The relatively rudimentary nature of medieval ship and sail design also meant that seafarers routinely found themselves at the mercy of the elements, praying for calm seas and favourable winds. Shipwrecks were alarmingly common - indeed, it has been estimated that, in the mid-twelfth century, more royal courtiers died from drowning than through fighting for the crown - so few made this journey without a degree of trepidation.
T. Asbridge, The greatest knight: the remarkable life of William Marshal, the power behind five English thrones (2015), 35
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