Gazing up at this pub, Richard I, one might wonder what connects a humble London establishment to a king who reigned over 800 years ago. Richard I also known as Richard the Lionheart was King of England. He ruled from 1189 to 1199.
Richard’s story begins in Oxford. He was born in 1157. He wasn’t expected to be king. Richard was the third of five sons. Fate intervened. His older brothers died before their father.
By 16, Richard commanded his own army. He put down rebellions in Poitou. He had a reputation as a great military leader and warrior. This earned him the nickname Richard the Lionheart.
Richard was an important Christian commander. He led the Third Crusade. He fought against Saladin. However, he didn’t retake Jerusalem. Richard finalized a peace treaty. Then, he ended the campaign.
He likely spoke French and Occitan. Richard spent his childhood in England. Before becoming king, he lived in France. He spent very little time in England after becoming king. It was perhaps as little as six months. He spent most of his reign on Crusade. He was either in captivity or defending his empire’s French lands.
Richard was seen as a pious hero. This view changed over time. Some historians saw him as using England for revenue. He used it to support his armies. He didn’t see England as a responsibility needing his presence. This view is now under scrutiny by modern historians. They see it as anachronistic.
Richard’s coronation took place in Westminster Abbey. It was on September 3, 1189. Tradition excluded Jews and women. Some Jewish leaders arrived with gifts. Richard’s courtiers stripped and flogged them. Then, they threw them out.
Rumors spread that Richard ordered all Jews killed. People in London attacked the Jewish population. Jewish homes were destroyed. Some Jews were forcibly converted. Some sought sanctuary in the Tower of London.
Richard ordered the execution of those responsible. He distributed a royal writ. It demanded the Jews be left alone. Violence still occurred.
Richard and Philip II agreed to go on the Third Crusade. Each feared the other would take their lands. Richard swore to renounce wickedness. He raised a new crusader army. He spent his father’s treasury. He raised taxes. He sold official positions and lands.
Richard declared, “I would have sold London if I could find a buyer.” This shows his desperation to fund the Crusade.
Richard died on April 6, 1199. He died in Châlus. A crossbow bolt wounded him. The wound turned gangrenous. Before his death, Richard forgave the crossbowman.
Richard’s heart was buried in Normandy. His entrails were buried in Châlus. The rest of his body was buried in Anjou.
Richard had no legitimate heirs. His brother John succeeded him. Richard is remembered more by his nickname than his regnal number. He is an iconic figure in England and France. Victorian England admired Richard as a crusader. They saw him as a man of God. They erected a statue of him outside Westminster Palace.
So, while enjoying your time at the Richard I pub, remember the legacy of the Lionheart. He was a complex king. He was both admired and criticized. He remains a figure of enduring fascination.