King John signs the Great Charter, Runnymede, Surrey, 1215 (1864). Artist: James William Edmund Doyle

King John signs the Great Charter, Runnymede, Surrey, 1215 (1864).  Artist: James William Edmund Doyle

2-376-518 - Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images

King John signs the Great Charter, Runnymede, Surrey, 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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