John
John (1167?-1216), often called John Lackland, is remembered as one of England's worst kings and as the king who granted Magna Carta, the famous charter of liberties. John was unpredictable and often cruel, but he showed administrative ability. He improved methods of tax collection and financial recordkeeping, and strengthened the courts of law. John, the youngest son of King Henry II, succeeded his brother Richard the Lion-Hearted as king of England in 1199.
Excerpt adapted from the "John" article, The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999