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Richard the Lionheart
- Favourite Briton.

Born in Oxford, Oxfordshire
Born on 8th of September 1157
Died on 6th of April 1199

Richard I was born on 8th September 1157 in Oxford, he was to be known as Richard the Lionheart and the Coeur de Lion, renowned for his bravery and military exploits, his father was Henry II and Richard's mother was Eleanor Of Aquitaine, who bore several children, Henry, Richard, Geoffrey Duke of Brittany, and John, Matilda, Leonora and Joan.

He spent much of his youth with his mother at her Court in Poitiers in France, Richard joined his brothers and fought against his father to try to de-throne him. As was the custom Henry II had declared his son Henry as next King, and he was crowned.

When Henry (the younger) died Richard then became heir to the throne. However Richards' father wanted to ensure that John, Richard's brother would have control over Aquitaine, Richard was determined that this would not happen and joined forces with Phillip II of France and they fought once again against their father.

Henry II died in July 1189, Richard was crowned as King of England, he set off on the third Crusade to the Holy land as Christian Commander , and whilst he was in Cyprus he married Berengaria who was the daughter of the King of Navarre. After many battles and victories over Saladin with the Battles of Arsuf and Jaffa they came to a truce.

On his return journey to England Richard was imprisoned by Leopold Duke of Austria and was held until a large ransom was paid. On his release he was re-crowned at Winchester in 1194. He continued to fight many battles until finally he was killed on the 6th April 1199 in the Limousin region in France, his younger brother John succeeded him.

Richard I reigned over England, and his other titles included Duke Of Normandy, Duke of Aquitaine, Duke Of Gascony, Count Of Nantes, Lord Of Ireland, Lord Of Cyprus, and Over Lord Of Brittany.

Links:
http://www.britroyals.com/kings.asp?id=richard1 Brit Royal Bio

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