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7 medieval kings of England you should know about
Richard I
Despite being one of England’s most iconic medieval kings, Richard I (r1189–99) spent only six months of his decade-long reign on English soil and may not have even spoken English. His energies were undoubtedly focused towards international war-mongering rather than affairs within England itself. Writing for History Extra, Andrew Gimson argues that Richard’s “only use for England” was to raise money through taxes in order to wage war abroad.
As his epithet ‘Lionheart’ suggests, Richard boasted a reputation as a fearless warrior king. He is best remembered for his efforts in the Third Crusade, a religious campaign to reclaim the Holy Land from the Muslim sultan and military leader Saladin.
Edward II
Edward II (1284-1327) ruled as king of England from July 1307–January 1327 and was famously defeated at the battle of Bannockburn in 1314 by Robert the Bruce. Edward II was the only surviving son of Edward I, succeeding his father in 1307. Inheriting a bankrupt treasury, his tendency to be led by favourites brought England close to civil war on many occasions. Edward II is often considered to be one of England’s worst kings. He was famously defeated at the battle of Bannockburn (23 and 24 June 1314) by Robert the Bruce in what was a decisive battle of the Wars of Scottish Independence. Edward is also famous for having been overthrown by his wife, Isabella of France, in favour of his 14-year-old son. Edward abdicated to his son, the future Edward III, in January 1327 – it was the first time this had ever happened in England. Edward II was allegedly murdered at Berkeley Castle on 21 September 1327, but there is evidence to indicate that Edward was not killed at all, but survived for years afterwards, perhaps in Italy
King John
History has not been kind to King John (r1199–1216). He is most frequently remembered as the cruel and greedy villain of the Robin Hood legend, who attempted to usurp his beloved brother Richard, backtracked on Magna Carta and threw England into civil war.
In 1193, John gained his reputation as a usurper by unsuccessfully attempting to seize the throne while his elder brother King Richard I was imprisoned in Germany. After this plot failed, John was subsequently banished. In 1199, following the brothers’ reconciliation and Richard’s death, John finally gained the throne by legitimate means.
John’s reign was marred by rebellion and discontent, and he faced significant antagonism from both outside and inside of England. War with France cost him dearly – he lost large amounts of money and land, including Normandy, Anjou and Maine. Taxes to fund the war grew enormous and the situation significantly damaged John’s reputation.