Finally, at least for the purposes of this list, a good king or queen surrounds him or herself with good advisers and wise counsel.They expanded English common law and, in the case of Henry I, began undoing some of the damage done by William the Conqueror. This is what made Henry I, Henry II and Edward III such great kings. Another important kingly quality is being mindful of the laws and customs of the land.Many 'great' English kings taxed the English people far too much in order to wage wars overseas, neglecting the important domestic business in favor of marshal glory. This is where a king like Richard I falls regrettably short, taxing his people far too much to go off on crusades, not to mention pay his king's ransom after being captured on his return voyage. Being able to win wars without bankrupting one's country is also an important part of being a good king.(I don't think he was the worst, but he was a terrible commander and lost almost all England's continental lands.) This is why kings like Richard I Lionheart and Edward I Longshanks are so renowned, and why King John is often considered one of-if not the-worst kings of England. To some degree, martial prowess and the ability to maintain lands and defend them from enemies makes for a good king.
