King John signing the Magna Carta at Runnymede, Surrey, 15 June 1215 (1864). Artist: Unknown

King John signing the Magna Carta at Runnymede, Surrey, 15 June 1215 (1864). Artist: Unknown

1-153-733 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

King John signing the Magna Carta at Runnymede, Surrey, 15 June 1215 (1864). John (1167?-1216) became King of England in 1199. The Angevin kings of England, Henry II, Richard I and John arbitrarily abused feudal rights. The nobility forced King John to sign the Magna Carta, guaranteeing their restoration.

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