Richard the Lionhearted

Richard I of England is best know for his role in the third Crusade, but his varied and often violent disposition followed him throughout his life. Richard was the second son of Henry II of England, who gave him his holdings in southern France. Henry encouraged his sons to live and learn in their own lands, but failed to teach them good methods of power and control. Eventually, his sons revolted against him, and although Henry defeated them, tensions and battles remained a continuous state of affairs for the family.

As he grew, Richard gained a reputation for power and chivalry through his many conquests. Richard loved power and might, and expended much energy and money on all chivalric pursuits. When he heard of the Crusade held in 1188, he became very involved and almost obsessed with it. Religious objectives justified the chance to show his strength, and Richard returned to England from his land in France to collect money to fund his contribution to the Crusade. He threw all his energy into fundraising, in both legitimate and questionable means, including the sale of political appointments and church lands.

In addition to his mishandling of state monies, Richard took many of his wise advisers with him on the Crusade and left many energetic officials in England who would have done well to join him. Richard committed many cruel acts while abroad, including killing many prisoners in a rage. In his absence, England was again upset by rebellion, and Richard rushed to return home because he found the chances of retaking Jerusalem slim. On his way, he was wrecked and taken prisoner, but England paid his ransom.

Richard returned England's aid by abandoning his country and returning to his lands in France, where he died in a battle with France. He left England under the watch of Archbishop Hubert Walter, who governed capably but tried to extort money from the people and church.

Richard supposedly died sincerely regretting his indiscretions, and one bishop considered him the most religious of his brothers. These positive descriptions, however, don't balance his acts in the eyes of history. Many people only know of him through his association with the Crusades, and as they learn about his failures as a leader, their bad impression is cemented.

Source and more information: Catholic Encyclopedia