Stephen Langton, English Chancellor of the University of Paris, was made Archbishop of Canterbury, but, owing to the king’s opposition, did not enter into possession till 1213, when John was obliged to give way. Langton formed a solemn league with the English barons against the king’s tyranny; and the Great Charter of English liberty which they drew up was signed by John at Runnymead, near Windsor, in 1215. In the Great Charter the first idea of the House of Lords is drawn out.
ROGER BACON.
Born 1214.—Died 1294.
A Franciscan monk, born at Ilchester, in Somersetshire. A natural philosopher and man of science. He is acknowledged to have introduced the study of chemistry into England, and was the first to combine the ingredients of gunpowder, though he did not foresee to what the discovery would lead.
SIMON DE MONTFORT,
Died 1265.—Henry III.
Earl of Leicester, headed a rebellion against King Henry III., whom he defeated and took prisoner, with his son, Prince Edward, in a battle at Lewes. During the king’s imprisonment he called together a Parliament, the first to which the boroughs sent members. Prince Edward soon after this escaped, and collecting an army, attacked Montfort near Evesham, who, although he was an experienced general, was utterly defeated, and he and one of his sons were killed and almost torn to pieces.
LLEWELLYN,
Died 1282.—Henry III.—Edward I.
The last king of Wales, who refusing to do homage to King Edward I., was attacked by him, and taken prisoner to London. He was released on paying a heavy tribute and giving up the whole of Wales, excepting the island of Angelsea; resisting the heavy yoke put upon him, he was surprised and slain a few years afterwards, in 1282.