Round One: King Arthur vs Richard the Lionheart (ep 45)

Round one of Monarch Madness cuts right to the heart of English monarchy: what is it? And who contributed most to the earliest notion of English or British kingship? Two kings stand out, both of whom developed larger than life legends that carried centuries into the future. Both can be said to epitomize the notion of what it means to be a British monarch.

But only one can win round one of Monarch Madness. So who will it be: King Arthur or Richard the Lionheart?

Was there a “real” King Arthur? We actually don’t know. But his legend has affected British and world history and literature for centuries. So whether there was a real person or not, there is no doubt that King Arthur is a contender for the crown here. 

Arthur's influence is seen from Edward I and Edward III to the Tudors and even US President John F. Kenned. For more than 1500 years, King Arthur represented a valiant and warrior who inspired several dynasties of the British monarchy and eventually also a US Presidency. A likely candidate for the round one winner!

Known throughout history as a great military leader who was fearless in battle, King Richard I earned his nickname "Lionheart" for his extraordinary efforts and success in the Crusades. Even alongside some of the greatest leaders of Western Europe, Richard stood out.

Richard's legend grew after his lifetime in the stories of Robin Hood. King Richard represents order, bravery, and honor in the legend and is idealized as a leader. That notion was reinforced by the statue of Richard in front of Westminster, sitting atop his horse with sword raised high in triumph and overlooking the place where monarchy and government do their work. Another fine candidate to win round one!

History shows us what's possible.

Transcript

Round one of Monarch Madness cuts right to the heart of English monarchy: what is it? And who contributed most to the earliest notion of English or British kingship? Two kings stand out, both of whom developed larger than life legends that carried centuries into the future. Both can be said to epitomize the notion of what it means to be a British monarch.

            But only one can win round one of Monarch Madness. So who will it be: King Arthur or Richard the Lionheart?

King Arthur

            Was there a “real” King Arthur? We actually don’t know. But his legend has affected British and world history and literature for centuries. So whether there was a real person or not, there is no doubt that King Arthur is a contender for the crown here. 

            There are several touchstones in Arthur’s story that make him the stuff of legend.

            Arthur comes into view for the first time in descriptions of the Battle of Badon Hill. The Britons, having been abandoned by the Romans, were fighting off the Germanic invaders—in other words, the Angles and the Saxons. There are tales of a great warrior fighting on behalf of the Britons. This is when we first hear about a warrior named Arthur or Artorius or Ambrosius Aurelianus (by Gildas and Bede) associated with this battle, which occurred at the turn of the sixth century. The name Arturus is sometimes used, but that could be a title (meaning “bear”).

            Celtic people remained strong in Cornwall, Cumberland, and Wales, even after the rest of the country fell to Saxons. Celtic bards kept stories of the military leader alive. As very few people wrote or read during this time, the stories were primarily oral legends, passed down from one generation to the next. We have a scrap here or there on a manuscript, but it is an incomplete record. 

            So who was this Arthur, the famous warrior who led his people in battle?    

            The next  source is Nennius, the 9-century monk wrote Historia Brittonum (History of Britons) and identified Arthur as fighting against Germanic (Angle and Saxon) invaders in 5th and 6th centuries. It includes several battles featuring Arthur as commanding warrior as well as a valiant and praiseworthy man. Around this time there’s also a Welsh poem, “Y Gododdin” (Ay-Gu-doe-in) that doesn’t talk directly about Arthur but in describing a different warrior says he is brave but “no Arthur.” So by this time, the legend was of Arthur the brave warrior and leader was becoming well known and a touchstone for courage and valor

            Later Welsh writers drew on Nennius’s work, and Arthur’s fame spread beyond Wales and the Celtic world. This was especially true in the 11th century, after William the Conqueror connected England and Northern France with his invasion of England in1066. 

            Geoffrey of Monmouth solidified and expanded the legend of King Arthur in the 12th century with his Historia Regum Britanniae (History of the Kings of Britain). He included the life story of Arthur. His manuscript (a copy of which is at the British Library) even includes a portrait of the legendary king. Monmouth included Arthur’s powerful sword Caliburn (later Excalibur), his trusted knight and friend Lancelot, Queen Guinevere, and Merlin the wizard who teaches and helps him. Monmouth and others claimed this account was based on a now-lost Celt manuscript.

            A few years after Monmouth, in 1160, French poet Chretien de Troyes gave Arthur a spiritual quest by having him search for the Holy Grail. He also invented Camelot, the castle/city where the court of Arthur resides. 

            From that time, legends of the adventure of King Arthur and his knights were told from the 11th century on in hundreds of manuscripts written in many languages. Alanus ab Insulis (also Alain de Lille), asked “What place is there within the bounds of the Empire of Christendom to which the winged praise of Arthur the Briton has not extended?”

            The idea of a “brotherhood of knights,” symbolized by a large round table, enters the myth around the 12th or 13th century. This appealed to the concept of chivalry which was taking hold at the time. There’s a story that in 13th century, an abbot speaking to his monks noticed that many of his listeners had tuned out or even fallen asleep. To get their attention, he said, “There was once a mighty King, whose name was Arthur,” and all the monks woke up and started listening. This is almost certainly invented, but it reminds us of the power of the legendary Arthur to capture attention.

            The legend clearly merges with the “real world” in the reigns of Edward I and Edward III. Edward I was a fan of the Arthurian legend and sought to emulate the famous king. It’s thought that Edward had a great Round Table built in 1290 for a festival held to celebrate the marriage of his daughter. 

            That table now hangs in Winchester Cathedral. It measures 5.5 meters in diameter and weighs more than 2,500 pounds. 

            Edward III picked up on his grandfather’s interest in King Arthur. He was a great warrior known for restoring royal authority after the mostly disastrous reign of his father, he wanted to solidify order through a chivalric code. He wanted to establish an order of chivalry based on the knights of the Round Table of Arthur. Edward III established the Order of the Garter in 1348 (there is a reference that the order was first instituted in 1344). It is still the most senior of knighthood in the British honors systems, continuing the legend of Arthur.

            The legend of Arthur was considerably advanced in the late 15th century when Thomas Mallory published Le Morte d’Arthur in 1485. Mallory and retold stories that had been passed down orally and in writing for hundreds of years. He significantly extended the story. In Mallory, we learn that Arthur was the son of Uther Pendragon, that he was raised in secret, and that he gets powerful sword, marries Guinevere, founds group of Knights of Round table at Camelot. Arthur then goes on quest for Holy Grail. It’s a tale of idealized knighthood, tournaments, and grand castles. The ultimate downfall of Arthur’s comes from the three themes of Mallory’s telling: love, loyalty, and religion.

            Mallory also associated Camelot with Winchester, which leads us to the next time the legend touches history: the Tudors. Henry VII took the throne the year Mallory published Le Morte d’Arthur. Henry VII was drawn to Arthur though their shared Welsh background and the idea of a great destiny and a monarch coming forth. To reinforce this, he arranged for his first child to be born at Winchester, the place associated with King Arthur at the time. Henry was able to accomplish his goal: that child was a healthy son, and he named him Arthur. 

            Ultimately, Henry VII’s plan to connect his dynasty with King Arthur through his son Arthur fell through when Arthur died in 1502. But Henry VIII continued the connection and ordered the Round Table painted in Tudor green and white in 1522 in honor of a visit from the Holy Roman Emperor. At that time, the image of Arthur resembled Henry himself. The portrait of King Arthur was repainted, but the table kept the rest of its Tudor elements: the green and white theme and the Tudor rose at the center. 

            The legend of King Arthur continued in the 18th century, when antiquarians like William Stukeley emphasized Arthur’s association with Cornwall and parts of Wales. Stukeley carried out on of the first archaeological investigations at Cadbury Castle in Somerset, believed by many to be original site of Camelot. Then in the 19th century, Alfred Lord Tennyson told the story of Arthur and Camelot as an epic poem entitled Idylls of the King. In the 20th century, Arthur found his way to stage and screen. And in a more recent adoption of the legend, in 1963 after the death of President John F. Kennedy, his widow Jackie enshrined her husband’s presidency in the story and language of Camelot.

            So, for some 1500 years, King Arthur represented a valiant and warrior who inspired several dynasties of the British monarchy and eventually also conquered the US Presidency. A likely candidate for the round one winner!

King Richard the Lionheart

            Legends are not limited to King Arthur! Here’s a legend about the military prowess of Richard I. Mid-13th century text Romance of Richard Coeur de Lion describes incident where Richard charged against Saladin so forcefully ne knocked him to the ground. Then Richard pushed forward to slay a host of Muslims, inspiring his knights to join in and killed 60,000 of the enemy. Historians agree there isn’t any truth to the story, but it does demonstrate Richard’s reputation as a great warrior.

            However, since we do know many things about Richard’s life and impact, we are able to add to the legend with information about his life and reign. 

            Richard’s mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, involved Richard in leadership of her territorial holdings. In 1171, at age 15, Richard joined Eleanor to visit Aquitaine to put down a rebellion. They also laid the foundation stone of St. Augustine’s Monastery. Richard was recognized as Duke of Aquitaine and Count of Poitou in 1172.

            Richard joined his brothers in their quest to topple his father Henry II from the English throne the next year. King Louis VII of France was supporting the rebellion against the English King—perhaps because his first wife had left him and then married Henry II. Although Eleanor of Aquitaine hadn’t given Louis any sons, she gave Henry II several—and then she also backed her sons’ rebellion against their father. So the King’s sons, his wife, and the French King all collaborated to tip Henry II off the throne. Louis VII knighted Richard as part of the effort to defeat his father, and Richard was involved in leading the campaign to invade eastern Normandy (an English holding at the time). Despite the efforts of his family and enemies, Henry II prevailed. He forgave his sons and imprisoned his wife.

            As Duke of Aquitaine and Count of Poitou, Richard had the opportunity to prove himself again when the Aquitaine barons rebelled against the English crown. He made a name for himself as a great field commander and was able to overcome the resistance of the heavily fortified Tailllebourg castle in 1179. But alongside the reputation he was gaining as a warrior was the less savory reputation from his ruthless treatment of prisoners.

            Richard’s brother Henry, the heir to the throne, died in June 1183. Henry II had crowned his eldest son king-designate back in 1170 to ensure the succession. But the Young King, as he was known, died before his father and derailed the King’s succession plans. Geoffrey died in a tournament in 1186. That left Richard as heir to the throne, but Henry II didn’t officially name him as such.

            So, in 1189, Richard and his younger brother John reached out to the new King of France, Philip II, to rebel against their father again. They were supported by their mother once more. Henry’s great knight Sir William Marshal squared off against Richard and managed to knock him off his horse—reportedly the only man to ever accomplish this. Two things come to mind: first, this is reminiscent of the legend that Lancelot was the only knight able to unhorse King Arthur. Also, considering how Richard III later suffers when he loses his horse, if you’re a king named Richard it’s best to keep a spare horse or two nearby. But back to the story. Marshall decided not to kill Richard, which earned him Richard’s gratitude. Eventually, Henry agreed to name Richard his heir. Henry II died shortly thereafter on 6 July 1189. Richard became King of England. One of his first acts was to officially release his mother from prison and enlist her help in establishing his reign. He could not have asked for a better partner!

            Richard’s coronation was held 3 September 1189. In his day, the coronation was considered to officially begin the King’s reign. A copy of the description of Richard’s coronation still exists in the Bodleian Library. Richard was greeted by chanting of a crowd of nobles, clergy, and the public. Richard took the crown from the altar and handed it to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who then crowned him. As he had no wife, his mother Eleanor was the highest ranking woman and took the position of honor at his coronation. After the ceremony, a banquet was held in Westminster Hall, setting a tradition that would last for centuries to come. He was now King of England and the lands in France that still belonged to his family: Normandy, Maine, and Aquitaine. The new King had promised to give Aquitaine to John, but he did not.

            In 1187, Richard had pledged to “take up the cross” and join the Crusade to free Jerusalem from the Muslims. This was his main priority, and he was willing to sacrifice pretty much anything to make it happen. He spent everything in the royal treasury, asked for taxes, and agreed that William of Scotland could rule with autonomy—in exchange for cash. These decisions appear foolhardy and reckless to us now. In fact, Richard’s commitment to the Third Crusade might be seen as a sign he was not that interested in his own kingdom. But in Richard’s day they were seen as a sign of his great devotion to God. 

            So it was off to the Crusades! The Third Crusade represented an attempt by three of the most powerful states of Western Europe to reconquer the Holy Land and free Jerusalem from Saladin. Richard joined King Philip of France and German Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. 

            Richard’s fleet sailed from Dartmouth in 1190 while he set out to meet Philip with about 800 men in Marseille. After waiting in vain for his fleet, he hired ships and left for Sicily. He met his troops in Messina, which he captured and released his sister Joan from imprisonment. He and Philip had a falling out because Richard decided that, despite a long-standing agreement, he would not marry Philip’s sister. Shortly after setting sail from Sicily, Richard’s fleet was hit by a storm and several ships ran aground. Duke Isaac seized Richard’s ships and the treasure. In addition, Isaac captured Richard’s sister Joan and the woman he was to marry, Berengaria of Navarre. After attempting a diplomatic solution, he conquered Cyprus and forced Isaac to flee. Richard married Berengaria in Cyprus, where she was crowned Queen of England (and Cyprus) in Cyprus.

            Now Richard had postponed his journey to Jerusalem with two unplanned battles. He had prevailed in Sicily and in Cyprus, but he was impatient to get to Jerusalem. He landed at Acra, a city on the coast of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, in June 1191. He immediately began building weapons to assault the city and undermine the fortification walls. While Guy of Lusignan had been unsuccessfully trying to defeat the city for 20 weeks, Richard was successful in just over a month. Frustrated with Richard over the fallout with his sister and Richard’s insistence that everything be done his way, as well as in poor health, Philip left the Holy Land. He left 7,000 troops behind to help Richard capture Jerusalem.

            His continued success in battle, especially in comparison to the failure of others, earned Richard the nickname “the Lionheart.” It was a recognition of his military prowess and his fearlessness. But he was also earning a reputation for ruthlessness for his treatment (and execution) of prisoners. Still, Richard’s reputation was a cause for celebration back in England, even though he had been away from his nation since shortly after his coronation.

            Richard had one more significant victory in the Crusade experience. In 1191, he defeated Saladin’s army at Arsuf. But although he was in view of Jerusalem, he could proceed no further. He realized his army might be able to storm and conquer the city, but he did not have the ability to defend it against future attacks. And it was probably time to get back to England. So Richard negotiated a deal with Saladin. He did achieve some benefits, including a guarantee of safe treatment for Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land and a strip of land around Acra. It was not the total victory that had been the goal, but Richard could say that his efforts had made things better. And there was always the Fourth Crusade, which would surely come soon!

            It’s likely on the Crusade that Richard discovered a weapon known as “Greek fire.” Long used by the Byzantines, this was a flammable liquid that could be fired at an enemy. Richard probably acquired the formula from Arab alchemists who had stolen the secret recipe. Richard put this high-tech weapon to use against the French.

            After his experiences getting to the Holy Land, Richard probably should have expected troubles returning to England. This was the worst of his mishaps—he was shipwrecked and captured by Leopold of Austria. Richard had offended Leopold during their time together in the Crusades, and Leopold took his revenge by passing Richard to the new Holy Roman Emperor, who held the English king captive for ransom. Eleanor of Aquitaine went to work to raise the ransom money and was a key figure in the negotiations to secure his release. The ransom amount was a staggering sum—150,000 marks. Richard had to provide some of his noblemen as hostages to secure his release.

            Richard finally returned to England, Richard left again in 1194 to defend his holdings in France. Richard’s former ally, Philip II, had turned against him. Richard’s brother John had revolted while Richard was away, and Philip had helped him, which allowed Philip to seize Normandy. In need of funds and troops, Richard struck a new deal with his barons that allowed him to raise men and money. They barons were willing to supply money instead of additional troops, and Richard was willing to pay mercenaries. During his effort to defend his land in France, Richard was accidentally struck by a stray arrow. The great warrior King died when the wound became infected.

            Richard’s death did not put an end to his legend or impact on the English monarchy. One of the greatest examples is the folktale Robin Hood. The earliest evidence of this story dates back to the 13th or 14th century, although its placement in the reign of Richard I comes a century or so alter. Ultimately, the story focuses on the brave and good adventurer who goes about helping ordinary people. Robin Hood’s chief opponent is the Sheriff of Nottingham, who is often assisted and supported by King John. Good King Richard, as he is often called, is off fighting for God and freedom, while wicked King John makes things difficult in England. Richard is occasionally portrayed as returning to grand fanfare and rejoicing, a symbol of things becoming right again in the world.

            And even more recently, Richard Coeur de Lion was emblazoned on the collective English consciousness when a statue depicting the King on his horse, sword raised high in triumph, was placed on a pedestal in Old Palace Yard outside the Palace of Westminster in London. Originally created for the Great Exhibition of 1851, it now faces the House of Lords. Just like its subject, the statue and its placement was a subject of some controversy, with a dispute about in going inside the Great Hal or possibly to another location altogether. But it now stands proudly outside the building that symbolizes British government, the location where Parliament meets and where the monarch attends the State Opening of Parliament. The statue was damaged during World War II but remained standing and has now been restored. It has become a true symbol of the monarchy.

Now It’s Your Turn

            So there you have it. Two men, one possibly not real and one very much real, both the stuff of myth and legend. Both King Arthur and Richard the Lionheart contributed to the legends and reality of the monarchy for years. What is your vote? I’ll be checking Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or you can certainly reach out at carolann@carolannlloyd.com. Or leave a comment on the podcast!

            And next time: who deserved to win the Wars of the Roses?