Knight Crusader facts for kids
Cover of first edition
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| Author | Ronald Welch |
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| Illustrator | William Stobbs |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Series | Carey family |
| Subject | Crusader states, Third Crusade, Anglo-Norman England |
| Genre | Children's historical novel |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
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Publication date
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1954 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 272 pp (first edition) |
| ISBN | 0192770861 (1979) |
| OCLC | 315242056 |
| LC Class | PZ7.W4489 Kn |
Knight Crusader is an exciting historical novel for young readers. It was written by Ronald Welch and first published in 1954. The story is mostly set in the Crusader states during the 1100s. These states were Christian kingdoms in the Middle East. The book features big historical events like the Battle of Hattin and the Third Crusade. Ronald Welch won the famous Carnegie Medal for this book. This award is given to the best children's book by a British writer each year.
Contents
The Story of Philip d'Aubigny
The novel follows the adventures of a young knight named Philip d'Aubigny. The story is split into three main parts. First, we see events leading up to the terrible Battle of Hattin. Then, four years later, Philip escapes from being held captive during the Third Crusade. Finally, Philip returns home to reclaim his family's lands in Wales.
Life in the Crusader States
At the start of the book, the Christian Crusader states, also known as Outremer, had been around for almost 100 years. They were formed after the city of Jerusalem was captured in 1099. However, a powerful Muslim leader named Saladin was bringing together his armies. He wanted to take back the lands from the Crusaders.
The brave Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller were eager to fight. But some people worried there weren't enough Christian knights. They needed knights to protect the castles and also to form a strong army. Saladin invaded Outremer and surrounded the city of Tiberias.
The Battle of Hattin
Guy of Lusignan, who was the King of Jerusalem, wasn't a very strong leader. He listened to bad advice. He decided to march his army across a dry, waterless plain in the middle of summer. This was to help the city of Tiberias.
The Christian army became very tired and weak from the desert heat. They were exhausted even before the battle began. They suffered a terrible defeat at the Battle of Hattin. After this huge loss, most of the Christian castles fell to Saladin. Soon after, the Muslim armies also captured Jerusalem.
Philip's Journey and Knighthood
These big events are shown through Philip d'Aubigny's eyes. Philip is a young nobleman born in Outremer. His family came from a Norman knight who fought in the First Crusade. Philip's father is a Baron and lord of Blanch Garde Castle.
Philip becomes friends with a Turk named Jusuf, whom he saves from robbers. Later, Philip impresses the king with his amazing sword skills in a duel. Because of this, he earns his knighthood. Philip hears many important discussions about the difficult political and military situation. He suffers during the long march through the desert. He sees his father die in battle and is then taken prisoner.
Escape and the Third Crusade
Philip was held captive in the home of Jusuf's father, Usamah, in Damascus. It was a fairly easy captivity, but Philip really wanted to be free. With help from the Knights Hospitaller, Philip and his friend Gilbert escape over the city walls.
They make their way to Krak, a huge Hospitaller fortress. On their journey, they even have an encounter with the Assassins, a secret group. Philip then decides to serve King Richard of England. During the campaigns of the Third Crusade, Philip becomes one of the most famous knights in all of Christendom.
Returning Home
In the final chapters, Philip and his group of Crusaders arrive in Britain. He takes part in a jousting tournament at Cardiff Castle. Philip learns from his squire's father that his family's castle, Llanstephan, has been taken. It was captured by someone allied with Prince John. Philip then leads a daring raid to win back his ancestral home.
The book also shows how advanced the medieval Islamic civilization was. The Crusader noblemen had adopted many of their refined ways. This is compared to the simpler living conditions in Europe at the time. The story suggests that returning Crusaders brought new ideas of luxury and culture from the East back to the West.
Characters in the Story
Here are some of the important characters you'll meet in Knight Crusader:
Fictional Characters
- Philip d'Aubigny of Blanche Garde: A young nobleman who becomes a brave knight.
- Sir Hugo d'Aubigny of Blanche Garde: Philip's father, a Baron in Jerusalem.
- Llewellyn: Philip's loyal manservant.
- Sir Fulk de Grandmesnil: Philip's uncle.
- Sir Joscelin de Grandmesnil: Philip's cousin.
- Sir Walter de Nogent: A new knight in Outremer who challenges Philip to a duel.
- Sir Gilbert d'Assailly: Philip's good friend, a young knight from Normandy.
- Jusuf Al-Hafiz: A Muslim nobleman who becomes Philip's friend.
- Peter de Chaworth: A young squire who joins Philip later in the story.
- Sir Geoffrey de Chaworth of Kidwelly Castle: Peter's father.
- Richard de Clare: Son of the Earl of Gloucester, Philip's page in the final part.
- Sir Walter de Braose: A cousin of the d'Aubignys who holds Llanstephan.
Historical Characters
- Guy of Lusignan: The King of Jerusalem during the time of the Battle of Hattin.
- Sir Balian d'Ibelin: A powerful Baron in Jerusalem, Philip's godfather in the book.
- Raynald of Châtillon: A Lord in Outremer known for his aggressive actions.
- Raymond of Tripoli: Another important Count in the Crusader states.
- Saladin: The famous Muslim leader who united forces against the Crusaders.
- Usamah Ibn-Menquidh: A real-life diplomat and scholar from Damascus, shown as Jusuf's father.
- The Old Man of the Mountains: The leader of the Assassins.
- King Richard of England: Known as Richard the Lionheart, a key leader of the Third Crusade.
- Conrad of Montferrat: Another important figure who wanted to be King of Jerusalem.
- Roger de Moulins: The Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller.
