The Executive 269
John would have with Henry Lfs charter
not been discovered it Is hard to teli It a
time since 1154* and a charter of in mind.
The barons had long felt John's violation
of feudal customs but they about with
no practical expedient in of the
extremity of expulsion from the throne. Then
Langton found the old charter, the
forthwith sentiment crystallised about the charter Idea.
The mere mention, however, of something about
the rising of 1215 tends to of It.
It was mainly a feudal revolt; the Ms
contract, and his vassals proposed to him In
some way to keep it, or sever their with
and take to themselves a new overlord.
The Charter1 of course reflects its origin* The early
articles are predominantly feudal show the use that
was being made of Henry's charter. Like William II.,
John had abused the feudal the
correction^ set forth with and detail. But on
Ing article twelve, something Is not contained in
the earlier document. This article touched a major
grievance, and well illustrates the principle upon which
the whole document was based. Its meaning Is clear
when viewed in the light of the king's relations with his
vassals In the matter of scutage and service abroad.
No scutage or aid shall be imposed in our kingdom unless
by common counsel of our kingdom, except for ransoming
our person, for making our eldest son a knight, and for once
marrying our eldest daughter; and for these there shall not
be more than a reasonable aid. In like manner it shall be
done concerning aids from the city of London.3
This is a statement of the feudal principle that no pay-
• ments beyond those established In custom could be levied
* A. and S., document 29; W. and N.» pp. 380^396,
2 For the reason for mentioning London in this feudal connection, see
Adams in English Historical Renew', xix., 702-706,