Middle+Ages+Documents


 * The Magna Carta ||
 * [[image:http://www.ancienthistory.abc-clio.com/Images/DBImages/6170/617096w.jpg width="249" height="381" align="center" caption="Title: Magna Carta"]] ||
 * The Magna Carta set the first major limits on medieval kingship and consists of 63 laws. Conflict between King John of England and rebellious aristocrats dissatisfied with the king caused the Magna Carta. This dissatisfaction resulted from the king's attempt to increase taxes dramatically and the loss of most of England's possessions in France. In 1215 aristocrats gathered together and forced King John to concede certain rights and protections. They were then recorded into the Magna Carta. The Magna Carta covers a large number of very specific legal questions. Such as the financial position of widows. Although the Magna Carta had been signed it never carried full legal force. It remained a powerful symbol of the limitation of a king's rights. There are many important laws such as #16. No one shall be distrained for performance of greater service for a knight's fee, or for any other free tenement, than is due therefrom.40. To no one will we sell, to no one will we refuse or delay, right or justice.47. All forests that have been made such in our time shall forthwith be disafforested; and a similar course shall be followed with regard to river-banks that have been placed "in defense" by us in our time. ||