When Henry II in dividing his realm left his youngest son, John,
dependent on the generousity of his brothers, he jestingly gave him
the surname of "Lackland" (S171). The nickname continued to cling to
him even after he had become King of England and had also secured
Normandy and several adjacent provinces in France.
The reign of the new King was taken up mainly with three momentous
quarrels: first, with France; next, with the Pope; lastly, with the
barons. By his quarrel with France he lost Normandy and the greater
part of the adjoining provinces, thus becoming in a new sense John
Lackland. By his quarrel with the Pope he was humbled to the earth.
By his quarrel with the barons he was forced to grant England the
Great Charter.