Richard of Cornwall
Richard of Cornwall was the younger brother of King Henry III of England and one of the wealthiest magnates in Europe. In 1257, a faction of German princes elected him King of the Romans, making him a claimant to the imperial throne in opposition to Alfonso X of Castile. Richard visited Germany four times and was recognized in the Rhineland, where his wealth allowed him to purchase loyalty, but was unable to translate this financial generosity into durable political power. He was never crowned Holy Roman Emperor and spent most of his time in England. His reign epitomized the dysfunction of the interregnum period.
- Lived: 1209 CE – 1272 CE
- Nationality: german
- Roles: head_of_state
