…. and lot more things too!!
Magn Carta
The Charter later became known by the Latin name Magna Carta which means “great charter”.
It was signed on an island in the River Thames near Windsor called Runnymede.
„Soft Sword‟!
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!
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
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 and not have to pay heavy taxes to trade 5. Not to interfere in Church matters


A good judge of character A good soldier God fearing Brave Wise
Medieval kings could get into serious trouble if they did not have the qualities of a KING!
Runnymede
King John‟s Great Seal

John signed the charter with his great seal

The Magna Carta is regarded as a very important document in English history It was one of the first steps in reducing the power of the king In the future there would be further attempts to reduce this powerichard he ruled England as king John from 1199 to 1216.
In Medieval times people expected their kings to have certain qualities
Rich – but not greedy! Fit and strong Inspiring! Hardworking Firm – but fair!
King John and the Magna Carta

John had ruled England while his elder brother King Richard (the Lionheart) had been away fighting in the Crusades
King John manages to upset everyone!!
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! He was given the nickname -
He is famous as Prince John in the 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 had a number of 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 they would all go to HELL!