King John

King John of England, who reigned from 1199 to 1216, is often remembered as one of the most disastrous monarchs in British history. His reign was marked by conflict with his barons, leading to the creation of the Magna Carta in 1215, a foundational document asserting the principle that the king was not above the law. John's failure to maintain control over his territories and his unpopular taxation policies ultimately led to civil unrest and his eventual loss of power.