How fascinating and careful account of King John, his death, and burial. I tend to agree that John was not so bad as history has made him out to be, but something of a victim of his time. In any case, you have done us all a huge favour with this video, Allan. Many thanks!

It is always wonderful when we are given the realistic look at this "Bad King"; You presented him as a flesh and blood man. Thank You.

You're an excellent narrator, Allan. I find the history of King John fascinating, thank you, greetings from Australia.

This blew me away. Thank you for revealing so many details that we all want to discover.

I enjoy so much the historical facts of these monarchs. I’m not a Hollywood fan of their interpretations. You obviously put so many hours into these searches. Thank you so much! I recently purchased a couple of earlier The Antiquary magazine. Just beautiful and very interesting. Well done!

I've always had a soft spot for King John ever since I read this poem (and absolutely loved it as a child). So I'm very pleased to hear he was properly honoured in death. Thank you Allan, seems like a visit to Worcester will figure this year. King John's Christmas King John was not a good man -- He had his little ways. And sometimes no one spoke to him For days and days and days. And men who came across him, When walking in the town, Gave him a supercilious stare, Or passed with noses in the air -- And bad King John stood dumbly there, Blushing beneath his crown. King John was not a good man, And no good friends had he. He stayed in every afternoon... But no one came to tea. And, round about December, The cards upon his shelf Which wished him lots of Christmas cheer, And fortune in the coming year, Were never from his near and dear, But only from himself. King John was not a good man, Yet had his hopes and fears. They'd given him no present now For years and years and years. But every year at Christmas, While minstrels stood about, Collecting tribute from the young For all the songs they might have sung, He stole away upstairs and hung A hopeful stocking out. King John was not a good man, He lived his live aloof; Alone he thought a message out While climbing up the roof. He wrote it down and propped it Against the chimney stack: "TO ALL AND SUNDRY - NEAR AND FAR - F. Christmas in particular." And signed it not "Johannes R." But very humbly, "Jack." "I want some crackers, And I want some candy; I think a box of chocolates Would come in handy; I don't mind oranges, I do like nuts! And I SHOULD like a pocket-knife That really cuts. And, oh! Father Christmas, if you love me at all, Bring me a big, red, india-rubber ball!" King John was not a good man -- He wrote this message out, And gat him to this room again, Descending by the spout. And all that night he lay there, A prey to hopes and fears. "I think that's him a-coming now!" (Anxiety bedewed his brow.) "He'll bring one present, anyhow -- The first I had for years." "Forget about the crackers, And forget the candy; I'm sure a box of chocolates Would never come in handy; I don't like oranges, I don't want nuts, And I HAVE got a pocket-knife That almost cuts. But, oh! Father Christmas, if you love me at all, Bring me a big, red, india-rubber ball!" King John was not a good man, Next morning when the sun Rose up to tell a waiting world That Christmas had begun, And people seized their stockings, And opened them with glee, And crackers, toys and games appeared, And lips with sticky sweets were smeared, King John said grimly: "As I feared, Nothing again for me!" "I did want crackers, And I did want candy; I know a box of chocolates Would come in handy; I do love oranges, I did want nuts! And, oh! if Father Christmas, had loved me at all, He would have brought a big, red, india-rubber ball!" King John stood by the window, And frowned to see below The happy bands of boys and girls All playing in the snow. A while he stood there watching, And envying them all ... When through the window big and red There hurtled by his royal head, And bounced and fell upon the bed, An india-rubber ball! AND, OH, FATHER CHRISTMAS, MY BLESSINGS ON YOU FALL FOR BRINGING HIM A BIG, RED, INDIA-RUBBER BALL! A. A. Milne

Coif-gate amazed me. I knew that the coif was worn by all sorts of high and mighty folk - the metal in crowns and in mitres can be nasty on the forehead. At school we were taught that King John (“a bad king”) was buried in the habit of a Franciscan friar, and between two saints, so much was either his awareness of a grim reign and/or of his piety. I could understand my teacher’s point, but something niggled within me on this issue. So, thank you for highlighting this cause of much dissension in a bleak Lancashire Grammar School. Arguments on such points may once have lead to bloodshed!

Having been born and bred in Worcester and visited King John's tomb many times I can only thank you for an excellent, informative video I so enjoyed watching also as a resident of the Faithfull City I now have a far better understanding of King John , definitely in my saved folder . Many thanks and well done.

The thing that's always struck me about John is how William Marshall stuck by him. Now whilst there's a tsunami of negative opinion about John, there's a similar amount of positive opinion about Marshall. We know Marshall appears to have been a hugely influential politician throughout the late Angevin period and was loyal to Young King Henry, Richard and John in turn. He appears to have been hugely important in bringing the King and his rebellious barons together at Runnemede. Now here's the thing: if John was so utterly useless and despicable, why would a man like William, whose reputation continues to shine through the centuries, continue to stand by him? Chivalry? Duty? Or was it because he understood the impossible scenario John was in? Millions of modern Britons are descended from both John and William Marshall (great grandfather of Robert the Bruce) which makes it personal for many of us.

I can't help feeling vaguely offended on his behalf at all the depredations and still wanting to have the whole thing open again to have it adequately analyzed. Great video as ever.

Since my mother was born in Martley - a small village 10 miles West of Wocester - I've had occasion to visit Worcester Cathedral and have seen the tomb of St. John. The cathedral is very beautiful as it sits next to the Severn.

Love your videos, Dr. Barton. Thanks.

I visited this church years ago and also saw the tomb. I didn’t know the story behind it so thank you for the explanation. I now have a completely different view of King John. Martha

Thankyou .I love history

Excellent video! Thank you for your hard work on this.

I don’t know why, but John has held an affinity with me. From birth, he obviously knew he wouldn’t have what his elder brothers had, but fate brought that on. John was an excellent administrator & was fascinated with law. Because he had lost lands in France….something which would have gone sooner or later…he stayed much more in England (to the annoyance of the barons). He also showed he could be as swift as his father when his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine was under siege & rescued her. Many thanks for your upload!

Absolutely fascinating. Once again Allan brings us a quirky interesting piece of History. I can thoroughly recommend his magazine the Antiquary. Thank you for posting ❤

Fantastic video as usual! Your channel is a treasure and I greatly enjoyed learning about this misunderstood man. Thank you again for illuminating the shadowy medieval era that so fascinates myself and many others. You really make history come alive. Greetings from northern Florida!

I had read that he lost his treasure whilst facing pursuit in some Norfolk/Lincolnshire marshland that is now the Wash. What joy it would be to find it, albeit the Crown (Treasury) would claim it for sure. If any town in England deserves the prefix 'Royal' it is Newark(-on-Trent), a fine town, the last hold-out of the Royalists in the Civil War.

Very interesting to learn about why King John was buried at Worcester and how his tomb ended up with such a prominent position within the cathedral. Given that he was never expected to be king and that he inherited a mess of an empire, he never stood much chance of being a stellar sovereign. Thanks as always for teaching me something!

John certainly had style. Look at the jaunty angle of his crown in that first portrait!

Thank you for another fascinating video. There are so many scurrilous stories about John, not all of which are likely accurate. At least his burial was kingly. Kind of sad he was disturbed so many times after death. I’ve just finished Unruly by Alan Mitchell. Brief histories of the rulers of England from the early Saxon rulers to Queen Elizabeth I. Very funny but interesting perspectives and decent history. A nice diversion 😮

Another fascinating video. My bias against king John was due to watching too many Robin Hood films. Good to hear about the real King John 😊

I think it's fascinating that we have so much information about individuals who actually lived such a very long time ago. To actually know where they are buried. For the most part, in my family, anyone born and died before the 18th century, we know who they were, have no idea where they are buried.

Excellent production and presentation. Thanks.

That was such an interesting video. I'm descended from John so I'm always interested in watching videos about him, or more importantly his mother.

Thanks for this very informative and wonderfully researched work. I have often wondered which English King has the earliest surviving tomb. I remember a story that during Henry III's reign bones thought to be those of the legendary King Arthur were found and later ceremoniously re-interred by his son Edward I at Glastonbury Abbey. I may have some of those details wrong, but I was wondering if that re-interment is still extant and whether any study has ever been done to discover the veracity of the tale. I know that King Arthur is considered a legend and not reliable history, but Edward I certainly existed and appeared convinced that the bones were genuine. Just wondering. Thanks or another great video!

Your videos are chock full of interesting details and bits of history that have my attention from the start. Thank you.

It's amazing how many of the features in the (Ordnance Survey?) map @6:30 can be discerned in the LIDAR image at right: the roadways, stone walls, the Abbey's foundations (and burial ground?), and the Park House, . The Fish Ponds, and structures associated with the Spring, the Tithe Barn, and associated fence/stone wall lines are also evident. Boy, I know where I'd like to do my Archaeology research. Is that the remnants of a Motte & Bailey fort on the high ground to the west of the Fish Ponds???

Gee wiz. This was fascinating. My mind is stuck on treasure hunters finding that crown!

He's not the worst king, he's just the best king he could be...

Thank you for another fascinating slice of history. The moment that brought me up short was the photo of the leicestershire field where you suggest his heart and viscera were. It made me think how many remains there must be under the ground on former battlefields as well as under long gone monasteries and abbeys. Imperial Caesar, dead and turned to clay!

Very interesting Thank you

I always enjoy your fascinating videos. Thank you.

Why folk have an urge to open tombs is beyond me. Mind you it's been done for centuries. Thanks for a fascinating video.

A really interesting and well presented account thank you. And for anyone who might be thinking about it- the Antiquary magazine is beautifully produced and a joy to receive every month.

Thank you for a great video.

Excellent! Really enjoyed this episode. Looking forward to part 2

This is a marvelous channel. Thank you .

Wonderful as we've come to expect bravo🎉🎉

Thank you for such an interesting programme. Worcester was our county town, we grew up in the area.

I love when you touch on the eerie, macabre bits of history. This is what drew me to your channel initially. Much love and admiration from America 💜

Wonderful as always.

Hi Allan! Your research yielded some interesting bits indeed. Nice work!

My college professor used to quote to us passages about King John from a book entitled "The Bedside Book of Bastards". In the 40 years since then I've never read anything that made me think he did not deserve to be included in that book.

Lynn did not receive the appellation "King's" until the reign of Henry VIII. Prior to this it was known as Len Episcopi (Bishop's Lynn).

Wonderful video, thanks

I’m always appalled at the disrespectful way some royal bodies have been treat over the years, thus allowing their grave goods & body parts to be removed. Great video though 👍

Fascinating. And nicely done.

Thanking you for all your amazing videos.Love them all. Patricia

It was in a very round about way that I found your channel, but I am thoroughly enjoying your videos, thank you for posting them.

Wonderful! I knew most of this information already, but this beautifully drawn together!

My 23x Great Grandad! ,, Thank you so much for this! I didnt know Beaulieu Abbey was first choice (I live very near there) but inlight of the Dissolution, its better he was in a cathedral, or there would be nothing now to see

That was fascinating, especially as I’ve just returned from a weekend at Worcester where I was part of a visiting choir singing the weekend services at the Cathedral. I hadn’t realised that his tomb hadn’t always been situated before the high altar.

Wonderful history telling thank you

Wow! I just watched your analysis of King John! This is fascinating history. I just purchased several of your digital and print journals. I can’t wait to read this month’s article on King Edward IV. He’s my favorite English King. I recently found a book printed in 1935 by George Smith about the coronation of Queen Consort Elizabeth Wydeville. It’s a contemporary account of her coronation and banquet. It’s a fascinating little book. Thank you for the fascinating insight into King Johns life, death and final resting place.

Great video. Thanks.

most interesting!

What a fabulous video, I really enjoyed it. Thank you.

Allan, I absolutely love your content and the obvious amount of research that must go into each video. I’d love if you’d consider a video focused on the history of ‘cloth of gold’… seems like there must be a lot there given it’s prominence in ceremonies and funeral shrouds. Thanks!

Very interesting stuff. really gets you to be in a reflective mood.

Thank you Allan for a fascinating talk on King John, I have read a great deal on this King and he has been given a raw deal from history. I found this enthralling such a shame isn't it that people just have to desecrate graves.

Hi Allen, I just found your cannel today... I've been binge watching ever since... Cheers bro...

King John is my 24 x Great Grandfather, confirmed by the same company that did the research on BBC programme, who do you think you are. I have visited his tomb and the cathedral is beautiful. May not of been the best King but it is what it is. Proud of my royal blood and Saint Margaret of Scotland is also one of my Great Grandmothers.

Allan, thanks for this thorough account of the much maligned King John. That any of his skeletal remains have survived 800 years is a miracle in itself. The tendency for people to want to take a souvenir seems embedded in human nature. Perhaps guilt (or 'bad luck' which may have followed the desecration of a King's remains) got the better of some explaining why a few teeth and a thumb bone were returned to the cathedral! I very much appreciate the detail, thought and research you put into these videos. Many thanks!

Yay! Good morning Dr Barton!

Amazing vídeo

Thanks, Allan!

to have your father, who could give you any lands he wanted, call you lack land christmas must have been fun with these guys (see: Lion in Winter for some fun fan fiction)

Hi Alan, happy new year from Dublin. Many thanks for another great video. I've always had a lot of symapathy for John so thanks for adding to my knowledge of him. Looking forward as always to your next posting

Well done Sir

Oh my I seem to have found myself in a new rabbithole. Good content!

I love your videos.

OK....need a little help here. I heard the mention of the Temple Church and the figures on the floor identified as "tombs". I have also heard that these same items were "memorials" as they had no human remains interred beneath them. Anybody know of a resource that can resolve this? Help?

I like finding knowing more about monarchs I am descended from. King John is one of the last in my family. I take some pride in him being the one that signed the Magna Carte, maybe under duress, but he signed it.

So interesting. John is my 23rd Great Grandfather. While I live in the States, I've been to some of the ancient Plantagenet tombs just to say "Hi."

I have a lot of sympathy for John

A surfeit of peaches sounds a lot more pleasant than a surfeit of lampreys.

Thanks =. That was interesting

Excellent work Allan. Thank you. Worcester is on my list for a visit. No not a fan of John. Prince Arthur is the ultimate what if? ⭐️

Yes, I’m another one who has more favourable view of John than some historians would adhere to; but as a direct (blood) descendant of his and the Plantagenets, maybe it’s my duty! 😂 Thank you for such an interesting and in-depth video.

Wahey! Nice! Visited Worcester not that long ago. 😊

King john is my 26th Great grandfather, 70+ seperatly over. I felt sorry for King John ❤

I love the jaunty tilt of his crown

I’ve heard that the nursery rhyme “Jack Sprat could eat no fat, his wife could eat no lean. And so between them both you see, they licked the platter clean“ refers to John and his wife Isabel d’Angouleme and their high taxes and melting down the church plate to pay the enormous ransom to Emperor Henry VI for release of John’s brother, Richard the Lionheart. This would of course have left his reign in financial trouble, adding to his difficulties. He also had bad luck having one of France’s greatest kings, Philippe II Auguste, as his enemy in France.

If my research is correct, I’m a descendent of King John, so I have a certain fascination with him.

Excellent commentary thank you. I cant resist saying (in case no one else has below) that I was under the impression King John had died from a 'surfeit of lamphreys'!

Thank you T.A. for this video I've not been to your channel before but I've just subscribed on the basis that I ❤our history especially kings and queens and your research and presentation is sooo good. I will look forward to watching your previous work and future videos -how do I obtain a copy of the magazine again? It looks really good like your channel and I would be very interested in reading them. 😊❤

Very, very interesting. Well done and certainly well presented. Alas, I tried to order your publication but it is sold out.

Wasn't William the conqueror buried in Caen? I might be wrong but i went there last year . All thats buried is a Femur as the grave was desecrated in the French revolution . Minor point i know , great vid as usual .

To my eye the straps at the ankles depicted on the effigy are spur leathers rather than laces for buskins.

What a GREAT Video about King John! He had a "Post card sized will", eh? Sound like King John traveled light. Consider me subscribed, Sir!

Increadible video

Recently reading Dan Jones's history of the Plantagenets and definitely John doesn't seem to be markedly worse than any of the other bad Plantagenets. I think this is a case of really bad PR that never got revisited.

I wonder if in like 400 years of so they open the tombs of monarchs or important people of this era.

King John was basically a scapegoat. Maybe he could have humbled himself before Philip but that would probably have been too much to ask.

John couldn't have been that bad a king considering the Great Western Railway named one of their 6000 Class express locomotives after him.

Thanks for the interesting video. He was my ancestor (like millions of others) through his daughter Joan whom he married to Llewellyn ap Iowerth therefore i must say only good things about him!

King John is my 22nd Great Grandfather.

loved this but have a question. everything i read about John's first wife Isabel of Gloucester says that she was interred at Canterbury Cathedral. is there s monument, cenotaph or even an inscription to indicate that this daughter in law of Henry II is buried at Canterbury?