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/world-castle-vacations/Jan-Elizabeth-Landwehr.jpg "Jan Landwehr")
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These special castles were the fortified homes and political centers of many of my ancestors located in strategic positions throughout England at the beginning of 1215.
Much like a game of medieval chess and the power of the ‘Game of Thrones', they represent the Barons’ struggle to protect their rights and properties against an uncompromising and tyrannical king.
They serve as reminders today that the foundations for the development of modern democracy started here within their castle walls.
The Magna Carta, also known as the "Great Charter," is a historic document that was originally issued in 1215 during the reign of King John of England. It is considered one of the most significant legal and political documents in history.
The Magna Carta was a result of conflict between King John and his barons, who were dissatisfied with his arbitrary and oppressive rule.
The Magna Carta has had a profound and enduring influence on the evolution of constitutional and legal systems, serving as a cornerstone for the development of modern democratic principles and the protection of individual rights.
/world-castle-vacations/King-John-Magna-Carta.jpg "King John signs the Great Charter")
/world-castle-vacations/King-John-Signs-Magna-Carta.png "King John Granting The Magna Carta")
principals & provisions
The Magna Carta established several fundamental principles that have had a lasting impact on the development of constitutional and legal systems around the world.
Limitation of Royal Power: The Magna Carta placed limits on the absolute power of the monarch, asserting that even the king was subject to the law.
Protection of Rights: It guaranteed certain rights and liberties to free men, including protection against unjust imprisonment, access to a fair trial, and limitations on taxation without consent.
Due Process: The document emphasized the importance of due process of law, ensuring that individuals could not be deprived of their property or imprisoned without a lawful and impartial judgment.
Habeas Corpus: It introduced the principle of habeas corpus, which requires authorities to bring a person before a court to determine the legality of their detention.
Rule of Law: The Magna Carta laid the foundation for the concept of the rule of law, where the law applies equally to all, including the ruler.
Clause 39
“No free man shall be seized, imprisoned, dispossessed, outlawed, exiled or ruined in any way, nor in any way proceeded against, except by the lawful judgement of his peers and the law of the land.”
Clause 40
“To no one will we sell, to no one will we deny or delay right or justice.”
/world-castle-vacations/Magna_Carta_Castles.jpg "The Magna Carta")
Step back in time and discover the formidable barons who stood up to King John in 1215 to secure the Magna Carta.
The list below outlines my ancestral connections to the rebel barons and the castles that played pivotal roles in the historic struggle of securing the birth of modern democracy. Eighteen of the 25 ‘Rebel’ Barons are my ancestors and Five are my ancestral Uncles.
* Jan's Ancestor
** Jan's Ancestral Uncle
+ Jan's Ancestral Cousin
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Written with boundless wit and dazzling erudition, it was Professor Vincent who helped to discover a long lost 1300 edition of the Magna Carta issued by King Edward I that lay neglected in the town archives of Sandwich in Kent, England for centuries.
Nicholas Vincent is a Professor of Medieval History at the University of East Anglia and a Fellow of the British Academy and an author or coauthor of several books about the charter including the very popular “Magna Carta: A Very Short Introduction”.
BUY the book
King John of England, who reigned from 1199 to 1216, was a complex and controversial monarch in English history. He is best known for his tumultuous rule marked by conflicts with his barons and his role in the sealing of the Magna Carta in 1215.
John's reign was characterized by his autocratic style of governance, which often led to grievances among the nobility and common people. His ruthless attempts to increase royal revenue and consolidate power frequently sparked rebellion and resentment.
His legacy is a mixed one, with his failures and abuses of power overshadowing some of his administrative achievements and the enduring impact of the Magna Carta on English and global political history.
/world-castle-vacations/King-John-of-England.jpg "King John of England")
Discover the impressive network of castles associated with King John of England, circa 1215 - my 25th great-grandfather. These fortresses played significant roles during his tumultuous reign, and each holds its own unique story.
From the iconic Dover Castle to lesser-known gems like Corfe Castle, below is a comprehensive list of some of King John's castles that defined his era.
Uncover the stalwart barons who stood by King John in 1215, forging a pivotal moment in legal history. Discover their formidable castles, each a testament to their loyalty and influence.
Below is a list of the names and castles of the steadfast barons who stood with King John when the Magna Carta was sealed in 1215. Thirteen of them are my ancestors and Three others are relatives.
* Jan's Ancestor
** Jan’s Ancestral Uncle
+ Jan’s Ancestral Cousin
++ Jan’s Ancestral Step-Father