4. John 1199-1216

John was the younger brother of King Richard and the youngest son of Henry 2nd. He is best remembered for losing all the English lands in France to the King of France Philip 2nd Augustus and for the Magna Carta. In effect, a thoroughly bad king. One has to remember that history in those days was written by monks. In truth, John was a much better king than the Christian favourite Richard and Stephen who ignored the problems of the country. John at least tried to deal with them energetically travelling the lands to check his instructions were being carried out. He should be noted for building up the navy, the sea defences and improving the economy.

The loss of English territory in France

Following the well-managed rule of Henry 2nd, his two sons Richard and John were both a disaster for England, while the French-produced Philip 2nd who can be compared to Henry in terms of effective government and military acumen.