King John was the youngest and favourite of five sons born to King Henry II of England. However, his position in the family meant he could not expect any inheritance.
King John’s Personal Life
He was betrothed at an early age to a Savoy heiress to secure possessions and land from Count Humbert, but she died before their marriage. King John acceded to the throne when his brother King Richard I died without a son to inherit the title.
John’s first marriage to Isabel of Gloucester was annulled and she was never recognised as queen. He married the young Isabella Angouleme with whom he had five children. John is known for his womanising and had many illegitimate children by a number of mistresses, known and unknown.
King John’s Rule
King John was not a popular ruler and his reign is fraught with disputes. His young nephew, Arthur of Brittany, was considered by some as the rightful heir to the throne. At first, the King of France supported his fight until he recognised John through the Treaty of Le Goulet. However, this peace was not to last for long and war broke out after John refused to answer charges made about his sovereignty and his intended marriage to Isobel of Angouleme.
King John also challenged the Pope on the successor to the role of Archbishop to Canterbury following the death of Hubert Walter. John wanted someone in position over whom he could exert influence and therefore control the activities of the church. During the feud, John closed down churches and confiscated all church possessions. amongst other measures. After John was excommunicated, he agreed to submit but ensured the support of the Pope in his ongoing quarrels with the barons of England.
King John and the Magna Carta
The English barons were not happy with the way in which King John ruled the country, or with his acceptance of peace with France following the European wars.
The ‘Article of the Barons’ was drafted by some of the most powerful men in England which became known as the Magna Carta. The intention was to curb the King and demand governance by the old ways that had existed before the arrival of the Normans. It was developed from a collection of English laws, old and new and limited the power of the King. John signed this charter, under forced, at Runnymede in Surrey. It is considered the first step towards constitutional government in England and its influence can be seen in the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
However, John received approval to break his word on the charter as he had signed under force. This led to the Barons War where rebels supported Prince Louis of France in his claim to the English throne.
King John died in the year of the signing of the Magna Carta and was succeeded by his nine-year-old son who became King Henry III of England. The barons switched their allegiance from the French to support the young monarch.
Although King John’s rule is characterised by disaster he is viewed as administering the affairs of his rule well. He was seen as fair minded and well informed, but his challenge to the old laws and his imposed taxes were very unpopular, particularly with the barons, which ultimately led to the fight for a more democratic approach.
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