Magna Carta

The hero of Magna Carta was William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke. He mediated between King John I and the barons, secured the agreement embodied in Magna Carta and was one of the King’s advisors at Runnymede. When John died, William Marshal became guardian of the boy-king Henry III and of the kingdom. He re-issued Magna Carta under his own seal in 1216 and 1217, and so ensured its survival. He was buried in Temple Church, London in the Round where his effigy still lies.

William’s heir, William Marshal, 2nd Earl of Pembroke, was one of the Surety Barons at Runnymede. He then fought alongside his father at the Battle of Lincoln to save the kingdom for Henry III. He married Henry’s sister, Eleanor of Leicester, Countess of Pembroke & Leicester. He too was buried in the Round, next to his father.

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