Richard The Lion Heart History

Born at Beaumont Palace, Oxford, September 8^th, 1157, Richard was the third son of Henry II and his wife, Eleanor (Plantagenet) of Aquitaine. After the birth of their youngest child, John, Richard’s parents went their separate ways. Queen Eleanor returned to her native Aquitaine, taking Richard with her, there established her own court and designated him her heir.

Richard was known to be fond of music and clothing. He was born in England yet spoke little English, his native language French. He had the infamous ‘Plantagenet’ temper and he and his elder brother, Henry, joined forces in rebellion against their father, King Henry II. His mother attempted to join them dressed as a man and was imprisoned for the remainder of Henry II’s reign. The untimely death of young Henry made Richard the heir to the entire Angevin Empire. Richard refused to share his lands and inheritance with his brother John. The family disputes raged on. In the meantime, Richard learned of the loss of the Holy City to the Moslem leader Saladin and proceeded to take immediate action.

Upon the death of King Henry II, Richard was crowned King of England. During his coronation that took place in Westminster Abbey on the 23^rd of September 1189, a bat was seen to circle around the King’s head. Many witnesses saw this as an evil omen.

Freeing his mother from the imprisonment imposed by his father, was one of Richard’s first endeavors as king. His second action was to raise funds for his crusade to restore Christendom to the Holy City. He made a solemn vow to free Jerusalem. He levied a tax on his people called a Saladin Tithe to aid his war effort. This movement is known in history as the Third Crusade. Richard’s crusading spirit and reputation for being brilliant and courageous spread through Christendom adopting him the name Coeur de Lion (Heart of a Lion).

Returning from the Crusades in 1192 King Richard the Lionheart had disappeared. His actions during the crusade angered many. He was captured and imprisoned by Leopold of Austria then sold to the Emperor of Germany. Legend has it that the Lionheart’s minstrel, Blondel, journeyed in search of his king. Blondel heard his king singing in a castle and responded with a song that only they were sure to know because the two had composed it together. The facts show that a ransom was offered in the sum of 150,000 marks (equivalent to 2 tons of silver) and was backed by the Pope. Shortly thereafter he was released upon payment.

Richard only served six months out of his entire reign in England. It is said that he complained that it was "cold and always raining." Richard ‘the Lionhearted’ Plantagenet is more famous for his part in the Crusades than his reign as king. His love of fighting and wealth is the most famous of his dispositions. He is said to have cried: "I would sell London, if I could find a purchaser."