 | Art Treasure of London: Richard I (1157-99), a man considered the epitome of chivalry, is romantically nicknamed Coeur de Lion. He went to the Third Crusade and on his way home was captured and held to ransom. The Jews, however, do not have a high opinion of the King. In 1189, they were banished from his coronation banquet in the Palace of Westminster and then massacred. Richard spent only about a year of his life in England and could not speak the language. His second and last visit to his English kingdom was in 1194. He died of wounds received attacking the Castle of Chalus at Aquitaine. This fine Victorian equestrian statue of the eldest surviving son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine is by the Italian-born Royal Academician, Baron Carlo Marochetti. It stands outside the present Palace of Westminster. On the plinth, a basrelief shows the Crusaders attacking the gates of Jerusalem. |
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