Changes

He was nicknamed "Lackland" because he was given money, not lands, in his father’s original will. A later amendment granting him certain castles in [[Anjou]] spurred his brothers to rebellion, which, although quelled, was to lead to his mother’s incarceration for nearly twenty years, and eventually contribute to his father’s death.

He was nicknamed "Lackland" because he was given money, not lands, in his father’s original will. A later amendment granting him certain castles in [[Anjou]] spurred his brothers to rebellion, which, although quelled, was to lead to his mother’s incarceration for nearly twenty years, and eventually contribute to his father’s death.

John is the popular villain in English history, and his notoriety is re-invoked every time [[Robin Hood]] draws bow on page or screen. During Richard’s incarceration by the King of Austria, he attempted to usurp the throne, but was foiled by Eleanor’s support for the king. He also attemted to delay Richard’s return.

John is the popular villain in English history, and his notoriety is re-invoked every time [[Robin Hood]] draws bow on page or screen. During Richard’s incarceration by the King of Austria, he attempted to usurp the throne, but was foiled by Eleanor’s support for the king. He also attempted to delay Richard’s return.

He did receive the support of his mother, though, to assume the throne on Richard’s death. Richard had announced his nephew, [[Arthur of Brittany]], as his heir, but Eleanor  gave John the support of the immensely rich and powerful Aquitaine. Arthur and the French king Philip II were defeated at Mirebeau (1202). Arthur was captured and, according to legend, murdered by John in Rouen the following year. John’s treatment of Arthur and his fellow captives alienated many of his French subjects.

He did receive the support of his mother, though, to assume the throne on Richard’s death. Richard had announced his nephew, [[Arthur of Brittany]], as his heir, but Eleanor  gave John the support of the immensely rich and powerful Aquitaine. Arthur and the French king Philip II were defeated at Mirebeau (1202). Arthur was captured and, according to legend, murdered by John in Rouen the following year. John’s treatment of Arthur and his fellow captives alienated many of his French subjects.