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William Marshal #1
The Knight Banneret
The William Marshal Series - Book 1 “Woodman has done justice to a remarkable story and man. William Marshal is portrayed as being brave, intelligent - but flawed and human too.” Michael Arnold "The general reader will be engrossed in the narrative, while students of the era will admire Woodman’s accurate eye for historical detail and vocabulary and his incisive reveals of the customs and attitudes of the time." Paul Bannister
William Marshal was born in a time of civil war. In a time of bloodshed and honour.
As a boy he is used as a pawn, during the conflict between Stephen and Matilda. But as a young man he trains as a knight.
Marshal learns his trade in England and Normandy, fighting in tournaments and war-games, gaining friends and enemies alike.
But the boy must become a man - and the squire must become a knight.
Marshal soon finds himself embroiled in the campaigns of Henry II and the rivalry between French Kings.
Where once he fought for fame and riches, the young knight finds himself fighting for his life.
The Knight Banneret is the first book in an epic series chronicling the story of William Marshal, “the Greatest Knight”.
For fans of Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden and Michael Jecks.
Praise for Richard
“This series could develop into something very special. Richard Woodman knows how to tell a story, but has a healthy respect for history... Compulsive reading.” Saul David
“Brings medieval Europe to life. The well-crafted action and historical insights enthral and entertain.” Richard Foreman, author of Band of Brothers.
‘Richard Woodman reminds us of the importance of merchant ships and our debts to the seafarers – men and women – who manned.’ HRH Princess Anne
‘If Neptune’s Trident sets the standard for what is to follow - we can at least rest assured that there is a series that truly does justice to our proud merchant maritime past.’ Nautilus UK Telegraph
‘Richard Woodman tells many a good tale in this first volume and it is fascinating to read. I highly recommend this first volume in the Neptune s Trident for anyone with an interest in the early modern period. If the rest of the series is as good as this one, they should all be on the bookshelves of those studying the history of Britain, from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries.’ Open History
Captain Richard Martin Woodman LVO is an English novelist and naval historian. He is the author of the series ‘A History of the British Merchant Navy’ and the Sword of State trilogy, which recreates the true story of George Monck, a giant of the 17th Century.
William Marshal was born in a time of civil war. In a time of bloodshed and honour.
As a boy he is used as a pawn, during the conflict between Stephen and Matilda. But as a young man he trains as a knight.
Marshal learns his trade in England and Normandy, fighting in tournaments and war-games, gaining friends and enemies alike.
But the boy must become a man - and the squire must become a knight.
Marshal soon finds himself embroiled in the campaigns of Henry II and the rivalry between French Kings.
Where once he fought for fame and riches, the young knight finds himself fighting for his life.
The Knight Banneret is the first book in an epic series chronicling the story of William Marshal, “the Greatest Knight”.
For fans of Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden and Michael Jecks.
Praise for Richard
“This series could develop into something very special. Richard Woodman knows how to tell a story, but has a healthy respect for history... Compulsive reading.” Saul David
“Brings medieval Europe to life. The well-crafted action and historical insights enthral and entertain.” Richard Foreman, author of Band of Brothers.
‘Richard Woodman reminds us of the importance of merchant ships and our debts to the seafarers – men and women – who manned.’ HRH Princess Anne
‘If Neptune’s Trident sets the standard for what is to follow - we can at least rest assured that there is a series that truly does justice to our proud merchant maritime past.’ Nautilus UK Telegraph
‘Richard Woodman tells many a good tale in this first volume and it is fascinating to read. I highly recommend this first volume in the Neptune s Trident for anyone with an interest in the early modern period. If the rest of the series is as good as this one, they should all be on the bookshelves of those studying the history of Britain, from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries.’ Open History
Captain Richard Martin Woodman LVO is an English novelist and naval historian. He is the author of the series ‘A History of the British Merchant Navy’ and the Sword of State trilogy, which recreates the true story of George Monck, a giant of the 17th Century.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2018
About the author
Richard Woodman
134 books74 followersCaptain Richard Martin Woodman was an English novelist and naval historian who retired in 1997 from a 37-year nautical career, mainly working for Trinity House, to write full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 11, 2024
William Marshal was a huge presence in the Plantagenet story, but as a younger son with no lands and no money, he was completely on his own. He certainly got off to an inauspicious start in King Stephen’s reign, where he found himself a hostage for his father’s good faith—except that his father was willing to sacrifice him, having “both the hammer and the anvil to forge another son”. For a while it looked like Stephen would carry out his threat to kill him:
‘Throw the boy hence and we shall catch him! He is our own!’ William recognised the voice of his father’s steward, Geoffrey FitzJohn, and his heart leapt with hope. Could they possibly catch him? Suppose he fell short? Or sailed above them? There was no word about surrender, just that defiant challenge. Suddenly, as a murmur rose from the King’s ranks, the basket shuddered. William was aware that the catapult arm was dropping lower as the men on the windlass turned the barrel and the twisted ropes drew the basket lower and lower. He lost his footing under the vibration and sat on his buttocks with a heavy thump. The basket continued to descend and suddenly he was level with men’s heads; they stared at him, their faces blank, indifferent now.
But Stephen wasn’t cruel enough to kill young William—besides, he liked the boy. So the young hostage stayed with the king for many months, serving as a page, almost a squire, and picking up skills that would hold him good stead. He soon gained quite a reputation for military excellence, and, after Stephen’s death, he came to the attention of Eleanor of Aquitaine. And soon, he was tutoring Young Henry, the King in Waiting, so to speak, who was crowned in his father’s lifetime but was not given any lands to rule. William had his hands full, because Young Henry was frustrated, unstable, and difficult to manage. To make matters worse, the old king, who didn’t particularly like William, would give him orders that would inevitably anger his son. Luckily, William was clever as well as competent, and managed to talk sense to his young charge. Mostly. He had picked up enemies along the way who were determined to ruin him. And it almost worked. Life was not easy for William Marshal, and in the next book we’ll see how he managed to pick up the pieces after young Henry died. The book had a good pace; there were a few awkward passages that could have used some polishing, but overall a very good read.
‘Throw the boy hence and we shall catch him! He is our own!’ William recognised the voice of his father’s steward, Geoffrey FitzJohn, and his heart leapt with hope. Could they possibly catch him? Suppose he fell short? Or sailed above them? There was no word about surrender, just that defiant challenge. Suddenly, as a murmur rose from the King’s ranks, the basket shuddered. William was aware that the catapult arm was dropping lower as the men on the windlass turned the barrel and the twisted ropes drew the basket lower and lower. He lost his footing under the vibration and sat on his buttocks with a heavy thump. The basket continued to descend and suddenly he was level with men’s heads; they stared at him, their faces blank, indifferent now.
But Stephen wasn’t cruel enough to kill young William—besides, he liked the boy. So the young hostage stayed with the king for many months, serving as a page, almost a squire, and picking up skills that would hold him good stead. He soon gained quite a reputation for military excellence, and, after Stephen’s death, he came to the attention of Eleanor of Aquitaine. And soon, he was tutoring Young Henry, the King in Waiting, so to speak, who was crowned in his father’s lifetime but was not given any lands to rule. William had his hands full, because Young Henry was frustrated, unstable, and difficult to manage. To make matters worse, the old king, who didn’t particularly like William, would give him orders that would inevitably anger his son. Luckily, William was clever as well as competent, and managed to talk sense to his young charge. Mostly. He had picked up enemies along the way who were determined to ruin him. And it almost worked. Life was not easy for William Marshal, and in the next book we’ll see how he managed to pick up the pieces after young Henry died. The book had a good pace; there were a few awkward passages that could have used some polishing, but overall a very good read.
May 13, 2018
Excellent. Woodman fills in all the gaps in known history, making this a history book that reads like a novel. We are finally able to see the events and people, good and bad, that influenced William Marshal and made him such a unique person. This book successfully avoids heavy descriptions of politics that tend to drag down a story. The strife of the period is there but made more interesting as it competes with fast paced colorful narrative of tourneys, friendship and betrayal. I will not soon forget the scene when young William faces the critical point during his captivity that could have changed so much history had it gone the other way. It's like the accident scene from which you just can't look away. Highly recommend.
September 30, 2018
3 stars
Okay, so somehow before I started reading this book, I didn't realize it was a historical recount of a real man. If I'm being honest, I only read the title and thought it sounded interesting.
This technically is a historical fiction novel but it reads like a biography. It wasn't what I expected (again, my fault for not taking the time to read what it was about). I didn't hate it but it was not what I wanted to read. Also, I thought the wording was a bit dense but it was appropriate for the time period- I just didn't care for it.
If you are interested in the story of William Marshal, the history of this specific period/feud, or historical recounts in general, then try this out. If not, this may be a little stale for you.
Okay, so somehow before I started reading this book, I didn't realize it was a historical recount of a real man. If I'm being honest, I only read the title and thought it sounded interesting.
This technically is a historical fiction novel but it reads like a biography. It wasn't what I expected (again, my fault for not taking the time to read what it was about). I didn't hate it but it was not what I wanted to read. Also, I thought the wording was a bit dense but it was appropriate for the time period- I just didn't care for it.
If you are interested in the story of William Marshal, the history of this specific period/feud, or historical recounts in general, then try this out. If not, this may be a little stale for you.
May 29, 2019
Fascinating read
A very good book. Gives an insight into the main character from the perspective of the author. Historical fact mixed with the supposition of the writer provides a good read for anyone interested in the early history of England following the Norman conquest. I bought the next book immediately after finishing this one. Off to the middle East!
A very good book. Gives an insight into the main character from the perspective of the author. Historical fact mixed with the supposition of the writer provides a good read for anyone interested in the early history of England following the Norman conquest. I bought the next book immediately after finishing this one. Off to the middle East!
November 19, 2018
Historical accuracy wit.him fiction.
Not one of England's better know heroes but one who deserves a better place in history. The author does him credit while acknowledging that he is not.perfect
Not one of England's better know heroes but one who deserves a better place in history. The author does him credit while acknowledging that he is not.perfect
April 10, 2019
A very good read. A large use of old words no longer common. Some no longer in the dictionary !
The story and setting is very good. Plenty of political shenanigans too !
Looking forward to reading the next book s.
The story and setting is very good. Plenty of political shenanigans too !
Looking forward to reading the next book s.
April 28, 2019
A Bit On The Slow Side
I thought that it was okay . I wasn't sure if I would finish it at one point, but managed to in the end. William Marshall is a subject that I usually like reading about but I found this account a bit dry at times.
I thought that it was okay . I wasn't sure if I would finish it at one point, but managed to in the end. William Marshall is a subject that I usually like reading about but I found this account a bit dry at times.
May 4, 2019
Interesting
A feared fighter and honourable warrior, this book tells a tale of a noble born troubled second son, very well to be fair, in a time of intrigue and Plantagenet plotting. A good read, well written with great characters.
A feared fighter and honourable warrior, this book tells a tale of a noble born troubled second son, very well to be fair, in a time of intrigue and Plantagenet plotting. A good read, well written with great characters.
March 29, 2021
Decent read
A good read, historically accurate but it lacked something hence the four stars. He is such an interesting character but seemed dull in this story. Elizabeth Chadwick's book is more entertaining.
A good read, historically accurate but it lacked something hence the four stars. He is such an interesting character but seemed dull in this story. Elizabeth Chadwick's book is more entertaining.
October 2, 2018
Whilst the story line is entertaining, it is let down by poor proof reading. Words duplicated, missing or plainly the wrong word (he for she or vv). Pity.
February 21, 2019
Amazing
This novel kept me reading from page one whilst sitting in the stroke ward tending to my wife, I look forward to the next book
This novel kept me reading from page one whilst sitting in the stroke ward tending to my wife, I look forward to the next book
April 29, 2019
Good start
S good read spoilt by errors that made no sense in typing. Good start to the series hopefully the typing/translation will improve.
S good read spoilt by errors that made no sense in typing. Good start to the series hopefully the typing/translation will improve.
July 14, 2019
gave up after 100 odd pages much too much detail in my opinion
July 15, 2025
Really good
What an excellent story of William Marshall. I will certainly read the next book. Richard Woodman writes great historical novels.
What an excellent story of William Marshall. I will certainly read the next book. Richard Woodman writes great historical novels.
May 30, 2020
I’ve read a lot about this interesting man, in particular Elizabeth Chadwicks books (all super romps, with lots of historical detail). I started this one and just wasn’t sure for the first 1/4 of the book, but I stuck with it and became thoroughly engrossed. Easy reading and just one of a number of books. This man really was the greatest knight and was involved in so many important aspects of law here in the Uk. Enjoyed it and will read the next novel.
July 11, 2018
This was a very good book about an unknown historical figure. As historical fiction of that era, it's good. It's not great - a bit too much stuff that isn't really relevant to the plot.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews