The absentee king Flashcards
(32 cards)
Why was William Longchamp unpopular as Chief Justiciar?
He was seen as arrogant, overly ambitious, and a low-born Norman clerk who rose too fast. His French origins also sparked xenophobia, and he lacked broad baronial support, despite being competent administratively.
What ecclesiastical role made Longchamp even more controversial?
He was appointed papal legate in 1190 by Pope Clement III while only Bishop of Ely.
Who supported Longchamp despite his unpopularity?
- Powerful nobles like Hamelin of Surrey
- His brothers Henry and Osbert, who held sheriff positions
How did Longchamp perform administratively?
He was highly efficient: judicial eyres resumed, the exchequer functioned smoothly, and justice was centralised.
How did Richard I support Longchamp while on crusade?
Richard sent multiple letters reaffirming his authority, solidifying his legitimacy as regent.
What did Longchamp do to alienate Prince John?
- Excluded John and his supporters from office
- Installed his own Norman allies
- Dismissed noble opinions
- Imposed harsh taxation
- Refused to recognise some of John’s land claims
Why did John begin to oppose Longchamp by summer 1191?
Longchamp’s centralised power and John’s marginalisation led him to ally with Hugh of Nonant and Gerard de Camville against Longchamp.
Which castles did John seize from Longchamp in 1191?
- Tickhill
- Nottingham
Wigmore Castle was taken by Gerard de Camville from Roger Mortimer.
What major scandal damaged Longchamp’s authority in September 1191?
He arrested Geoffrey Plantagenet, Archbishop of York, at Dover.
When and where was Longchamp formally deposed?
5 October 1191 at Loddon Bridge.
What was Walter de Coutances’ role after Longchamp’s fall?
He became de facto head of government with a regency council, backed by Eleanor of Aquitaine from February 1192.
What steps did Walter take to stabilise the realm?
- Lifted Longchamp’s excommunications and interdicts
- Restored order
- Used his experience as a royal administrator
What crisis hit England in December 1192?
News arrived that Richard had been captured in Germany.
How did John respond to the crisis in early 1193?
- Travelled to Paris
- Allied with Philip II of France
- Hired mercenaries
- Seized Wallingford and Windsor castles
How did the regency council react to John’s aggression?
They refused to swear allegiance, fearing rebellion, but made an uneasy truce recognising his potential as future king.
What was the amount of Richard’s ransom?
150,000 marks.
Who did Richard choose to replace Walter as Chief Justiciar in 1193?
Hubert Walter, Archbishop of Canterbury.
When did Hubert Walter serve as Chief Justiciar?
From December 1193 to July 1198.
What other positions did Hubert Walter hold during this time?
- Archbishop of Canterbury (May 1193)
- Papal legate (March 1195)
When did Richard return to England and how was his authority reinforced?
Returned March 1194; had a second coronation in April.
What happened to John upon Richard’s return?
He was declared a traitor, had his lands seized, and his supporters were heavily fined.
What action did Walter take regarding sheriffs in 1194?
Most were replaced, continuing the trend of using office sales and loyalty checks.
How did Hubert Walter raise money for Richard’s war?
- Through feudal incidents
- Widow marriages
- Forest fines
