Government under John Flashcards
(25 cards)
How did John’s style of kingship differ from Richard I’s?
John ruled directly and personally from within England, unlike Richard who was mostly abroad on crusade or in captivity.
What was the nature of John’s royal court movement?
He ran a peripatetic court, travelling constantly—often averaging 30 miles/day—to enforce royal control across the kingdom.
Which regions especially felt increased royal oversight under John?
The north of England, neglected under previous kings, experienced increased royal scrutiny and justice.
What administrative innovation began in 1204 under John?
The Close Rolls – detailed records of private royal correspondence.
What was John’s contribution to bureaucratic government?
He emphasized meticulous documentation—launching both the Close and Patent Rolls—and used writs and charters more extensively.
What did Bishop Hugh of Lincoln famously say about John’s attention to bureaucracy?
That John ‘does not forget the smallest of his clerks,’ showing his intense involvement in government.
How did John continue Henry II’s legal reforms?
He maintained judicial eyres, and common law actions like novel disseisin and mort d’ancestor gave freemen access to royal justice.
What local offices did John expand to enforce justice?
He extended the system of coroners to boroughs and appointed more professional sheriffs and bailiffs.
How did John manipulate justice for political gain?
He used royal courts to fine and punish baronial enemies and levied excessive court fees for revenue.
How did common freemen view John’s justice system?
Positively—it gave them access to royal courts outside feudal control, though the barons saw it as arbitrary.
How many times did John levy scutage during his reign?
11 times in 17 years—more than any previous king.
What are two examples of excessive relief fines under John?
- 10,000 marks from the Earl of Essex
- 7,000 marks from the de Lacy family for inheritance.
How did John exploit baronial widows?
He fined them heavily (e.g. 2,000 marks) to avoid forced royal-arranged marriages or to remain single.
What tax did John impose in 1207 and how much did it raise?
A thirteenth on income and moveable goods—raising £60,000.
How did John treat the Jewish community financially?
In 1210 he levied a £44,000 tallage on them, then demanded Christian debtors repay loans to the Crown.
How large was John’s treasury by 1212 according to chroniclers?
Estimated at £130,000 in silver.
Who were the familiares regis in John’s government?
His close household knights and courtiers who held the real influence, such as Peter des Roches and Falkes de Breauté.
What was notable about John’s inner circle of officials?
Many were of low birth or foreign origin, bypassing the great English baronial families.
What was historian Ralph Turner’s view of John’s patronage?
He described it as a ‘narrow clique enjoying royal favour at barons’ expense.’
Why did the barons resent John’s household knights and mercenaries?
They were shut out of power, while foreign soldiers brutalized the countryside and enforced John’s will.
Why is John sometimes described as exhibiting ‘royal schizophrenia’?
His government showed both high administrative competence and erratic, vindictive cruelty.
What are two examples of John’s more benevolent actions?
- His attention to famine relief in 1205
- The foundation of Liverpool as a new port in 1207.
How did John’s overreach contribute to rebellion?
His exploitative justice, taxation, and favoritism alienated the nobility, leading to Magna Carta in 1215.
What clauses in Magna Carta directly responded to John’s misrule?
- Limits on scutage and reliefs
- Protection against arbitrary arrest
- Requirement of consent for taxation.
