Today in the Middle Ages:May 12, 1191

Submitted by Ursula on Fri, 2006-05-12 11:31
The valorous but irresponsible Richard Coeur de Lion married Berengaria of Navarre on May 12, 1991 in a city he had captured a few days earlier. The wedding took place at the Chapel of St. George in Limassol on the island of Cyprus during Richard's crusading.

The King had a reputation as a libertine with both women and men. When he married Berengaria, he was already betrothed to Alys, the sister of Philip of France and the mistress of his father, Henry I of England. Philip was rumored then, and still is rumored now, to have been one of Richard's lovers, and there is debate over whether Richard's marriage was ever consummated. He spent little time with his queen, but when he died, she appeared to mourn him sincerely.