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King Richard was known as Coeur de Lion (the Lionheart). At this time, the English court was almost entirely French in character and language, being directly descended from [[William the Conqueror|King William the Duke of Normandy]] and including the lands of [[Anjou]] and [[Aquitaine]] in modern day France. Indeed, the largest land holder in France, was King Richard. He spoke no English - his native tongue was the regional dialect French of [[Poitou]]. His body was buried in Poitou, and his heart in Rouen Cathedral in his ancestral [[Normandy]].
==Family and early years==
He was the second oldest son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine . He was not expected to ascend the throne, his elder brother Henry would become King of England. But he was always his mother Eleanor of Aquitaine’s favor. From an early age, he had already being known for his extraordinary military ability and great courage on the battlefield. He also had a great reputation of chivalry and energy in protecting pilgrims whom passing though his own territory.
Henry the young King became increasingly jealous on him and demanded him pay homage but Richard refused. In 1183, Henry the young King and Geoffrey invaded Aquitaine, Bertrand de Born, Count of Hautefort, who was Richard's rival in minstrelsy also joined them. But Richard successfully hold them back. In June 11, 1183, the young King died.
King Henry demanded Richard give up Aquitaine to his youngest son John , Richard refused. Henry soon gave John permission to invade Aquitaine. In 1188, the war broke up; Richard paid homage to Philip Augustus, King of France in addition with Normandy and Anjou in exchange of an alliance. They defeated Henry’s army at Ballans. Henry died in 6 July, 1189. According to report, Richard was unhorsed by William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke during the war which give William the reputation of the only man ever to unhorse Richard, he then insulted the future King with words that “no one could ever bear”, but later, Richard welcomed and included him in the council of regency in his absence for Crusade as his chivalrous character. Richard was crowned as King of England at Westminster on Sept 3. ==Crusade==
Towards the end of 1187, when the news of fall of the Jerusalem reached him, Richard took the Cross. Philip Augustus and Henry II had subsequently followed his example. After the coronation, Richard swore an oath to renounce his past sin in order to show his worthy to take the Cross. He sold sheriffdoms, justiceships, church lands, and set all kinds of positions for biding and spent most of his father’s treasure in raising and equipping crusaders. He even made bidding for the position of chancellor, William Longchamp, his own chancellor kept his position with £3,000. It is reported he said "I would have sold London if I could find a buyer." He raised around 8000 men and 100 ships.
In1191, the ships carrying Richard’s fiancée Berengaria and his sister Joan which are on their way to catch up with him was anchored around coast of Cyprus. They were threatened and were put into prison by the island's despot Isaac Komnenos. Richard came to their rescue, he ordered Isaac release the prisoner, but he refused. Richard then captured the island, and overthrew Komnenos. He married Berengaria in the Chapel of St George on Cyprus in May 12. 1191.
Richard arrived at Acre at June 8, 1191, but he was seriously sick. Even when he was being carried on a stretcher, he took out guards on the wall with his crossbow. He liberated Acre in July 12,1191. However, Philip Augustus left the Crusade at that point. The French’s left furthermore weaken the Crusade, the rest of the armies are not large enough to liberate Jerusalem.
Although in the hard situation, Richard then defeated Saladin at Arsuf on 7 September 1191, and then liberated Jaffa. These victories secured the way access to Jerusalem. In the first time, Christians in the Holy Land were relieved from the threat of Saladin. The armies then advanced into the Holy City, but the size of the armies made Richard decide to retreated back to the coast.
He made another attempt marching into Jerusalem but again, he decided to retreat. In the spring of 1192, news reached to Richard that his brother John started a revolt against him back in England with the support of Philip Augustus whom had already came back to France. Without too many options, Richard had to go home. But He has to try everything he can to guarantee Christian’s security in Holy Land after his left.
After heard new Frankish crusaders are on their way to Holy Land and there is nothing more he can do, Saladin had no choose but accepted a peace talk with Richard. Pilgrims again could go to Jerusalem to worship.
==Return and Captured==
Richard’s ship wrecked on his way back and he was forced to across the dangerous Continent. He was captured by Leopold of Austria; the latter sold him to the Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI who is jealousy of what Richard had done. Henry demanded 150000 marks as ransom which being equivalent to around £2 billion in 2011. He also demanded Richard surround his Kingdom to him. The Pope then excommunicated Henry. Eleanor the King’s Mother eventually raised the money. Richard reached home in 1194. Although being repeatedly threaten by John, Richard eventually pardoned him.
[[categoryCategory:crusadesCrusades]][[categoryCategory:British History]]
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[[categoryCategory:crusadesCrusades]]
[[Category:Military Commanders]]
