New
New
Year 7
The First Barons' War and Magna Carta reissued
I can explain why Magna Carta was reissued.
New
New
Year 7
The First Barons' War and Magna Carta reissued
I can explain why Magna Carta was reissued.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- John had Magna Carta annulled.
- John's actions led to a civil war.
- In 1216 Henry III came to the throne as a child.
- Henry III reissued Magna Carta in 1216, without its most radical clause.
- The king’s regent, William Marshal, hoped this Magna Carta would mean a better balance between king and barons.
Keywords
Annul - to annul means to abolish or reduce to nothing
Treason - treason is when someone betrays their country, government or leader
Regent - a regent is a person who rules a country for a limited period, because the monarch is absent, too young or too ill
Moderate - moderate is when something is not extreme and therefore acceptable to a large number of people
Reissued - something that is reissued is printed or produced again
Common misconception
All kings are adults and are the ultimate decision makers.
Henry III became king when he was nine-years-old. As he was too young, regents were appointed to rule on Henry’s behalf.
The siege of Rochester Castle is a great example of medieval warfare. Once students understand the tactics involved in the siege, task them to take up the role of defender/attacker. Students then discuss what methods and weapons they would use.
Teacher tip
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
How did King John’s disagreement with the Church impact England?
It led to a period of peace and prosperity in England.
It had no significant impact on the country.
Q2.
Write in the missing word. In 1215, the barons prepared to fight King John, they were led by Robert ...
Q3.
In 1215, what did King John do when he realised he could not defeat the uprising against him?
He continued to resist and fight the barons.
He requested help from foreign allies.
Q4.
How did King John approve Magna Carta?
He signed Magna Carta with his Great Signature of England.
There was no way of knowing that he had approved Magna Carta.
Q5.
Why are some historians excited about the clause which stated that no freeman could be imprisoned unless they are judged by their peers?
It is believed to be the start of the Church's interference in legal matters.
It is believed to be the start of feudalism.
Q6.
What were the radical clauses in the Magna Carta known as?
church clauses
feudal clauses
king's clauses
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What does the term "annul" mean in the context of Magna Carta?
to amend it partially
to fully support it
Q2.
Who was the main supporter of King John in his decision to annul Magna Carta?
Philip II of France
Robert FitzWalter
Q3.
What unlucky event happened to John in the Wash?
He lost a battle.
His ship sank.
He was captured by rebels.
Q4.
Which event finally ended the First Barons' War?
Henry III's coronation
John laying siege to Rochester Castle, in Kent
Q5.
Who was mainly responsible for ruling England during Henry III's early reign?
his mother
his uncles
the barons
Q6.
How old was Henry III when he became king?
eighteen years old
twenty-seven years old
thirty-six years old
Additional material
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