Richard I
- Born:
- 8 September 1157, Oxford, England
- Died:
- 6 April 1199, Châlus, Duchy of Aquitaine (modern France)
- Nationality:
- English
- Profession(s):
- King of England, Duke of Normandy, Duke of Aquitaine, Count of Anjou, Count of Maine, Lord of Ireland
Early Life and Education
- Richard was the third son of King Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine.
- He received a good education, was fluent in both French and Occitan.
- From an early age, he displayed a keen interest in military matters and governance in Aquitaine.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became Duke of Aquitaine in 1172.
- Participated in rebellions against his father, Henry II, in the 1170s and 1180s.
- Acceded to the English throne in 1189.
- A key figure in the Third Crusade (1189-1192).
- Captured Acre in 1191.
- Defeated Saladin at the Battle of Arsuf in 1191.
- Signed the Treaty of Jaffa with Saladin in 1192.
- Captured and imprisoned in Austria by Duke Leopold V on his return from the Crusade.
- Ransomed for a large sum in 1194.
- Spent the remainder of his reign fighting to secure his French territories.
Notable Works
- Fortification of Château Gaillard in Normandy.
- Patron of the arts and literature, particularly troubadours and poets.
Legacy and Impact
Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart, is remembered primarily for his military prowess and his role in the Third Crusade. Although he spent relatively little time in England, his reign established precedents in royal finance and military organization that had lasting consequences. The impact of this 'richard the lion hearted biography' extends to romanticized portrayals of medieval chivalry and kingship.