Notes

When was John crowned?

1199. John was crowned on May 27th, 1199. He became King after his brother, Richard I died from gangrene caused by an arrow to the shoulder.

Who was John's eldest brother?

William. William, born in 1153, was the first son of Henry II. He lived for only three years, dying in 1156. During his short life he held the title of Count of Poitiers.

Where was the Magna Carta signed?

Runnymede. The Magna Carta was signed in 1215 at Runnymede. John received approval from the Pope to break his word as he claimed that he had signed the document under duress.

Which Henry succeeded John as King of England?

Henry III. Henry III ruled England for fifty-six years. The longest reign of an English monarch until George III in 1760-1820.

Who was the mother of King John's legitimate children?

Isabelle of Angouleme. John was also married to Isabel of Gloucester but had the marriage annulled on grounds of consanguinity around the time of his coronation in 1199. She was never acknowledged as Queen.

Who was originally chosen as Richard's successor?

Arthur of Brittany. Arthur was chosen as Richard's heir in 1190 in order to betroth him to the King of Sicily's daughter. Richard named John as successor in 1194 when he returned from capture in Austria.

King John was illiterate and had to approve the Magna Carta by using his seal rather than signing it.

f. King John was a highly educated man who owned an extensive library. He did approve the Magna Carta by using his seal as was customary in those days to approve documents with seals rather than signatures.

Which French duchy or principality did King John NOT inherit?

Orleans. Maine and Normandy were annexed by France, in 1203 and 1204 respectively, and permanently lost to England. Aquitaine was taken by the French in 1453 during the Hundred Years' War.

Which territory did John rule before becoming king?

Ireland. John was very unpopular as ruler of Ireland. He was forced to leave and return to England after only 8 months.

King John is probably most famous as the evil King in Robin Hood. Which great actor voiced King John in the Disney version of Robin Hood?

Sir Peter Ustinov. King John was portrayed as a thumb sucking lion. My favourite quote from this movie is "Mommy always did like Richard best".