Medieval Kings: In what ways was the power of the medieval king limited?
The story of power
As monarchs became stronger several key events demonstrated that their power over the people was not as secure as they may have originally believed. The role of the church secured their position by claiming the king was the ultimate ruler - chosen by God (Divine Right of Kings) but the growth of Rome and the increasing power of the Catholic Church challenged may kings who soon learned that they shared their power with the church and that challenging the spiritual beliefs of their people could have serious consequences.
Inquiry: Could a medieval king ignore the church?
Driving questions:
How much power did the Church have?
What happened if a king fell out with the church?
Could a king treat the church however he wanted?
How much power did the Church have?
What happened if a king fell out with the church?
Could a king treat the church however he wanted?
What role did the church play in medieval life?
| the_church.pdf |
| impact_of_christianity.pdf |
Could a King ignore the church?
Case study Resources
King JOhn and the Church
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William II and AnselmHenry II and Becket | ||||||
Evaluation
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The story of power
The feudal system also relied on a small aristocracy (rich lords who held land from the king) to make the system work effectively and to enforce the will of the king. Barons/lords were given large parcels of land from the king in exchange for loyalty, taxes and knights to fight in the Royal Army. I turn the barons/lords managed the knights and the manors and serfs on their land, ensuring that people were loyal to the king, paid their taxes and fought when called upon to fight. The king had the power as the head of the feudal system but the barons made it work. Ignoring the barons or treating them badly weakened the power of the king and kings realised that their power was limited by their barons. Ignoring and exploiting the barons by King John in England in 1200 - 1215 would have serious consequences and would lead to events that would change the system forever.
Inquiry: Could a medieval king rule without the support of his barons?
Driving questions:
How powerful were barons in Medieval Europe?
How should a king treat his barons?
What were the consequences of mistreating barons?
How powerful were barons in Medieval Europe?
How should a king treat his barons?
What were the consequences of mistreating barons?
Case Study: King John of England
Driving questions:
Why did the Barons rebel against King John?
What were the consequences?
Did other Kings make the same mistakes?
Could Medieval Kings ignore their barons?
Why did the Barons rebel against King John?
What were the consequences?
Did other Kings make the same mistakes?
Could Medieval Kings ignore their barons?
Watch the following clips of Disney's Robin Hood. What impression does it give you of King John?
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Online Magna Carta Lesson - National Archives
Magna Carta
Magna Carta is called the most important document in history. So important that people still call upon it 800 years later. But where did it come from and why did people die for it? Jump into the 13th century and decide for yourself why Magna Carta keeps coming back.
The Story of King john
| the_story_of_king_john.pdf |
Task - Chronology: What are the main events in the life of King John?
Option 1: Create a timeline of the life of King John - it should have both pictures and key events.
Option 2: Write a story about the life of King John. The story is aimed at Year 4 and 5 students. It should start with "Once upon a time......"
Option 2: Write a story about the life of King John. The story is aimed at Year 4 and 5 students. It should start with "Once upon a time......"
| why_did_the_barons_rebel_john.pdf |
Task: Analysis - WHy did the barons rebel against King John?
Create a mind map of all of the reasons why the barons rebelled against King John.
Extension: Use different colors to categories the reasons into Political, Economic, Social and Religious.
Extension: Use different colors to categories the reasons into Political, Economic, Social and Religious.
Was John really that bad?
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Significant turning point 1: MAgna Carta
Task: Description - QOTD - What was Magna CArta?
You are going to play quick off the draw. Your teacher will explain.
| king_john_qotd[1].doc |
Task: Extend Knowledge and comprehension
| magna_carta_-_extended_knowledge.pdf |
Task: Evaluation: In what ways was the signing of Magna Carta a Turning point?
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