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he Royal Palace of Woodstock near Oxford was supposedly built on the site of a Saxon manor. At the meeting point of five large forests, the Palace was ideally situated for hunting and Henry I built a hunting lodge there. Henry II used the grounds of the Royal Palace to hold a menagerie of animals including lions, leopards and camels. Woodstock is noted for the love affair between Henry II and Rosamond Clifford. Rosamond was Henry's mistress from around 1166 to 1176. She may have murdered by the King's wife when she found out about the affair, but this story may be untrue. The Palace was used for much of the Medieval period by the Kings of England, but its use fell into decline when London became more important as the centre of Royalty.


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Mini Timeline
866    Witenagemot held at Woodstock
   Ethelread held a Witenagemot (Witan) at the palace of Woodstock. 1 
1126  Dec  Henry holds a council at Woodstock
   King Henry held a council at Woodstock.1 
1130  Dec  Henry spends Christmas at Woodstock
   Henry spent Christmas at Woodstock.1 
1140    Woodstock held by Matilda
   The Palace of Woodstock was held by Matilda's supporters during the conflict with Stephen. Henry (II) spent much of his time there.1 
1163  Jul  Council at Woodstock
   The council held at the Royal Palace of Woodstock near Oxford was the scene for a clash between Henry II and Thomas Becket over the control of payments to Sheriffs. Becket opposed the plan and was going to oppose more of Henry's reforms in the near future.2 
1228    Henry III visits Woodstock.
   Henry spent time at the Palace of Woodstock.1 
1235    Henry III at Woodstock
   Henry spent time at the Palace of Woodstock.1 
1241    Henry entertains at Woodstock
   Henry spent time at Woodstock and entertained Alexander. King of the Scots and the English nobility.1 


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The map shows the location of this medieval building and other buildings close to it. Coastline and rivers nearby are also shown. Click on the icons to see more information about the medieval place.Select the 'Centre Map Here' option to move the selected place to the centre of the map. Zoom in and outusing the small portcullis icons at the top right of the map.

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Nearby PlaceKm
Biddlesden Abbey29.61
Wallingford Castle31.73
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Selection of references used:

1. Timbs & Gunn, Abbeys, Castles & Ancient Halls of England & Wales
2. Mike Salter, Castles and Moated Castles of Warwickshire

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Medieval and Middle Ages History Timelines - Woodstock
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