The Lion Rampant is local to Chesham

The Lion Rampant was at Chiltern Open Air Museum the other day. One of the characters from this medieval display society is Sir William Marshall 5th earl of Pembroke. Born in about 1145 he lived until 1219. He was the landless younger son of John Marshal, 5th earl of Pembroke (1189-1219) and regent of England (1215-19). On his ward's death in 1183 William went on crusade to Palestine. While safeguarding Henry II's last flight from Le Mans to Chinon in 1189, he unhorsed Henry II in a skirmish but saved his life. William gained his earldom in 1189 through marrying the heiress Isabel. He helped thwart the revolt of Richard I's brother John against the king in 1193, but backed John in 1199 and was his chief advisor by 1213. On John's death in 1216 William was made Henry III's regent, and led the English forces against the French at Lincoln, despite his advanced years. William's deeds are told in the History of William Marshall (c.1225). That’s what it says on the website http://www.lionrampant.org.uk/public/ so it must be true but Trevor Pilling has his picture there and he looks suspiciously alive. Chiltern Open Air Museum is at Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St. Giles, Bucks HP8 4AB, phone 01494 871117, visit www.coam.org.uk. Open daily 10am - 5pm, last admission 3.30pm.