by Amanda Hanes

Created on: November 21, 2009

Richard Lionheart was king of England from July 6, 1189 to his death, approximately 10 years later, in 1199. Although the king did marry, no legitimate heirs were produced from that marriage. However, the king did have an illegitimate son my an unknown woman in the early 1180's before he became king. The son, known as Philip of Cognac was never considered an heir and not much is known about him past his fathers death.

He was married to Amelia, heiress of of Cognac, but she died suddenly shortly after. After the king died, of complications from having a crossbow arrow surgically removed from his shoulder, it is believed that Philip killed Aimar V of Limoges for the part he apparently had in his father's death. Roger of Howden, a chronicler, wrote of the account in 1199 after the king's death, however, there are no other historical references to this killing so whether it is true is a mystery.

Philip's name comes up once more in history in the Pipe Rolls of 1201. The Pipe Rolls were financial statements kept by the treasurer. These pipe rolls were used by the English and documented every transaction. There is a transaction dated 1201 where Philip sold his Lordship to King John and disappeared from the records forever. it is believed that he died sometimes in the 13th century.

Shakespeare brought the story of Philip to life in his play, King John. In the play, Philip is known as " Philip Faulconbridge the Bastard. He is knighted as Sir Richard Platagent , Lady Faulconbridge's illegitimate son by Richard 1 (Richard Lionheart).

We also hear of Philip in Disney's Princess of Thieves. The story falls around Robin Hood and Maid Marion's daughter Gwen. Taking after her dad, she has gift for archery and saving the day. The story follows Gwyn in her attempt to complete her father's mission and protect young Prince Philip (based on Philip of Cognac) who has just returned from his exile in France to claim the throne from Prince John (John of England).

It is unfortunate that there isn't anymore information on what happened to Philip after he gave up his lordship. Maybe he wanted to disappear, maybe he fathered children, maybe the Lionheart bloodline continued. That is something we will never know for sure. So, to answer the question, what happened to Richard Lionheart's son? Your guess is as good as mine.

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