Did King John deserve his reputation
Does Bad King John deserve his reputation?
Oliver Pacey 7LDR
King John was a famous monarch who once ruled Britain. John has the reputation of an unsuccessful, evil and tyrannical king. John came to power when his older brother Richard I died whilst on a crusade in 1199. John was not welcomed to the throne and, according to many historians ruined the country.
Source B; Peter Langtoft’s History of England illustration c.1300 shows a picture of a peaceful scene with a gentle King stroking his pet dogs in the green natural surroundings of England. King John appears kind and gentle which would have been a reassuring picture for the people of that time to see. Peter Langtoft was a priest at the time of John’s reign and this picture shows his full support for the King. This may have been a document that king wanted him to produce so it would have needed the King’s approval. Peter Langtoft may have been afraid to present a bad image of the King as he may have been killed as traitor. Although he may have actually thought this was a true and accurate reflection of the King’s character.
Source I; from a recent history book, states how hard John tried to be a good King despite not being a popular choice at the start of his reign. John’s brother had named John as his heir and this was a very important consideration for the next king at the time. Source I says that John was merciful to helpless people, including women, children and the poor. There must be some evidence of John being good to these people. He may have been a harsh or strong soldier to people in battle but not to the other people. Source I also says that John was a poor soldier because he lost the war in France, but he was in a very difficult position at the time and was just trying to keep the lands his brother won. This source is trying to think about other evidence about the King instead of just saying he was all bad. It is more recent and is trying to be fairer showing a different side to John that
Oliver Pacey 7LDR
King John was a famous monarch who once ruled Britain. John has the reputation of an unsuccessful, evil and tyrannical king. John came to power when his older brother Richard I died whilst on a crusade in 1199. John was not welcomed to the throne and, according to many historians ruined the country.
Source B; Peter Langtoft’s History of England illustration c.1300 shows a picture of a peaceful scene with a gentle King stroking his pet dogs in the green natural surroundings of England. King John appears kind and gentle which would have been a reassuring picture for the people of that time to see. Peter Langtoft was a priest at the time of John’s reign and this picture shows his full support for the King. This may have been a document that king wanted him to produce so it would have needed the King’s approval. Peter Langtoft may have been afraid to present a bad image of the King as he may have been killed as traitor. Although he may have actually thought this was a true and accurate reflection of the King’s character.
Source I; from a recent history book, states how hard John tried to be a good King despite not being a popular choice at the start of his reign. John’s brother had named John as his heir and this was a very important consideration for the next king at the time. Source I says that John was merciful to helpless people, including women, children and the poor. There must be some evidence of John being good to these people. He may have been a harsh or strong soldier to people in battle but not to the other people. Source I also says that John was a poor soldier because he lost the war in France, but he was in a very difficult position at the time and was just trying to keep the lands his brother won. This source is trying to think about other evidence about the King instead of just saying he was all bad. It is more recent and is trying to be fairer showing a different side to John that