KS3 History Homework Pack 1

Homework 9

Richard the Lionheart

Read the following opinions and facts about King Richard I of England:
A

Richard I ruled England from 1189 to 1199. For much of

his reign he was away from England fighting the Muslims
in the Third Crusade. He died from a wound after being
shot by a crossbow bolt when besieging a French castle.
He is remembered as good King Richard in the Robin
Hood legend. He was succeeded on the throne by his
brother, King John.

Richard was given his nickname the Lionheart because he was very brave. At
Jaffa in the Holy Land, he waded ashore shouting Shame on him who lags
behind, to help the Christians being attacked by the Muslims.

One modern historian has called Richard a bad son, a bad husband, a selfish
ruler, and a vicious man.

When Richard took the Muslim city of Acre, the Muslim leader Saladin promised
to release 1500 Christian prisoners. When Saladin did not keep his promise,
Richard had 2600 Muslim prisoners beheaded. At Andelys in France, he hurled
three prisoners to their deaths on rocks, and blinded 15 others.

At Messina in Italy, Richard threw himself down on the ground in front of some
bishops to ask forgiveness for the foulness of his past life.

Richard once stole a valuable hawk, and threatened to kill its rightful owner.

Richard was very clever soldier. He managed to take the castle of Saintonge,
which was thought to be impregnable (impossible to take) in just three days.

Richard said to the Holy Roman Emperor, I am born of a rank which recognises
no superior but God.

Richard refused to be married to the woman to whom he had been engaged for
20 years, Alice of France. He said that she had slept with his father. Instead he
married Berengaria of Navarre. He spent very little time with his wife. They had
no children but Richard had a son with another woman.

Richard forgave his brother John for not looking after his kingdom well when he
(Richard) was away at the Crusades.

Homework task
1

Choosing some bits of the sources above, write an account or draw a picture of
Richard I and his life that makes him out to be a wonderful hero. Do not make up
anything that is not in the sources.

Choosing some bits of the sources above, write an account or draw a picture of
Richard I and his life that makes him out to be as bad as possible.

Taking all the sources into account, write down what you really think of Richard I.
Explain your reasons.

Priory School
Pearson Publishing, Chesterton Mill, Frenchs Road, Cambridge CB4 3NP

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