Immediately after his coronation, Richard set off for the Holy Land, demonstrating remarkable leadership and military skill. His reputation as a fearless warrior was cemented during key battles such as the Siege of Acre and the Battle of Arsuf in 1191, where he defeated Saladin’s forces in a decisive encounter.
Despite his successes, Richard never recaptured Jerusalem, the primary goal of the crusade. Instead, he negotiated a treaty allowing Christian pilgrims safe passage to the city.
Captivity and Ransom
On his return journey from the Crusade in 1192, Richard was captured by Leopold V, Duke of Austria, due to a personal feud. He was then handed over to the Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI, who imprisoned him until a massive ransom was paid by the English crown and its allies.
Richard’s captivity lasted nearly two years, from 1192 to 1194. During this period, England was governed by his brother John and loyal officials, a time that sowed seeds of future conflict.
Reign and Domestic Policies
Richard spent very little time in England during his reign — roughly six months in total. His main focus was on his French territories and crusading ambitions. This detachment, combined with heavy taxation to fund his military campaigns and ransom, led to some dissatisfaction among his subjects.
Despite this, Richard worked to maintain his extensive Angevin Empire, which included large portions of France such as Normandy, Anjou, and Aquitaine. shutdown123