King John vs King Richard: Who was the Best? You Decide!
27 June 2026
History was kind to one brother, but were they both equally good or bad? Well, you decide.
Meet Richard and John and speak to some of Britannia's historical interpreters, representing kings, knights, barons and ladies of the court in the Museum’s Northolt Barn.
Combat Training, Weaponry and Everyday Objects
See some of the weaponry and day to day items, including medieval board games and see the knights and men at arms in combat training.
Talk to the two Kings and decide which is your favourite.
Who Were King John and King Richard?
Richard the Lionheart and his brother John, sons of Henry II, became kings with very different reputations. Richard is celebrated for his military success and popularity with the barons, while John is remembered as a harsh ruler whose heavy taxes led to rebellion, the loss of French lands, and the Magna Carta.
Yet Richard spent little time in England and showed limited interest in ruling it, possibly never even learning English. John, by contrast, was the first post-Conquest king who could speak English and took a close—perhaps overly close—interest in governing, especially in finance.
History favoured one brother over the other. Whether it should have is another question.
Meet the Re-enactors
Britannia are an award winning re-enactmet society that featured in films like Robin Hood, Gladiator and TV's Horrible Histories.
Event Information
This is a Standard Admission Day
Free entry for COAM Annual Members
Activities take place between 11am and 4pm
General Museum Information
With 45 acres at your disposal, there is plenty to explore, including woodlands and an exciting adventure playground
Dogs on short leads are welcome but must not go inside residential buildings
Light lunches, drinks, cakes and snacks are available to purchase from our Skippings Barn
Sensory backpacks are available to borrow (subject to availability)
Mobility scooters are available to borrow (subject to availability - pre-booking is advised)
Lots of free parking
Photography and filming may take place during this event for the Museum archives and publicity. These photographs and video footage may appear in promotional or educational materials including on our websites, social media pages, newsletters, or in newspapers and magazines. If you do not wish to be photographed, please speak to the photographer.