What Did The Victorians Think Of King John?

Answer 1

Victorians generally viewed King John as a tyrannical and ineffective ruler, largely due to the negative portrayal of him in historical accounts and literature. His reputation was shaped by events like the signing of the Magna Carta, which was seen as a crucial moment in limiting royal power and establishing the rule of law. This perception was reinforced by William Shakespeare's depiction of King John as a weak and unscrupulous leader in his play. Overall, the Victorians used King John as a cautionary example of the dangers of absolute monarchy and the importance of constitutional governance.