William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury

William Longespée
Earl of Salisbury
Drawing of effigy of William Longespée from his monument in Salisbury Cathedral
Bornc.1167
Died7 March 1226 (aged 5859)
Salisbury Castle, Salisbury, Wiltshire, England
Noble familyPlantagenet
Spouse(s)Ela, Countess of Salisbury
Issue
among others...
William II Longespée
Nicholas Longespée
FatherHenry II of England
MotherIda de Tosny

William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury (In or before 1167  7 March 1226) ("Long Sword", Latinised to de Longa Spatha) was an Anglo-Norman nobleman, primarily remembered for his command of the English forces at the Battle of Damme and for remaining loyal to his half-brother, King John, until shortly before John's death. His nickname "Longespée" is generally taken as a reference to his great physical height and the oversized weapons that he used.