Britain’s First Overseas Colony

The British Empire is far older than most people suspect. Indeed, they conquered Britain’s first overseas colony, Cyprus, in 1191.

The first British conquest of Cyprus was purely accidental. Cyprus became British because King Richard I (the Lion-Hearted), yeah, the Robin Hood guy, went on Crusade. After conquering England and settling some family business in Sicily, Richard headed for the Holy Land.

Richard’s effort was part of the Third Crusade intended to retake Jerusalem from the Egyptian Sultan Saladin. To reach Palestine, Richard had to cross the Mediterranean.

The Accidental Conquest

A storm changed Richard’s itinerary. The storm drove several of Richard’s ships to the shores of Cyprus.

The local Byzantine warlord, and self-proclaimed “emperor,” Isaac Komnenos seized the ships. Importantly, Richard’s sister Joan and fiancee, Berengaria of Navarre, were passengers on one ship. Another ship carried Richard’s money, including the payroll for his mercenaries.

Isaac took Joan and Berengaria prisoner and tried to ransom them. This offended Richard, who lived up to his nickname…