King John of England

& The Signing of the

Magna Carta

Qualities of a King

God fearing

A good judge of character

A good soldier

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? Rich – but not greedy!

Fit and strong

Inspiring!

Hardworking Brave

WiseFirm – but fair!

The Rise of King John(1199-1216)

• King John came to power when his brother, Richard, was killed returning from the Crusades.

• King John was seen as an unworthy replacement.

King John’s Personality

• King John was described as ruthless (he killed his own nephew).

• He was a backstabber. He attempted to overthrow his father and brother from power.

King John “Lackland”

• John was nicknamed “lackland” because all his father’s land was given to his brother.

• In order to make up for this deficit he had to take away land from his people and tax heavily.

King John “Softsword”

• King John attempted to reclaim land in France by force.

• Two times he invaded France and lost. He angered many nobles because they had to pay for the invasion.

King John Angers the Pope

• King John angered the Pope by attempting to run the church in England.

• The Pope kicked John out of the church and stopped church services in England(1208-1213). People were afraid they would go to hell!!

• John had to beg for forgiveness.

King John Signs the Magna Carta at Runnymede in 1215.

• King John is forced by his nobles to sign the Magna Carta.

• It stated: no cruel or unusual punishment, no imprisonment without trial or without jury, no taxation without approval, can’t take away private property without paying for it.

Significance

• The Magna Carta is the first step in limiting a kings power.

• It is the first step toward a representative government.

• It represents that people have rights within a government.

King John Wanted PosterCreate a wanted poster for King John for the “crimes” that he has committed. Include the following in your poster:- Title your poster with a wanted

tagline- A picture of King John- List out the crimes of King John - Detail what you want to be done to

King John if he is brought to you (i.e. dead or alive? Punishment(s)?)

- Reward offered for King John