Richard I, the Lionheart

Richard I, the Lionheart


House / Group: Plantagenet
Born / died: 1157-1199
Reign: 1189-1199


The third of Henry II's legitimate sons, and the favourite of his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Richard would probably have married Princess Alys (daughter of Louis VII of France), but his father Henry took Alys as a mistress.
Henry II's first son, William died aged 3. His second son 'Henry the Young King' was crowned during Henry II's reign but never ruled: he is not counted as a monarch and should not be confused with Henry III (son of King John and Young Henry's nephew). He died in 1183.
Richard and his brothers Henry and Geoffrey revolted against Henry II, intending the Young Henry to rule, but the plan failed and the three sons were humbled.
After Young Henry's death, (and Geoffrey's in 1186) Richard became the undisputed heir and when Henry II died, Richard succeeded.
Richard spent most of his time on crusades (he was absent for all but six months of his 10-year reign). While engaged on the Third Crusade, Richard married Princess Berengaria of Navarre. There were no children. The crusade was a failure and Richard returned to Europe where he was captured in Austria and imprisoned in Germany. His mother Eleanor raised the ransom and he was eventually freed.
Returning to England, he forgave his brother John who was trying to seize the throne
Richard died from wounds suffered in a skirmish new Limousin and was buried next to his father at Fontevraud Abbey, France.
This coat of arms, gules three lions passant guardant, also applied to John, Henry III, Edward I, and Edward II.