King John - a timeline of his regency and reign

Click on the key words to find out more. If you want to read about these events in more detail before attempting the activities, please use the information provided on the Links page.

Year	Event
1185	John is sent by his father, King Henry, to rule Ireland.
1189	John joins his mother and elder brother, Richard, in a rebellion against his fathers rule.
1189	Richard is crowned King following his fathers death.
	Richard goes on a Holy Crusade, leaving John to rule the country in his absence.
	Richard is captured whilst returning from the Crusade. A large ransom is demanded for his release.
1194	Richard is released from prison and returns to England.
1199	John is crowned King of England following Richard's death.
1199-1202	War with the barons in France who have chosen John's nephew, Arthur, as their King.
1200	John marries a young French girl, Isabella.
1200-1205	War with France.
1202	Arthur is captured and imprisoned.
1205	John refuses to allow Stephen Langton, the Pope's choice for the job of Archbishop of Canterbury, enter the country.
1208	The Pope signs an Interdict, banning all churches in England from holding services.
1209	John is excommunicated. That means he is thrown out of the church.
1213	John allows Langton to become Archbishop of Canterbury.
1214	John's army attacks France.
1215	Angry Barons rebel and capture London.
1215	The Barons force John to sign the 'Magna Carta'.
1216	John breaks the rules of the Magna Carta. The barons ask Louis of France to become King of England.
1216	King John dies.

Use the Links page to find out more about these events - this lesson does not provide any detailed information as it is assumed that you will have already studied King John in class.

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