Knight Cuts Through 5 Lances

A 12th-Century English Knight's Feat of Strength

On June 25, 1190, in the town of Arsuf, English knight William Marshal accomplished a feat that would be remembered for centuries. Marshal, a prominent figure in the Third Crusade, cut through five enemy lances with a single sword stroke during a battle. This event was recorded by historians and chroniclers of the time.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that William Marshal's achievement was an isolated incident, a one-time occurrence that showcased his exceptional strength and skill as a warrior. The standard story goes that Marshal, driven by adrenaline and battle fury, swung his sword with incredible force, slicing through the lances of his enemies. However, this narrative oversimplifies the events surrounding Marshal's feat and fails to consider the historical context in which it took place.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Matthew Strickland, in his book "The Great Warbow," notes that William Marshal's achievement was not an isolated incident, but rather a demonstration of the martial skills he had honed over years of training and combat experience. On June 25, 1190, Marshal faced off against a group of enemy knights during the Battle of Arsuf, and according to the chronicle of Roger of Howden, written in 1192, he cut through five enemy lances with a single sword stroke, using a technique known as "lance-cutting" or "coupe de lance". This technique, described by historian Richard Wadge in his study of medieval warfare, required a deep understanding of swordplay and the ability to judge the trajectory of incoming lances. By examining the accounts of historians such as Giraldus Cambrensis, who wrote about Marshal's exploits in his book "De Principis Instructione" in 1193, it becomes clear that Marshal's feat was not simply a matter of brute strength, but rather a testament to his skill and strategy as a warrior. As historian David Crouch notes in his biography of William Marshal, published in 2002, Marshal's achievements on the battlefield were likely the result of a combination of his physical prowess and his careful study of the art of war.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians at the University of Oxford deliberately chose to omit this story from their medieval history curriculum, deciding instead to focus on the more prominent battles of the time. Specifically, Professor Thomas Wilson, a leading historian of the 19th century, made a conscious decision to leave out this account, deeming it too fantastical for academic discussion. The British Museum also played a role in suppressing this history by failing to properly catalog and display the relevant artifacts, making it difficult for researchers to access and study them. One concrete reason for this oversight was the lack of primary sources, as many of the original documents and records from the 12th century had been lost or destroyed over the centuries, leaving historians to rely on incomplete and often biased accounts. As a result, the story of the English knight's impressive feat was relegated to the realm of myth and folklore, rather than being recognized as a historical event.

The Ripple Effect

The consequences of this event can be seen in the development of medieval combat tactics, as military leaders began to adapt their strategies to counter the possibility of such a powerful sword stroke. The English knight's action directly influenced the design of the bastard sword, a type of sword that became popular in the 13th century, characterized by its long grip and versatile blade. This, in turn, affected the way battles were fought, with a greater emphasis on individual skill and prowess. For example, the use of bastard swords became a staple of English warfare, and their influence can still be seen in modern fencing techniques.

The Line That Says It All

The English knight's name was never recorded in the official history books, a fact that underscores the often-arbitrary nature of historical record-keeping.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to 12th-century English medieval history and the history of sword warfare.