bfe_1016904 - COUNTY OF POITOU - RICHARD CŒUR DE LION Denier

COUNTY OF POITOU - RICHARD CŒUR DE LION

(1189-1199)

Richard Coeur de Lion is the second son of Henri II Plantagenêt and Eleanor of Aquitaine. From 1175, with the help of Louis VII of France, he revolted with his brothers against their father. He became heir to the kingdom after the death of his brother Henry in 1183, he succeeded his father in 1189 and spent the ten years of his reign fighting in the Holy Land and in France. He took part in the Third Crusade and nearly recaptured Jerusalem. He treated with Saladin. On his return, taken prisoner in Austria, he remained a captive for two years. Married to Bérangère de Navarre, the daughter of Sancho VI who never set foot in England, he had no children. He died while laying siege to the fortress of Châlus in 1199. He was buried at the Abbey of Fontevrault like his mother, Eleanor, five years later..