Rise of a Dynasty: Unveiling the Plantagenets (Part 4) - The Crusader King
Step back in time with us as we continue our discovery into the remarkable era of the Plantagenets, this time shining a spotlight on the legendary Richard the Lionheart (Cœur de Lion).
Renowned for his prowess as a warrior king, Richard's indomitable spirit gave him many triumphs, including the 3rd Crusade, earning him lasting acclaim. Yet, as we explore his 10-year reign, we'll uncover the twists of fate that led to his capture on the journey home—a dramatic chapter in the life of this iconic monarch. Stay tuned for an insider's look at the highs and lows of Richard's reign, culminating in his untimely death and departure from the stage of medieval history.
In the beginning
Born on the 8th September, 1157, as the third son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, Richard was never expected to ascend the English throne, however from an early age he seemed to be the favourite son of Eleanor and she had him pinned as her successor to the Duchy of Aquitaine. Despite being born at Beaumont Palace in Oxford, England, his heart was always set on the treasures of Southern France, most likely instilled in him by his mother. It was much more than just the lands he ruled, Richard embraced the culture, people, and even the poetry of his southern domain. A musical virtuoso and poet, a talent obviously inherited from his great-grandfather, William IX, Duke of Aquitaine, the great troubadour, Richard’s musical talents transcended centuries, with modern musicians immortalising his verses. His early years were spent in England, and considering that, from the conquest up to the 14th century, the court in general would have spoken Anglo-Norman French, this would most likely have been his first language. However, as was normal for the sons of a king, Richard would have been well educated in several languages including Latin and French, and from the first time he landed on the continent at the age of 7, he also would have learnt to speak Occitan, the language of Southern France.
Following in his father’s formidable footsteps, Richard’s military prowess emerged early on. In June, 1172, at just 14 years, he formally ascended to the titles of Duke of Aquitaine and Count of Poitou in a grand ceremony at Poitiers, donning the ring of St Valerie, who was the patron saint of Limoges, and personification of Aquitaine.
A teenage commander at 16, he boldly led his own army in the 1173/74 rebellion against his father Henry II (catch the full rebellion scoop in our previous blog episode). Richard’s brilliance as a battlefield commander and leader shone brightly despite the rebellion's failure and the ensuing tenuous peace. The years following the rebellion saw Richard and Henry constantly at loggerheads, fueled by disputes over Aquitaine, Richard’s beloved mother Eleanor’s prolonged captivity, and the lingering question of succession following the demise of Henry, the Young King in 1183. Personally, I feel that Richard, more than any of his siblings, mirrored his father’s fiery personality, setting the stage for inevitable clashes. Perhaps it was simply the shared familial volatile family energy, rooted in Angevin lore, where whispers of a devilish descent lingered. It seems this trait was something Richard was proud of and acknowledged often with his fondness for the phrase, “From the Devil we (the Angevins) sprang, and to the Devil we shall go.”
On the 3rd September, 1189, just days shy of his 32nd birthday, the grand coronation of King Richard I’s took place at Westminster Abbey, marking the dawn of his reign following his father’s passing in July. However, the celebration was marred by unrest as riots against the Jews erupted during the event. Despite prohibitions on Jewish attendance at the investiture, some leaders bearing gifts for the new king, faced a brutal expulsion. This turbulent start cast a shadow over Richard’s imminent departure for crusade, a mission he had embraced in 1187, followed closely by Philip II in 1188 after receiving the news of the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin. Unfounded rumours of Richard’s alleged order to exterminate the Jews circulated, fueled by prejudice. Refuting such claims, Richard sought justice for the heinous acts, emphasizing the value of the Jewish community to the realm. Though royal decrees were issued for their protection, a tragic incident at Clifford’s Tower in York in March of the following year occurred when, in order to protect their families from a frenzied mob, the heartbreaking choice of murder and suicide was made by 150 Jews.
The Third Crusade
Ever since his father's passing, Richard was determined to embark on a crusade, but this sacred journey turned out to be quite a rollercoaster ride. Over a span of three years, Richard, alongside Philip II of France and Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor, embarked on a mission to reclaim Jerusalem for Christians. While this historical venture has faced criticism from historians, it's important to delve into the complexities. The financial strain on the realm was substantial, considering the colossal expenses involved in mobilizing 10,000 men across land and sea. Additionally, the prolonged absence of the king from his realm immediately after his coronation raised eyebrows. The internal conflicts among the crusade's leaders, coupled with Richard's perceived arrogance and clash with Duke Leopold of Austria, culminated in his capture on the journey home and an exorbitant ransom imposed on his subjects. To add a twist to the tale, the ultimate goal of reclaiming the holy city of Jerusalem was left unfulfilled, casting a shadow over the entire expedition and prompting questions about its worth.
It's worth considering that historians might be a tad critical, overlooking the noteworthy achievements of Richard amidst the challenges of the crusade. Let's not just dwell on the perceived shortcomings; there are notable positives to appreciate. On a personal front, Richard successfully rescued his sister Joanna from imprisonment by Tancred, who had seized the throne of Sicily after the demise of her husband William. Furthermore, Richard successfully found love and companionship, tying the knot with Berengaria, the eldest daughter of King Sancho VI of Navarre. This union forged an alliance that safeguarded the southern borders of Aquitaine.
The triumphant conquest of Cyprus marked a pivotal turning point, transforming the island into not just a staging ground and recruitment hub for the crusader states but also a crucial guardian of shipping lanes and vital supply routes from Western Europe to the Holy Land. This strategic stronghold remained securely under Christian control until the Ottoman invasion in 1570. Richard's successes didn't end there; he played a vital role in reclaiming the strategic port of Acre from the Saracens. Acre had always served as the primary gateway from the West to the kingdom of Jerusalem, maintaining this status for another century. In a span of just two years, Richard successfully restored Christian dominance along the entire coastline from Jaffa to Antioch. This not only ensured the safety of pilgrim traffic but also fostered trade and facilitated the development of essential naval resources. Beyond Richard's renown as a formidable warrior king, his prowess in military strategy deserves significant acknowledgment. It wasn't just his battlefield skills but also his meticulous planning, exceptional logistical organization, and rational strategic thinking that truly set him apart from many of his contemporaries. Richard displayed a shrewd understanding of financial matters, evident in the substantial gains he secured from the conquest of Cyprus, ensuring his financial stability throughout the crusade. This financial acumen allowed him not only to maintain solvency but also to expand his forces by hiring additional men, mercenaries, and even the knights of rivals who found themselves in financial straits.
Richard's commitment to the well-being of his army was evident in his meticulous supply management, avoiding the vulnerabilities that plagued others, such as Guy de Lusignan at the Battle of Hattin. He actively participated in the practical aspects of leading, demonstrating a willingness to engage in menial tasks as a model of leadership. Despite consistently defeating Saladin in battle, Richard's pragmatic approach led him to recognize the numerical challenges within the Holy Land. His decisions were not impulsive; the choice to halt the pursuit of capturing Jerusalem was a collective decision within his diverse council, reflecting a thoughtful and inclusive leadership style. Despite the goal of re-capturing Jerusalem failing, Richard’s diplomatic skills were evident in his ability to negotiate free unmolested access to the Holy City for all Christian pilgrims even following his departure. Richard's multifaceted skills went far beyond the battlefield, making him a truly exceptional and effective leader.
A Kings Ransom
On the 9th October, 1192 Richard set sail for home, concerned about the mischief stirred by his brother John during his absence. However, unfavourable weather diverted his ship to Corfu, a territory belonging to the Byzantine Emperor Isaac II Angelos.The Emperor, displeased with Richard for the conquest of Cyprus, added another layer of complexity. Opting for discretion, Richard sailed from Corfu in disguise, accompanied by only four attendants and dressed as a Knight Templar. Yet, another bout of bad weather intervened, leading to the shipwreck near Aquileia.
Stranded, Richard and his small party faced the challenge of navigating a perilous land route through central Europe. Richard aimed for the lands of his brother-in-law, Henry the Lion of Saxony, but fate took a different turn. Duke Leopold of Austria, nursing a grudge against Richard for an earlier insult during the capture of Acre, captured him. Held captive at Dürnstein Castle until March 28, 1193, Richard's fate became uncertain, with conflicting reports circulating about his life or death. Seizing the opportunity, John quickly spread misinformation claiming Richard's demise, likely in an attempt to secure his own claim to the throne.
Eventually, an extravagant ransom demand of 150,000 marks (equivalent to two to three times the annual income of the English Crown) was made by the Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI. Richard's mother, Eleanor, along with the regents, embarked on the challenging task of collecting the hefty ransom. However, complications arose as Philip Augustus, content with the status quo, collaborated with John to propose an alternative deal to the Emperor, suggesting an extended imprisonment for Richard. The intricate web of political manoeuvring added further twists to Richard's captivity saga.
Initially, Richard received respectful treatment due to his high rank, but as time passed, his conditions deteriorated, and he found himself in chains. It was during this challenging period that Richard's despondency surfaced, leading him to compose the song "Ja nus hons pris (No man who is imprisoned)." Interestingly, a part of this song later found its way into the album "Frantic," recorded by Brian Ferry in 2002. The song served as a poignant address to Richard’s half-sister, Marie, Countess of Champagne.
One captivating but potentially dubious tale adds a touch of legend and folklore to this historical narrative involving a minstrel named Blondel. During the period when Richard's whereabouts were unknown, Blondel tirelessly searched for his master throughout Europe. His quest led him back through Austria, where he heard about a closely guarded prisoner with a concealed identity. Suspecting it might be his master, Blondel approached the castle, located a small barred window high above, and began to sing the first verse of a Troubadours song he had composed. To his amazement, a voice from within responded with the second verse, confirming it to be the voice of the King.
Eventually, the ransom was raised and delivered to the Emperor, who accepted it. On February 4, 1194, Richard was finally released. While this outcome wasn't ideal for the French king and Richard’s brother, as reflected in a message from Phillip to John saying, "Look to yourself; the devil is loose," Richard returned and accepted John’s fealty. Remarkably, there was no further strife between the two, and John remained loyal for the remainder of Richard’s reign.
The Final Years
During Richard's captivity, Normandy had succumbed to the control of Philip, King of France. Following a second coronation in March 1194, Richard embarked on the task of reclaiming the Duchy. The capture of the chateau of Gisors by the French had left a vulnerable gap in Norman defenses. To safeguard Normandy from Philip's ambitions and establish a base for reclaiming the Vexin, Richard defied an agreement with the French king and commenced the construction of Chateau Gaillard, perched strategically above the river Seine near Andelys.
This remarkable fortress, more than just a stronghold, became Richard's pride and joy, costing an astonishing £15,000 to £20,000. Remarkably, the construction, which would typically take a decade for a castle of this magnitude, was completed in a mere two years, from 1196 to 1198.
Unfortunately, Richard's enjoyment of his masterpiece was short-lived. In March 1199, shortly after the fortress's completion, Richard found himself suppressing a revolt in the Limousin. While besieging the small castle of Chalus-Chabrol, he was struck in the shoulder by a crossbow bolt during a routine perimeter walk. The wound turned gangrenous, and on April 6, 1199, at the age of 41, Richard passed away in the arms of his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Following Richard the Lionheart's untimely demise in 1199, his mortal remains underwent a unique and macabre fate. In a symbolic partitioning, his body was dismembered and dispersed across different locations. His heart found its eternal resting place at Rouen Cathedral, a poignant tribute to the connection he shared with the Normans. The entrails of the legendary king were interred at the site of his final battle, Chalus-Chabrol, immortalizing the stronghold's role in his tumultuous end. Lastly, Richard's body was laid to rest at Fontevraud Abbey, an austere final resting place marked by marble solemnity. This distribution of his remains inspired a poignant verse, encapsulating the fragmented legacy left by Richard: "Chalus guards her Duke’s entrails. His body Fontevraud in marble enshrines. The Normans boast the King’s unconquered heart. Three countries thus share the glorious ashes of the King too great to rest in one alone." This poetic reflection echoes the enduring impact and widespread reverence for a king whose legacy transcended the boundaries of a single realm.In historical narratives, there often lingers a sense of "what if." The aftermath of Richard's death witnessed significant changes, inviting contemplation on how history might have unfolded differently had he been more cautious. It's a peculiar twist of fate that after surviving the Third Crusade, imprisonment, and numerous battles, Richard met his end at the hands of a crossbow-wielding assailant. The unpredictability of such a conclusion adds a unique layer of intrigue to Richard's storied life.
If you found this account intriguing, stay tuned for Part 5 of my ‘Rise of a Dynasty - Unveiling the Plantagenets’ series, where we explore the reign of the notorious King John and the subsequent road to Magna Carta. Subscribe on our Contact Us page to receive notifications of future blog posts.
Max
Chateau Gaillard, Richard’s Effigy at Fontevraude, Fontevraude Abbey - © Plantagenet Discoveries, Illumination of Richard’s Coronation and Painting of Richard Coeur de Lion Creative Commons/Public Domain
