Source A: King's Speech on the Crusades

"Richard the Lionheart was a brave and determined leader, known for his courage and martial skill. He fought tirelessly in the Holy Land and was committed to reclaiming Jerusalem for Christendom. Despite his military successes, he spent much of his reign away from England, focusing on the Crusades and the conflicts in the East.

His leadership was marked by strategic brilliance but also by his prioritisation of warfare over governance. Many contemporaries admired his bravery, but some criticised his absence from England, which led to internal instability.

Richard is remembered as a symbol of medieval knightly virtue, embodying the ideals of chivalry and martial prowess. His efforts in the Crusades made him one of the most famous kings of England, though his reign was also marked by conflict and controversy.

Overall, Richard's role in the Crusades was pivotal, shaping both his legacy and the history of England during the medieval period. Provenance: A speech delivered by a medieval chronicler, 1192, written for a royal audience.