Magna Carta, imposed on King John by his barons in 1215, is widely regarded as the foundation of the British constitution. This is the classic study of the origins of the rebellion which culminated in the events at Runnymede. Holt investigates the causes of the baronial revolt and explores the social and administrative setting of the northern shires and their landed families. Drawing on recent research on border societies, Holt's introduction to the paperback offers new insights into the organization of the northern barons.