DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.71755#0046
42
THE BARONS' WAR
CHAP. II
PART II
The Alienation of London from the Crown
Even in the days of William the Conqueror the city
of London was of sufficient importance for him to think
it wise to confirm its privileges by royal charter,1 and
since that time it had been steadily growing in political
power and influence. One privilege after another had
been accorded to it, until its position among the English
cities had become unique. Even John, during the early
years of his reign, had wooed it zealously and sought to
beautify it.2 The immediate result of his unwise change
of policy had been the adhesion of the city to the barons,
which in turn was followed by a great defection from
the royal party; three weeks later John found himself
compelled to sign the Magna Charta.3 In this document
London received additional proofs of its great impor-
tance: its mayor became one of the Charter's chosen
guardians; it obtained the same privileges as the barons
in the imposition of aids; and in common with other
cities and towns it received the confirmation of its an-
cient liberties and customs.4
1 Sel. Chart., pp. 82, 83.
2 Pauli, Gesch. von Eng., III., p. 484.
8 Stubbs' Const. Hist., I, p. 569. Cf. Pauli, Gesch. von Eng., III.,
p. 432.
4 Sel. Chart., arts. 12, 13, pp. 298, 306. Stat, of Realm, I., p. 10.
Rymer, I., p. 131.
THE BARONS' WAR
CHAP. II
PART II
The Alienation of London from the Crown
Even in the days of William the Conqueror the city
of London was of sufficient importance for him to think
it wise to confirm its privileges by royal charter,1 and
since that time it had been steadily growing in political
power and influence. One privilege after another had
been accorded to it, until its position among the English
cities had become unique. Even John, during the early
years of his reign, had wooed it zealously and sought to
beautify it.2 The immediate result of his unwise change
of policy had been the adhesion of the city to the barons,
which in turn was followed by a great defection from
the royal party; three weeks later John found himself
compelled to sign the Magna Charta.3 In this document
London received additional proofs of its great impor-
tance: its mayor became one of the Charter's chosen
guardians; it obtained the same privileges as the barons
in the imposition of aids; and in common with other
cities and towns it received the confirmation of its an-
cient liberties and customs.4
1 Sel. Chart., pp. 82, 83.
2 Pauli, Gesch. von Eng., III., p. 484.
8 Stubbs' Const. Hist., I, p. 569. Cf. Pauli, Gesch. von Eng., III.,
p. 432.
4 Sel. Chart., arts. 12, 13, pp. 298, 306. Stat, of Realm, I., p. 10.
Rymer, I., p. 131.