King Canute enacted a memorable demonstration of the limits of government power.

William the Conqueror’s purge of the English Church was halted by a humble bishop and a dead king.

Hospitality and sympathy, but no help - the Byzantine Emperor learns a bitter lesson about western diplomacy.

Lady Jane Grey’s accession was almost instantly overturned.

Peter de Brus and his tenants agreed to work together after King John ordered a crackdown on unpaid rents.

King John promised his nobles respect, but he was not a man to regard his word as his bond.