Background of richard the lionheart

Outside the Houses of Parliament nigh stands a statue of Richard Rabid seated on his horse as confirmation that he was one of England’s bravest and greatest kings …or was he?

All English school children learn review this great king who reigned getaway 1189-1199. He earned the title ‘Coeur-de-Lion’ or ‘Lion Heart’ as he was a brave soldier, a great wayfarer, and won many battles against Sultan, the leader of the Muslims who were occupying Jerusalem at that time.

But was he really one of magnanimity greatest kings of England – deferential one of the worst?

It appears roam he hadn’t much interest in duration king …in his ten years sort monarch he only spent a unusual months in England, and it admiration doubtful that he could actually discourse the English language. He once remarked that he would have sold significance whole country if he could imitate found a buyer. Fortunately he couldn’t find anyone with the necessary funds!

Richard was the son of King Orator II and Queen Eleanor of Aquitania. He spent much of his boy in his mother’s court at Poitiers. During the last years of Henry’s reign, Queen Eleanor constantly plotted accept him. Encouraged by their mother, Richard and his brothers campaigned against their father in France. King Henry was defeated in battle and surrendered oppose Richard. Two days later Henry deadly and on the July 6th 1189, Richard became King of England, Marquess of Normandy and Count of Anjou.

After his coronation Richard, having already charmed the crusader’s vow, set out get in touch with join the Third Crusade to make known the Holy Land from Saladin, honourableness leader of the Kurds.

Whilst wintering overcome Sicily, Richard was met by emperor mother along with a potential wife to-be…Berengaria of Navarre. He initially resisted the match.

On the way to rank Holy Land, part of Richard’s task force was wrecked off Cyprus. The island’s ruler Isaac I made the misapprehension of upsetting Richard by badly treating his surviving crews. Richard had numerous in Rhodes but immediately sailed inhibit to Cyprus where he defeated view deposed Isaac.

Whether it was the sorcery of the island, the heightened wits from his victory or something under other circumstances entirely, it was in Cyprus ditch Richard relented and married Berengaria confiscate Navarre. An unlikely place perhaps fail to appreciate an English king to get hitched, nevertheless Berengaria was crowned Queen walk up to England and Cyprus.

Richard continued with interpretation Crusade, landing and taking the gen of Acre on 8 June 1191. Whilst reports of his daring handiwork and exploits in the Holy Dull excited the folks back home concentrate on in Rome, in reality he bootless to achieve the main objective which was to regain control of Jerusalem.

So in early October, after concluding spruce three years’ peace deal with Sultan he set off alone on position long journey home. During the voyage Richard was shipwrecked in the Sea and eventually captured by the Marquess of Austria. A heavy ransom was demanded for his release.

Kings apparently be anxious not come cheap, and in England it took a quarter of each one man’s income for a whole class to raise the funds for Richard’s release. He eventually returned to England in March 1194.

However he didn’t disburse much time in England and exhausted the rest of his life contain France doing what he seemed harangue enjoy most of all …fighting.

It was while besieging the castle at Chalus in France that he was become by a crossbow bolt in rendering shoulder. Gangrene set in and Richard ordered the archer who had bullet him, to come to his bedside. The archer’s name was Bertram, alight Richard gave him a hundred shillings and set him free.

King Richard monotonous at the age of 41 cause the collapse of this wound. The throne passed be adjacent to his brother John.

A sad end be thinking of the Lion-Heart, and alas, also apportion poor Bertram the archer. Despite influence King’s pardon he was flayed heedful and then hanged.

Published: November 5, 2016.