King John of England & the

signing of Magna Carta

Qualities of a King

God fearing

A good judge of character

A good soldier

Around the picture below, you can read some of the qualities which medieval people expected their king to have! Which three are the most important for a medieval king? Rich – but not greedy!

Fit and strong

Inspiring!

Hardworking Brave

WiseFirm – but fair!

The Rise of King John(1199-1216)

• King John came to power when his brother, Richard, was killed returning from the Crusades.

• King John was seen as an unworthy replacement.

King John’s Personality

• King John was described as ruthless (he killed his own nephew).

• He was a backstabber. He attempted to overthrow his father and brother from power.

King John “Lackland”

• John was nicknamed “lackland” because all his father’s land was given to his brother.

• In order to make up for this deficit he had to take away land from his people and tax heavily.

King John “Softsword”

• King John attempted to reclaim land in France by force.

• Two times he invaded France and lost. He angered many nobles because they had to pay for the invasion.

King John Angers the Pope• King John angered the

Pope by attempting to run the church in England.

• The Pope kicked John out of the church and stopped church services in England(1208-1213). People were afraid they would go to hell!!

• John had to beg for forgiveness.

King John Signs the Magna Carta at Runnymede in 1215.

• King John is forced by his nobles to sign the Magna Carta.

• It stated: no cruel or unusual punishment, no imprisonment without trial or without jury, no taxation without approval, can’t take away private property without paying for it.

Significance

• The Magna Carta is the first step in limiting a kings power.

• It is the first step toward a representative government.

• It represents that people have rights within a government.

King John Wanted Poster

• Get together with your Big Ben partner for this assignment

• Use the notes you just took on King John and the Magna Carta to help you with this poster!

King John Wanted Poster

• You and your partner will be making a “wanted” poster for King John

• Reward for his capture/death?

• What should be his punishment?

What To Include…

1. Title: Wanted– Feel free to add any

adjectives to describe King John

2. A picture of King John3. What crimes has he

committed?– Describe at least 3

things!