King John (1166–1216), known as John Lackland, was King of England from 1199 until his death. He was the youngest son of Henry II and succeeded his brother Richard I (Richard the Lionheart).
Royal Ancestry and Lineage
Through extended royal genealogical lines, King John is identified as an ancestor within the Davenport and McCain ancestral networks. His lineage connects through the Norman and early Capetian royal houses, including:
- Henry II of England
- William the Conqueror
- Hugh Capet (King of the Franks)
- Robert I of France
- Hugh the Great
- Henry I of France
- Robert II of France
- Philip I of France
His marriage to Isabella of Angoulême further connected him to French royal lineage, including descent from Louis VI of France.
Historical Context
King John’s reign is remembered for major conflicts with the English barons and the Church, culminating in the sealing of the Magna Carta in 1215. He was excommunicated by Pope Innocent III but later reconciled with the Church before his death.
He has been depicted in literature such as Ivanhoe, Shakespeare’s King John, and Robin Hood traditions, often in a critical or antagonistic role.
King John died in 1216, likely from dysentery.
Originally posted on the Davenport Family Facebook Group on 07/16/16