History of England: Henry III and the Magna Carta

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Questions and Answers

What was the outcome of Henry III breaking the agreement made in the Provisions of Oxford?

A period of peace and prosperity

The execution of Simon de Montfort

The outbreak of civil war (correct)

The formation of a new council of 15 members

What key event occurred in 1264 that marked a turning point in the power struggle between Henry III and the barons?

The signing of the Magna Carta

The death of Simon de Montfort

The Battle of Lewes, where Simon de Montfort's forces defeated the royal army (correct)

The establishment of the Provisions of Oxford

What was the significance of Simon de Montfort's Parliament in 1265?

It was the first Parliament to include representatives from the nobility.

It was the first Parliament to be held in London.

It was the first Parliament to include representatives from the common people. (correct)

It was the first Parliament to include representatives from the clergy.

What was the main goal of the Provisions of Oxford?

To limit the King's power and establish a more representative government (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT associated with the reign of Henry III?

The Magna Carta (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT established during the reign of the Edwards (Edward I, Edward II, and Edward III)?

The Magna Carta (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the council of 25 barons established by the Magna Carta?

To ensure the King followed the provisions of the Magna Carta (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the conflict between King John and the barons that led to the signing of the Magna Carta?

The King's attempt to increase taxes and control the nobility (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the Magna Carta contribute to the development of English law?

It enshrined the principle of rule of law, limiting the King's power and asserting the rights of individuals (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Magna Carta for the people of England?

It established basic rights and liberties for all, including protection from arbitrary imprisonment (B) Signup and view all the answers

What significant event did William Caxton accomplish in 1476?

He established the first printing press in England. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which figure is associated with the start of the Protestant Reformation in England?

Henry VIII (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for Henry VIII's frustration with the Catholic Church?

He wanted the church to obey him rather than the Pope. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which maritime explorer is known for his voyage that landed in the Bahamas in 1492?

Christopher Columbus (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the title given to Henry VIII by Pope Leo X in 1521?

Defender of the Faith (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was Thomas Becket's response to the Constitutions presented by Henry II?

He refused to accept them and excommunicated supporters of the king. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred on 29 December 1170?

Thomas Becket was murdered. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which reform was introduced by Henry II to replace trial by ordeal?

Trial by jury (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did Henry II's legal reforms impact the basis of the legal system?

They established Common Law as the main legal foundation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What literary work was inspired by the martyrdom of Thomas Becket?

Murder in the Cathedral (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which power was re-confirmed as a part of Henry II's legacy?

The power of Roman Catholic Church (B) Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the type of warfare during the Crusades?

Religious wars primarily fought to free the Holy Land (D) Signup and view all the answers

What year did Pope Urban II proclaim the First Crusade?

1095 (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which Crusade did Richard Coeur de Lion participate in?

Third Crusade (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the criticisms of Richard Coeur de Lion as a king?

He imposed heavy taxation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What significant document was forced upon King John in 1215?

Magna Carta (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of John’s war with Philip II of France?

Loss of French territories (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which character is associated with being a model of chivalry during the Crusades?

Richard Coeur de Lion (D) Signup and view all the answers

How long did Richard Coeur de Lion actually spend in England during his reign?

Six months (B) Signup and view all the answers

Who led the bishops to force King John to sign the Magna Carta?

Archbishop Stephen Langton (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Magna Carta?

It granted the church freedom of electing bishops. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What year marked the beginning of the Hundred Years’ War?

1337 (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a reason for the Hundred Years’ War?

Religious disagreements (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant advantage that England had over France during the Hundred Years’ War?

Better social organization (B) Signup and view all the answers

At which battle did the English defeat the French in 1346?

Crécy (B) Signup and view all the answers

Who led the English forces at the battles of Crécy and Poitiers?

Edward, the Black Prince (B) Signup and view all the answers

By the end of the Black Death in England, what population decline was reported?

From 4 million to 2.5 million (A) Signup and view all the answers

What weapon became the preferred choice for English infantry during the Hundred Years’ War?

Longbow (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the Black Death on the medieval society in England?

Population decline (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which English monarch declared war on France, initiating the Hundred Years’ War?

Edward III (B) Signup and view all the answers

What sport was banned by Edward III to encourage military training among his troops?

Handball (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Plantagenets (Part 1)

William the Conqueror reigned from 1066-87
William Rufus reigned from 1087-1100
Henry I reigned from 1100-1135. William (died) and Matilda were involved in the disputed succession.
A disputed succession between Matilda and Stephen (Henry's nephew) led to anarchy from 1135-1154
Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, and Matilda's son, Henry, claimed the throne, reigning as Henry II from 1154-1189.
A 12th century portrayal exists of Henry and his mother, Matilda.

The early Plantagenets (House of Anjou): Henry II

Henry II was French, from Anjou (central France).
He married Eleanor of Aquitane.
Through his marriage, he gained vast territories.
He ruled both England and western France, up to the Pyrenees. England was his largest province.

England and English Possessions in France under Henry II (1154-1189)

Map shows the extent of Henry II's lands in England and France.

Henry II's Changes

Knights were no longer called out to feudal military service (40 days).
"Shield-money" and mercenaries were introduced.
Some knights became mercenaries themselves.
Other knights lost interest in warfare, favoring agriculture.

Changes (Continued)

Primogeniture was adopted for land (eldest son inherits all).
Younger sons were sent to Europe to seek fortunes.
The lords' wealth increased; they spent surpluses on comforts in manor houses and arts in halls.
The wealth of the feudal class fueled the rise of towns (growth of a middle class, manufacture, and trade).

Henry II's Conflict with Thomas Beckett

In 1164, the Constitutions of Clarendon aimed to:
- subject churchmen to royal courts
- forbid the church from excommunicating people without the king's permission
- forbid the clergy from appealing to Rome
Henry appointed Thomas Beckett as Archbishop of Canterbury to control the church.
Becket refused to accept the Constitutions and excommunicated the king's supporters.

Murder in Canterbury Cathedral

Thomas à Beckett was murdered on December 29, 1170.

The Early Plantagenets: Henry II

Becket's death led to pilgrimages to Canterbury.
This fueled literary imagination, exemplified by Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (1387) and T.S. Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral (1935).

Henry's Legacy

Confirmed Rome's power quietly.
Reformed the legal system:
- Abolished "compurgation" and "trial by ordeal."
- Introduced trial by jury.
- Established Central Court of Justice and the Appeal Court.
Developed a strong monarchy.
Consolidated feudalism (primogeniture).

The Crusades

Religious wars fought by Christians to free the Holy Land from Muslims (11th-13th centuries).
Pope Urban II proclaimed the First Crusade in 1095, inspiring thousands to join an expedition to recover Jerusalem.

The First Crusade (1095-1099)

Map illustrates the geographical extent impacted by the First Crusade.

The Second Crusade (1147-1149)

Map demonstrates the territories involved in the Second Crusade.

The Third Crusade (1189-1192)

Richard Coeur de Lion (the Lionheart) reigned from 1189-1199.
He's considered a model of chivalry (e.g., Scott's Ivanhoe).

The Crusades (Continued)

Richard Coeur de Lion:
- Not a successful king; neglectful and imposed heavy taxation;
- Fought in the Holy Land (1190-92) but was imprisoned near Vienna;
- Paid a high ransom;
- Left England again and died wounded later.
- During his reign (1189-1199), he was only in England for six months (August-December 1189 and March-May 1194).

John, King of England (1199-1216)

Richard's successor, John was not successful.
His reign saw a period of constitutional resistance, first by the Barons, then by all classes.

John Lackland

War with the French King Philip II led to the loss of Normandy (except Channel Islands).
This resulted in a loss of connection with France.
King John raised taxes.

King John: Magna Carta

In 1215, Barons, bishops (led by Archbishop Stephen Langton), and thanes forced John to sign Magna Carta Libertatum (the Great Charter of Liberties).
It's considered the first document of the Constitution.
It granted the church freedom in electing bishops.
Barons and towns were granted participation in fixing taxes.
No freeman could be imprisoned or persecuted unless tried by peers and found guilty.
A council of 25 barons oversaw the charter's enforcement.

Magna Carta Libertatum

Copy of the original document is displayed.

Henry III: Provisions of Oxford

King John was succeeded by Henry III.
"The struggle for the Charter" (1258-1261): period of civil war.
Barons led by Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, forced Henry III to accept a new form of government.
Power was placed in the hands of a 15-member council supervising government.
A parliament consisting of knights and burgesses was established to monitor the council's performance.

Provisions of Oxford

Written in French, Latin, and English.
Henry III broke the agreement in 1261, leading to civil war.
Simon de Montfort's army defeated the royal forces at the Battle of Lewes in 1264.
He became the leader of parliament, including representatives from social classes, marking the start of the Commons.
He was killed at the Battle of Evesham in 1265, dissolving the short-lived Parliament.

The House of Plantagenet

Key figures and events of the Plantagenet line.

Edwardian Times

Edward I (1272-1307, b.1229), Edward II, and Edward III were important figures.
Four institutions emerged during their reign: parliament, universities, orders of friars (traveling monks), and lawyers incorporated in the Inns of Court.

Parliament (Further details)

English Parliament developed gradually, influenced heavily by the times of the three Edwards who followed Henry III.
After de Montfort's rebellion, Edward I began frequent national gatherings as the essence of government.
He sought to keep in touch with the life of the governed by having representative knights and burgesses from towns take part in Parliament, essential for tax consent.
Around 1295, Edward I accepted the "Model Parliament," a structure incorporating barons, bishops, knights, and citizens.
"No taxation without representation" became a guiding principle for Parliament's function.
Parliament had legislative purposes (collect money for wars, check local officials).
It became foundational for the move from papal to popular influence.

Universities

The church's emphasis on education in the early Middle Ages prompted the formation of universities.
Examples include Bologna (1088), Paris (1150), Padua (1222), and Cracow (1364).
Universities spread in Europe during the 12th and 13th centuries.
Trouble between Henry II and the French king led English students to found Oxford University.
Following the murder of students there in 1209, the university was disbanded, prompting the creation of Cambridge.
Scottish people later studied in Paris and Padua, eventually founding St. Andrews University.

Friars

Religious orders emerging from the continent (e.g., Dominicans and Franciscans) in the 13th century.
They revived religious enthusiasm among the poor.
Religious practices concerning sacraments were made available to more segments of society as these orders spread widely.
Friars were not necessarily wealthy and maintained a tradition that didn’t necessarily include a lot of property, but as they continued to operate, they acquired immense resources and influenced churches significantly.

Attitudes towards the Jews

Jews arrived in England after William the Conqueror.
Kings and barons borrowed money from Jews at high interest rates (a practice called usury).
The Christian church prohibited usury.
Edward I implemented (1275) laws restricting Jews' ability to engage in usury.
In 1290, Jews were expelled from England.
Money lending passed to Flemish and Italian communities.

Legal Reform

Edward I's legal reforms were significant.
He was known as "the English Justinian" due to his systematic development of common law into statute laws.
He defined the law courts, establishing the courts of Common Law as a profession.
Universities developed colleges, and lawyers developed Inns of Court, further centralizing legal functions.

Ireland, Wales, and Scotland

Separate sections covering the history, cultural influences, and interactions with England.

Ireland (Further Details)

Christianity's introduction around the mid-5th century.
St. Patrick's influence in spreading Christianity, St. Columba's activities in Scotland and Anglo-Saxon England.
The development of monasticism
Vikings and Danes conquered land, founding ports.
The arrival of the Vikings & Danes interrupted the golden age of Christian Irish culture; initiated two hundred years of intermittent warfare.
The efforts of the English to bring about Roman Christianity, and early medieval crusades by the English to colonize Ireland, took hold for many centuries.
The Norman invasion of Ireland began in 1169
By Henry II's reign, the conquest continued slowly but effectively.
The building of stone castles followed.
The 13th century saw native tribes remain weak and divided.
English Kings aimed to weaken Norman Lords in Ireland and prevent any sort of significant unity.
1348 saw significant losses in population and English and Norman inhabitants suffered more than native Irish.
There was low unified authority in the 15th century; attempts to form an independent government were unsuccessful.

Wales (Further Details)

Not easily conquered by Anglo-Saxons; Norman-English barons held lands on Welsh borders, forming a barrier against Norman England.
Welsh tribes, with their own distinct culture/language/laws, were largely pastoral people.
A Welsh national revival occurred in the early 13th century led by Llewelyn princes.
Edward I defeated the Welsh (1284) and his son was crowned Prince of Wales.
The principality was established, becoming part of Wales, retaining some Welsh customs.
The rest of Wales (the March of Wales) remained largely outside the principality.
The 14th and 15th centuries saw periods of tribal feuds, wars intended to reconquer Wales by the Welsh, as well as conflict among the often-combative surrounding Marcher Lords.
Wales was fully incorporated into the Kingdom of England under Henry VIII (1536-43). - English legal system and government administration were introduced.
English became the official language.

Scotland (Further Details)

Scotland was a Celtic kingdom prior to the 10th century.
It bordered Anglo-Saxon England.
A unified state emerged under Kenneth MacAlpin in 844.
Lothian (northern portion of Saxon Northumbria) integrated into Scotland after the dissolution of Northumbria in 1018.
The rich agricultural lands and rock-fortress of Edinburgh helped develop the feudal system for the Anglo-Norman monarchy of Scotland, adopting English language.
Malcolm III and Margaret (1058-93) led a period with a significant English influence, which intensified after the Battle of Hastings.
A Norman feudal monarchy developed, though disputes continued on the border with England.
The 12th and 13th centuries saw significant development in the church and flourishing of architecture.
Celtic tribal organization shrunk, with a concentration in the northern highlands.

The Hundred Years' War (Further Details)

Causes include:
- Genealogical disputes
- France's support of Scotland's resistance.
- Economic factors (English merchants preferring France to Scotland for their operations).
- England's more organized society and the exploitation of the French serf class.
England developed and utilized the longbow as preferred weaponry, while banning sports such as handball, football, or hockey.
Critical battles like Crécy (1346) and Poitiers (1356) saw English victories, led by Edward the Black Prince.

Black Death (Further Details)

The devastating plague (1347-51) decimated England's population from roughly 4 million people down to 2.5 million in 16 months.
The war didn't stop in France.
The economic ramifications of the plague resulted in a rise in the value of labor, which led to significant demands from free laborers.
Villeins began requesting, even gaining, more freedom from their landholdings and the Statute of Laborers (1351) was introduced as a legislative response to this trend.

Richard II

Born in 1367, he became king at 10.
England's government was in the hands of several councils.
Richard’s uncle, John of Gaunt, was especially influential.
In 1399, John of Gaunt's son deposed Richard and was crowned Henry IV.
Richard died in captivity in 1400.

The Peasants' Revolt (1381)

A result of social tensions.
The immediate cause was the implementation of the poll tax associated with France operations.
Free laborers went on strike and villeins abandoned their land.
Leaders: John Ball (a priest) and Wat Tyler.
Peasants organized an army directed towards London.
King Richard II and the Mayor of London agreed to some demands.
Wat Tyler was treacherously killed and the revolt subsequently suppressed.
The rebels' promises were not kept, and they faced persecution.

Emancipation of the Villeins

The emancipation of villeins was a crucial development.
They could buy their freedom in the 15th century, culminating under the Tudors.
The emancipated villeins became small farmers (yeomanry)
This trend was a part of the rise of the commoners.
This facilitated the shift to a thriving economy with advancements in trade, manufacturing, and colonization, as the 15th century ended and the 16th began.

The Church in the 14th-15th Centuries

The church lost moral and intellectual leadership.
Wealth was unevenly distributed amongst priests.
Popes often chose foreign favorites for Church positions.
Pardons and relics were sold.
The church wasn’t readily positioned for reform as its leaders were often dependent on Rome.

John Wycliffe

Criticized the Church.
Founded the Lollardy movement.
Developed theories for challenging the Pope's authority, seeing the Pope as equivalent to an Antichrist.
He translated the Bible into English, contributing to the spread of the Bible.

Lollardy

Wycliffe was prosecuted for heresy.
Wycliffe is recognized as a forerunner for the Protestant Reformation.
The first English statutes were passed for the burning of heretics in 1401.
The Lollard revival emerged around 1500, spreading and influencing the spread of Protestantism in England.

The Tudor Period (Henry VII & Henry VIII)

Henry VII's reign followed the Wars of the Roses and made the country wealthy by keeping it out of wars..
Henry VII kept no standing army.
Retained and refined existing medieval institutions: King's Council, Parliament, Common Law, Justices of the Peace, and jury systems.
Henry VII and his regime modernized government.

Tudor Period (Continued)

Privy Council emerged as the center of power, with membership mostly from the middle class and new officeholders.
The use of lawyers increased in official positions.
The use of a Star Chamber served as the highest court for regulating illegal activities.
By the late 15th century, the role of the aristocracy was limited following the immense losses and corruption of the War of the Roses.
The English monarchy shifted to being more associated with rising merchant and gentleman farmer classes.

The Tudor Period (Continued)

The Tudor era saw a flourishing of trade, agriculture, and manufacturing.
The 14th and 15th centuries were often times of great disputes and violence, though the 16th century began under the Tudors with a new focus on peace.
Revival of Lollardy was a significant development in religious thought.
The beginning of the Renaissance was strongly connected with the English religious system in the 1500s.
Henry VIII succeeded his father on the throne in 1509, after his brother's premature death. - He was well-educated and began his reign with support from many influential subjects.
Henry VIII married his brother Arthur's widow, Catherine of Aragon, who gave birth to their daughter, Mary.
He later sought to marry again, initiating his break with Rome, and dissolving the monasteries.
Henry VIII continued to pursue his divorce requests, and his conflicts with the Church.

Renaissance in England

The 14th and 15th centuries saw the groundwork for Renaissance.
This period saw significant changes impacting the fabric of English society, including the emancipation of villeins, the rise of educated classes, the growth of London, and the burgeoning of specific crafts such as cloth manufacturing.
Parliament's popularity increased.
The English language was adopted by the educated classes.
The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg and its subsequent usage in England under William Caxton were important factors disrupting the church's monopoly of learning and disseminating knowledge in general.
The period also witnessed the discovery of ocean trade routes such as that to America.