Richard freed after ransom paid

February 4, 1194

Most of the astronomical ransom of 150,000 marks having been raised in England - by taxing everyone, seizing church silver, and sending Cistercian wool clips abroad - Richard was released from German custody and sailed for England to deal with his brother John's betrayal. Richard's return was marked by a second coronation at Winchester, a symbolic reassertion of royal authority after his long absence.