Medieval Kings and Queens
Kings and queens have ruled Britain since the Romans. Some were very successful, powerful warriors in their own right, expanding their kingdom and governing their subjects with authority. But others were quite the opposite!
King John the Tyrannical Ruler
King John was the fourth and youngest legitimate son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. He was born on Christmas Eve 1166 at Beaumont Palace in Oxford, and was soon moved to the Abbey of Fontevrault in Anjou, to lead a life in the church. Even at this young age, John was petulant, unstable, spoilt and cruel. His red hair matched his red-faced fury, when he flew into a classic Plantagenet rage.