Succession and The King

Question 1

What was the Medieval King expected to do? (3)

Answer 1

To be a strong ruler.
To enforce Justice.
To keep the country safe from attack.

Question 2

What was the principle of primogeniture?

Answer 2

The eldest son inherits the title of King from his father.

Question 3

Did the principle of primogeniture carry through to the 12th Century?

Answer 3

No, people became King for other reasons as well.

Question 4

What is King in Latin?

Answer 4

Rex.

Question 5

What happened at the moment the new king was anointed?

Answer 5

He took the title of rex and was given divine authority.

Question 6

How were new Kings anointed?

Answer 6

With Holy oils.

Question 7

Two features of The King’s duties? (2)

Answer 7

Chief decision maker.

Showing fairness and mercy in his decisions.

Question 8

Two features of how The King’s authority was ritualised and displayed? (2)

Answer 8

The anointing with Holy oils.

Being crowned in front of the most important nobles and members of the Clergy.

Question 9

What was itinerant kingship?

Answer 9

The practice of The King and his court travelling from place to place around the country.

Question 10

How did the itinerant kingship help with encouraging loyalty from subjects?

Answer 10

It ensured that everyone knew he was The King?

Question 11

What was Richard known as and how did he develop that nickname?

Answer 11

Lionheart, he was a successful warrior.

Question 12

What good reasons did Richard have for his claim to the throne? (2)

Answer 12

Richard was the eldest surviving son when his father died.

He successfully controlled lands in France.

Question 13

Describe the features of Richard’s crowning ceremony? (2)

Answer 13

He was dressed in gold from head to toe.

He took the coronation oath and promised to protect the Kingdom.

Question 14

Describe the ways Richard secured his kingdom so he could go on a crusade? (2)

Answer 14

He appointed William Longchamp as his Chancellor.

He banned John and Geoffrey from England for three years to prevent rebellion.

Question 15

What were the features of Richard’s character as King?

Answer 15

He was a great warrior but could be arrogant and selfish.

Question 16

How long was Richard in England for as King?

Answer 16

6 months out of 10 years.

Question 17

How did John rebel against Richard’s governing of England in 1191? (2)

Answer 17

John set up his own tax court and collected his own taxes.

He seized control of Nottingham and Tickhill castles.

Question 18

Why did the barons support John’s rebellion?

Answer 18

They hated William Longchamp.

Question 19

What were the unpopular features of how John ruled as regent between 1192 and 1194? (3)

Answer 19

Heavy taxes were imposed.
John lied about Richard being dead.
John allied with King Phillip II of France.

Question 20

How did Richard reassert his order after his release in 1194?

Answer 20

He appointed Hubert Walter as justiciar who implemented a peaceful way of ruling while Richard was away.

Question 21

How is John usually portrayed?

Answer 21

As the worst medieval King in English History.

Question 22

What were the reasons for John’s claim to the throne in 1199? (2)

Answer 22

It was supported by important people in the country.

He had proven himself to be a good warrior with Richard.

Question 23

Who rivaled John for the throne?

Answer 23

Geoffrey’s son Arthur of Brittany.

Question 24

How did John secure power in 1199? (3)

Answer 24

He appointed a loyal baron to protect the north of the kingdom from the threat of Scotland.
He secured the continental lands of the Empire.
He made a peace treaty with King Philip of France.

Question 25

What were the terms of the peace treaty with Philip that John made? (3)

Answer 25

John agreed to give land to Philip.
John agreed to do homage to Philip for his lands.
Philip dropped his support for Arthur’s claim to the throne.

Question 26

What happened in August 1200? (2)

Answer 26

John kidnapped Arthur and imprisoned him.

Arthur was then stabbed and his body dumped into the river.

Question 27

How did the Norman barons respond to the murder of Arthur?

Answer 27

They moved their support for Kingship towards Philip rather than John.

Question 28

Why were people not loyal to King John?

Answer 28

He had a short temper and demonstrated cruel behaviour.

Question 29

What was King John’s main focus for the first years of his reign?

Answer 29

Defending his land in France.

Question 30

Why did John’s reign become more and more unpopular? (3)

Answer 30

John chose ‘new men’ to advise him rather than barons.
Cases could only be heard when John was present.
John used cruel punishments.