Richard of Cornwall

When King John of England died in 1216, his eldest child, Henry, was barely nine years old. He would become Henry III. There were several other children, even younger, one of whom was Richard of Cornwall.Richard was born on 5 January, 1209, at Winchester. Royal children are often named for their place of birth, but Richard was given Cornwall as a 16th birthday present by his brother Henry in 1225, making him High Sheriff. (The illustration shows his seal.) Cornwall rents and taxes were significant, and Richard became extremely wealthy. In 1225 he was also named Count of Poitou, giving him an important property in France.Sibling rivalry exists, and when the siblings are wealthy and royal, their rivalries can be more drastic. Richard upon occasion rebelled against Henry, perhaps feeling that Richard should have his chance at the throne. Henry always suppressed the rebellions, however, and paid Richard large sums to satisfy him.One of Richard's actions in Cornwall was to acquire…