King Richard I of England, often dubbed "Richard the Lionheart" for his prowess in battle, was born on September 8, 1157. He was the third child of King Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine, and grew up primarily in his mother’s courts at Poitiers and Aquitaine. Being part of such an influential and dynamic royal family had its advantages, but it also meant that Richard's early years were shaped by political intrigues, familial conflicts, and early introductions to power dynamics. He was trained in the military arts from a young age and displayed an aptitude for leadership and combat.

When he ascended to the throne in 1189, following the death of his father, Richard's main interests lay outside the British Isles. The bulk of his reign was characterized by his participation in the Third Crusade. This meant he was away from England for much of his reign, leaving the country's administration to regents. His involvement in the crusades earned him fame, but also led to diplomatic issues, including a notorious dispute with Duke Leopold V of Austria and Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI. This led to Richard's capture and subsequent ransom in 1194, which strained England's resources to secure his release.

One of Richard's major accomplishments during his reign was his restructuring of the Angevin Empire and fortifying it against threats, including from his own brother, John. However, his intense focus on foreign campaigns and expeditions meant that England was often relegated to a funding source. Richard never established a strong rapport with the English governing class or the general populace, and there was no Parliament as we know it during his reign. Yet, he maintained a system of government through which the country remained relatively stable in his absence.

As for relations with other nations, aside from the challenges posed by the Crusades, Richard navigated a complex web of European politics. This was marked by alliances, betrayals, and a constant effort to uphold the Angevin territories across England and parts of modern-day France. His commercial and political philosophies were largely shaped by the need to fund his campaigns, leading to significant taxation and the selling of official positions and lands.

Richard's personal life was primarily marked by his close ties with his mother, Eleanor, who played a crucial role in his early life and during his reign. As for children, Richard did not have any legitimate offspring, though he acknowledged one illegitimate son, Philip of Cognac. Relationships within the Plantagenet family were tumultuous, with Richard often in conflict with his brothers, especially John, who would succeed him.

Richard’s demise came suddenly. He was wounded during the siege of the castle of Châlus in Limousin in 1199. An arrow that struck him led to gangrene, causing his death on April 6. At the time of his death, reactions in England were mixed. While his martial prowess was respected, his frequent absences and heavy taxation made him a contentious figure. However, over time, his legend grew, and he became an emblematic figure of the chivalric era.

Society during Richard's time was undergoing change. The 12th century was part of a period known as "The Anarchy," characterized by civil wars and succession disputes. Yet, it was also a time of great cultural flourishing, with the rise of Gothic architecture and the growth of literature, including the tales of Robin Hood which, in later retellings, often featured Richard.