Richard the Lionheart

by Hourly History Book 19 in the Biographies of British Royalty series.

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Richard the Lionheart examines the warrior king whose reputation rests largely on crusade and captivity rather than government in England. It follows his rebellion against Henry II, accession in 1189 and leading role in the Third Crusade against Saladin.

The biography covers the capture of Acre, battles in the Holy Land, Richard’s imprisonment on his return and the enormous ransom raised for his release. His final wars in France and death during a siege are placed within the wider Angevin struggle to preserve territory and royal authority.

Richard's reign is also a study in the costs of a warrior monarchy. Crusading, ransom and continental war require extraordinary revenue, while long absences leave England governed through ministers and relatives. The biography therefore measures the famous battlefield reputation against the administrative and dynastic pressures created by a king whose principal political interests lay outside England.