The King Who Would Not Turn His Back

In 1194, Richard the Lionheart heard that Verneuil in Normandy, an English town, was under siege by Philip II of France. Richard vowed not to turn aside until he had met his foe, and took it so literally that he had the Palace wall broken down so he could walk straight towards France, where he relieved Verneuil without bloodshed.

58 words

Read the whole story

Return to the Index

Related Posts

for The King Who Would Not Turn His Back

Mediaeval History

An Unsuitable Job for a Bishop

Richard the Lionheart told Philip, the martial Bishop of Dreux, to decide whether he was a bishop or a knight.

The Hundred Years’ War

The Hundred Years’ War

King John had already lost most of the Crown’s lands in France, but when Aquitaine was threatened Edward III knew he must act fast.

Mediaeval History

Duet for a Captive King

Legend tells how Richard the Lionheart’s favourite singer found where Leopold of Austria had stowed him.