John's relations with the Church Flashcards
(20 cards)
What was John’s relationship with the Church like before 1207?
John had strong control over ecclesiastical appointments, having appointed eight bishops, including Joscelin of Bath and Simon Sutwell (Bishop of Chichester), with little resistance.
This illustrates John’s significant influence over Church governance.
What opportunity did Hubert Walter’s death in 1205 give John?
It allowed John to try and extend royal authority over the Church.
Walter had vast experience and political influence.
Who did John support to replace Hubert Walter as Archbishop of Canterbury?
John de Gray, a loyal supporter whom John had made Bishop of Norwich in 1200.
This choice reflected John’s strategy to maintain control over ecclesiastical appointments.
Who did the monks of Canterbury elect as their candidate for archbishop?
Reginald, elected in secret and sent to Rome without the king’s knowledge.
This election was in direct opposition to John’s wishes.
What did Pope Innocent III do after receiving both nominations?
He rejected both candidates and appointed Stephen Langton, a respected Paris-based theologian.
Langton was closely tied to both Innocent and Philip II of France.
Why did John refuse to accept Stephen Langton as Archbishop of Canterbury?
Langton was seen as too close to the papacy and Philip II, threatening John’s authority and foreign policy.
When did Pope Innocent III impose the interdict on England and why?
In March 1208, after John refused to accept Langton, Innocent placed England under interdict, suspending all Church services.
What was the impact of the interdict on religious life in England?
Church services stopped, including baptisms, marriages, and burials. Many bishops and clergy went into exile, weakening Church structure in the kingdom.
How did John exploit the interdict for financial gain?
He seized church lands from non-compliant clergy, claimed these lands were held in exchange for religious service, and ransomed clerical mistresses.
What does the treatment of clergy mistresses during the interdict reveal about John’s approach?
John used it to profit and weaken clerical morale, as clergy paid ransom quietly, boosting royal revenue.
When was John excommunicated, and why?
1209, after continued refusal to accept Stephen Langton as archbishop despite repeated papal demands.
What were the political consequences of John’s excommunication?
Several bishops fled abroad, John’s popularity declined, and barons began to question his legitimacy.
Which bishops remained loyal to John after his excommunication?
Peter des Roches (Winchester) and John de Gray (Norwich) remained loyal.
Was there widespread ecclesiastical chaos in England during the interdict?
No — the system held together, and there was little evidence of administrative collapse.
What did Pope Innocent demand in 1211?
That John accept Langton, allow exiled clergy and barons to return, and restore Church lands.
How did the barons respond to John’s excommunication in 1212?
Some began to reject John’s authority, questioning their loyalty to an excommunicated king.
Who plotted against John in 1212 and with whom?
Robert FitzWalter and Eustace de Vesci conspired with Welsh princes to assassinate John, though the plot failed.
What external threat did Innocent III use to pressure John?
He began negotiating with Philip II of France, suggesting possible invasion to depose John.
What did John agree to in February 1213 to end the conflict with the Church?
He accepted all of Innocent’s terms, including Langton’s appointment, and surrendered England and Ireland to the papacy.
What was the significance of John surrendering his kingdoms to the Pope in 1213?
It turned Innocent III from his enemy into his protector, shielding John from internal rebellion and foreign invasion.
