The plot of 1212

• n 1209-12, John led campaigns in Ireland and Wales to take control of the lands that he had granted to William de Braose
• In the campaign, Llywelyn (Prince of Wales) had seized land for himself, so John invaded Wales and demanded Llywelyn to hand over his son as hostage to ensure good behaviour
• Llywelyn made an agreement in 1212 with Philip II to work with the French king against John
• John prepared to launch an attack on Wales when he learnt that Llywelyn was in league with Eustace de Vesci and Robert Fitz Walter, barons who hatched a plot to kill him
• Both men were angry about John’s attempts to seduce their female relations
• John cancelled his Welsh campaign and marched north to re-establish his authority; both Fitz Walter and de Vesci fled into exile