King John and the Magna Carta

Could the rich control the king? Around the picture below, you can read some of the qualities which medieval people expected their king to have! Which three are the most important for a medieval king? A good judge of character Rich – but not greedy! A good soldier Fit and strong God fearing Inspiring! Brave Hardworking Wise Firm – but fair!

Medieval kings could get into serious trouble if they did not have the qualities of a KING! In the thirteenth century some barons forced an unpopular king to give up some power …and it was only the beginning!! In this short lecture, you will find out how the richest people in the country began to challenge the king

King John manages to upset everyone!! The first king to give up some of his power was John. He is famous as Prince John in make believe stories of Robin Hood. In the stories he is a wicked and foolish prince who taxes the people of England unfairly. Some historians say John was just as foolish in real life. Others say he was simply unlucky! John ruled England from 1199 to 1216. He faced the following problems.

Problem Number 1 He quarrelled with the Pope about how to run the Church. From 1208 until 1213, the Pope banned all church services in England and English people feared that their souls were in danger! Some Church leaders blamed John for the trouble.

Problem Number 2 John went to war twice against the French king. His army was badly beaten both times. He lost almost all the land that his father had gained in France!

Problem Number 3 John raised taxes in England to pay for the wars. This upset his BARONS! He ordered them to pay far more tax than earlier kings had done!

THINK! For how many years did the ban on church services last? Why do you think the barons gave John the nicknames “Softsword” and “Lackland”? Which of the three problems do you think upset the barons the most?

How did the barons strike back? In 1214 many barons rebelled against John. They believed that he could not rule the country properly and was treating them unfairly. If someone did not do something the whole country could be ruined! In 1215 the barons forced John to grant a charter, which was the first time anyone had expected an English king to obey a set of rules.

THE MAGNA CARTA

Why Should I Know This? The Magna Carta stands for freedom, that the people have certain rights that cannot be taken away by anyone, and it stands for the only real true rule of law; that no one, not even a king, is above the law. It still has major influence on our legal system today, and has ensured equality for all citizens under the law.

The Magna Carta is an English document created by the barons during King John’s rule in 1215. Up until this point, English kings had been able to rule without limitations, as they claimed to have been given absolute power by God. This document forced the King to follow the same laws as their subjects, which was a huge step towards equality for all citizens under the law.

Who Was Involved? A total of 25 barons, 13 bishops, and 20 abbots were party to the signing of the Magna Carta. The barons accepted the responsibility of ensuring that King John followed the clauses of the Magna Carta.

The Magna Carta?? The Charter later became known by the Latin name Magna Carta which means “great charter”.

The Magna Carta I, King John, accept that I have to govern according to the law. So I agree: 1. Not to imprison nobles without trial 2. That trials must be in courts; not held in secret by me 3. To have fair taxation for the nobles 4. To let freemen travel wherever they like 5. Not to interfere in Church matters 6. Not to seize crops without paying for them …. and lot more things too!!

Review Unlike most past English kings, King John was extremely unsuccessful in his military campaigns. In order to pay for the wars, John raised taxes without consulting his barons, against common custom. In response, the barons rebelled and forced John to sign the Magna Carta, and give up some of his power.

Surviving Clauses Only three clauses of the original Magna Carta are still in effect today. 1. The Church of England shall be free and maintain all of its rights and liberties. 2. The City of London shall keep all of its old customs and liberties. 3. No one shall be imprisoned or have their rights taken away without a trial.

Relevance In Today’s Legal System 1 There are two main points of the Magna Carta that are still relevant today. Firstly, the fact that everyone is equal under the law is very important in our legal system today. What once applied to kings still applies to our politicians. It ensures that no person can gain unlimited power in our society.

Relevance In Today’s Legal System 2 The other part of the Magna Carta that still carries heavy influence is the rule that no person shall be imprisoned or judged without a fair trial. This has become the basis for our legal system in Canada, and gives everyone a chance to attempt to prove their innocence.