Richard the Lionheart (1157-1199) is the famous king often portrayed in the Robin Hood series or most movies about the Crusades. He is very popular in English literature and is considered a hero to the British. Basically, he was a tough ruler who would slay thousands of people if he thought they were not going to agree with him. He emulated the strong warrior and was considered the pinnacle of Chivalry. Below are five factoids on how Richard the Lionheart allows you to enjoy your freedoms today
1. After the successful third Crusade and his capture that is the background of The Adventures of Robin Hood, Richard went to war with France. While fighting during Lent (a big no-no during the Middle Ages), he laid siege to a small castle called Chateau de Chalus-Chabrol. Supposedly, they had a large stash of Roman gold and Richard wanted it.
2. The fight was going pretty well – since it was barely defended and Richard was pretty comfortable in his success. He decided it was time for a stroll to see how his sappers (guys who dug holes in castle walls) were doing. Nothing boosts morale than an appearance from your leader. In any case, it was pretty safe because they were only fighting a handful of men. Richard decided he didn’t need to wear that bulky chainmail.
3. Enter a boy that history has seemed to have forgotten. They think his name could have been John or Peter or Dudo or Bertrand. No one knows for sure. He was sitting on the castle wall armed with a crossbow and a frying pan – which he used as a shield to bat away arrows – and starts shooting directly at Richard. Now, Richard, being the king, taunted the boy. He wasn’t a very good shot and the arrows didn’t land anywhere near Richard – until the last one. It struck him in the shoulder, near his neck. A surgeon was called (well, actually, the scribes called him a “butcher”) and he removed the arrow. Unfortunately for Richard, it became gangrenous and he was dying.
The boy was brought to him and, according to records, was shooting at Richard because the king had had his father and two brothers killed. Richard pardoned the boy for shooting him and sent on his way with some silver. Then Richard died.
Related posts:
