Philip of Cognac facts for kids

Philip of Cognac was a son of King Richard I of England. He was born in the early 1180s. His mother's name is not known. He was sometimes called "Philip Fitz Richard," which means "Philip, son of Richard."

Philip grew up and became an adult by the late 1190s. His father, King Richard, arranged for him to marry a young woman named Amelia. She was the heir to a castle and lands in Cognac, France. However, Amelia died without having any children. After her death, King Richard kept the castle for himself. He then gave it to his trusted officer, Robert of Thornham.

King Richard I was badly hurt in 1199 while fighting a rebellion. He died soon after, without any children who could become king. A writer from that time, Roger of Howden, wrote something interesting. He claimed that Philip of Cognac killed a nobleman named Aimar V of Limoges. This was supposedly to get revenge for his father's death.

However, no other old writings confirm this story. They don't clearly say that Aimar V of Limoges died a violent death. Still, a sad poem written for Aimar does suggest his death was unexpected.

In 1201, Philip's uncle, John, King of England, gave Philip a gift of fifty marks. This was recorded in old financial documents called pipe rolls. After this, there are no more records of Philip. It is thought that he probably died early in the 13th century.

Philip in Stories and Plays

Aslam Husain as Philip the Bastard in the 2012 Bard on the Beach play King John

Philip of Cognac appears as a character in famous stories and plays.

Philip in Shakespeare's Play

The famous writer William Shakespeare included Philip in his play, The Life and Death of King John. In the play, Philip is called "Philip the Bastard." He is shown as the son of Lady Faulconbridge. In the very first scene, he finds out that King Richard I is his real father.

In the play, Philip says:

Madam, I would not wish a better father.

He that perforce robs lions of their hearts

May easily win a woman's.

It's important to remember that in real life, we don't know who Philip's mother was. Shakespeare made up this part for his play.

Philip in a Disney Movie

Philip also appears in a movie called Princess of Thieves (2001). This was a Disney adventure movie made for TV. In this movie, Philip is played by Stephen Moyer. He is shown as a romantic hero.

The movie also features Keira Knightley as Gwyn, who is the daughter of Robin Hood. This movie follows a popular idea that the Robin Hood legends happened during King Richard's time. In the story, Robin Hood, his daughter, and their friends help Philip. They try to help him win the throne from his uncle, Prince John. Philip and Gwyn also fall in love in the movie.