Which English king led the Third Crusade?

Which English king led the Third Crusade? Richard I, known as the Lionheart, led the English contingent.

Richard I became king of England in 1189 and soon joined the Third Crusade, launched after Saladin captured Jerusalem in 1187. Although the expedition also included Philip II of France and the German emperor Frederick Barbarossa, Richard became its most celebrated battlefield commander after Philip returned home and Barbarossa died en route.

Richard helped capture Acre in 1191, defeated Saladin at the Battle of Arsuf, and secured victories around Jaffa. He also conquered Cyprus while traveling to the Holy Land. Despite these successes, he did not retake Jerusalem. A negotiated settlement allowed Christian pilgrims access to the city while leaving it under Muslim control.

The title “Lionheart” reflects Richard’s reputation for courage and military skill, not a reign focused on England. He spent much of his ten-year kingship abroad and spoke French and Occitan more readily than English. His successor was his younger brother, King John, later associated with Magna Carta.