John as king Flashcards
Why did John have a claim to the throne after Richard died in 1199?
He had spent time in England and understood its system of government; this encouraged loyalty from Barons. With the support of Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Barons were encouraged to accept John.
Arthur, the other option, was only 12, and joined with Philip to attack John’s lands, but John imprisoned him in 1202 (one source claimed he killed him and threw him in the river Seine).
How did John secure power after he became King?
He took an oath to protect the Church, abolish bad laws and do justice to his people.
What did John do in the first part of his reign?
In the first six years of his reign, John was concerned with defending Normandy, and appointed Geoffrey Fitz Peter as his regent. In 1204, he lost Normandy and returned to England.
What kind of a ruler was John?
Cruel, spineless, selfish, money hungry and a bad decision maker.
Outline the narrative of John’s reign.
- Became king in 1199, after Richard died.
- Lost Normandy to Philip II of France by 1204.
- 1205-13: quarreled with the Pope.
- Quarelled with his Barons; 1215 Magna Carta.
- Barons invited Prince Louis of France to take over from John, igniting a civil war. John died in 1216.
- Which 2 fines did John increase during his reign?
- Name another tax that John introduced.
- Wardship fines (by 300%) and forest fines (which fell mainly on Barons).
- 1207 tax on moveable income.
By what percentage did John increase wardship fines?
300%.
What was John’s 1207 tax on moveable income?
A tax, imposed on the possessions every man, at a rate of a 13th of the value (one shilling per mark). The penalty for failure to pay was seizure of moveables and imprisonment. People went to great lengths to hide their goods - it was extremely unpopular and never used again.
How did John raise money from court cases?
John suspended the role of Justiciars, meaning he could be “bought” in legal cases. He raised considerable funds in return for favourable judgments in court, leading to complaints that he sold justice. For example, in 1207, John supported a case that a party - who offered him three horses in payment - wanted to come to court.
