The Rest Is History 62. Magna Carta
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Jun 10, 2021 
Ted Vallance, a Professor of History at Roehampton University and expert on medieval Britain, dives into the legacy of the Magna Carta. He explores King John's notorious reign and how the charter emerged as a reaction to tyranny. Vallance discusses the contrasting views on its relevance today, from a symbol of elite privilege to a beacon of universal rights. The conversation highlights its historical evolution and enduring impact on modern democracy, shaping our understanding of governance and individual liberties.
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John Among the Most Evil
- King John was featured in a Channel 5 documentary called "Most Evil Men in History".
- He appeared alongside figures like Stalin, Hitler, and Pol Pot, which Dominic Sandbrook considers excessive.
A Tyrant's Cruelty
- King John, while a tyrant, imprisoned and starved a mother and son to death.
- The mother resorted to cannibalism, highlighting John's cruelty but also prompting questions of responsibility.
John's "Shitty" Character
- John Gillingham, a historian, called King John "a shit."
- John enjoyed tormenting loyal figures like William Marshall with false stories of their friends' deaths.