The death of King John

1216 Death of King John of England (b. 1166 or '67) – he whom the rebellious barons forced to sign the Magna Carta in 1215. His nine-year-old son succeeded him and became King Henry III of England (1207 - '72).

Numerous, if fictitious, accounts circulated soon after his death that he had been killed by poisoned ale, poisoned plums or a "surfeit of peaches". However, the truth is probably that, while in retreat from the French invasion, John crossed the marshy area known as The Wash in East Anglia and lost his most valuable treasures, including some of the Crown Jewels, to the unexpected incoming tide. This dealt him a terrible blow, which affected his health and state of mind, and he contracted a fatal case of dysentery. He was buried in the cathedral in the city of Worcester.

Categories: england, history, monarchy