Homeward bound! No! Richard it is you who are to be bound! Yes! Hand and foot
Richard! You thought that the Saracens of the east were your ultimate foe!
No! It is back in Europe that those whose characters are so despicably low!
They capture you! Jail you! Then demand a huge ransom to let you go!
Richard’s journey away from Palestine did not mean that he was leaving his enemies behind. Far from it! Saladin may have been his opponent, but now it was his fellow Christians who would prove to be his real foes. Indeed, he probably had more adversaries in Europe than in the middle east. The King of France Philip Augustus , once a dear boyhood friend, was now in league with his own treacherous brother John in an attempt to take his lands in both England and France. Things had soured greatly since the great crusader victory at Acre. When as equal, regal monarchs they had both sat together and acknowledged the surrender of the Saracen garrison.
The Way We Were!
Philip Augustus (centre) and Richard (left) accept the keys of Acre.
‘He’s no longer my friend, Philip Augustus!
But my bitter foe, Disgusting Augustus!’
Posing as a wealthy merchant, Richard decided to travel through the Adriatic sea, thereby avoiding the King of France’s jurisdiction. This was not all. There were others with whom he could expect no welcome of audience. The Lionheart was on very poor terms with the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry VI. Richard had also grievously offended Duke Leopold of Austria during the battle for Acre and the Austrian still nursed a grudge.
This was most unfortunate as he had to pass through Leopold’s domain to reach Saxony and the safety of the fiefdom of his brother-in-law, Henry the Lion. So, given the circumstances, a low profile was the most appropriate mode of conduct.
‘To be neither seen nor heard!
Was the method of procedure preferred!’
However a rather unfortunate incident occurred!’
Such is misfortune and ultimately it was the people of England who were forced to pay an enormous fortune. Richard was spotted when he became ill and stopped to rest at a tavern south of Vienna. It was now December 1192 and he was duly delivered into the custody of a delighted Duke Leopold who was beginning his Christmas festivities. This was an unexpected Christmas present for the Duke and one that exceeded his wildest expectations. The pope Celestine III had been keen to encourage Christians to take up the cross and therefore had declared that it was wrong to imprison a returning crusader without due cause. This papal edict was known as the Peace of God, the penalty for breaking it was excommunication from the Catholic church.
Pope Celestine III
‘But Leopold feeling so bold!
Elected to stray from the Catholic fold!
He decided that he would not toe the papal line!
Leopold declared! Oh vengeance, so sweet, is mine!
How very divine!
For your freedom Richard, England must pay an enormous fine!’
Leopold, realising that he could hold Richard for a king’s ransom, decided that it was worth the risk. Richard was ensconced in comfortable but closely guarded captivity at Durnstien castle on the banks of the Danube. In his defiance of papal authority, Leopold was supported by his liege, Henry VI of Germany, the Holy Roman Emperor.
Durnstien castle.
Both Leopold and Henry were subsequently excommunicated for their behaviour, but this did little to deter them from what they regarded as a most promising financial enterprise. Henry decided that the price for Richard’s release would be 100,000 marks, a colossal sum for the time. This figure was later increased to 150,000.
Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor.
Richard’s whereabouts were not known in England at this point and his mother, Queen Eleanor was frantic with worry about the fate of her favourite son.
Eleanor of Aquitaine
When England received the ransom note, it was not entirely bad news to this mother’s ears!
In fact the avaricious demand served to allay this elderly lady’s worst fears!
It mercifully served to wipe away her most bitterest tears!
The dowager sprung into action with an energy which belied her advanced years!
However the king of France, Philip (disgusting) Augustus was also keen in ‘buying’ Richard, or at least delaying his release. In this endeavour he was supported by Richard’s brother John. Their intention was to grapple the Lionheart’s empire from him while he was incarcerated. They did not reckon on the formidable Eleanor, who oversaw the collection of the funds to pay the ransom. England’s finances were drained and the people grievously taxed to ensure the return of their king.
Richard returned to England in March 1194 to a tumultuous welcome from the city of London. There was no welcome of a fraternal nature from brother John. For (kid) brother John had fled to Normandy.