The true
story
Richard the Lionheart, Dürnstein and a political power struggle: The spectacular captivity became a defining symbol of Dürnstein and one of its most famous tourist landmarks.
The capture of Richard the Lionheart
The article examines the capture of Richard the Lionheart in 1192 as far more than a personal dispute of honour with Duke Leopold V. Richard’s conflicts with France, the Holy Roman Empire, Sicily and other powers had made him a political opponent of European significance.
On his return journey from the Third Crusade, he was captured near Vienna and initially held prisoner in Dürnstein. Emperor Henry VI and Leopold V subsequently negotiated a ransom of 100,000 marks of silver – approximately twice the annual income of the English crown at the time. Leopold used his share, among other things, for city fortifications and the foundation of Wiener Neustadt.
Richard was released at the beginning of 1194. For Dürnstein, his captivity became a significant historical legend and a defining tourist symbol over the centuries. The famous story of Blondel, however, only emerged at a later date.
AUTHOR: Dr. Gottfried Thiery
Dr. Gottfried Thiery was born in Dürnstein, is a lawyer and a dedicated guardian of the Wachau’s cultural heritage. For decades, he has been researching the history of Dürnstein, Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitaine. As an author, publisher and expert on the region, he combines historical research with a deep personal passion.
