John of England

John (December 24, 1167–October 18/19, 1216) reigned as King of England from April 6, 1199, until his death. He succeeded to the throne as the younger brother of King Richard I (known as "Richard the Lionheart"). John acquired the nicknames of "Lackland" and "Soft-sword".

Related Topics:
December 24 - 1167 - October 18 - 19 - 1216 - King - England - April 6 - 1199 - Richard I

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John's reign has been traditionally characterized as one of the most disastrous in English history: it began with defeats—he lost Normandy to Philippe Auguste of France in his first five years on the throne—and ended with England torn by civil war and himself on the verge of being forced out of power. In 1213, he made England a papal fief to resolve a conflict with the Church, and his rebellious barons forced him to sign Magna Carta in 1215, the act for which he is best remembered. Some have argued, however, that John ruled no better or worse than his immediate predecessor or his successor.

Related Topics:
Normandy - Philippe Auguste - France - 1213 - Papal - Magna Carta - 1215

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King John was also the subject of an early history play by William Shakespeare.

Related Topics:
King John - History play - William Shakespeare

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