King Richard I (r. 1189-1199)

Both Ibeji and Schama highlight the traditional tendency of historians to divide King Richard and King John into opposite categories which portray Richard as the ‘good’ King and his brother John as ‘bad’.  The perception is somewhat limited, however, as each King can be argued to have possessed different strengths and weaknesses.  This post will focus on King Richard and the next will focus on the reign of King John.

King Richard is often referred to as Richard the Lionheart, making reference to his extensive military campaigns whilst on Crusade: he actually only spent six months out of his ten year reign in England.  Ibeji suggests that this removal from courtly life enabled Richard to develop the persona of a ‘warrior King’, whilst also ensuring that he was far enough removed from governance that unpopular measures could be distanced from his own hand, making him a popular figure.  There is evidence to suggest that Richard did not speak a great deal of English, suggesting that one of the country's most celebrated monarchs in actuality had little interest in the role of King of England himself.

Following his coronation of 3^rd September 1189, Richard stipulated that John was to remain in France for three years whilst he was on the Third Crusade (1190-92), fearing that his brother might attempt to take advantage of his absence.  On his mother’s advice, Richard retracted this command, allowing John back into the country.  John consequently acted as Richard had predicted.  He drove William Longchamps, the Bishop of Ely who had been appointed Chief Justiciar in Richard’s absence, into exile, scheming with King Philip of France how Richard’s empire could be divided between the two of them.  As Ibeji describes, John aimed to ‘set himself up as King in all but name’. 

Eleanor of Aquitaine prevented John from carrying out his plans and upon hearing the news, Richard returned from the Holy Land.  He was captured by Duke Leopold of Austria upon his return but was freed in 1193 after paying a ransom which equated to a quarter of each worker's yearly salary.  Richard forgave John’s attempts to usurp him, possibly viewing John as a weaker, somewhat piteous man who had failed in his efforts to match his own prowess and in 1194 returned to the Holy Land.  Richard died in 1199 in France after having been shot in the shoulder with an arrow.