Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall

Richard was an English prince, born on 5 January 1209, who became King of the Romans from 1257 until his death in 1272. The second son of John, King of England, and Isabella, Countess of Angoulême, he was named nominal Count of Poitou from 1225 to 1243 and Earl of Cornwall from 1225. His wealth ranked him among Europe’s richest men. His involvement in the Barons’ Crusade led to the release of prisoners and the fortification of the citadel in Ascalon.

Despite his wealth and titles, Richard’s military campaigns and regency during his brother King Henry III’s reign were marked by strained relations and rebellions. His political influence extended through his marriages to Isabel Marshal, Sanchia of Provence, and Beatrice of Falkenburg, and his electoral success as King of the Romans, although the title held little real power. He was a patron of architecture and founded several religious institutions.