Rise of a Dynasty: Unveiling the Plantagenets (Part 6) - Magna Carta
Welcome to the latest installment of our journey through the rise of the Plantagenets! Following our dive previously into the reign of King John, it would be remiss to overlook one of history’s most pivotal moments. Though not directly authored by him, Magna Carta—the Great Charter—emerged as a defining legacy of John’s rule.
However, instead of the usual focus on its legal clauses, let’s examine Magna Carta through a fresh lens. We’ll explore this transformative document from the perspectives of those it touched—from barons and commoners to unexpected figures working behind the scenes. Join us as we uncover how Magna Carta shaped the lives and futures of many, revealing the powerful ripples of its legacy that continue to resonate today.
NOTE: Before we begin, I must emphasize that these are my own reflections, influenced by a tendency to seek out the good in people. I hope, however, that this journey might inspire you, too, to consider perspectives beyond what’s strictly documented.
Voices From The Past
In the 21st century, it's challenging to grasp the harsh reality of living under a ruler like King John. Knowing the events that shaped his reign, we often view his actions through the safe lens of modern hindsight—where his tyranny is merely a dark chapter in history books. But what if we step out of our comfort zone and imagine how it truly felt for those who lived through it? In this section, I invite you to join me in picturing what John’s England may have been like from three different perspectives.
Let's start with one of John’s most loyal barons, the renowned William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke. In 1215, when Magna Carta was signed, the Marshal was in his late 60s and had a remarkable breadth of experience, having served four Plantagenet kings. Recently at odds with John, he had navigated his way back to the king’s favour, thanks to his diplomatic skill and unshakable honour—a loyalty that would later lead to him being named regent for his young son, Henry III. So, I ask you to ponder what Marshal might have thought about this groundbreaking document.
Did he feel relief, not only because it heralded the curbing of John’s excesses but also for the peace of his own conscience? As a man of honour, it must have been extremely difficult for him to remain loyal to such a tyrant.
Did Marshal, a man with very keen foresight, recognise Magna Carta as a promising step toward a more just England?
Alternatively, did he hold some small measure of doubt, knowing John well enough to question whether he would truly honour his promises, especially given that the charter had been sealed under pressure?
Next, let’s turn to the rebellious barons as a whole. While many were involved, I’d like to explore the shared motivations and anxieties that may have driven them. The road to June 15, 1215, didn’t begin on that date—it was paved by years of King John’s oppressive rule. His defeat at the Battle of Bouvines marked a breaking point for many, but I can’t help wondering if other events lingered in their minds: the brutal fall of William de Braose for instance, or the suspicious disappearance of Arthur of Brittany. Perhaps, beneath it all, these barons felt a growing dread—that no one, no matter their rank, was safe from John’s wrath.
So, what finally broke their loyalty? What was the tipping point that pushed them into outright rebellion? Did they truly believe John would respect a document that curtailed his power, or was this a desperate act, knowing full well the risks of challenging a king?
As they gathered on that fateful day, were they ready to risk everything—their lands, titles, even their lives—particularly if the terms did not hold and John reneged? How concerned were they that this was not the end of the matter, and that they’d need to enforce the Charter’s terms through further conflict?
Finally, I wonder if their thoughts went beyond the present. Standing there in 1215, were they driven solely by the urgent need to restrain John? Or, like us today, did they also look to the future, hoping to protect their lands and families for generations to come?
Now, perhaps the most intriguing perspective of all is that of King John himself. Although history has cast him as a villain, was every choice he made purely driven by cruelty, spite, and revenge? It’s worth considering the unique challenges he inherited. England was still recovering from the economic strain of paying Richard the Lionheart’s immense ransom, and John faced the continual loss of Angevin lands to the shrewd military tactics of Philip Augustus. Unlike his brother and father, who commanded the vast resources of an empire, John was left with only England to fuel his ambitions.
So how might John have truly felt in the lead-up to Magna Carta? While this is purely my own conjecture, I think it’s worth reflecting on his possible motives and fears.
How did John feel as he watched his kingdom’s resources dwindle, knowing he no longer had the might of the Angevin Empire to rely on? Could his actions have been an act of desperation, in a final attempt to consolidate what little he had left?
Leading up to Runnymede, was he genuinely worried about the discontent brewing among his barons? Or did he dismiss Magna Carta as an inconvenience, convinced he had no intention of following its terms?
Finally, we come to the notorious Clause 61—the ‘security clause.’ It established a council of 25 barons to ensure the charter’s enforcement, even allowing them to seize his lands if he defaulted. What must it have felt like for John to sign off on such a clause, when it was a council composed entirely of men who had rebelled against him? I imagine he must have seen it as a bitter pill indeed.
Unlikely Heroes
When we think of Magna Carta, our minds often go to the powerful barons and an embattled king, clashing over rights and authority. Yet, behind this monumental event were individuals whose names rarely make it into history books—unsung figures whose work brought the charter to life and carried it across the kingdom. These unlikely heroes—scribes, messengers, and even Archbishop Stephen Langton—each played a vital role in shaping and preserving this document.
Their contributions might seem humble or routine on the surface, yet without their efforts, Magna Carta’s reach and impact would have been much diminished. As we explore their stories, I invite you to consider their perspectives. What did they feel as they etched, carried, or crafted the words that would echo through the centuries? Could they have imagined their small actions would become part of a legacy that still resonates today?
Let us first look at the humble scribes who copied Magna Carta, and there must have been a lot of them as there were many copies sent out all over the kingdom… what a laborious task but how crucial for the document’s impact.
How much knowledge of the importance of this document do you think they had? Did they consider themselves part of something historic, or was it simply another mundane task?
Knowing that these copies would reach influential barons and townspeople alike, did the scribes imagine the document could bring lasting change? Or was it difficult to grasp the full significance of the words they so carefully transcribed?
I wonder if they were scared of making a mistake, especially given the risks involved if the text displeased powerful figures. Did they feel pressure in their role as the “keepers” of this text?
And what about the dozens of messengers who carried copies of Magna Carta to distant corners of the kingdom, making sure its terms reached every baron, town, and community? Likely men of modest standing, they found themselves entrusted with documents meant for some of the most powerful figures in the realm—a task that may have been as intimidating as it was essential. How did they truly feel about this duty laid before them?
Do you think they fully understood how powerful a document it was that they carried in their bags? Did they realise their cargo represented both a promise and a threat to royal authority, or did they not think about it at all, after all, they were just doing their job?
Given the dangers of medieval travel, particularly when bearing messages tied to rebellion, did these messengers fear repercussions from royalists or loyalists alike? Were they really prepared to risk all to complete their task?
Even if they were aware of the importance of the document they carried, do you think that really would have made much difference to them, would they have wondered if they would witness its promises fulfilled, or would they have thought it did not affect them over much?
Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury, was a fascinating figure whose relationship with King John was tense from the beginning, as he was appointed to the position by the Pope despite John’s opposition. Eventually siding with the rebel barons, it was actually Langton who persuaded the king to place his seal on Magna Carta in June 1215—a remarkable achievement, especially considering that Langton sometimes feared even entering England due to John’s wrath. His influence was essential in drafting the charter, as he shaped its clauses with his unique perspective as both a spiritual leader and a mediator. Imagine what it would have been like to know him and gain insight into his thoughts on this transformative document. Let us ponder on a couple of points regarding his input into The Great Charter.
How did Langton reconcile his roles as a man of faith and a political negotiator in such a volatile situation? Did he see Magna Carta as a moral duty to protect England, or as a political necessity to stabilize the kingdom?
What did Langton envision for the future of England when he helped craft this charter? Did he believe it would hold lasting power, or was he focused more on the immediate peace it promised?
As someone trusted by both rebellious barons and the king’s council, did Langton feel the weight of responsibility for the charter’s outcome? And did he see himself as a bridge between two opposing sides—or as a figure whose role might one day simply be forgotten?
Ripple Effect of a Revolution
While Magna Carta itself was in fact a failure as a peace treaty between the king and the barons, the ripple effect of that meeting at Runnymede of the king and his barons would linger on and on, eventually paving the way for democratic reforms that exist even today. What began as an agreement to curtail a king's power eventually laid the groundwork for parliamentary systems and broader notions of justice and personal liberty. Its reverberations were felt long after the ink had dried on that fateful June day in 1215.
As we consider the impact Magna Carta had on everyday life, I invite you to reflect on a couple of interesting questions:
Though originally focused on baronial concerns, how did the principles of Magna Carta gradually transform into an understanding of the importance of a voice for ordinary people? Did it plant the seeds of an idea that everyone, regardless of status, should have a say in governance or legal protection?
It seemed that from the Peasants Revolt 150 years after Magna Carta, to later reform movements, this pivotal document served as a symbol of resistance to unjust rule. It is also fascinating to ponder just how did Magna Carta's legacy manage to inspire a movement towards broader social change, particularly in the context of human rights?
In closing, I’d like to invite you to explore the translation of this incredible document here, it does make for fascinating reading.
It is interesting to consider that, of the original 63 clauses, only three remain in English law today. Yet these three clauses alone reflect the enduring principles we still value.
Clause 1 affirms the freedom of the Church of England, establishing its liberties as inviolable.
Clause 9 secures the traditional liberties of the City of London and other boroughs, preserving their free customs and autonomy.
Perhaps the most famous, Clause 29, upholds the rights of freemen, stating that no one shall be imprisoned, exiled, or deprived of property without lawful judgment—a precursor to the right to justice and fair trial.
Though Magna Carta was initially a response to the baronial disputes of 1215, it has since evolved to symbolize ideals of freedom and justice that continue to resonate worldwide. Over time, this document has become a cornerstone of democratic governance, guiding centuries of legal evolution and setting checks on authority.
Over the past few years, as I’ve worked to bring my business to life, I’ve had the chance to creatively explore hundreds of historical figures, locations, and events. I often reflect upon the impact that individual lives and moments have had, wondering if those who shaped history had any inkling of the legacy they would leave. This thought seems especially relevant for the monumental events that unfolded on that quiet water meadow at Runnymede. Did those gathered on June 15, 1215—whether noble or common—have any sense of the lasting impact their actions would carry across centuries?
If this account has sparked your curiosity, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please share your responses to the questions posed throughout the blog—each perspective opens a window into this complex era.
And be sure to stay tuned for Part 7 of my Rise of a Dynasty - Unveiling the Plantagenets series, where we’ll explore the repercussions of Magna Carta as we journey through the reign of Henry III and the Second Baron’s War.
Subscribe to our Contact Us page for updates on future blog posts, and if you're eager to witness Magna Carta firsthand, join me on our Plantagenets in England tour in July 2025, where we’ll visit Salisbury Cathedral and view one of the original copies.
Max
The signing of Magna Carta Creative Commons/Public Domain, Magna Carta National Archives Permissible Download, Medieval Scribe Creative Commons/Public Domain, Saer De Quincy, Rebel Baron © Plantagenet Discoveries
