Edexcel History GCSE: The Reigns of King Richard I and King John

By evie_mitchell
  • 1189

    Richard prepares for the Third Crusade

    Richard raises funds through heavy taxation and selling offices. Leaves England in December 1189; sets out for the Holy Land in 1190.
  • Jul 6, 1189

    Richard I crowned King

    Richard I is crowned king of England after the death of his father, Henry II
  • 1190

    Richard departs for the Third Crusade

    Richard leaves England to join the Third Crusade, appointing William Longchamp as justiciar in his absence.
  • 1190

    Richard meets Phillip II in Sicily

    Richard and Phillip II of France meet in Sicily to co-ordinate their efforts for the Third Crusade.
  • 1191

    Battle of Arsuf

    Richard defeats Saladin's forces, securing a key victory in the Third Crusade
  • 1191

    Richard arrives at Acre

    Richard arrives at Acre to find the Crusader army laying siege to the city, which had been held by Saladin's forces since 1187.
  • Jun 12, 1191

    Seige of Acre

    Richard helps capture Acre from Saladin during the Third Crusade
  • Jun 12, 1191

    Surrender of Acre

    Saladin's garrison surrenders Acre to the Crusaders after a long siege. Richard and Phillip II of France argue over control of the city.
  • Jul 12, 1191

    Capture of Acre

    Richard and Phillip II capture the city of Acre from Muslim forces after a prolonged siege.
  • Aug 20, 1191

    Massacre at Acre

    After Saladin fails to pay a ransom for prisoners, Richard orders the execution of approximately 2,700 Muslim prisoners outside Acre's walls.
  • Sep 7, 1191

    Battle of Arsuf

    Richard defeats Saladin's forces at the battle of Arsuf, securing the Crusaders' position along the coast.
  • 1192

    Richard Captured

    On his way home, Richard is captured by Duke Leopold of Austria
  • 1192

    John declares Richard dead

    While Richard is held captive in Austria, John, aided by Phillip II of France, spreads rumours that Richard is dead and begins plotting to seize the throne.
  • Sep 2, 1192

    Treaty with Saladin

    Richard makes a truce with Saladin, allowing Christian pilgrims to access Jerusalem
  • 1193

    Richard is held hostage in Germany

    Richard is transferred to Emperor Henry VI, who demands a huge ransom of 150,000 marks for his release.
  • 1194

    Richard returns to England

    Richard returns to England to restore order and punish those who supported John's rebellion; he quickly secures his position before departing for France.
  • 1194

    Ransom for Richard paid

    Eleanor of Aquitaine raises funds through taxes and church wealth; Richard's ransom is paid and he is released from captivity.
  • 1196

    Construction of Chateau Gaillard

    Richard begins building Chataeu Gaillard, a fortress in Normandy, to defend against French attacks.
  • Apr 6, 1199

    Death of King Richard I

    Richard dies from a crossbow wound at the siege of Chalus. John becomes King.
  • May 27, 1199

    John crowned King

    John is crowned at Westminster Abbey
  • 1200

    Treaty of Le Goulet

    John and Phillip sign the Treaty of Le Goulet, recognising John's control over certain French territories.
  • 1202

    Capture of Arthur of Brittany

    John captures his nephew Arthur of Brittany at the Battle of Mirebeau, later accused of murdering him.
  • 1202

    Loss of Normandy

    Philip II of France takes control of Normandy, weakening John's position.
  • 1204

    Fall of Chateau Gaillard

    John's fortress falls to Philip II, leading to the complete loss of Normandy
  • 1205

    John's failed invasion

    John attempts to regain Normandy but is defeated by Phillip II and forced to retreat.
  • 1207

    Dispute with the Pope

    John refuses to accept Stephen Langton as Archbishop of Canterbury
  • 1208

    Interdict placed on England

    Pope Innocent III places England under interdict
  • 1209

    John excommunicated

    John is excommunicated by Pope Innocent III
  • 1212

    Plot to kill John

    A group of barons plot to assassinate John but the conspiracy is uncovered and suppressed.
  • 1213

    John submits to the Pope

    John accepts Stephen Langton as Archbishop and surrenders England as a papal fief to lift the interdict.
  • Jun 27, 1214

    Battle of Bouvines

    John's allies are defeated by Phillip II, further weakening John's power
  • 1215

    First Baron's War begins

    John rejects Magna Carta; civil war breaks out.
  • Jun 15, 1215

    Magna Carta

    John is forced to seal Magna Carta at Runnymede, limiting royal authority.
  • 1216

    Prince Louis invades

    French Prince Louis is invited by the barons to invade England
  • 1216

    John loses royal treasure

    John's baggage train, including royal treasure, is lost in the Marshes of The Wash during a retreat.
  • Oct 19, 1216

    Death of John

    John dies at Newark castle, likely from dysentery; his son Henry III becomes King at age 9.
  • Oct 28, 1216

    Henry III crowned King

    Henry III crowned King of England at Gloucester Cathedral, with William Marshal appointed as regent.