John

Turner, R.V., King John, (Longman, 1995)

·         King John was a loser – pg 1

·         Lost Normandy in 1204, lost a quarrel with the Pope, barons forced him to create a charter of liberties for them, and struggled not to lose his kingdom to an invading Prince = looooooser

·         Lastborn son – uncertain prospects

·         When King, he had the financial implications of his father and brother’s wars and crusades to contend with.

Tyerman, C, Who’s Who in Early Medieval England, (Shepheard-Walwyn, 1996)

·         When in Ireland, he spent all the money that his father had given him

·         When Richard was crusading, John tried to reinforce his position as heir – own court – seemed like a rival government

·         Betrayed his brother when he was in captivity – not good

·         -1204 – loss of Normandy– John was absent, 1204-1213 – amassing funds to recapture his lands. 1215-1216 – final challenge for his throne, civil war and French Invasion.

·         Personally supervised the exchequer

·         Magna Carta – most remembered for yet he did little to help draft it and he moaned about it.

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