Play description
ACT I
Scene 1. King Philip of France’s ambassador, Chatillion, delivers a message to King John. He
demands that John give up his throne to the rightful heir, John’s nephew Arthur. Infuriated, John
returns the threat of war. Robert Faulconbridge and his brother Philip come to the court. Despite being
the younger, Robert is claiming his brother’s lands on the grounds that Philip is illegitimate. It is
quickly confirmed that Philip is the bastard son of Richard Coeur de Lion, John’s older brother and
predecessor on the throne. On learning this, Philip willingly gives up his land to his brother and is
knighted Sir Richard Plantagenet.
