War propaganda, 1214


John’s letter to his barons in England who had refused to accompany him on his failed military campaign to France. 9 July 1214 (C 66/12)

Transcript

The king [sends] greeting[s] to all his earls, barons, knights, and other faithful men constituted throughout the realm of England. Know that we are healthy and uninjured, and that everything amongst us is prosperous and joyous through the grace of God. We send many thanks to those amongst you who have sent your knights to us in our service and for the protection and winning of our rights, and we ask most attentively, just as you value our honour, that those of you who have not crossed over with us, come to us without delay to the aid of our land which needs to be won over, all apart from those who with the counsel of our venerable fathers P. bishop of Winchester, our justice, J. bishop of Norwich, Master R. Marsh and W. Brewer, and of other of our faithful men, are to stay behind in England. Acting thenceforth in such a way that we are held in perpetual gratitude towards you. If indeed any of you may think that we harbour rancour in our soul against him, he will have such rancour entirely remitted by coming to us. And as a testimony to this business, etc. Witness as above.

Original translation by Maroula Perisanidi.

Simplified transcript

The king sends greetings to his earls, barons, knights and other faithful men throughout the realm of England. Know that we are in good health and uninjured, and that everything is prosperous and joyous with us through the grace of God. We send thanks to those amongst you who have sent your knights to serve with us, for the protection and winning of our rights. We ask most attentively, as you value our honour, that those of you who have not crossed over with us, come to us without delay to the aid of our land which needs to be defended. We ask that you act from now on in such a way that we will forever owe you our gratitude. If any of you think that we hold hatred in our hearts against you, by coming to our aid this hatred will be removed.

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