King of England 1189-1199, this alleged paragon of chivalry (actually a cold-blooded killer on Crusade) spent almost all his time at war in the Holy Land and in France, leaving the governance of England to his mother Eleanor and regents. He spent only ten months of his ten-year reign in England. Some of the most virulent anti-Semitism in English history also broke out in his reign (the murder/suicide of York’s Jews in Clifford’s Tower happened during Richard’s reign).1

Richard saw England only as a source of revenue for his wars. He went on the Third Crusade, but on his way home was captured by the Duke of Austria who sold him to Emperor Henry VI, who held him prisoner 14 months until his ransom was paid.163

A field on one of his vassal’s lands was found to contain a pot of Roman coins. By the time the story reached him, it was said to be a vast treasure. Richard demanded the treasure, eventually besieging the vassal’s castle. He was shot by an arrow through the shoulder. “Surgeons” hacked the head of the arrow out but the wound was infected and Richard died, leaving his rarely-seen English kingdom to his brother John.284

Judged by medieval standards, one of the greatest monarchs of all time; modern historians revile him.205

Well-educated, a talented linguist, with skill in choral music. Energetic, single-minded, and resourceful. His accession as king of England was the least challenged of any English king between 1042 and 1272 (due in part to the efforts of his mother, Eleanor of Acquitaine).205

In November 1187, Richard was the first prince north of the Alps to take the cross. His performance on Crusade shows him to be a fomidable politician and administrator, as well as a commander of stature. It also showed his ruthlessness as he sold every piece of land he could to raise funds; he told friends he would’ve sold London itself if he could’ve found a buyer. His capture and subsequent one-year imprisonment by the German emperor left his Angevin and English lands at risk.205

Beautiful and devoted to her husband, she had a sad marriage, for Richard was homosexual and spent little time with her. She was crowned Queen of England and Cyprus when Richard was on Crusade, following him in the company of his sister Joanna. After the Crusade was lost she travelled by sea back to Aquitaine, where she stayed while Richard was held captive. After Richard’s release he returned to England but did not send for Berengaria until he fell ill with a fever and thought he was going to die. In his agony he promised he would take Berengaria back if he survived. True to his word, they reconciled at Christmas 1196 and were rarely separated again. However, there was still no child and Richard suggested adopting his nephew -- the nephew’s mother refused based on her hatred of Eleanor.

After Richard’s death she retired to a convent and devoted her life to charitable works. She insisted upon her financial rights and appealed to the Pope -- her appeal may have been the final straw that caused the Pope to excommunicate John.

She died in relative obscurity, choosing not to be buried next to her husband.284