The rebellion of 1215

• John returned in 1214 to find his barons in a rebellious mood and his failure in Normandy angered the barons who had majorly contributed money to it
• John’s justiciar, Peter des Roches, had alienated the barons and demanded the barons who were not on campaign to pay the scutage
• A group of rebels led by Eustace de Vesci had emerged in November 1214, attempting to get John to confirm the Coronation Charter of Henry I, where the king promised good government and to respect the realm’s customs
• In January 1215, John met the barons in London but refused to confirm the charter and instead took crusader vows on 4th March to put him under protection of the church
• In April 1215 a rebel army gathered in Northamptonshire to send further demands to John, with about 39 of his barons and 1400 knights, but John received letters of papal support
• On 5th May the rebels renounced their oath of fealty and chose Robert Fitz Walter as their leader, where they attempted and failed to seize the castle at Northampton
• On 17th May the rebels captured London