Middle+Ages+Documents


 * [[image:magna_carta.jpg width="284" height="333"]] ||
 * The Magna Carta was a document that set the major limits on medieval kingship. The document was made because a conflict between King John of England and rebellious aristocrats. The King attempted to increase the level of taxation through income taxes and through special laws pertaining to forests. Pope Innocent 3rd had the rights to appoint arc bishops. Aristocrats also called barons gathered together in 1215 and forced king john to concede certain rights and protections, which were then recorded and promulgated in the Magna Carta. Magna Carta covers large numbers of specific legal questions. The barons are permitted to seize all the king's possessions, and the public is has to swear allegiance to the barons. The Magna Carta was also a step away from kingship and toward parliamentary democracy. King John died in the middle of the war in 1216 the war was called " First Barons' War." The Magna Carta recognized legal rights of townspeople & church. The king was not allowed to raise taxes without consulting great council of lords. Also monarchs must obey the law. The Magna carta had 63 laws. It allowed every free man from arbitrary arrest, imprisonment and other legal actions. ||