Richard I of England

Richard married Berengaria of Navarre, first-born daughter of King Sancho VI of Navarre on 12 May 1191. The marriage was childless.

Many scholars have debated upon Richard’s sexuality on whether he was predominantly heterosexual or homosexual.

He suffered a wound while besieging the castle of Châlus in France. The wound became gangrenous and he died on 6 April 1199. He was succeeded by his younger brother, John.

Richard I was born on 8 September 1157, as the third legitimate son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, in Beaumont Palace, Oxford, England. He had several siblings, including elder brother Henry the Young King who was the successor to their father’s throne. Another one of his elder brother, William, had died in infancy.

He is believed to have spent his childhood in England. Even though not much is known about his early education, there is no doubt that Richard grew up to be a well-educated young man with an interest in composing poetry.

He was given the Duchy of Aquitaine when he reached the age of 11 and was made the duke, at Poitiers, in 1172.

His elder brother Henry the Young King was crowned king of England during his father's lifetime and from 1170 he officially reigned alongside his father as the associate King of England. It was expected that the crown would pass on to him after their father’s death.

From a young age Richard displayed tremendous valour and courage and it was evident that one day he would grow up to be a brave warrior. As a teenager of 16 he took command of his own army and joined his brothers in the great rebellion against their father in 1173.

King Henry II died on 6 July 1189 and Richard succeeded him as King of England, Duke of Normandy, and Count of Anjou. It is believed that Richard’s constant conflicts with his father expedited the old man’s death.

After becoming the king, Richard did not harbor any ambition of planning for the English monarchy, but set his eyes upon the Third Crusade, prompted by Saladin’s capture of Jerusalem in 1187.

In order to fund the crusade, Richard sold the right to hold official positions and those already appointed were forced to pay huge sums to retain their posts. He spent most of his father's treasury, raised taxes, and even sold lands to finance his ambition.

After making all necessary arrangements for the administration of his territories in his absence, Richard departed for the Third Crusade. He was accompanied by Philip II, the son of Eleanor's ex-husband Louis VII by Adele of Champagne.

King Richard and Phillip arrived in Sicily in September 1190. Richard’s sister Joan had been married to King William II of Sicily. After William’s death she was captured and imprisoned by the new king, Tancred I of Sicily. Richard rescued his sister and signed a treaty with Tancred which declared Richard’s nephew, Arthur of Brittany to be his own heir.

Richard I and Philip II embarked on the highly ambitious Third Crusade in 1190. The crusade was largely successful as they were able to capture the important cities of Acre and Jaffa though they were unable to conquer the holy city of Jerusalem.