King John. 1166-1216. Richard’s decision to name John as his successor was not greeted with unanimous approval. The word on the street was: ‘Richard left everything, you mean, the entire outfit to John, his kid brother?’ The only living son of Queen Eleanor, the royal mother! ‘You got to be kidding!’ ‘There’s more than a …
Swinging London, and how the citizenry did cheer and the church bells ring! Joyful at their king’s return, of blessed, brave Richard and his deeds, they did sing! The streets of London were adorned with banners befitting the return of a king. Richard basked in the adulation of his subjects, but circumstances precluded a lengthy …
Richard! You thought that the Saracens of the east were your ultimate foe! No! It is back in Europe that those whose characters are so despicably low! They capture you! Jail you! Then demand a huge ransom to let you go! Richard’s journey away from Palestine did not mean that he was leaving his enemies …
To many a crusader, the aim of the sojourn was Jerusalem or bust! Now with an overwhelming, unbearable sense of disgust! They saw their noble ambition turn as to dust! Richard and the crusaders were clearly distraught that their endeavour to liberate the sacred city of Zion had ended in failure. In the first instance …
Richard has twice vanquished Saladin, his foe! The Sultan’s reputation as military leader is at an all time low! Richard prepares his army for the march to Jerusalem, all systems go! Flushed with the warm glow of victory, Richard’s keen military antennae now concentrated its focus on Ascalon, which also served as a port for …
The Christians march to Jaffa, along the Palestinian coast! To take the ancient port is their oft-mentioned boast! Saladin’s Saracens will harry them from the eastern side! Thus ensuring that the invading infidels have a most uncomfortable ride! The crusaders, having being victorious at Acre in the first battle of the Third Crusade, now turned …
‘To Palestine we will sail! This is a mission which with God’s help we cannot fail! I have an almighty , dedicated, Christian military host! With these true men I will disembark on the Palestinian coast!’ So far so good! Richard’s conquest of Cyprus would provide him with a vital base close to Palestine for …
Richard having little faith in Tancred’s ability to behave himself had taken the precaution of taking Joan with him. As the ship left Messina, Richard, standing on deck, surveyed the calm Mediterranean waters and reflected on his first mission on foreign soil. The king felt a sense of ‘mission accomplished’ but there were some lingering …
‘I gotta say! Thanks dad! I was not always a good lad! There were times when I acted awful bad and made you feel sad! But! Right now you! Yes you, have made me feel, well so, so real glad! With the Saladin Tithe, you left with me one mighty purse! With that I will go …
The first of the Plantagenets, Henry now lies in the tomb! The throne passes to his son, Richard, fruit of Eleanor’s womb!’ Henry died harbouring an extremely low opinion of Richard. At their last meeting the dying king was said to have cursed his heir for what he regarded as a gross betrayal. Father and son …