Released from captivity, Richard Is once more crowned King of England. Imprisonment has sapped both his vigour and his strength but, when war breaks out again in the Holy Land, he sees this as his long-awaited chance of glory - and so begins his final journey.

John's impulsive marriage to the 12-year-old Isabella of Angouleme has brought rebellion in its wake, Arthur, attempting to kidnap Queen Eleanor, has been captured by John. His sentence is mutilation.

After six years, John has yielded to the Pope. The Interdict is lifted but the English barons remain discontented; they want a charter of rights.