Why does a great and terrible king need Magna Carta?
'With the common agreement of all the realm...'

Hello again. I see my dear Master Matthew was right about how you keep returning at the time of the most important events. Yes it is I – Maurice but I have aged during these past 30 years whereas you have hardly aged a day! I find myself in need of your help once again. The chronicle continues to chart the events of our time but I find myself puzzled now in 1297. It concerns our mighty king, Edward. He has been king since 1272. He has been called a ‘Great and Terrible’ King. He has been great in his rule and terrible to his enemies the fiery Welsh princes and the proud Scots. He has also been a model ruler. Parliament has met regularly in Edward’s reign, so that the people can see how the kingdom is ruled. Edward has reformed and improved government and the law. This is why I am a little puzzled as to why this great king feels that he now needs to re-issue Magna Carta. Has he lost the support of the barons or the people? Is it because of the demands of war? Or is the system of government working well, allowing the king’s subjects to make him aware of their concerns? One last time I ask you to look at the events I have recorded and complete the chronicle to explain these events. I have used all my influence to persuade the king and the noble baron Roger Bigod to talk to you about these events and I have collected some more documents for you to study and I would be grateful for your advice and help in completing the chronicle.