The Barons' Rebellion
History: KS3, topic 2.4.5
The Barons' Rebellion
Following the failure in Normandy, King John was exposed as a weak ruler. English barons took advantage of this and launched their own rebellion.
Conditions for rebellion
- King John’s authority was undermined following the defeat at the Battle of Bouvines.
- The barons were angry with King John because he had raised a tax on them to fund his military campaign in France.
- In May 1215 AD, 40 barons openly gave up their ties to the king. By doing so, they showed they were not loyal to the king anymore.
Course of rebellion
- The barons staged a rebellion. They organised a mercenary army - called the ‘Army of God’ - and on the 17th of May 1215 AD they seized London.
Negotiations
- On the 15th June 1215, King John met the rebels at Runnymede and agreed to their demands.
- This was called the Magna Carta (meaning ‘Great Charter’).
King John changes his mind
- But, King John later rejected the Magna Carta (claiming he had been forced to sign it under duress).
- This led to France invading England (with the support of Scotland).
- In October 1216 AD, King John attempted to cross the Wash (an estuary in Eastern England). He lost all of his treasures and had little hope.
- On the 18th of October 1216, King John died.
Test yourself on The Barons' Rebellion
At which battle was King John defeated?
Who staged a rebellion against King John in 1215?