The Magna Carta was signed in the shade of a great yew tree by the River Thames at Runnymede, by King John, on June 15th 1215, and stated that He would govern England but rule the people according to "Feudal Law".

This was to put into place a policy which would protect the people from John's abuse of power, and therefore prevent misery to the people. It forms the backbone of the British Justice System today. 

As John proved himself as a military man, he took Rochester Castle in Kent, but in the following campaign he lost the Crown Jewels and the Treasury into The Wash. 

Shortly after this disastrous affair in October 1216, John fell ill and died, in Newark. He left his nine year old son, Henry III  to succeed him.