marshal (1145-1194). He inherited the marshal title after his father. When this John died, King Richard the Lionheart gave the title to John's younger brother, William (1147-1219). William Marshal became incredibly famous for his skills as a soldier and leader across Europe. Even though he started as a younger son without much inheritance, his reputation grew to be unmatched.

John Marshal had four sons in total with his second wife, Sibyl. Besides John and William, there was Henry (1150-1206), who became a Bishop in Exeter. There was also Ancel, who was a knight for his relative, Rotrou, Count of Perche. John and Sibyl also had two daughters, Sybilla and Margaret.

Historical Stories

John FitzGilbert the Marshal is a character in a book called "A Place beyond Courage" (2007) by Elizabeth Chadwick.