The Crusader King Richard I was a true knight, a born commander and an incomparable warrior. With lion's courage he fought for his possessions on the continent, fought with the infidels in the barren deserts of the Holy Land. Richard never ruled England like his father, the reforming monarch Henry II, or like his brother, the extravagant King John. For a whole decade, England became a kingdom without a king. Richard spent only six months in the country, but during the years of his reign a lot was done to improve the legislative, administrative and financial systems. This became possible thanks to the bright personalities who were entrusted with the management of the state. The author provides many interesting facts, and also uses quotes from the memories of witnesses of that distant era and excerpts from the works of famous chroniclers.