King John (1199-1216)

Question 1

From who did John try to steal the English throne whilst he was fighting a crusade?

Answer 1

Richard I (the Lionheart)

Question 2

Who did King John imprison, and possibly kill, for being a rival to the throne?

Answer 2

His nephew Arthur

Question 3

What term describes expulsion from the Catholic Church by the Pope, as happened to King John in 1209?

Answer 3

Excommunication

Question 4

What did the Pope order in 1209, which caused English churches to close for five years?

Answer 4

Interdict

Question 5

What nickname did King John gain for his defeats on the battlefield?

Answer 5

‘Softsword’/’Lackland’

Question 6

What is a ruler who refuses to share their power, and governs in a cruel and oppressive way, called?

Answer 6

Tyrant

Question 7

What series of promises, meaning ‘the Great Charter’, did the Barons force King John to sign?

Answer 7

Magna Carta

Question 8

In what year did John sign this series of promises?

Answer 8

1215

Question 9

Where was this series of promises signed?

Answer 9

Runneymede

Question 10

What group of people in particular wrote negative accounts of King John following his death?

Answer 10

Monks