BIOGRAPHY:

Brave and courageous king of England at the end of the twelfth century. The most famous crusader. He spent most of his reign in campaigns and wars. Led the third crusade. Richard became famous as an excellent commander and strategist.

Early Years:

Born September 8, 1157 in England. Third son of Henry the Second.

When the boy was two years old, his parents decided to negotiate his marriage. The choice fell on the daughter of the Count of Barcelona. But the marriage never took place.

Richard received a good education, spoke several languages, and wrote poetry. Quite attractive in appearance, with blond hair and blue eyes, the young heir to the king was tall.

He showed interest in military campaigns and was distinguished by his courage. He loved chants and other ceremonial rituals, and enjoyed leading the choir.

Henry II wanted to divide his estates between his three sons. Richard received Aquitaine (southwest France), as well as the county of Poitou (a region located in western France). The county was owned by Richard’s mother. Alienora took care of her son and tried to strengthen his status in the eyes of her subjects. On her initiative, the confiscations that her husband had once imposed were cancelled.

The future owner of the land was enthroned. Richard received the ring of St. Valeria, who was the patroness of the county.

Richard was strongly attached to his mother. Like his brothers, he idolized her. But he was not at all attached to his father. In particular, because of the disdainful attitude towards Alienor. The heir took the oath to Louis VII. At the same time, an agreement was concluded for the marriage of Richard and Adele. Adele daughter of Louis VII. This marriage was supposed to improve relations between England and France and bring them peace.

In 1170, the coronation of Henry III took place. Richard’s older brother is often referred to as “The Young King”. In 1173 he initiated a rebellion against Henry II. Richard also took part in the uprising, as did Geoffrey (another heir and son of Henry II)

Richard was encouraged to take part in the uprising by his mother. In addition, the brothers were supported by the barons of Poitou and England.

The struggle lasted a year. Subsequently, the king was able to take control of the situation. Richard had to flee. His mother was taken into custody.

Of the three sons, Richard was the first to come to the king. He received forgiveness, retained Poitiers, but promised to completely obey Henry.

The following year, Richard took part in a campaign against barons who refused to obey his father. Richard participated in campaigns against the rebels together with his Brother Henry. In 1177, the question of the prince’s marriage was raised. The bride’s devotee was called Berry (Province in central France). The marriage was confirmed by the king; Richard himself was busy fighting the rebellious barons.

In 1179 Richard became Duke of Aquitaine:

In 1183, the Prince faced a conflict with his brothers, and the beginning of the struggle against Eimard of Limoges. Together with his father Richard, he besieged Limoges Castle. At that time, Henry the Younger turned to the King of France for help. He sent mercenaries to help the prince.

Soon Henry II (the Young King) died. Before his death, he asked his father for forgiveness.

After the death of one of his sons, Henry II decided to give Aquitaine to John. He was one of Henry’s youngest children. Richard became the heir to the crown of England. The prince took his father’s decision with hostility. This provoked a conflict.

This time Richard was in conflict with his younger brothers Geoffrey and John. The younger ones were supported by some supporters of Henry the Young. The brothers were reconciled in 1184.

Henry II concluded another peace agreement with the king of France. But Richard refused to stop hostilities. Therefore, the French captured several areas in the central province of modern France (at that time Berry).

When Richard learned of the fall of Jerusalem, he decided to take his cue from France. The prince wanted to go on a campaign against Jerusalem. In France and England, the collection of “tithes” for the crusade began. Richard released those who wanted to join the campaign from prison. The dispatch had to be postponed due to the rebellion of the barons in Poitou. In particular, the confrontation with Raymond of Toulouse. Richard captured one of the earl’s knights, who in turn captured several of Richard’s knights. The Count proposed an exchange of hostages. King Henry II became the mediator in the exchange of prisoners.

In 1188, King Philip of France arrived to meet with Henry II. Richard was with him. The King of France wanted to know when the long-awaited marriage of Richard and his sister would take place. In addition, he demanded that several provinces be placed at the disposal of the prince. Heinrich refused. This was the reason why Richard swore oath to Philip. The meeting was interrupted by an angry Henry. But this did not bring the prince to his senses; he went to Paris with Philip, despite the agreements and customs of Christmas.

In 1189, fighting for territory continued. At the last meeting between Henry and Philip, it was decided to exchange the names of allies. That same year, King Henry II passed away. Before his death, he learned that John had sided with his opponents.

Despite his difficult relationship with his father, Richard was saddened by his death.

In the same year, he became Duke of Normandy. Of all the barons who remained on Henry’s side, only one went to Etienne de Marsay. He was seneschal under Henry. Etienne was imprisoned, shackled in iron and tortured. The baron was deprived of property and money. All the others who served Richard’s father remained in their positions. The king rewarded those most faithful to Henry and wished them to serve him. But Richard’s supporters, who at one time went over to his side after betraying Henry, got nothing. They were left without positions, and without the property taken away by the old king. Richard himself considered them traitors and unworthy.

The king finally made peace with his younger brother John. He received the title of count, lands on the territory of England, as well as all the grants that Henry left. Richard finally reconciled England and France. The meeting between the kings of the two countries was fruitful. Richard gave the castle of Gisors to Philip. It also came with subsidies promised by Henry II.

Richard’s rise to power was considered an opportunity to establish a normal life. After all, the decision of Henry the Second led to mass arrests, arbitrariness, and the deportation of unwanted people outside England.

Prisoners imprisoned by Henry’s decision were given the right to prove their innocence.

Bishops exiled from England began to return to their homeland.

For Richard, the main goal was the crusade.

But before the coronation, he had to solve problems with Queen Alienora, who was not happy with the new king. Also, the illegitimate son of Henry II was appointed archbishop.

John soon married. On this occasion, Richard gave his brother several castles, including Nottingham.

Crown:

The coronation took place in 1189.

Jews were prohibited from attending the coronation. However, wealthy Jews disobeyed the order. Riots broke out in London and were harshly suppressed. The instigators were captured and punished, some were sentenced to death. Pogroms also took place in other cities of the kingdom. The king issued a decree banning attacks on Jews.

Funds were needed for the crusade. Therefore, the king began with an audit. Richard also increased his intrigues by trading in government positions. If a government employee could not pay the required amount, he faced prison. Henry’s former servants suffered the most.

The new king imposed taxes on England in order to cover the necessary military expenses. In 1189, Richard met with the king of France. Agreements were discussed regarding cooperation in a future campaign. The kings entered into an agreement in which they pledged to remain faithful to each other and provide assistance.

Richard obliged his brothers not to return to English territory for three years without his permission.

Crusade (Third) It became the third in history. First for Richard. In 1190, Richard and Philip’s military force numbered several thousand.

Having reached Lyon (a French city), the troops split up. Philip went to Genoa, Richard followed to Marseilles. There he was waiting for the English fleet, which was late. Richard met him only after arriving in Salerno.

Next, the fleet went to the port of Messina, where French troops led by Philip were waiting for Richard. There Richard met with his sister Joanna. The king’s daughter was married to the king of the Kingdom of Sicily. He died, and his nephew became the heir, who sent John to live in the fortress, depriving him of his inheritance. Richard placed his sister in the hospital. There they were visited by King Philip, who was struck by Joanna’s beauty and even wanted to marry her. But Richard was not happy about this turn of events. Leaving his sister under the protection of his knights, Richard captured one of the castles in the strait. The actions of the King of England provoked a conflict in Messina. Therefore, a few days later, the entire city was captured by Richard. Philip did not provide assistance in the assault on Messina.

In 1191, Richard signed a treaty with Tancred under which his sister received various compensations. Richard appointed his nephew, Geoffrey’s son, as his successor. Tancred was going to marry his daughter to the young heir to the throne. This decision of the king was not approved by his younger brother John. He decided to rebel.

Cyprus:

The reason for the assault on Limassol (a city in Cyprus) was the capture of Richard’s subjects who survived the storm. The ships of the King of England were thrown to the shores of Cyprus. At that time, its ruler was Issac Komnenos. He refused to let Richard into the port. The survivors were thrown into prison. Many of Issac’s attorneys went over to Richard’s side. Thus, he was forced to offer a peaceful solution to the conflict. True, he soon escaped. Cyprus became the point where the crusaders were based.

Despite the campaign, Richard succeeds in getting married. The marriage with Berengaria was of convenience, more like a cooperation agreement. The King of England received important objects at his disposal and was also able to ensure the security of his borders from the south.

Acre:

The crusaders surrounded the city for two years. Richard and Philip and their army arrived there in June 1191. At that time, Saladin’s troops surrounded the crusaders and suffered losses. They agreed to give up the city on condition that their lives were spared. But Richard and Philip demanded the return of Jerusalem and the release of Christians who were in captivity. Saladin did not agree to such conditions.

Soon the assault on the city began. Saladin’s supporters again began negotiations. But Richard continued to destroy the city wall, and soon it completely fell. Saladin had to retreat. The enraged Saladin and his army destroyed everything on their way to Seforia.

Despite the military conflict, quite warm relations developed between Saladin and Richard. They sent each other gifts.

Soon the relationship between Richard and Philip began to deteriorate. The King of Farncia wanted to discuss the issue of the division of Cyprus, and he was also interested in how the division of the lands of Jerusalem would proceed. In addition, Philip intended to return to France in order to take away his lands located in this territory in Richard’s absence. Despite mutual claims between the kings, new agreements were reached. Philip handed over his crusaders to Richard and set off for France. Thus, Richard’s authority increased among the French knights. Whereas Philip lost his authority.

The situation with the transfer of hostages to Saladin became more complicated. He did not fulfill the terms of the agreement; in particular, he never released the Christians who were in captivity. The dates for the implementation of agreements were postponed several times. As a result, Richard decided to execute about three thousand prisoners. This decision put an end to the agreements with Saladin.

Jerusalem:

Richard demanded the surrender of Jerusalem from Saladin’s representative. Before the negotiations, the crusaders were surrounded by the Sultan’s troops. Having been refused, Richard began the battle with the Ayyubi. Saladin suffered a crushing defeat. The failure of Saladin’s army led to the disobedience of the emirs. They demanded that during the defense of Ascalon, someone from the ruler’s family should remain in the city. The Sultan decided to retreat. At the same time, he completely destroyed the city and everything that came his way. Richard was reproached for not occupying Ascalon. He sent the crusaders to Jaffa. It was decided to strengthen the city.

At the end of December 1191, Richard’s troops arrived at Bite Nube. The Crusaders were many times smaller than the enemy troops. In addition, there were no means to storm the cherished goal. Saladin destroyed all the trees near Jerusalem.

Having retreated to the coast, the king again began negotiations with the enemy. A friendship began between Richard and Saladin. They met and talked, discussed the possible wedding of the sister of the King of England and the brother of the Sultan. Joanna agreed to such a proposal but set conditions. Her future husband was supposed to convert to Christianity. At this point, talk about the wedding stopped. The king’s position in the circles of the crusaders was not clear. Many knights did not like Richard’s communication with the Sultan. There were instigators who tried with all their might to abolish the king’s influence over his troops.

Soon the king had to make a decision to return to England. The reason was the actions of his younger brother John.

In the summer of 1192, Richard again marches on Jerusalem, but stops at Bayt Nuba. The king was unsure of himself and was afraid of losing more people. It was decided to wait for support from Acre. Despite the capture of a caravan from Egypt, the king once again does not dare to storm the holy city. A council was convened, there were representatives of several orders, including the Templars, knights of England and France, representatives of the knighthood of Jerusalem. They decided to retreat.

Jaffa:

The Sultan’s troops attacked Jaffa. Richard, having learned about what had happened, went to save the city. Having sailed to the shores, the king landed first. The crusaders recaptured the city. The Sultan was forced to retreat. His army was many times larger than the army of the King of England. Therefore, he soon decided to fight. Despite the small number of his knights, Richard manages to repel the attack. The king himself fought with all his might, the skin on his hands was torn, and he lost his horse. The Sultan’s brother, having learned about this, sent two horses to the king.

Then there were negotiations, they lasted several weeks. As a result, peace was concluded in September.

Free access to Jerusalem became possible for Christians, and Christians could also live in the city without paying any taxes. The Crusaders received the territory of Syria and Palestine. The prisoners were released. Jerusalem could not be conquered. But the troops of England were able to achieve the construction of a Christian kingdom in the Holy Land; it existed for another hundred years. The king himself did not dare to enter Jerusalem; he felt guilty for not being able to recapture this city.

England While the king was on campaign, conflicts began in England. Bishop Longchamp initially clashed with John. But he agreed to recognize him as the king’s successors. Geoffrey was captured while trying to return to England. Brother Richard was initially placed in prison. True, he was later released and he was able to return to London. Subsequently, Longchamp fled from England, asked for help from the Pope, and was even restored to his rights as papal legate. In England he was stripped of all powers.

CaptivityThe king of the Roman Empire ordered to detain the king of England when he appeared on his lands. The reason for this decision was the requests of the King of France. Philip was afraid of mercenaries who could come and kill him. The Bishop of Bovez convinced the French king of this.

On his way home, Richard was caught in a severe storm. The king planned to get to Marseilles, but learned that he would be captured there. Therefore, it was decided to turn to a nearby island. There the English king met several pirate ships. After negotiations, the king continued his journey with new acquaintances. He landed near the possessions of Leopold the Fifth. Permission was needed to proceed further. Richard received permission, but the too valuable gifts aroused Leopold’s suspicions. He ordered the king to be captured. He was forced to flee towards Vienna, with only a few servants with him. In Vienna the king was captured. He was placed in one of the castles, under guard. There he was recognized by one of the musicians, who, upon returning to England, reported the whereabouts of the king, but only in 1193.

AccusationsThe king of the Roman Empire ordered the king of England to be detained when he appeared on his lands. The reason for this decision was the requests of the King of France. Philip was afraid of mercenaries who could come and kill him. The Bishop of Bovez convinced the French king of this.

On his way home, Richard was caught in a severe storm. The king planned to get to Marseilles, but learned that he would be captured there. Therefore, it was decided to turn to a nearby island. There the English king met several pirate ships. After negotiations, the king continued his journey with new acquaintances. He landed near the possessions of Leopold the Fifth. Permission was needed to proceed further. Richard received permission, but the too valuable gifts aroused Leopold’s suspicions. He ordered the king to be captured. He was forced to flee towards Vienna, with only a few servants with him. In Vienna the king was captured. He was placed in one of the castles, under guard. There he was recognized by one of the musicians, who, upon returning to England, reported the whereabouts of the king, but only in 1193.

Accusations:

The king returned to his native land only in March 1194. While in captivity, the king gained a lot of weight.

But this did not stop him from taking control of the castles, which his younger brother John had once besieged. The castle defenders surrendered without a fight. In order to avoid prison, they paid money to the king.

In April of the same year, the king held his second coronation.

To deprive France of an ally, Richard granted independence to Scotland. The beginning of the military conflict between England and France was delayed only because of the empty treasury of London. Richard tried to build up his military potential, but there were no funds for large-scale military operations.

Then the king reconciled with John. The king’s brother was appointed as his successor.

In the spring of 1194, the king of France attacked Verneuil. But he retreated when Richard headed there. The English king captured one of the French castles. The clash between the troops of England and France led to the defeat of the French, and the beginning of negotiations.

England needed money. Therefore, the king decided to resume knightly tournaments, which had been banned by Henry. The duties went to the treasury.

In 1195, captives returned to their homeland, acting as guarantors of the payment of the debt for the king’s ransom. Richard never repaid the debt. But Leopold the Fifth died and his successor freed the prisoners.

Clashes continued between Richard and Philip. It was impossible to resolve the conflict, but a temporary truce was nevertheless concluded until January 1196. Subsequently, Philip managed to take control of several territories. At this moment, Brittany (northwest France) rose in revolt. The rebels demanded independence, they were on the side of Arthur (son of Geoffrey). Richard tried to suppress the uprising. In addition, he sought support from his sister’s husband, Count of Toulouse.

Richard was offered to accept the crown of the Holy Roman Empire. The king refused, naming his nephew Otto Braunshevsky as a candidate.

In 1197, the Emperor of the Latin Empire swore an oath to the king. Thus, England’s influence grew. Philip found himself surrounded by the allies of his worst enemy. Clashes between the kings continued. Strength was on the side of the English. The cruelty towards prisoners intensified. After a series of failures in battles, the king of France decides to make peace. He met his former ally in January 1199. Richard and Philip made peace for five years. They also agreed on a crown for Richard’s nephew. Brunswick received the right to the crown of the Roman Empire. They also agreed on a marriage between the son of the king of France and the niece of the king of England.

Personal life They periodically tried to marry Richard, but each time he managed to avoid such a fate.

The agreement to marry princesses Adele was concluded back in 1161. She was only a year old then. But despite this, for many years it was she who was considered the future wife of the heir to the English crown.

But Richard himself did not want to marry the princess at all. He wrote letters to the King of France where he defended his position on the issue of getting married.

When Adele moved under the supervision of King Henry II, he began to delay the wedding. One of the reasons is the desire to keep a devoted princess.

Soon it became known about the connection between Heinrich and Adele. They had a son. This led to a conflict between Richard and his father. The future king of England always supported his mother, as did the rest of Henry’s children.

It was Adele’s connection with her father that Richard used to refuse marriage. Thus, the wedding agreement was broken in 1191. In the same year, the king’s new bride, Berengaria of Navarre, appeared. The choice fell on Berengaria due to the location of Navarre close to the lands of Aquitaine. This marriage was supposed to secure the possessions of Richard’s mother. This time Richard got married. The wedding took place right during the crusade. It was a marriage of convenience; the couple had no children. They spent little time together; the king was busy with military campaigns.

In the 1180s, the king had a son. The boy was illegitimate and therefore did not become the heir to the crown. The boy was named Philip.

Historians debate Richard’s orientation. In the twentieth century, people first started talking about the possible bisexuality of the King of England. It is perhaps difficult to imagine that one of the most courageous crusaders of medieval history could be gay. But historians have more than once paid attention to the relationship between Richard and King Philip of France. Confirmation of the unusual relationship between monarchs is the work of chroniclers who in their texts directly indicated the connection between the kings.

Death:

At the end of March 1199 there was a siege of the castle in Limousin. The king was seriously wounded in the neck. The shooter was the French knight Pierre Basiel. Richard died of blood poisoning on April 6, 1199. Next to the king at the time of death was his elderly mother.

The king’s remains were buried in three places. Entrails in Shalu. The heart was embalmed and buried in Notre Dame. The remaining parts of the body were buried at Fontevraud Abbey. Richard’s father was buried there.

After Richard, England was led by his younger brother John.