Chap 1 english

Who ruled in medieval England ?

God

What is a pilgrimage ?

journey to a place of spiritual importance

What was the most popular place of Pilgrimage

Cantesbury Cathedral

Who is Henry II of England ?

King john's father. Hated the fact clekrs who'd broken the law coul hide behind Church's protection, wanted them to be tried at his royal courts

Thomas Becket

the archbishop of Canterbury, close friend of Henry, helped him. But later opposed his attempt to bring Church into royal court system. Murdered by Henry's knights (in Canterbury), then declare a saint by the Church. Church turned his image (cautionary tale) against the power of the tyrannical Kings.

Magna Carta

1215. Surrey. Group of noble, the barons, forced King John to sign it.

Why Magna Carta ?

K. John abused of his powers : extra taxes, confiscating land, abusing of his judicial powers. Barons revolted against him and defeated him at Runnymade.

Why is the Magna Carta important?

Was a government document that limited the power of king (1st time) and become a model for people who demanded democratic power for all (1st ste^towards democracy)

How were crimes punished in the times of the Norman Conquest ?

paying a fine or depending on the severity, death

Trial by Ordeal

hands were tied together and you were thrown in the water. If you drowned, you were considered innocent.

Ordeal by combat

fight to the death so the strongest would win and be considered right

King John

raised taxes and punished his enemies without a trial. Took advantage of his position as King. He made the barons pay a lot more "scutage" than normal + lost Normandy and the French possessions..

The Black Death

From France. In 18 months, half of the population of England died. Sign of God's displeasure. Priest died in bigger proportions : ones at the bedside of dying people. 400 years for England population to climb back to pre-BD

Magna Carta

Charter which established the rights and the duties of the King and of the free men of the Kingdom.