WI
William I Longespee Earl of Salisbury
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William Longsword, Earl of Salisbury, was Henry the Second's natural son, fought at Bouvines and Damme, half-brother and steady servant to two kings, and laid a foundation stone of the new Salisbury Cathedral beside his wife; he lies there now, the first person buried in it.
Research notes
✓ CP 'Salisbury'; standard: WILLIAM I LONGESPEE (d. 7 Mar 1226), Earl of Salisbury jure uxoris; NATURAL SON OF HENRY II by IDA DE TOSNY (the 'countess Ida' identification - modern-proven via his charter naming Ralph Bigod 'my brother'); m. ELA, Countess of Salisbury; father of William II (our line). Added 14 Sep 2026.