Richard’s younger brother, [[King John|John]], claimed the throne and this was supported by John's mother, [[Eleanor of Aquitaine]] (with the considerable forces of her dominions), the much respected [[William Marshal]] and many of the English [[barons]]. Arthur, through his mother (he was only 12 when Richard died) had an inevitable ally in King Philip II of [[France]] who, as feudal overlord, transferred control of the land from John to Arthur and sent troops for the cause. The usual [[Angevan]] fracas ensued (the family had been fighting each other on and off for over 25 years) with the usual French involvement. | Richard’s younger brother, [[King John|John]], claimed the throne and this was supported by John's mother, [[Eleanor of Aquitaine]] (with the considerable forces of her dominions), the much respected [[William Marshal]] and many of the English [[barons]]. Arthur, through his mother (he was only 12 when Richard died) had an inevitable ally in King Philip II of [[France]] who, as feudal overlord, transferred control of the land from John to Arthur and sent troops for the cause. The usual [[Angevan]] fracas ensued (the family had been fighting each other on and off for over 25 years) with the usual French involvement. |