The Crusader: The story of Richard the Lionheart

Story of Richard I, known as He was known as Richard Cœur de Lion or Richard the Lionheart because of his reputation as a great military leader and warrior. Richard was born in England, where he spent his childhood; before becoming king, however, he lived most of his adult life in the Duchy of Aquitaine, in the southwest of France. Following his accession, he spent very little time, perhaps as little as six months, in England. Most of his life as king was spent on Crusade, in captivity, or actively defending his lands in France. Rather than regarding his kingdom as a responsibility requiring his presence as ruler, he has been perceived as preferring to use it merely as a source of revenue to support his armies. Nevertheless, he was seen as a pious hero by his subjects. He remains one of the few kings of England remembered by his nickname, rather than regnal number, and is an enduring iconic figure both in England and in France.