Explore the White Tower
Explore all four floors of the White Tower at the Tower of London using the Unity 3d game engine.
A Medieval Mystery
There appear to be some strange connections between the fourteenth century Old Wardour Castle and ancient stone circle Stonehenge.
1: Location
Old Wardour Castle appears to be aligned to ancient sites in the Stonehenge landscape.
2: Alignment
Stonehenge is aligned to the Summer Solstice. Old Wardour has a very similar alignment.
3: Size
Could the builders of Old Wardour used mesaurements from Stonehenge to layout the geometrical keep?
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1026 .. 1050
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Eleventh Century
Historical events occurring between 1026 and 1050
1026
Regnal years: -
Births
Victor (III, Pope) (b.1026 - d.1087)
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Foundation of Abbotsbury Abbey
King Canute granted land in Dorset to his house-carle who founded an abbey of secular canons. It would later become a Benedictine monastery.
See Also
1027
Regnal years: -
Deaths
Richard (III, Duke of Normandy) ( - d.1027)
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Canute in Rome
Canute attended the coronation of Emperor Conrad II in Rome. This proved his position as the head of a major power. ¹
1028
Regnal years: -
Births
William (I, the Conqueror, King of England 1066-1087) (b.1028 - d.1087)
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Canute takes Norway
Canute defeated Olaf Haraldsson and took control of Norway. Olaf fled the country taking his family with him. ¹
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Birth of William, the future conqueror of England
1029
Regnal years: -
Jul 16
Meteor seen
Jul 16
A large meteor with bright light and noise is reported in Morocco. ¹
1030
Regnal years: -
Births
Aelfgar (Earl of Mercia) (b.1030 - d.1062)
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Cottonian map of the world
A map was produced in Canterbury showing an accurate representation of Britain, Europe and the World. ¹
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Canute at Glastonbury Abbey
King Canute visited Glastonbury Abbey to grant the abbey gifts and privileges. He also knelt at the altar and prayed. ¹
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Battle of Stiklestad
A battle fought for the throne of Norway. King Olaf Haraldson was killed at the battle and Harald Haradrada, his step-brother, escaped and went into exile.
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Aelfgifu become regent
Aelfgifu became regent of Norway ruling in place of her son Swein who had been appointed king of Norway by Canute after the defeat of Olaf Haraldson.
3D Virtual Reconstructions
Click to explore
1031
Regnal years: -
Births
Malcolm (III, Scottish King 1058-1093) (b.1031 - d.1093)
Matilda (of Flanders) (b.1031 - d.1083)
Robert (Count of Mortain) (b.1031 - d.1095)
Deaths
Robert (The Pious, King of France 996-1031) (b.970 - d.1031)
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Canute drives Scottish Kings into submission
According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Canute travelled to Scotland where he forced the Scottish Kings into submission.
Episode: Viking Invasions [highlight all]
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Robert the Pious dies
Robert, the King of France, died and was succeeded by his son Henry.
1032
Regnal years: -
1033
Regnal years: -
Births
Anselm, (Archbishop of Canterbury) (b.1033 - d.1109)
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Robert Assists English and French Kings
Robert I, Duke of Normandy was an ally of the French King Henry I and also assisted the two English brothers Edward (to become Edward the Confessor) and Alfred, sons of Aethelred King of the English who was over thrown by Canute in 1016. Robert may had tried to assist Edward and Albert in their attempts to retake the English throne back from Canute. It may have been for this assistance that Edward was to promise Robert's son William (the Conqueror) the future crown of England. ¹
Jun
Eclipse over France
Jun
An eclipse of the sun was seen from France.
1034
Regnal years: -
Deaths
Malcolm (II, Scottish King) ( - d.1034)
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Duncan becomes King of Scotland
Already the ruler of Strathclyde Duncan killed his grandfather Malcolm II to become the King of Scotland.
1035
Regnal years: -
Deaths
Canute (King of England 1016-1035) (b.995 - d.1035)
Robert (I, Duke of Normandy 1027-35) ( - d.1035)
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Ramiro I of Aragon
Ramiro became the first ruler of Aragon after the death of his father Sancho III. Sancho's lands were divided up between his sons. Ramiro reigned until his death in 1063.
Jul
William the Conqueror becomes Duke of Normandy
Jul
In the eighth year of his life William (the Conqueror) became the Duke of Normandy when his father Robert died on a pilgrimage at Nicea. Robert's death led to a period of instability in Normandy as William was too young to take his father's place and the nobles in the region took the opportunity to settle old feuds and to increase their private wealth. ¹
Nov 12
Canute dies
Nov 12
King Canute died at Shaftesbury leaving the rule of the country in dispute between Harthacnut (the son of Emma) and Harold Harefoot (the son of Aelfgifu). The Earls of Northumbria and Mercia supported Harold's claim while Earl Godwin supported Harthacanute's. Canute's body was taken to Winchester to be buried. Harthacnut was in Denmark at the time of his father's death and was unable to travel to England because of invasion threats.
Episode: Viking Invasions [highlight all]
1036
Regnal years: -
Deaths
Alfred (Aetheling) (b.1005 - m.1036)
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Harold declared regent of England
With Harthacnut still in Denmark a meeting was held at Oxford that chose Harold to act as regent of England.
Feb
Alfred Aetheling dies
Feb
Both Edward the Confessor and Alfred, his younger brother, came to England at different times to try and take back the English throne. Edward's attempt failed. Some time later Alfred landed in England believing he had safe conduct but his army was met by Earl Godwin and was massacred. Alfred was captured and blinded. He died shortlly afterwards from his injuries.
1037
Regnal years: -
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Bishop John of York is canonised
Archbishop Aelfric canonised John of York, responsible for founding the monastery at Beverley, as St. John of Beverley.
Dec
Harold Harefoot becomes king
Dec
Harold Harefoot was proclaimed king of England and Emma was exiled to Bruges. Earl Godwin may have given Harold his support.
Episode: Viking Invasions [highlight all]
1038
Regnal years: -
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Eadsige becomes Archbishop of Canterbury
Eadsige became Archbishop of Canterbury after the death of Aethelnoth.
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Treaty between Norway and Denmark
Magnus, the King of Norway and Harthacnut, the King of Denmark signed a treaty stipulating that if either died without an heir his kingdom must pass to the other. Hathacnut. as son of Canute, was not only King of Denmark but had a claim to the English throne. When Harthacnut died in 1042 Magnus claimed the thrones of Denmark and England.
1040
Regnal years: -
Deaths
Aelfgifu (of Northampton) (b.990 - d.1040)
Duncan (I, Scottish king) ( - d.1040)
Fulk (Nerra, the Black, count of Anjou) ( - d.1040)
Harold (Harefoot, King of England 1037-1040) (b.1015 - d.1040)
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A new minter at Much Wenlock
Earl Leofric builds a new Minster on the site of older religious buildings at Much Wenlock.
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Lanfranc arrives at Bec
Lanfranc, who had trained as a law student in northen Italy had crossed the Alps several years earlier. In this year he arrived at the religious community at Bec situated a few milles to the south west of Rouen in Normandy. The name Bec being derived from the name of the stream that ran through the complex of buildings.
Mar 17
Harold Harefoot dies
Mar 17
Harold died at Oxford leaving the English throne open for Hathacanute to claim.
Episode: Viking Invasions [highlight all]
Jun
Harthacanute lands in England and becomes King
Jun
After a period in Denmark, Harthacanute returned to England to reclaim the throne of England which had been taken by Harold. Earl Godwin gave Harthacanute his support.
Aug 15
Duncan is killed and Macbeth becomes king
Aug 15
Duncan attempted to capture the city of Durham, but was unable to break its defences and incurred heavy loses. He turned his attention to Thorfinn, the earl of Orkney and took an army north into Moray. The leader of the area, Macbeth, was not prepared to support Duncan and sided with Thorfinn instead. A battle was fourght and during the fighting Duncan was killed. Shortly afterward Macbeth became the King of Scotland.
3D Virtual Reconstructions
Click to explore
1041
Regnal years: -
...
A year of storms and disease
Stormy weather destroyed crops and diseases killed many cattle during the year.
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Truce of God
France had descended into what is now known as the 'Anarchy of Feudalism' . Law had broken down and the Earls and Barons lived in fortified castles. Many of these lords robed from the surrounding land to make themselves rich. It was extremely dangerous to travel even on the main roads. Famines were common and trading had almost stopped. To stop the deterioration the Church introduced the Truce of God. The truce outlawed any kind of fighting from Wednesday or Thursday evening to Monday morning and on all feast and holy days. ¹
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Edward the Confessor returns to England
After a long exile at the Norman court Edward the Confessor returned to England. Harthacanute had no wife or heir so had invited Edward to return as Edward had the right to claim the English throne. Edward's right to the throne was not certain and so he enlisted the help of Earl Godwin, who agreed to give his assistance if Edward married his daughter Edith. Edward was accompanied by Robert Champart, the Abbot of Jumieges who would become one of Edwards key councellors. ¹
May
Worcester riots
May
In this year tax collectors arrived in Worcester to collect money in order to pay the Danes to stop attacking the country. The citizens of Worcester refused to pay and the tax collectors had to seek refuge. But before they could find safety they were murdered by the mob. In response, the king Harthacanute, sent an army to deal with the rioters.
Nov
Worcester rioters abandon the city
Nov
When the army sent by Harthacanute arrived at Worcester they found that the city had been abandoned. The people of Worcester fearing the army had taken refuge on an island in the River Severn called Bevere Island. The army ransacked the city and left it burning before approching the island. The army was warmly welcomed by the people of the island and no further action was taken.
1042
Regnal years: -
Births
Canute (IV, King of Denmark) (b.1042 - d.1086)
Deaths
Harthacnut (King of England 1040-1042) (b.1018 - d.1042)
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Magnus becomes King of Denmark
Jun 8
Harthacanute dies and Edward the Confessor becomes King
Jun 8
Harthacanute collapsed while attending a party and died shortly afterwards. He died without an heir and so the crown reverted back to the Saxons and Edward the Confessor was crowned King of England at Easter of 1043 at Winchester. After the death of Harthacanute Magnus took control in Denmark.
Episode: Viking Invasions [highlight all]
1043
Regnal years: -
Births
Fulk Rechin (count of Anjou) (b.1043 - d.1109)
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Leofric founds Coventry Abbey
Leofric and his lady Godgifu found the Abbey on the site of Coventry Cathedral. Godgifu may have been the famous Lady Godiva who rode naked through the streets of Coventry to save the townsfolk from paying high taxes.
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Stigand become bishop of Elmham
Shortly after Edward the Confessor became King, Stigand was promoted to the position of bishop.
Easter
Edward the Confessor crowned
Easter
Edward the Confessor was crowned at Winchester on Easter day.
Nov
Edward confiscates Emma's land
Nov
Edward learnt that his mother Emma was plotting with Dane Magnus of Norway to take control of the English throne. Edward had no choice and stripped his mother of her land and treasure. Emma was allowed to stay in England until her death.
1044
Regnal years: -
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Geoffrey Martel takes Tours and Touraine
Geoffrey Martel, count of Anjou, captured the town Tours and took control of the county of Touraine. ¹
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Abbotsbury Abbey refoundation
The abbey was refounded by Orc, a steward of Canute who expelled the canons and installed Benedictine monks in their place.
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Harold Godwinson becomes Earl of East Anglia
In recognition of his abilities, King Edward granted Harold the title of Earl of East Anglia. He held the title until his banishment in 1051.
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Champart consecrated
Robert Champart was consecrated bishop of London. He was highly respected by King Edward and Robert's influence over the king was a source of tension between the Normans and Anglo-Saxons in the country.
1045
Regnal years: -
Births
Stephen (count of Blois) (b.1045 - d.1102)
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Crinan killed during uprising
Crinan, the Abbot of Dunkfeld, led an uprising against Macbeth in an attempt to put his grandson Malcolm (III) on the Scottish throne. Malcolm was living at the court of Edward the Confessor at the time. Crinian was killed and the uprising failed.
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Harald Hardrada returns to Norway
After many years in exile Harald Hardrada returned to Norway to claim the Norwegian throne. His nephew Magnus was King of Norway and it was agreed that they should share the country's rule.
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Sweyn Godwinson exiled
Sweyn, the son of Earl Godwin, attacked the abbey at Leominster and the Abbess. For his crimes, Sweyn was exiled to Denmark by King Edward. There he became a pirate and raided the English coast.
...
Lanfranc becomes prior of Bec
Lanfranc became prior of the Abbey of Bec where he taught law,
Jan
Edward the Confessor marries
Jan
Edward the Confessor married Edith, the daughter of Earl Godwin. Godwin was then in an extremely powerful position being related to the King of England.
See Also
- Crinan (Abbot of Dunkeld)
- Edward (The Confessor, King of England 1042-1066)
- Macbeth (Scottish King)
- Malcolm (III, Scottish King 1058-1093)
- Hardrada, Harold (King of Norway 1047-1066)
- Magnus (I, King of Norway)
- Godwinson, Sweyn
- Lanfranc, (Archbishop of Canterbury)
- Godwinson, Edith (of Wessex)
- Godwin (Earl of Wessex)
1046
Regnal years: -
...
Severe winter
Extremely cold weather caused many deaths amongst animals and people. ¹
...
Clement II becomes Pope
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The Danes in Kent
Twenty five Danish ships landed at Sandwich on the Kent coast, plundering the town and surrounding areas. They killed many people and carried off a large amount of treasure. ¹
Episode: Viking Invasions [highlight all]
See Also
1047
Regnal years: -
Deaths
Magnus (I, King of Norway) (b.1024 - d.1047)
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Magnus of Norway dies
Magnus, King of Norway and Denmark, died in this year. Magnus had stated that Harold Hardrada should become King of Norway after his death.
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Stigand at Winchester
Stigand was promoted to the position of Bishop at Winchester.
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Revolt in Normandy
A revolt flared up in Normandy against Duke William. The revolt was led by William's cousin, Guy of Brionne, the son of the Count of Burgundy. William was able to get the support of other Norman lords and Henry, King of France, and together they defeated the rebels at the batlle of Val es Dunes.
Christmas
Severe Winter
Christmas
Reports of a long and cold winter. ¹
1048
Regnal years: -
Births
Comnenus, Alexius (Byzantine Emperor) (b.1048 - d.1118)
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Aldred founds Monastery at Gloucester
Aldred, bishop of Worcester refounded a monastery at Gloucester. A monastery had already been founded at Gloucester in 681 by Ostric.
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Earthquake
A large earthquake is supposed to have been felt across England. ¹
Jul
Damasus II was elected Pope
Jul
Reigned for less than a month.
1049
Regnal years: -
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Sweyn exiled for murder
Sweyn Godwinson attempted to return to England and wanted forgiveness for his earlier crimes. Earl Beorn went to meet Sweyn as part of Sweyn's return, but Sweyn had the Earl murdered. For this new crime Sweyn Godwinson was exiled again from England by Edward the Confessor.
...
Leo IX becomes Pope
May 1
Earthquake in the Midlands
May 1
A large earthquake was felt in Worcester and Derby and many people were reportedly killed. ¹
See Also
1050
Regnal years: -
...
See of Devon and Cornwall moved to Exeter
The See of Devon and Cornwall had been located at Crediton in Devon but in 1050 Edward the Confessor moved the See to Exeter. This moved the cathedral from an obscure location to a more important one. Edward gave the new Bishopric to Leofric.
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Sweyn pardoned
Sweyn Godwinson was pardoned and allowed to return to England.
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Macbeth visits Rome
Macbeth took time to travel to Rome on a pilgrimage. Reports of his visit tell of him distributing large amounts of money.
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