CHAPTER ELEVEN

“This is a great honour you bestow upon us by visiting our humble abbey.”

Archbishop Stephen Langton stared somewhat unconvincingly at the person who had made this statement - in fact none other than Abbot Roger. He had had a long journey but it was essential that he sought the advice of this highly intelligent yet pragmatic cleric.

“Humble indeed?” commented Langton “If I were not in England I would think it was the Vatican if indeed not a King’s Palace. You certainly do yourself proud here, no wonder the monks think the World of you. Not much spiritual suffering here, no sackcloth and ashes.”

“Is a wearing away of the flesh, total abstinence and self denial good for any human being, your Grace?”

“Well, well let us not dwell on theological matters, I have come to see you on a more direct political issue. Inspite of your less than orthodox approach to religion I do value your clear mind.”

“Thank-you your Grace. In that case I suggest that you join me in my quarters.”

“By the way Roger who is that young lady who welcomed us - hardly a nun I would think.”

“You mean Reasea. A good point, it would be useful if she joined us in our discussions. Whenever I have had problems, felt unable to decide on some major concern Reasea has always provided me with inspiration. She is a very bright individual.”

“Do you mean for a woman, master Abbott?”

“No, your grace, she is as shrewd, intelligent and determined as any human being - mentally more astute and effective than most men I have met.”

“And you know her well?”

“She is a friend your Grace.”

“Ah, I see a friend. I value your advice Roger so I will not inquire any further but I hope that you have kept strictly to your monastic vows. I hold you to that you know, I am regarded as a reforming Archbishop. The Canterbury seat has been given
rather more credence since my incumbency and I would wish that situation to remain.”

“ I behave towards my fellow man as I hope he would behave towards me, your Grace.”

“And your fellow woman?”

“We are all God’s children. Our Lord’s message was to us all.”

“Of course, of course, Roger” snapped Langton “I don’t require a lecture, I hope that I am familiar with the Gospel teachings and as your superior allow me to make my own theological observations.”

“Anyway your Grace you have need of a clear mind or rather minds at the moment, I trust?”

“Eh, yes, it is important. If you think that the young person can be of help in our deliberations, Rea....”

“Reasea, your Grace. Yes I suggest that we ask her in, she is discretion personified.”

“Then bring her in, we have very little time and what we do now will have significant repercussion on this Kingdom, indeed this land of ours.”

A few moments later the Archbishop, the Abbott and the beautiful Reasea were all seated together in Roger’s apartments. They were all deep in thought staring fixedly at the pieces of parchment that Stephen Langton had placed on the table.

“You see” confided Langton “unless this England that we all love and honour is not to be torn asunder by evil strife then we needs must strike a compromise between monarch and baronial rebels.”

“Might not the King defeat his enemies in the field?” inquired Reasea brightly “I hear that a number of very effective mercenaries have been brought up by the Lord John. In addition he appears to have very useful support from the more moderate and well respected members of the nobility. Why the Earl of Pembroke William the Marshal is so full of years and distinction that his merits surely outweigh most of the opposition.”

“Yes my good young woman” acknowledged Langton “I understand, indeed hear what you say. However, there is much seething discontent among the rebels that
even victory in battle could not entirely quell. We need to have some sort of a compromise situation if not sooner than no more slightly later. The power of the King is quite excessive and even that fierce unyielding ruler Henry I agreed a Charter when he came to the throne over a hundred years ago.”

“Yes except your Grace” responded Reasea “Henry purposely agreed that Charter to draw up support for his own claim to the throne. It is still a puzzle to many as to how his brother William Rufus came to die in the New Forest. I am sure the new King realised that he had to placate a number of people in strategic positions otherwise he would run into trouble. As I am certain you are aware once he was firmly on the throne he virtually ignored the document - why how many people have even heard of it today?”

“Point taken!” snapped Langton “God” he thought “how is this woman so damned knowledgeable? She knows more than most of the King’s counsellors and advisors.” “Ah, indeed” continued the Archbishop out loud “but I think that both yourself and the Abbott would agree the old Charter provides a good basis on which to produce a new compromise one for our King John. For instance old King Henry’s document has quite a bit to say about reliefs and wardship and marriage and debts to the crown and the restoration of the ‘Law of King Edward’.”

“Well, well” interjected Roger “going back to the saintly Edward, the Confessor. He died in 1066, that’s close on 150 years and in any case he was a Saxon King albeit he was of mixed blood brought up abroad and friendly with the Normans. Still, Archbishop, I see your point the issues raised in the old Charter would be of decided interest to the baronial rebels.”

“Indeed they would. therefore, I suggest without further ado we seek to produce an acceptable document that will satisfy both the King and his opponents.”

“In that case let us seek to bind strategic parts of the Country to the King.” suggested Roger “London is a good example. It is essential that the great city should show unwavering allegiance to the Crown. I suggest that we buy that loyalty. What say you Reasea?”

“I’m in total agreement there Roger. How about something like this ‘The City of London shall have all its ancient liberties and free customs as well by land as by
water. Furthermore, we will grant that all other cities, boroughs, towns, and ports shall have all their liberties and free customs’.”

“Good, good” murmured Stephen Langton “I can see that this was a wise decision in bringing you into our discussions, my girl.”

“Thank you, your Grace” smiled Reasea “ I think that we can gain baronial support if we include the following clause ‘No shield money or money payment in general shall be imposed in the Kingdom unless by approved common counsel, except for ransoming the King, making the King’s eldest son a knight and for once marrying the King’s eldest daughter. Even for these only a reasonable amount shall be levied’.”

“Ye---s” mouthed Langton “I see the point - yes the King might just about acquiesce to that.”

The three determined scholars commenced working away at the draft Charter. What had appeared a very difficult task in the early stages gradually became more feasible. There was a general feel that now something was being hammered-out, something which may well prove more or less acceptable to both parties. Still, as Reasea had surmised earlier the King could well be victorious in the field, his enemies could be bowing low before the monarch’s ferocious routiers - not much need for a Great Charter then. However, even if the noble John won through he may want a fall-back position to placate any potential further rebellions. The latter was uppermost in the minds of the Archbishop, the Abbott, and the young woman as they exercised their intelligence to the full. The previous century had contained a number of incredible personalities and life had seldom been dull whether at Home or Abroad where Richard the Lionheart had made won in the Crusades. Now, however, England was in a state of turmoil, changes could well be taking place that might have far reaching repercussions if not for the common tiller of the land then certainly for the way the country was governed.

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