Richard was on the Continent at the time of his father's death. His
first act was to liberate his mother from her long imprisonment at
Winchester (S177); his next, to place her at the head of the English
government until his arrival from Normandy. Unlike Henry II, Richard
did not issue a charter, or pledge of good government (S160). He,
however, took the usual coronation oath to defend the Church, maintain
justice, make salutary laws, and abolish evil customs; such an oath
might well be considered a charter in itself.