John Lackland
John's Reign
- He was the youngest son of Henry II.
- He tried to seize the crown from his brother Richard.
- When Richard died, Normandy, Maine, Anjou and England, among other territories, acknowledged John as King.
Conclusion
- He made deadly enemies at home and abroad.
- Philip Augustus, King of France, declared war and joined with Arthur of Bittany in invading Normandy.
- John captured and murdered Arthur.
- He lost all his French possessions.
- He increased taxes several times
--> The discontented barons revolted, capturing London in 1215.
"John's opportune death was the only good gift he ever bestowed on his country. Even his abilities were always turned to evil ends. No man was a greater master in the arts of misusing his talents."
Quarrel with the Church
- In 1205 the Archbishop of Canterbury died.
- Two candidates for succeeding him were elected: John de Grey was the King’s candidate and Reginald the Sub-Prior was the monks of Canterbury’s candidate.
- Pope Innocent III disapproved of both of them and appointed Stephen Langton.
- King John started a quarrel with the Pope, but he finally gave way.
- He had to swear loyalty to the Pope, to pay a yearly tribute of 1000 marks, and to accept England as a papal fief.
Magna Carta
- At Runnymede, on 15th June, 1215, King John reluctantly sealed the Magna Carta, having no intention of keeping it.
- The Magna Carta aimed at restoring customs which John had broken.
- The Pope annulled the Magna Carta and forbade its observance.
- The King’s enemies turned to France for help.
- Civil war broke out, until John fell suddenly ill and died at Newark.
John Lackland & the Magna Carta