Richard Pardoned His Crossbow Killer

On March 26, 1199, King Richard the Lionheart was struck in the shoulder by a crossbow bolt while besieging Chalus-Chabrol in France. The captured crossbowman claimed that Richard had killed his father and two brothers and that he had fired the bolt in revenge. As his wound turned gangrenous, Richard forgave the attacker and ordered him released with 100 shillings. Richard died on April 6, but according to one chronicler, mercenary captain Mercadier disregarded the pardon and had the crossbowman flayed alive and hanged.

Previous Fact Next Fact