Historical Figure
Richard
1209–1272
King of Germany from 1257 to 1272
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Biography
Richard was an English prince who was King of the Romans from 1257 until his death in 1272. He was the second son of John, King of England, and Isabella, Countess of Angoulême. Richard was nominal Count of Poitou from 1225 to 1243, and he also held the title Earl of Cornwall from 1225. He was one of the wealthiest men in Europe and joined the Barons' Crusade, where he achieved success as a negotiator for the release of prisoners and assisted with the building of the citadel in Ascalon.
Timeline
The story of Richard, told in moments.
Born at Winchester Castle. Second son of King John. His older brother became Henry III. Richard was one of the wealthiest men in medieval Europe thanks to tin mining revenues from Cornwall.
Joined the Barons' Crusade to the Holy Land. He negotiated the release of prisoners that others had failed to secure. Returned to England within a year.
Elected King of the Romans (King of Germany). He spent a fortune bribing the electors. He visited Germany only four times. The title gave him prestige but little real power.
Captured at the Battle of Lewes during the barons' war against his brother Henry III. Simon de Montfort imprisoned him. He was released after Montfort's defeat at Evesham.
Died at Berkhamsted Castle. He was 63. He'd suffered a stroke years earlier and never fully recovered. He was buried at Hailes Abbey, which he'd founded.
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