Explain how the relationship between the monarchy and the barons changed during the reigns of Stephen (1135-1154) and John (1214-1216).

Introduction:
The Norman Conquest of 1066 saw the establishment of a strong, centralised monarchy in England under William the Conqueror. William I, and his successors like Henry I, maintained control over the barons through a combination of granting and revoking lands, building castles, and demanding loyalty. This system created a relationship where the king held the upper hand.
Thesis Statement: However, the reigns of Stephen and John marked a significant shift in this dynamic. Stephen’s reign descended into a period of civil war which weakened royal authority and allowed the barons to seize power. John’s autocratic rule ignited a baronial revolt that culminated in Magna Carta, a document that established limitations on royal power and asserted baronial rights.

Stephen's Reign (1135-1154)

I. The Anarchy and the Weakening of Royal Authority:
Stephen’s contested claim to the throne after the death of Henry I plunged England into a period of civil war known as “The Anarchy”. This conflict had a profound impact on the relationship between the monarchy and the barons. Stephen’s claim was challenged by his cousin, Matilda of Boulogne, and the barons were forced to choose sides. This division severely undermined Stephen’s authority and allowed powerful barons to act independently, seizing land, building castles without permission, and raising their own armies.
Example: One notable example is Robert of Gloucester, an illegitimate son of Henry I, who controlled vast estates and became a key supporter of Matilda. He defied Stephen openly, acting as a rival king in his own right.

II. Stephen’s Attempts to Assert Control:
Stephen attempted to consolidate his power by granting favours and privileges to those who supported him. While this strategy temporarily won over some barons, it ultimately backfired. The constant concessions weakened the monarchy both financially and politically. Furthermore, these actions created resentment among other barons who felt they were being overlooked, further fueling instability and conflict.

John's Reign (1214-1216)

I. John's Autocratic Rule and Baronial Resentment:
John, unlike Stephen, inherited a relatively stable kingdom. However, his reign was marked by a resurgence of royal power exercised through often ruthless and unpopular means. John was determined to regain the lands lost in France and waged costly wars that required him to impose heavy taxes on the barons, often without their consent. This disregard for traditional feudal customs, which stressed consultation and agreement between the king and his barons, angered the very men who provided the knights and resources for his wars.
II. Magna Carta and the Limitation of Royal Power:
John’s autocratic tendencies extended beyond taxation. His arbitrary and unjust rule, including imprisoning opponents without trial and seizing land without due process, led to widespread baronial rebellion. In 1215, this unrest culminated in the barons forcing John to agree to Magna Carta (the Great Charter). This document is significant because it represents the first time a King of England was forced to acknowledge the limitations of his power and recognize the rights of his subjects, particularly the barons.
Key Provisions: Key provisions of Magna Carta included the guarantee of due process of law (no free man could be imprisoned without trial), limitations on the king’s ability to levy taxes without the consent of the “common counsel” (a precursor to Parliament), and access to swift justice. Though Magna Carta was primarily focused on baronial rights, its principles resonated more broadly and had lasting implications for the development of English law and government.

Conclusion:
The reigns of Stephen and John were tumultuous periods in English history that significantly altered the balance of power between the monarchy and the barons. Both Stephen’s weakness during the Anarchy and John’s heavy-handed rule created environments where baronial power could flourish. Stephen's reign demonstrated that the monarchy relied on the support of the barons to maintain stability. John's reign, culminating in Magna Carta, established the principle that even the king was subject to the law and could not rule solely by his own will. This marked a turning point in English history, laying the groundwork for the development of a more limited monarchy and, eventually, a parliamentary system of government.