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The Reigns of King Richard I and King John, 1189–1216

Kingship and succession, 1189–1216

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 2 booklet B

Overview

A medieval king's duties, rights and coronation rituals, Richard's claim in 1189, how he secured his position and his reputation, John's disputed claim in 1199 and how he secured the crown, the fate of Prince Arthur and its damage to John, and John's character as his nicknames, chroniclers and royal records portray it.

What you need to know

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Key term

What happened at a coronation to show that a king’s authority came from God?

Key term

Why did kings wear their crowns in public at the great feasts of the year?

Key term

What kind of reputation did Richard have among his contemporaries?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What were a medieval king’s chief duties to his subjects?

    Model answer

    To keep the peace inside the kingdom, defend it against invasion, and provide justice through his courts.

  2. 2

    Name three rights that belonged to the king and to no subject.

    Model answer

    He alone could summon the feudal host, grant land and titles, and demand taxes and feudal payments from his tenants.

  3. 3

    What happened at a coronation to show that a king’s authority came from God?

    Model answer

    The archbishop anointed him with holy oil before crowning him, a rite that was believed to set him apart from other men.

  4. 4

    Why did kings wear their crowns in public at the great feasts of the year?

    Model answer

    Because ritual display was how power was made visible — an audience of barons and churchmen saw majesty and were reminded of their obedience.

  5. 5

    On what basis did Richard become king in 1189?

    Model answer

    He was the eldest surviving son of Henry II and inherited by right of birth, and was crowned at Westminster in September 1189.

  6. 6

    How did Richard make his position safe before leaving for the crusade?

    Model answer

    He raised money by selling offices, lands and charters, gave his brother John rich estates to keep him quiet, and left trusted ministers and his mother Eleanor of Aquitaine to govern.

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