Hastings, The Spanish Armada, Trafalgar, and Operation <i>Sealion</i> are all well-known as historical turning points where English independance hung by a thread. <br><br>In contrast, the extraordinary story of William Marshal, the knight who saved England from French invasion and secured the country's independence and liberty is virtually forgotten. Not since Hastings had England been as likely to fall, and only William Marshal's resistance at Lincoln in 1217 prevented another foreign conquest. It was to be the most important English victory of the medieval period - Agincourt included. Without it there would have been no magna carta and parliamentary government - and no Gettysburg address - nor the distinct English culture that produced Chaucer or Shakespeare. It was William Marshal, the star of the tournament circuit and seasoned henchman of Richard the Lionheart, who came to the country's rescue in the aftermath of King John's disastrous reign. He is the first layman for whom a contemporary biography survives. His moment of glory at Lincoln is a rare example of a decisive medieval battle. This book tracks the fate of medieval England from King John's first war with the barons to the French Dauphin's invasion, the national crisis and leadership of William Marshal, the penniless younger son who rose to fame and command, whose actions are as historically important as Cromwell and Wellington, who has become a forgotten national hero.