Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 2: Involvements overseas, 1189–1204 - 3 Aftermath of the…
Full specification wording
Option B2: Key topic 2: Involvements overseas, 1189–1204 - 3 Aftermath of the crusade: Richard’s capture, the ransom and its burden on England.
After his capture by Leopold of Austria in 1192, Richard I was handed over to the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry VI.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 2
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
After his capture by Leopold of Austria in 1192, Richard I was handed over to the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry VI. To secure his release, a colossal ransom of 100,000 marks was demanded, roughly equivalent to two or three times the annual income of the English Crown. Raising this ransom placed an immense financial burden on England. Eleanor of Aquitaine spearheaded the collection, implementing heavy taxation, including a 25% tax on income and movables, seizing gold and silver from churches, and imposing new feudal aids. This massive extraction of wealth demonstrated the efficiency of the English government but caused significant economic strain and resentment among the population, highlighting the domestic cost of Richard's overseas involvements.
What earns the marks
- Identify the captors of Richard I (Leopold of Austria and Emperor Henry VI) and the size of the ransom (100,000 marks).
- Explain the methods used by Eleanor of Aquitaine and the justiciars to raise the ransom, such as the 25% tax on income and movables.
- Describe the impact of the ransom collection on different sections of English society, including the Church and the peasantry.
- Analyse how the successful collection of the ransom demonstrated the strength and efficiency of the English administrative system.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Stating the ransom was paid to Saladin.
Put it right: The ransom was paid to the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry VI, a Christian ruler.
Underestimating the size of the ransom.
Put it right: Emphasise that 100,000 marks was an unprecedented sum, far exceeding the Crown's normal annual revenue.
Believing John helped raise the ransom.
Put it right: John actually allied with Philip II and offered the Emperor money to keep Richard imprisoned longer.
Exam tips
- Use specific figures, such as the 100,000 marks and the 25% tax rate, to demonstrate precise knowledge of the ransom's scale.
- Discuss the role of Eleanor of Aquitaine in maintaining stability and driving the ransom collection during Richard's captivity.
- Contrast the heavy financial burden on the English people with the administrative success of the government in actually raising the funds.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option B2: Key topic 2: Involvements overseas, 1189–1204 - 3 Aftermath of the crusade: Richard’s capture, the ransom and its burden on England. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What was the approximate amount of the ransom demanded for the release of Richard I, and how did it compare to England's finances?
Listen
After his capture by Leopold of Austria in 1192, Richard I was handed over to the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry VI. To secure his release, a colossal ransom of 100,000 marks was demanded, roughly equivalent to two or three times the annual income of the English Crown. Raising this ransom placed an immense financial burden on England. Eleanor of Aquitaine spearheaded the collection, implementing heavy taxation, including a 25% tax on income and movables, seizing gold and silver from churches, and imposing new feudal aids. This massive extraction of wealth demonstrated the efficiency of the English government but caused significant economic strain and resentment among the population, highlighting the domestic cost of Richard's overseas involvements. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identify the captors of Richard I (Leopold of Austria and Emperor Henry VI) and the size of the ransom (100,000 marks). Explain the methods used by Eleanor of Aquitaine and the justiciars to raise the ransom, such as the 25% tax on income and movables. Describe the impact of the ransom collection on different sections of English society, including the Church and the peasantry. Analyse how the successful collection of the ransom demonstrated the strength and efficiency of the English administrative system. A common slip: Stating the ransom was paid to Saladin. Instead, The ransom was paid to the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry VI, a Christian ruler. Exam tip: Use specific figures, such as the 100,000 marks and the 25% tax rate, to demonstrate precise knowledge of the ransom's scale.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Ransom
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Taxation and economy
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Role of key individuals (Eleanor of Aquitaine)
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Government and administration
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See every definition
- Ransom
- A colossal sum of 100,000 marks demanded to secure Richard I's release after his capture.
- Taxation and economy
- Heavy taxation, including a 25% tax on income and movables, imposed to raise the ransom, causing economic strain and resentment.
- Role of key individuals (Eleanor of Aquitaine)
- She spearheaded the collection of the ransom, implementing heavy taxation and seizing gold and silver from churches.
- Government and administration
- The massive extraction of wealth demonstrated the efficiency of the English government in raising the funds.
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