The pledges of Henry the First had long been forgotten when the Justiciar brought them to light, but Langton saw the vast importance of such a precedent.

At the close of the month he produced Henry's charter in a fresh gathering of barons at St.Paul's, and it was at once welcomed as a base for the needed reforms.

From London Langton hastened to the king, whom he reached at Northampton on his way to attack the nobles of the north, and wrested from him a promise to bring his strife with them to legal judgement before assailing them in arms.

With his allies gathering abroad John had doubtless no wish to be entangled in a long quarrel at home, and the Archbishop's mediation allowed him to withdraw with seeming dignity.

After a demonstration therefore at Durham John marched hastily south again, and reached London in October.