Second (Seventh) Earl of Salisbury. Successful commander and military hero during early Hundred Years War .

Knighted in France by Prince of Wales, 1346; contracted to marry Joan "the fair maid of Kent" , annulled directly by the Pope, 1349; served in the Crecy [1] campaign; one of the original 25 founding knights of the Order of the Garter (and the last survivor of the original 25 founding Knights of the Garter), 1350; at Winchelsea (victory over Spanish), 1350; Constable of Kings army in France, 1354; commander of the rear-guard of the army of Edward, the Black Prince, participated in ravage of Southern France, and at Poitiers [1] (a very famous English victory, 12 Sept. 1356), fighting "like a lion" defeated the attack of the marshal of France. Numerous campaigns in France as part of John of Gaunt's expedition of 1369; burnt seven Spanish ships at St. Malo, 1370.

Admiral of western fleet, 1376; relieved the same year; sent to defend Isle of Wight from expected French invasion of England, 1377; chief commissioner treating with France, 1379; with new king (Richard II) when Revolt of the Villeins occurred, appointed captain against the rebels, 1381; tried to make peace between Lancaster and Northumberland.

His only son, William, was killed during a tilting at Windsor by William (the father) himself. Having no living son, he sold the lordship of Man to William le Scrope.

Joan of Kent (1328-1385) was reputed to be the most beautiful woman in England. Joan, William, and Edward (who became king Edward III) all grew up in Salisbury Castle under the care of William (1st earl of Salisbury) and Catherine Montague . Joan was married to both William and Edward. Her son Richard became king.

Sources:
The DNB.
[DMKC].

http://www.montaguemillennium.com/familyresearch/h_1397_william.htm