kingjohnlackland-blog

[kingjohnlackland-blog]

15 June 1215 and 1203

It has been a long while since I have written any of my thoughts, and not today of all painful days, I do. Magna Carta. The charter of those precious barons. How dare they look to command their king, it wounds my pride and is insulting to God Himself. Very little every gets me through this day, save for my few supporters, copious amounts of drink and my thoughts of vengeance. The barons go too far and I will teach them not to cross me.

To turn to lighter topics, young Henry is crawling for the first time. Clever lad that he is and is has fascination for horses, it seems like only yesterday he was born. My brother Henry has already met him and they have bonded fast. Henry says that y son looks much like me, which, he does, but I see much of his mother too, especially his fondness for rings. Neither of us can wait to see him walk o even gift him with his first pony.

Isabelle has done well, motherhood suits. My dear wife has done well, a boy first. More than I could ask. Henry’s birth has healed the anger that was between us, which pleases me to say. I feel I must treat he to something, I need to show her how much I appreciate, now that I am in better moods. Henry has truly been a blessing to us, both for our sakes, and for the kingdoms.

But… every time I see Henry, I remember what I’ve done for him… Arthur… I have told Isabelle nothing, and Philip of France has said nothing of it either, and that, I hope it will remain. It is the past. That part of it cannot be healed. I must now look forward and to my son’s future, as well as health. More responsibility, more weight upon my shoulders and the crown.

Ioannes Rex Angliae, Dux Normanniae et Aquitaniae, Hiberniae

XV Junii Corsli, Hibernia. Anno Domini MCCIII

[kingjohnlackland-blog]

10 December 1202

The last few semeines have been… trying. Even with Arthur being imprisoned after rescuing my mother from the siege at Mirebeau. It was a great victorie and it forced de Lusignan and Philippe away from Aquitaine and Angoulême. Now, it is the question of Arthur’s fate, of which, I cannot decide thee are too many barons speaking their opinion. Isabelle has been keeping to her chambers of late, I hope, after our brief walk in the gardens she will start to feel more like herself. My daughter is at court and… she is so much like me… the temper… the independence, the desire to be respected…. I do not want to say too much for it brings up… raw and painful memoriess… but I do care for her despite her status, she is still my blood and I will not have her feeling abandoned and useless. Amélie has been mustrer at court, I find her annoying every now and then, as she does me. She is an endearing and attractive woman and…. A friend I suppose, one who is does not cerchier an advancement in title or gaining of land. It should be noted she has an odd obsession for cats. Which leads me to Richy, I have seen little of him, which I imagine he is thankful for due to my apparent whining… I suppose he has a point. My brother Richard is back at court and is being his usual pompous, arrogant self, but what do you expect from the ‘golden son’ of the family, he thinks he is better than me, but he is wrong! Brute strength he might have, but I have the intelligence and cunning which is far more valuable.  Thankfully, Richard is to leave for Poitou It is because of Richard I feel so unwelcome here and father too, they both claim I show little respect to anyone, which mustrers that they know nothing of me… It is why I am at Limerick, to prove I can rule senz their aid and to keep away from father and his temper since ‘I am no son of his’. That and the fact that Pope Inncocent III has decided to escumengier me. Mother travelled with me to see me take ship to Ireland… the only one that bothered… I hope she and Marshal waiter the barons, not that I trust even those two… I must see my former wife, Lady Gloucester, since my sister Jeanne has no idea of her whearabouts.

Ioannes Rex Angliae, Dux Normanniae et Aquitaniae, Hiberniae

X Decembris, Limerick Hiberniae Anno Domini millesimo MCCII.

[kingjohnlackland-blog]

The Reign of King John

The knights they cry for Lionheart,

To Lackland they look with despair.

The loss is great,

This is England’s fate,

The youngest son now rise.

 -

To France the story begins,

Our Paris and Helen of Troy,

Across the sea,

From Philip they flee,

Their souls already now one.

 -

Bold Hugh now raises his sword,

Helen was rightfully his,

To France he crawled,

He bellowed and bawled,

From John he turns away.

 -

The French they marched to Mirebeau,

The Queen Mother’s fort they did besiege,

Brave John he rode,

His knights in tow,

Siege lifted and victory was his.

 -

Philip struck at the North,

To Normandy, Chateau Galliard they went,

A loss to so great,

That was England’s backgate,

Now they are near our shores.

-

Young Arthur down in his cell,

John’s nephew cold and alone,

A drunken man did cut his throat,

The boy’s body tossed in the Seine

 -

Taxes and castles he took,

John relentless in task,

The crown in debt,

Preserve your bets,

The Barons banners do rise.

 -

Dauphin of France he now lands,

Some England rally to him,

It’s John they fight,

It’s pen or might,

The Magna Carta John signs.

 -

The Barons now they flock back,

Agreement settled, at peace,

But John he roars,

“What is this cause?”

The Charter he now ignores.

 -

North and South John runs,

Jewels carried with him,

The marsh he does cross,

The jewels a loss,

The Wash carried it away.

 -

Lynn the place of the king,

And Newark is his bed,

“A will”, he bade,

“Is to be made,

Worcester be my grave.”

 -

Henry now he succeeds,

Wearing his mother’s crown,

England does bow,

It’s all over now,

Until another day.

[kingjohnlackland-blog]

October 6 1200AD

Arrived at the residence of the Earl of Arundel and was greeted merrily, too much for my liking, but at least he is a loyal man. Isabella seemed ti like Burgh Castel which I do not quite understand, the castel is practically a ruin, but at least he had no complaints. Thankfully, like me , she has a taste for  luxury and lavish things,  so she  will like Castel Rising  even more. Even so, I mat have Burgh Castel refurbished, if only to keep her happy.. 

Much to do on this progress, but, for now, I can at least rest easier, knowing I am around seemingly loyal men. I spoke to Margoza, the other jur, Yann, still his usual arrogant self, only he claimed to admire me. What a lie. I know what admiration is and what he shows is not it! 

Still... I am thankful the conversation was short, much like my height as Richy would say, at least he understands what it is to be a king in difficult times.

No sign of mother in jur, which means no nagging. Good.

Have much to do see to, have to see the court is sorted.

Ioannes Rex Angliae , Dux Normanniae et Aquitaniae, Hiberniae, October 6 In The Year Of Our Lord 1200AD