Britain 1066-1500

Cite
Save
Share This
Email this content

Share Link

Copy this link, or click below to email it to a friend
Email this content
or copy the link directly:

https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780191736230.timeline.0001?p=emailAa9ZtgQ73D.S.&d=/10.1093/acref/9780191736230.timeline.0001
The link was not copied. Your current browser may not support copying via this button.

Link copied successfully

Timeline: Britain 1066-1500

Years: 1066 - 1499	Subject: History, Regional and National History
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191736230

Jump to a year:

BCE CE

Year	Event
1066	On his death bed in Westminster, Edward the Confessor designates Harold - foremost among England's barons - as his successor Go to Frederick II (1194–1250) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Edward the Confessor is buried in his new abbey church at Westminster, consecrated only the previous week Go to Westminster Abbey in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain On the day of Edward's burial, Harold is crowned king - almost certainly in the same abbey church at Westminster Go to Harold II (c. 1022–66) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Halley's comet, appearing in the Normans' annus mirabilis, is later depicted in the Bayeux tapestry Go to Halley's Comet (1P/Halley) in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Science Astronomy and space British Isles Europe France Britain Harold defeats at Stamford Bridge the joint army of his brother Tostig and of the Norwegian king, Harald Hardraade Go to Stamford Bridge, battle of (1066) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century War Battles British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Norway Rulers and politicians Britain The Normans, as seen in the Bayeux tapestry, invade England in Viking longships with fortified platforms for archers Go to Bayeux Tapestry in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Politics Conquest and colonization War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Rulers and politicians Britain Harold, hurrying south to confront the Normans after his victory at Stamford Bridge, is defeated and killed at Hastings Go to Harold II (c. 1022–66) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Battles British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain William the Conqueror is crowned on Christmas Day at Westminster - giving the new abbey church two coronations and a royal funeral in its first year Go to William I (1028–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
c. 1080	Work begins on the story of the Norman conquest, narrated in embroidery in the Bayeux tapestry Go to Bayeux Tapestry in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Arts Decorative arts British art British Isles French art Europe France Britain Norman earls are given territories on the marches of Wales, with the specific task of raiding their neighbours Go to Normans in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Politics Conquest and colonization Wales British Isles Europe Britain
1087	On the death of his father, William the Conqueror, William II becomes king of England Go to William II (c. 1056–1100) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The Domesday Book provides the Normans with an inventory of England Go to Domesday Book in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Medicine Commerce and industry British Isles Europe Society Britain
1093	Work begins on a new cathedral in Durham, which will become an outstanding example of Norman (or Romanesque) architecture Go to Durham in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Architecture British architecture British Isles Europe Britain
1100	On the death of his brother, William II, Henry I becomes king of England Go to Henry I (b. 1068) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1120	The White Ship strikes a rock off the Cherbourg peninsula drowning William the Aetheling, heir to the English throne Go to White Ship in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1135	On the death of Henry I, his nephew Stephen moves quickly to keep Henry's daughter Matilda off the English throne Go to Stephen , king of England (c.1097–1154) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
c. 1136	Walter FitzAlan takes a post as steward with the Scottish king, thus establishing the Stewart family and later dynasty Go to Stuart, house of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1154	Henry II, coming to the throne of England, is king or feudal overlord of an unbroken swathe of territory from the Tweed to the Pyrenees Go to Henry II (1133–89) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Rulers and politicians Britain
1162	Thomas Becket, Lord Chancellor to Henry II, is forced by the king to accept the vacant post of archbishop of Canterbury Go to Becket, Thomas (c. 1120–70) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1164	Thomas Becket, having offended the king by his firm stand as archbishop of Canterbury, flees to a monastery near Paris Go to Becket, Thomas (c. 1120–70) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
c. 1170	The English exchequer grows in importance under Henry II, taking its name from the table on which financial calculations are made Go to Exchequer in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Henry II arranges for the archbishop of York to crown his son, the 'Young King', as a joint ruler Go to Henry, the Young King (1155–83) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Thomas Becket, in France, suspends the English bishops who have participated in the coronation of the 'Young King' Go to Becket, Thomas (c. 1120–70) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain After an apparent reconciliation with Henry II, Thomas Becket leaves France and returns to Canterbury Go to Becket, Thomas (c. 1120–70) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Four knights, acting on an unguarded hint from Henry II, murder Thomas Becket on December 29 in his cathedral at Canterbury Go to Becket, St Thomas (?1120–70) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1171	The English king, Henry II, acknowledges Rhys ap Gruffydd as the lord of south Wales Go to Rhys ap Gruffydd (1132–97) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1174	The Scottish king, William the Lion, is captured raiding into Northumberland and is taken south with his feet tied beneath his horse Go to William I (1143–1214) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1175	The Gothic style is first seen in Britain in the new east end of Canterbury cathedral Go to Gothic in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Architecture British architecture British Isles Gothic Europe Britain
1176	Construction begins on London Bridge, the first stone bridge to be built across a tidal waterway Go to London bridge in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Technology Engineering British Isles Europe Britain The first known eisteddfod is held during Christmas festivities at Rhys ap Gruffydd's court in Cardigan castle Go to eisteddfod in A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Performing arts British Isles Europe Britain
1189	The English king Henry II is succeeded by his third son as Richard I Go to Richard I (b. 8 Sept. 1157) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1190	A year after succeeding to the throne of England, Richard I sets off east as one of the leaders of the third crusade Go to Crusades in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 12th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions Britain
1192	Richard I, returning from the Holy Land in disguise, is recognized in an inn near Vienna and is imprisoned until England pays a massive ransom Go to Richard I (b. 8 Sept. 1157) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Austria Rulers and politicians Britain
1199	On the death of his brother, Richard I, John becomes king of England Go to John (1167–1216) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
c. 1200	The longbow, a weapon of great use to English armies, is probably first developed in Wales Go to longbow in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century 13th century Weapons Wales British Isles Europe Britain
1215	John, the king of England, fixes his seal to Magna Carta, which the barons place before him in a meadow called Runnymede Go to Magna Carta in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain In Magna Carta's lesser clauses (39 and 40) there are enshrined certain basic guarantees concerning the rule of law Go to Magna Carta in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century British Isles Europe Britain
1216	On the death of his father, King John, Henry III becomes king of England Go to Henry III (1207–72) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
c. 1220	Llewellyn ap Iorwerth acquires such authority over other Welsh chieftains that he is informally referred to as the prince of Wales Go to prince of Wales in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1225	Magna Carta is reissued slightly modified when Henry III comes of age; in the version which becomes enshrined in English law Go to Henry III (b. 1 Oct. 1207) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1255	The pope, eager to fill the vacant throne of Sicily, offers it to a son of Henry III of England but gets no firm response Go to Henry III (1207–72) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Papacy British Isles Sicily Europe Italy Britain
1258	Henry III accepts severe curtailment of his powers in the Provisions of Oxford, but then asks the pope to absolve him from his oath Go to Henry III (1207–72) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Papacy British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1263	A Scottish victory over the Norwegians at Largs results in the recovery of the western isles Go to Largs, battle of (1263) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century War Battles Scotland British Isles Europe Norway Britain
1264	Simon de Montfort, leading the barons in rebellion, captures Henry III and his son Edward at Lewes Go to Montfort, Simon de, Earl of Leicester (c. 1208–65) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Protest and rebellion Battles British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1265	Prince Edward, escaping from captivity, defeats and kills Simon de Montfort at Evesham Go to Montfort, Simon de, Earl of Leicester (c. 1208–65) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Protest and rebellion Battles British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1267	In a treaty agreed at Shrewsbury, the English king Henry III acknowledges Llewellyn ap Gruffydd as the prince of Wales Go to prince of Wales in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1268	The first mention of a lens occurs in a manuscript by Roger Bacon, to be soon followed by the invention of spectacles Go to Bacon, Roger (c. 1214–92) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Technology Inventions and discoveries British Isles Europe Britain
1272	Edward I is in Sicily when he becomes king of England, on the death of his father, Henry III Go to Edward I (b. 18 June 1239) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles Sicily British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1282	An uprising by Llewellyn ap Gruffydd, the prince of Wales, ends with his own death and the subjugation of Wales by the king of England, Edward I Go to Edward I (b. 18 June 1239) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dynasties and royalty War Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1283	Edward I begins a series of powerful castles - Harlech, Caernarfon and Conwy in this year alone - to subdue the Welsh Go to Harlech castle in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Conquest and colonization Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1289	Edward I of England arranges for his 5-year-old heir to marry Margaret the Maid of Norway, the 7-year-old heiress to the kingdom of Scotland Go to Margaret, Maid of Norway (c. 1283–90) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Norway Rulers and politicians Britain
1290	The death of Margaret, child heiress to the Scottish throne, results in John de Balliol being chosen as king Go to John Balliol (b. c.1250) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The Jews in England are driven out of the country, soon to be followed by those in France Go to Jews in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Christianity Judaism British Isles Europe Britain
1295	The parliament summoned by Edward I in Westminster Hall is later seen as a 'model' for the breadth of its representation Go to Edward I (b. 18 June 1239) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Democracy and dissent British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1296	Edward I invades Scotland, massacres the people of Berwick, captures John de Balliol and brings to Westminster the Stone of Scone Go to Scone, stone of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1297	William Wallace's victory over the English at Stirling Bridge enables him to rule Scotland on behalf of John de Balliol Go to Wallace, William (d. 1305) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Battles Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1298	The English longbow, in one of its early appearances, proves too much for the Scots at Falkirk Go to longbow in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Weapons Scotland British Isles Europe Britain Edward I's victory at Falkirk ends the career of William Wallace, of whom nothing more is heard until his capture and execution in 1305 Go to Wallace, William (d. 1305) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century War Battles Scotland British Isles Europe Britain
1299	Southampton boasts the earliest known bowling green, mentioned in a document of this year Go to bowls in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Sports and games British Isles Europe Society Britain
c. 1300	The Early English phase in Gothic architecture gives way to the Decorated style Go to Decorated style in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century 14th century Architecture British architecture British Isles Gothic Europe Britain Duns Scotus, known as the Subtle Doctor in medieval times, later provides humanists with the name Dunsman or dunce Go to Duns Scotus, Bl Johannes (c.1265–1308) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century 14th century Literature English literature Literature in English Philosophy British Isles Europe Britain
1301	Edward I, conqueror of Wales, bestows the cherished title 'prince of Wales' on his own heir, the future Edward II Go to prince of Wales in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1306	After the murder of his rival, in a church in Dumfries, Robert de Bruce is crowned king of Scots at Scone Go to Robert I (‘the Bruce’) (b. 11 July 1274) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Terrorism and assassination Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1307	The English king Edward I dies campaigning near Carlisle, on an expedition north against his Scottish rival Robert the Bruce Go to Edward I (b. 18 June 1239) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain On the death of his father, Edward I, Edward II becomes king of England Go to miniature painting in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1314	After years of guerrilla warfare, Robert de Bruce defeats the English conclusively at Bannockburn - and becomes at last secure in his kingdom Go to Robert I (‘the Bruce’) (b. 11 July 1274) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Battles Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1326	Edward II is captured and imprisoned by his queen, Isabella, and her lover, Mortimer Go to miniature painting in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1327	Isabella forces Edward II to renounce the English throne in favour of their 15-year-old son, Edward III Go to Bruce, Edward (d. 1318) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Edward II, imprisoned by his wife and her lover, dies in Berkeley castle - almost certainly the victim of murder Go to miniature painting in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1328	The English finally accept a treaty, in Edinburgh, declaring that Robert de Bruce is king of a Scotland 'free and divided from the kingdom of England' Go to Bruce, Robert (1210–95) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1329	On the death of his father, Robert the Bruce, David II becomes king of Scotland Go to David II (1324–71) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1337	Philip VI of France confiscates Guienne, a fief belonging to Edward III of England - whose response begins the Hundred Years' War Go to Hundred Years War in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions Britain
1340	Edward III, in Ghent, publicly assumes the title and the arms of the king of France Go to Bruce, Edward (d. 1318) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions Britain William of Ockham advocates paring down arguments to their essentials, an approach later known as Ockham's Razor Go to Ockham's razor n. in A Dictionary of Psychology (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Literature English literature Literature in English Philosophy British Isles Europe Britain
c. 1347	Edward III establishes a new kind of knighthood with the Order of the Garter, conferred purely as an honour Go to Garter, Order of the in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Social and domestic British Isles Europe Society Britain
c. 1350	The Perpendicular style develops from the Decorated phase in English Gothic architecture Go to Perpendicular in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Architecture British architecture British Isles Gothic Europe Britain Water power is used in England for the heavy work of fulling cloth, in mills which can be seen as a first step towards the Industrial Revolution Go to Industrial Revolution in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Commerce and industry British Isles Europe Society Britain
c. 1367	A narrator who calls himself Will, and whose name may be Langland, begins the epic poem of Piers Plowman Go to Piers Plowman in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Literature English literature Literature in English Poetry British Isles Europe Britain One of four new yeomen of the chamber in Edward III's household is Geoffrey Chaucer Go to Chaucer, Geoffrey (c.1343–1400 in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Literature English literature Literature in English Poetry British Isles Europe Britain
1371	On the death of his uncle, David II, Robert Stewart becomes king of Scotland as Robert II Go to Robert II (1316–90) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
c. 1375	The courtly poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight tells of a mysterious visitor to the round table of King Arthur Go to Gawain and the Green Knight, Sir in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Literature English literature Literature in English Poetry British Isles Europe Britain
c. 1376	John Wycliffe, writing mainly in Oxford, is critical of the contemporary church and can find no basis for the pope's authority Go to Wycliffe, John (c.1330–84) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Reformation Religion Christianity Papacy British Isles Europe Britain
1377	10-year-old Richard II follows his grandfather, Edward III, on the English throne Go to Richard II (1367–1400) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1381	A poll tax imposed in England provokes widespread unrest, which flares up in the Peasants' Revolt Go to Peasants' Revolt in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Protest and rebellion British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Wat Tyler, leader of the Kentish rebels, meets Richard II at Smithfield - before being struck and wounded by the Lord Mayor of London Go to Tyler, Wat (d. 1381) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Protest and rebellion British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1385	Chaucer completes Troilus and Criseyde, his long poem about a legendary love affair in ancient Troy Go to Troilus and Criseyde in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Literature English literature Literature in English Poetry British Isles Europe Britain
1386	John I, newly victorious in Portugal, proposes an alliance with England which has never been revoked Go to John I (1357–1433) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics British Isles Europe Portugal Britain A clock, designed only to strike the hours, is installed in Salisbury cathedral and is still working today Go to Salisbury in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Technology Inventions and discoveries British Isles Europe Britain
c. 1387	Chaucer begins an ambitious scheme for 100 Canterbury Tales, of which he completes only 24 by the time of his death Go to Canterbury Tales in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Literature English literature Literature in English Poetry British Isles Europe Britain
1390	On the death of his father, Robert II, Robert III becomes king of Scotland Go to Robert III (c. 1337–1406) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Fan vaulting becomes part of the Gothic tradition, seen to perfection in the cloisters of Gloucester cathedral Go to fan-vaulting in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Architecture British architecture British Isles Gothic Europe Britain
c. 1397	The English king, Richard II, commissions a diptych (the Wilton Diptych) showing himself being presented to the Virgin and Child Go to Wilton diptych in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Arts Painting British painting British art British Isles Europe Britain
1399	Richard II cedes his crown to Bolingbroke, as Henry IV, and a few months later dies in Pontefract castle - probably starved to death Go to Richard II (1367–1400) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
c. 1400	The followers of Wycliffe, after his death, become known as Lollards or 'mutterers' Go to Lollards in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century 15th century Reformation Religion Christianity British Isles Europe Britain The English mystery cycles are performed by trade guilds, on carts pulled from audience to audience around the city Go to mystery plays in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century 15th century Performing arts Theatre British Isles Europe Britain The Welsh rise against the English and proclaim Owain Glyn Dwr as their own prince of Wales Go to Owain Glyn Dwr (b. c.1359) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Protest and rebellion Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1404	Owain Glyn Dwr captures Aberystwyth and Harlech from the English and sets up an independent Welsh administration Go to Owain Glyn Dwr (b. c.1359) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1406	On the death of his father, Robert III, James I becomes king of Scotland Go to James I (b. 25 July 1394) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1408	Driven from Aberystwyth and Harlech, Owain Glyn Dwr loses support - and the last Welsh rebellion fades away Go to Owain Glyn Dwr (b. c.1359) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Protest and rebellion Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1413	Henry V succeeds his father, Henry IV, as king of England Go to Henry V (b. 16 Sept. 1387) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions Britain
1420	The treaty of Troyes, between the English and the Burgundian faction, grants Henry V the status of heir to the French throne Go to Troyes, treaty of (1420) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions Britain Henry V marries Catherine, daughter of the French king and sister of the rightful heir to the kingdom, the dauphin, who is on the opposing side Go to Henry V (b. 16 Sept. 1387) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions Britain
1422	Henry VI, son of Henry V and Catherine of France, is king of England and theoretically king of France before his first birthday Go to Henry VI (b. 6 Dec. 1421) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions Britain
1437	On the death of his father, James I, James II becomes king of Scotland Go to James II (b. 10 Oct. 1430) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1455	An engagement at St Albans is the first battle in the 30-year struggle between the white and red roses of York and Lancaster Go to Wars of the Roses in The Oxford Dictionary of Local and Family History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Battles British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1460	On the death of his father, James II, James III becomes king of Scotland Go to James III (b. May 1452) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1461	The first success in the Wars of the Roses goes to the white rose, with the Yorkist prince crowned as Edward IV Go to Edward IV (1442–83) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Henry VI flees to Scotland, abandoning the kingdom to the usurping Edward IV Go to Henry VI (1421–71) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1469	Thomas Malory, in gaol somewhere in England, compiles Morte d'Arthur – an English account of the French tales of King Arthur Go to Malory, Sir Thomas (d. 1471) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Literature English literature Literature in English British Isles Europe Britain The Orkneys and Shetlands come into the possession of James III of Scotland with the dowry of Margaret of Denmark Go to Margaret of Denmark (b. c.1457) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Denmark Rulers and politicians Britain
1475	Edward IV, landing at Calais with a large army, is bought off at Picquigny with a bribe - ending his attempt to revive the Hundred Years' War Go to Edward IV (1442–83) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War 15th century Politics War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions Britain
c. 1476	Caxton establishes the first English printing press in London, after working in the new trade in Bruges Go to Caxton, William (c. 1420–c. 1492) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Printing Technology British Isles Europe Britain
1483	The English king Edward IV dies and his succeeded by his 12-year-old son as Edward V Go to Edward V (b. 2 Nov. 1470) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The two royal princes, Edward V and his younger brother, are confined in the Tower of London by their uncle - soon to be Richard III Go to Richard III (1452–85) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Richard III has himself proclaimed king by a parliament held at Westminster, and begins a short reign of only two years Go to Richard III (1452–85) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1485	Henry Tudor kills Richard III at Bosworth Field and takes the crown as Henry VII Go to Henry VII (1457–1509) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Battles British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1486	Henry VII, whose mother is Lancastrian, marries the Yorkist heiress Elizabeth and thus unites the roses - in the Tudor rose Go to Tudor in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1488	On the death of his father, James III, James IV becomes king of Scotland Go to James IV (1473–1513) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1491	The king of France is among those supporting Perkin Warbeck, supposedly a prince from the Tower, in his attempt on the English throne Go to Perkin Warbeck (b. 1474) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Protest and rebellion British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1497	Henry VII commissions the Italian navigator John Cabot to cross the Atlantic in search of new territories for England Go to Cabot, John (c. 1450–c. 1498) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Exploration British Isles European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Britain North America Canada
1499	After three feeble attempts to invade England, Perkin Warbeck is captured by Henry VII (in 1497) and is hanged at Tyburn Go to Perkin Warbeck (b. 1474) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Protest and rebellion British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain

Jump to a year:

BCE CE

Oxford University Press

PRINTED FROM OXFORD REFERENCE (www.oxfordreference.com). (c) Copyright Oxford University Press, 2023. All Rights Reserved. Under the terms of the licence agreement, an individual user may print out a PDF of a single entry from a reference work in OR for personal use (for details see Privacy Policy and Legal Notice).

date: 23 May 2025

Browse All

Browse All

Share Link

Timeline: Britain 1066-1500

Browse All

Browse All

Recently viewed (0)

Recently viewed (0)

Share Link

Timeline: Britain 1066-1500