of conditions existing three centuries separated from their writing, is evident to any one. To give an account of John's reign and explain his charter without setting out in some measure the conditions giving rise to the times, would not accomplish the purpose of any work upon the Magna Charta. A short account of the early history of England showing the causes that in themselves were by the nature of things bound to result as they did, must of necessity preface any description of the charters themselves, for without setting forth, chronologically and in proper order, the most important of these happenings and events, which were the causes of the granting of the charter, would be to so place the matter before the reader that it could not be intelligently understood. Of course all history had its value in the granting of this charter. One thing led up to another, one cause was the result of another, as it always is, and the final act of John was only the culmination of years of events, so conducted and so hap result in any But of course pening that they could not manner other than they did. there were some things more than others that exerted their influence. Some events and acts had a stronger and more lasting effect, and as such should be given that prominence which in a case of this kind they deserve. The obtaining of the charter from John was, of course, the final act of the whole history of England preceding it, but in order to understand intelligently the charter, and how it was obtained, will not compel a studied review of the details of history. It is to trace out those acts and events which of themselves are entitled to this prominence, and so show them in their proper light and relation to the subject that I have prepared this treatise. What, therefore, may be expected in my work will be a short, concise and accurate account of the most important facts, causes, circumstances and conditions, from the earliest important date, which in any way had its influence upon the granting of the Magna Charta, down to the time of King John, and culminating in that monarch's grant. I have also followed the subject from John's death through the reign of his son, Henry III., to its final establishment in the reign of Edward I., since which time it may be considered as most effectually settled and established. I have also in my work endeavored to obliterate any and all technical language, and to so set the matter out that any one can readily understand that of which I have written. The works of Blackstone, Coke and Thomson require somewhat of a legal knowledge to understand and appreciate their language and terms. I have avoided that and have made a short book, I hope of interest to the general reader, which can be read readily and quickly, and at the same time possesses all the facts and truths together with the authorities. No claim is made for originality, but solely for research, which has been exhaus tive in every line I can pursue. All discrepancies and errors which have come to my notice in other works and articles I have tried to correct, using to help me the authorities I have cited. It is with the hope that the work will fill a want which originated in my own desire to obtain this knowledge, and which caused me to undertake the work, that I conclude my task, and present it to the public, for such use and such criticism as they shall deem fit to bestow upon it. BOYD C. BARRINGTON. PHILADELPHIA, July 31, 1899. TABLE OF CONTENTS. The First Great Charter of King Henry III. · 254 The Second Great Charter of King Henry III. 268 The Third Great Charter of King Henry III. . 282 First Forest Charter of King Henry III. First Great Charter of King Edward I. Confirmation Charter of King Edward I. Sentence of Curse Given by the Bishops Against the Breakers of the Charters 13 |