#OTD October 18/19 1216 King John dies

King John of England died at Newark Castle on the evening of October 18/19 in 1216.

Effigy on King John's tomb

On campaign in eastern England fighting rebellious barons and a French invasion, King John developed dysentery. It may have struck him by October 11 when he departed Lynn (now known as King's Lynn) and started northeast. He lost his baggage train in The Wash that day, which may have exacerbated the illness. By October 15 his army had marched to Sleaford. John was so ill, he had to be carried in a litter from there to Newark Castle. 

Check out a few of my earlier posts about this not-so-beloved king: 

• Research snippets: John, Count of Mortain, traitor turned loyal brother
• John crowned King of England 27 May 1199 (with an excerpt from Swords of the King)
• Research gems: the scallawag, John, King of England
• Research snippets - King John
• Bits & pieces on King John