Succession and The King Flashcards
What was the Medieval King expected to do? (3)
To be a strong ruler.
To enforce Justice.
To keep the country safe from attack.
What was the principle of primogeniture?
The eldest son inherits the title of King from his father.
Did the principle of primogeniture carry through to the 12th Century?
No, people became King for other reasons as well.
What is King in Latin?
Rex.
What happened at the moment the new king was anointed?
He took the title of rex and was given divine authority.
How were new Kings anointed?
With Holy oils.
Two features of The King’s duties? (2)
Chief decision maker.
Showing fairness and mercy in his decisions.
Two features of how The King’s authority was ritualised and displayed? (2)
The anointing with Holy oils.
Being crowned in front of the most important nobles and members of the Clergy.
What was itinerant kingship?
The practice of The King and his court travelling from place to place around the country.
How did the itinerant kingship help with encouraging loyalty from subjects?
It ensured that everyone knew he was The King?
What was Richard known as and how did he develop that nickname?
Lionheart, he was a successful warrior.
What good reasons did Richard have for his claim to the throne? (2)
Richard was the eldest surviving son when his father died.
He successfully controlled lands in France.
Describe the features of Richard’s crowning ceremony? (2)
He was dressed in gold from head to toe.
He took the coronation oath and promised to protect the Kingdom.
Describe the ways Richard secured his kingdom so he could go on a crusade? (2)
He appointed William Longchamp as his Chancellor.
He banned John and Geoffrey from England for three years to prevent rebellion.
What were the features of Richard’s character as King?
He was a great warrior but could be arrogant and selfish.
How long was Richard in England for as King?
6 months out of 10 years.
How did John rebel against Richard’s governing of England in 1191? (2)
John set up his own tax court and collected his own taxes.
He seized control of Nottingham and Tickhill castles.
Why did the barons support John’s rebellion?
They hated William Longchamp.
What were the unpopular features of how John ruled as regent between 1192 and 1194? (3)
Heavy taxes were imposed.
John lied about Richard being dead.
John allied with King Phillip II of France.
How did Richard reassert his order after his release in 1194?
He appointed Hubert Walter as justiciar who implemented a peaceful way of ruling while Richard was away.
How is John usually portrayed?
As the worst medieval King in English History.
What were the reasons for John’s claim to the throne in 1199? (2)
It was supported by important people in the country.
He had proven himself to be a good warrior with Richard.
Who rivaled John for the throne?
Geoffrey’s son Arthur of Brittany.
How did John secure power in 1199? (3)
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.
What were the terms of the peace treaty with Philip that John made? (3)
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.
What happened in August 1200? (2)
John kidnapped Arthur and imprisoned him.
Arthur was then stabbed and his body dumped into the river.
How did the Norman barons respond to the murder of Arthur?
They moved their support for Kingship towards Philip rather than John.
Why were people not loyal to King John?
He had a short temper and demonstrated cruel behaviour.
What was King John’s main focus for the first years of his reign?
Defending his land in France.
Why did John’s reign become more and more unpopular? (3)
John chose ‘new men’ to advise him rather than barons.
Cases could only be heard when John was present.
John used cruel punishments.
