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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1201 .. 1225
Please note that the TimeRef website is currently being redesigned.
Timeline Navigation
Thirteenth Century
Historical events occurring between 1201 and 1225
3D Virtual Reconstructions
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Deaths
Agnes (of Meran) ( - d.1201)
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Banbury Castle strengthened
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Dunkeswell Abbey founded
This Cistercian abbey in Devon was founded by William Brewer. ¹
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Valle Crucis Abbey founded
Valle Crucis Abbey in North Wales was founded in 1201 by Madog ap Gruffuud Maelor.
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Kidwelly Castle captured by the Normans
The Normans recaptured the castle at Kidwelly in around 1201, when Meredith, the son of Lord Rhys, was killed by the garrison of the castle. ¹
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Hubert de Burgh granted castles
Hubert de Burgh was granted the three castles of White, Skenfrith and Grosmont in the Welsh Marches by King John.
May
John and Isabella sail to Normandy
May
In France the Lusignans were causing problems still angry over John's marriage to Isabella. John ordered that an army should assemble at Portsmouth. Instead of taking the assembled army John used the money to hire mercenaries and took them instead.
Jun
Philippe entertains John in Paris
Jun
Even though Philippe was hearing complaints from the Lusignans about John's treatment towards them, he was not willing to go against John at this time and entertained him in Paris. ¹
Jun
Storms do much damage
Jun
Severe thunderstorms and floods during the summer affected England.
Deaths
Constance (of Brittany) ( - d.1202)
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The Fourth Crusade
The Fourth Crusade. ¹
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Winchester Cathedral Retrochoir and Lady Chapel
Construction work began on the retrochoir, the area to the east of the presbytery, and the Lady Chapel of Winchester Cathedral. Work continued until 1235. ¹
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Worcester Cathedral fire
The devastating fire in this year caused so much damage to the cathedral that the building needed to be rebuilt. ¹
Spring
Philippe sides with the Lusignans
Spring
John charged the Lusignans with treason. The Lusignans went to Philippe for help and Philippe demanded to see John in Paris and for John to surrender several castles in good faith.
Apr 28
John fails to attend a summons to Philippe's court
Apr 28
Failing to attend the court of Philippe II, John was declared to be a rebel and to have forfeited the areas of Aquitaine, Poitou and Anjou. Philippe tried to mediate in the problems between John and the Lusignans but was ignored by John. The lands were given to Arthur of Brittany. Philippe kept Normandy for himself. ¹
May
Wallingford Castle granted to Hubert de Burgh
May
Hubert de Burgh's power and influence increased. In this year he was appointed sheriff of Cornwall and in May was granted Wallingford Castle.
Jul
Arthur knighted
Jul
Philippe of France knights Arthur of Britanny.
Aug 1
Battle of Mirabeau
Aug 1
Arthur of Brittany and the Lusignans had laid siege to Mirabeau Castle trapping Eleanor of Aquitaine inside. King John launched a rescue mission to free her. Arthur was captured by William de Braose and was handed over to King John. Many other important knights were also captured and it was an important and famous victory for the English king. Those that were captured were treated badly by King John. He could have ransomed them for their freedom and made a lot of money, instead he kept them prisoner locked in dungeons. Some he had shipped to England and imprisoned. Arthur was sent to the dungeon in the castle at Falaise in Normandy.
Sep
King John loses support
Sep
King John lost the support of his allies after the capture of Mirabeau Castle and the cruel treatment imposed on the prisoners. The most important of these were William des Roches, the French knight who commanded Anjou, and Aimery de Thouars. They both defected to Philippe, the French King's side.
Oct
Order to blind Arthur of Brittany
Oct
The young prince was being held in the castle at Falaise, where Hubert de Burgh had become castellan. King John ordered that Authur should be blinded and sent several of his court to carry this out. But only one reached the castle. The others could not commit such a crime and fled. When the man reached Falaise and told Hubert what had to be done Hubert refused. To protect the young prince, a story was concocted stating that Aurthur had died of grief. This caused an uprising by the Bretons and to avoid conflict Hurbert then declared that the prince was still alive. But Arthur could not be produced as he had been moved to Rouen. ¹
Dec
King John loses Anjou
Dec
With even more defections to the French, King John lost his control over Anjou.
See Also
Deaths
Arthur (of Brittany) (b.1187 - d.1203)
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Beaulieu Abbey founded
Founded by King John who wanted to become an object of prayer by the Cistercian order. The abbey was built on the site of a hunting lodge in the New Forest and was colonised by monks directly from Citeaux. ¹
Apr 3
Arthur is murdered
Apr 3
Arthur had been moved to Rouen from Falaise where he was being held captive. There it is said that King John killed Arthur and dumped his weighted-down body in the Seine. The body was discovered and later buried.
Summer
John is surrounded
Summer
By the summer of 1203 John had retreated to Normandy and was surrounded by his enemies. He was losing ground and castles. It would not be long before he abandoned Normandy for good.
Sep 26
Dover Castle handed to William of Huntingfield
Sep 26
With events going badly in France for King John, the threat of invasion was a real possibility. To help prevent that John ordered Dover Castle to be handed over to William of Huntingfield who should defend it against attack. To ensure he did so, William's son and daughter were taken hostage and were not to be released until the castle was safely returned in person to the King or Hubert de Burgh. ¹
Dec 6
King John returns to England
Dec 6
King John abandoned the lands that had been held by the Dukes of Normandy for over a hundred years and returned to England. Only two castles held out against Philip Augustus, they were Chinon, controlled by Hubert de Burgh and Loches, defended by Girard d'Athee. ¹
Deaths
Eleanor (of Aquitaine) (b.1122 - d.1204)
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Goodrich given to William Marshal
King John gave Goodrich Castle to William Marshal on his marriage to the heiress of the earldom of Pembroke. ¹
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William Marshall captures Cilgerran
William Marshall captured the Welsh castle at Cilgerran in Pembrokeshire from the Welsh.
...
Dublin Castle construction started
King John ordered the construction of a castle at Dublin.
Episode: Conquest of Ireland [highlight all]
Spring
Peace negotiations with France
Spring
After losing Normandy to the French, John sent an embassy to France to negotiate with Philippe. In the party that went from England were Hubert Walter and William Marshal. The negotiations failed due to Philippe's demands. ¹
Apr 1
Death of Eleanor of Aquitaine
Apr 1
Eleanor, Henry II's wife and John's mother died. Eleanor was buried at Fontevraud Abbey . ¹
Jun
Normandy is taken by Philippe
Jun
Philippe II, King of France won control of Rouen, the capital of Normandy and Normandy itself. John still had control of Aquitaine. ¹
Deaths
Amalric (II, King of Jerusalem, 1197 - 1205) (b.1145 - d.1205)
Walter, Hubert (b.1160 - d.1205)
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William de Braose granted lands
William de Braose, King John's favourite, was granted the three castles of White, Grosmont and Skenfrith.
Jan
River Thames freezes
Jan
The winter of 1204/05 was so cold that the River Thames froze over and the cold spell lasted until March.
Feb
Philippe plans invasion
Feb
Philippe II of France held a meeting in Normandy to discuss invading England. This forced King John to abandon his own plans of invading Normandy as he could not risk moving his army abroad when the French were about to attack. The planned French invasion never materialised. ¹
Apr
Hubert de Burgh loses his lands
Apr
While Hubert de Burgh was defending the castle at Chinon and then later in captivity, King John back in England gave orders for his land to be taken back. By the end of the year the order was given to transfer ownership of the tree castles Skenfrih, Grosmont and Llantilio (White Castle) to William de Braose. ¹
Jun
John prepares invasion
Jun
Worried by rumours of an invasion from Philippe of France, led by heirs of king Stephen, John prepared an invasion fleet of his own. But the barons refused to cross the Channel and attack Normandy and so the fleet was disbanded. ¹
Summer
More castles fall to the French
Summer
The castles at Chinon and Loches both fell to the French as Philippe strengthened his position. Again William Marshall travelled to see Philippe to agree peace terms, but his attempts were destroyed by Hubert Walter who sent a secret letter to Philippe telling him not to accept William Marshal's promise that John would do homage to Philippe. (What's going on here?) ¹
Jun 23
Hurbert de Burgh captured
Jun 23
Hubert held out in the castle at Chinon for as long as he could but when it finally fell to the French he was captured as his men rushed out to attack the besiging army. ¹
Jul 13
Hubert Walter dies
Jul 13
Hubert Walter the Archbishop of Canterbury and King John's most important advisor died. ¹
Episode: Excommunication of King John [highlight all]
Dec
John forces election of De Gray
Dec
When Hubert Walter died a dispute began between King John and the monks of Canterbury over who should become the new Archbishop of Canterbury. King John wanted John de Grey, Bishop of Norwich, to have the position but the monks wanted their sub-prior, Reginald. The matter was delayed until December when a mission sent to Rome could consult the Pope. Reginald himself went as part of the mission and stated that he had been elected by the monks. When King John heard of this he demanded that De Gray should be elected and the monks dutifully did. ¹
Episode: Excommunication of King John [highlight all]
Deaths
Adela (of Champagne) (b.1145 - d.1206)
Jun
John defends Aquitaine
Jun
After Philippe failed to invade England the year earlier, John took to opportunity to land an army at La Rochelle to defend his interests in Aquitaine which was his from his inheritance from Eleanor of Aquitaine, John's mother. John moved his army north and took back some of the lands he had lost to Philippe. ¹
Oct 26
Philippe and John reach a truce
Oct 26
A two year truce is agreed between the Kings of England and France. ¹
Dec
The Pope chooses Stephen Langton for Canterbury
Dec
Although the monks of Canterbury wanted their own sub-prior for the post of Archbishop and King John wanted John de Gray, Pope Innocent III chose Stephen Langton. Langton was originally from Lincolnshire but after teaching in Paris had moved to Rome where he had become a Cardinal. The monks of Canterbury accepted the Pope's decision and voted Langton in as the new Archbishop. King John did not agree. ¹
Episode: Excommunication of King John [highlight all]
Births
Henry (III, King of England 1216-1272) (b.1207 - d.1272)
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Stephen Langton becomes Archbishop of Canterbury
Stephen Langton was chosen as Archbishop of Canterbury by Pope Innocent III. ¹
Episode: Excommunication of King John [highlight all]
...
Earl of Leicester loses land
King John took the land of the Earl of Leicester (father of Simon de Montfort) and banished him from England. ¹
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Odiham Castle built
At a cost of £1200, King John built the castle at Odiham.
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Marshall inherits the lands of Leinster in Ireland
As Earl of Pembroke, William Marshall inherited the lands of Leinster in Ireland. The link between Pembroke and Leinster started when Richard de Clare married the daughter of the King of Leinster in 1170.
...
Aberystwyth Castle demolished
The castle at Aberystwyth was demolished by Maelgwyn, the brother of the then Lord of Cardiganshire. Maelgwyn had risen up in revolt against his brother and put him in prison. Maelgwyn had first captured the castle but decided to destroy it because Llywelyn the Great was threatening to attack Maelgwyn's lands and he feared the that castle could fall into Llywelyn's hands. ¹
...
John introduces the first income tax
King John introduced the first income tax in England. One thirteenth of income from rents and moveable property had to be paid. Collected locally by sheriffs and administered by the Exchequer. The amount was one shilling on each mark of income, where a mark was 13 shillings and 4 pence. The tax was unpopular with the barons and especially in the churches and monasteries. The tax did raise a lot of money for the king, doubling his annual income for the year. ¹
Aug
The Pope threatens an Interdict
Aug
The Pope threatened King John with the sentence of Interdict unless he accepted Stephen Langton as Archbishop of Canterbury. An Interdict meant that church services would be banned in England except for baptisms and confessions. ¹
Episode: Excommunication of King John [highlight all]
Oct
Birth of Henry III
Oct
Henry, the future king of England, was born at Winchester Castle.
Christmas
John at Worcester
Christmas
King John visited Worcester and gave funds for the rebuilding of the Cathedral after the devastating fire. ¹
See Also
Births
Montfort, Simon de (b.1208 - d.1265)
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West front of Notre Dame
After the nave was completed construction work commenced on the west front of Notre Dame Cathedral under the direction of Pierre de Nemours. ¹
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Peter of Castelnau is murdered
Peter of Castelnau, the papal legate, was murdered by heretics belonging to the Albigensains. The Albigensains were an extreme religious group based in the south of France. The Pope wanted them to cease their opposition to the Church. The murder led to the start of the Albegensian Crusade that would destroy the heretics. ¹
...
John demands hostages
King John suspected that the loyalty of some barons towards the Crown was not strong so demanded they provide hostages to ensure they did not rise up against him. William de Braose was one of these barons. When a messanger arrived at Bramber Castle from the King with demands to hand over his children William de Braose refused stating that he could not trust the King with their safety. Together with his family William fled to Ireland. ¹
Mar 24
Interdict served by the Pope
Mar 24
With King John still refusing to accept Langton as Archbishop the Pope served the sentence of Interdict on England. In response King John confiscated church property. Many of the bishops of the great churches in the country fled abroad to the Continent. ¹
Episode: Excommunication of King John [highlight all]
Births
Richard (Earl of Cornwall) (b.1209 - d.1272)
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Langton lands at Dover
Stephen Langton landed at Dover from France to see King John and took the position of Archbishop of Canterbury. John refused to meet with him although John did meet Stephen's brother Simon. ¹
Episode: Excommunication of King John [highlight all]
...
Cambridge University founded
The university at Cambridge was founded by scholars from Oxford who left the university there after violent disputes with the local people.
...
London Bridge construction complete
The construction of a new stone London Bridge was completed in this year.
Jul 22
Albigensians massacred
Jul 22
The Albignsian stronghold of Beziers was besieged and when it was captured all the people within it were massacred. ¹
Aug
John prepares to invade Scotland
Aug
John mobilized an army with the help of Llywelyn of Gwynedd a Welsh chieftain and moved them up to Norham Castle. William 'the Lyon', the king of Scotland was not ready for conflict and paid John to leave and a treaty was signed. ¹
Nov
John excommunicated by the Pope
Nov
King John is excommunicated by Pope Innocent III.
Episode: Excommunication of King John [highlight all]
Births
Joan (of England, Queen of Scotland) (b.1210 - d.1238)
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Kenilworth Castle defences improved
King John spent time and money on the castle at Kenilworth, building outer walls and raising the height of the lake. ¹
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Fountains Abbey rebuilding work
Rebuilding work of the eastern parts at Fountains Abbey.
...
Haverfordwest Castle hosts King John
King John used Haverfordwest Castle as a staging post before and after travelling to Ireland.
...
Katla Volcano Eruption
Eruption of the large Icelandic volcano. ¹
Jun 10
John lands in Ireland
Jun 10
John landed at Waterford looking for the rebel baron William de Braose who had fled to Ireland. John took the opportunity to visit his lands in Ireland receiving homage from the Irish Chieftains. de Braose fled but his wife and son were captured, taken back to England and starved to death in Windsor Castle.
Jul
King John captures Carrickfergus Castle
Jul
The castle belonging to the Earl of Ulster was besiged by the English. It did not take long for the castle to fall into English hands.
Nov 1
Arrest of Wealthy Jews
Nov 1
King John ordered that Jews across the country had to pay a 'tullage', a sum of money to the king. Those who did not pay were arrested, imprisoned and forced to pay the money in return for their release. May Jews were executed or left the country. ¹
3D Virtual Reconstructions
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Deaths
Braose, William de (b.1145 - d.1211)
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Barbican built at Bridgnorth Castle
Work was carried out on the outer defences at Bridgnorth. ¹
...
Rheims Cathedral destroyed by fire
The French cathedral was left beyond repair after a fire. ¹
Mar
Alfonso II becomes King of Portugal
Mar
Alfonso became King of Portugal after the death of his father Sancho.
Summer
Excommunication served
Summer
In Northampton the Papal legate Pandulf served King John with his excommunication ordered by the Pope. For John this was a serious blow to his ability to rule the country as it absolved the King's subjects from their oaths of allegiance, gave the Barons reason to revolt and allowed the King of France to invade England to remove John from power. ¹
Episode: Excommunication of King John [highlight all]
Jul
Peace with Wales
Jul
John and Llywelyn the Great of Wales reached an agreement and a peace treaty was signed. ¹
...
John extorts money from the barons
Obsessed with regaining the Angevin empire, John tried all means to get money from the barons to pay for it. He held inquiries into tenures, confiscated estates, took hostages all in the hope that the barons would be forced to be loyal and to give him funds. ¹
...
William gives son as hostage
William, King of the Scots was prepared to give John his eldest son, Alexander as hostage to keep the peace between the two countries. William was also eager that Alexander should become King of the Scots after himself. Earning the trust of John was to be repaid later when John sent an army to Scotland to help William put down a rebellion. ¹
...
A Great fire of London
Fire broke out on the southern shore of the River Thames and crossed the river starting more fires on the northern shore. Many people were killed. Boats tried to rescue people trapped on London Bridge but the boats became overloaded and many drowned. This appears to be a big a disaster as the fire of 1666. ¹
...
Straw roofs to be replaced by tiles
Possibly due to the disastrous fire in London this year bylaws were passed to ensure flammable straw roofs were replaced by tiles. ¹
...
Children's Crusade
A mysterious Crusade supposed to have consisted of children from Germany and possibly France. How young the children were who took part is not known and they may not have been children at all. The Crusaders did not get very far and many of those that took part never came back. They were either killed or sold into slavery. ¹
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Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa
At the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212 Alfonso, along with a coalition of Christian leaders, defeated the Almohads and the Muslim-held lands in Spain were retaken.
...
Priory of St Helen's founded
The foundation of Sy. Helen's Priory in Bishopsgate, London took place around this date. The nuns followed the Benedictine order, wearing black habit, cloak and veil.
Nov
John accepts Pope's demands
Nov
Taking the advice of William Marshal John accepted the demands of the Pope and that Stephen Langton should become Archbishop. A peace mission was also sent to the Pope. ¹
Episode: Excommunication of King John [highlight all]
...
Pope Innocent plans a new Crusade
After the failure of the Fourth Crusade, Pope Innocent III had a Crusade preached across Europe.
Mar
John prepares against invasion
Mar
At a camp near Canterbury called Barham Down King John mobilized an army against the threat of invasion from the French. He also prepared a navy on the south coast to try and prevent the French landing on English soil.
Episode: Excommunication of King John [highlight all]
Spring
French plan invasion
Spring
Because King John had been excommunicated by the Pope the French king, Philippe, had the right to invade England and remove John from the throne. Philippe wanted to put his son Louis in John's place. Plans were put forward at the Council of Soissons in early April. The Count of Flanders refused to join the Crusade againt the English so the French king had to overrun his country to ensure France was safe from attack if the invasion of England took place. ¹
Episode: Excommunication of King John [highlight all]
May
King John's first act of submission
May
King John made his first act of submission to the Pope's envoy at Temple Ewell after the papal legate Pandulph asked members of the Knights Templar to arrange the meeting. Temple Ewell was a Templar preceptory located near Dover. ¹
Episode: Excommunication of King John [highlight all]
May 30
French fleet defeated
May 30
Rather than wait for the French to set sail, King John ordered his fleet to attack the French ships. The English fleet attacked the French fleet at Damme, Flanders near the town and port of Bruges. The French were taken by surprise and many of their ships were captured or destroyed. The French plans of invasion were destroyed. ¹
Episode: Excommunication of King John [highlight all]
Jul 20
Excommunication lifted
Jul 20
When King John agreed to meet Stephen Langton at Winchester he was absolved from excommunication. ¹
Episode: Excommunication of King John [highlight all]
Sep
Pedro II killed at Muret
Sep
The ruler of Aragon, Pedro II, was killed by Simon de Montfort's Crusaders at the battle of Murat. He was succeeded by his son James, known as the Conqueror because of his military achievements.
Sep 26
Pope's envoy arrives in England
Sep 26
Cardinal Nicholas De Romanis arrived in England to prepare for the settlement of the Interdict. John's punishment was to pay 100,000 marks to compensate the church for the losses he had caused it. ¹
Episode: Excommunication of King John [highlight all]
Oct 3
Second act of submission
Oct 3
King John appeared at St. Paul's Cathedral in a second act of submission to the Pope. ¹
Episode: Excommunication of King John [highlight all]
Nov
John meets the Barons
Nov
John met the Barons at Wallingford in an attempt to prevent them from rebelling against him. The king had planned to invade France but the northern barons had refused to provide the necessary assistance. ¹
Deaths
Alfonso (VIII, King of Castile) (b.1155 - d.1214)
Eleanor (of England) (b.1162 - d.1214)
Mortimer, Roger (of Wigmore) (b.1153 - d.1214)
William (I, the Lion, King of Scotland 1165-1214) (b.1142 - d.1214)
...
Foundation of Deer Abbey
This Cistercian abbey near Peterhead in Scotland was founded by monks from Kinloss.
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Dieulacres Abbey moved
A new location for this Cistercian abbey was found near Leek in Staffordshire.
...
Marriage agreement with Hugh of Lusignan
At the age of four, Joan of England was taken to the court of Hugh of Lusignan as a future bride for this son.
Feb 1
Peter Des Roches becomes Justiciar
Feb 1
John elects Peter Des Roches, the Bishop of Winchester as his Justiciar. Des Roches had supported John through the years of Interdict and was repaid for his loyalty, but he was not popular with the other Barons. ¹
Feb 2
John sails for France
Feb 2
John's conflict with Philippe of France started again with John's departure from Portsmouth. With him sailed his wife and second son, Richard. He also took a large amount of treasure. ¹
Jun 29
Interdict lifted
Jun 29
At St. Paul's Cathedral, in London, the Interdict was finally lifted. ¹
Episode: Excommunication of King John [highlight all]
Jul 27
Battle of Bouvines
Jul 27
English forces under the control of Emperor Otto IV were defeated by Philip II of France.
Sep 18
Treaty at Chinon
Sep 18
After a disastrous campaign by the English this peace treaty signed by King John of England and Philippe Augustus of France ceded huge amounts of territory including Anjou, Poitou and Brittany held by the English to the French King.
Oct 15
John returns from France
Oct 15
Upset by demands for higher taxes and less control over affairs in England, the Barons met John on his return with a charter from the time of Henry I which they wanted John to agree to and abide by. ¹
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
Nov 20
Charter of Liberties
Nov 20
A group of barons, after finding a copy of King Henry I's Charter of Liberties, swore an oath at the altar of t. Edmunds at Bury St. Edmunds to force King John to acknowledge thier rights.
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
Dec 4
William the Lyon of Scotland dies
Dec 4
William, the King of Scotland died.
Dec 5
Alexander II became King of the Scots
Dec 5
Alexander was crowned at Scone.
Births
Celestine (V, Pope) (b.1215 - d.1296)
Eleanor (Daughter of King John) (b.1215 - d.1275)
Louis (IX, King of France, St. Louis) (b.1215 - d.1270)
...
Colchester Castle occupied by the French
An invasion force from France under direction of Philippe II, the king of France captured Colchester Castle. Their objective was to help the cause of the Baron's against King John.
...
Wallingford Castle fortified
The fortifications at Wallingford castle were strengthened at this time. ¹
...
Llewellyn captures Abervagenny Castle
The castle at Abervagenny was captured from King John's forces by Llewellyn. ¹
...
Llewellyn captures Cilgerran Castle
Llewellyn's fight against the Normans continued with the capture of Cilgerran Castle. ¹
...
Kidwelly captured by the Welsh
Rhys Grug, another son of the Lord Rhys, captured and burnt the castle at Kidwelly. The Welsh held the castle for several years until Llywelyn the Great forced its restoration to the Normans . ¹
...
London gate rebuilt
Repair work on the gates of Ludgate and Aldgate took place in this year. Stone was taken from Jewish houses to provide material for the reconstruction work.
Jan
John meets the Barons in London
Jan
Promising the Barons safe passage, John met them in London to discuss their demands. John postponed any answer until Easter. ¹
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
Mar 4
John takes oath for Crusade
Mar 4
Hoping to gain the support of the Pope against the Barons, John took the oath to go on Crusade. ¹
Apr 1
Pope sides with John
Apr 1
Pope Innocent III sent a letter to the Barons asking them to halt their actions against King John. ¹
May 17
London falls to the Rebels
May 17
The gates to London were opened by a supporter of the rebellious Barons and the houses of Jews were targeted for ransacking and burning. The rebels called for those Barons still on the side of John to join them. The Tower of London held by John's supporters was too well defended to fall into the hands of the rebels. ¹
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
May 27
A truce is sought
May 27
Stephen Langton and William Marshall attempted to get the Barons and John to meet and find a settlement to the civil war. ¹
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
Jun 15
John's Great Charter (the Magna Carta)
Jun 15
A large number of barons, led by Stephen Langton the Archbishop of Canterbury, meet King John on an island in the Thames at Runnymede. They forced the king to sign the 'Great Charter' or Magna Carta that would limit the power of the monarchy. The barons insisted that the old feudal contract should be reinstated and that the king should abide by the laws that the rest of the population did. The feudal contract allowed the barons to run their own lands, renting it from the king but paying rent by supplying knights rather than money. This feudal system had been set up by William the Conqueror. ¹
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
Aug 24
The Magna Carta is annulled
Aug 24
Pope Innocent III annulled the Magna Carta freeing King John from its limitations. The Pope annulled the charter on the grounds that the King only signed it because he was forced to and that the document was illegal. The Pope was prepared to support John against the rebel barons because he wanted him to take a key role in a new crusade.
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
Sep 13
King John appeals to the Pope
Sep 13
In a letter dated 13th September 1215, King John sought help from Pope Innocent III in his fight against the barons. In the letter, written while the King stayed at Dover Castle, John stated that he believed the defence of England was ultimately the responsibility of God and the Pope. Pope Innocent III agreed and declared that the Magna Carta should be annulled.
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
Oct (to 1217)
Baron's war
Oct (to 1217)
After the Magna Carta was annulled and it was clear that King John was not going to agree to the terms of the charter the civil war between King John and the rebel barons began.The barons offered the English crown to Prince Louis, the son of King Philippe II of France and invited him to invade England. John confiscated the rebel barons' lands and gave them to his own supporters. King John besieged Rochester Castle where a garrison of men had been left by the barons. The garrison was starved out and the castle fell to the King.
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
See Also
- John (King of England 1199-1216)
- Philippe (II Augustus, King of France 1180-1223)
- Iorwerth, Llywelyn ap (The Great)
- Innocent (III, Pope)
- Langton, Stephen
- Marshal, William (Earl of Pembroke)
- William (I, the Conqueror, King of England 1066-1087)
- Louis (VIII, The Lion, King of France 1223-1226)
- Colchester Castle
- Wallingford Castle
- Abergavenny Castle
- Cilgerran Castle
- Kidwelly Castle / Castell Cydweli
- Canterbury Cathedral
- London
- The Magna Carta
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Beaudesert castle inner bailey
Peter de Montfort rebuilt the inner bailey of Beaudesert Castle in stone, of which nothing remains. ¹
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Honorius III becomes Pope
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Berkhamsted Castle is captured by the French
Prince Louis of France besieged the castle at Berkhamsted. It fell to his army within a few weeks.
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King John at Peterborough
King John and his army may have plundered Peterborough as they travelled through the area on the way north.
Jan
King John attacks Berwick
Jan
King John attacked Berwick and forced the Scots to leave. He also raided the lowlands.
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
Feb
King John puts down revolt
Feb
King John put down a revolt in East Anglia. The Barons and the French kept hold of London.
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
Feb
Small French fleet land in London
Feb
A small French army landed in London. Their commander informed the rebel barons that Prince Louis would soon arrive from France.
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
May 18
A storm hits John's fleet
May 18
John's fleet of ships was badly damaged by storms as they prepare to defend against an invasion from France. This left the way open for Prince Louis to sail to England a few days later. ¹
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
May 21
Prince Louis of France claims English Throne
May 21
Invited by the barons opposed to King John, Prince Louis of France landed in England to claim the English Throne. Louis captured Rochester Castle after a short siege.
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
Jun (to Oct)
Prince Louis advances across England
Jun (to Oct)
Prince Louis advanced on Winchester and captured the city and its castle. Elsewhere, Windsor Castle and Dover Castle were besieged by the rebel barons. Both castles were defended and held out against the sieges. King John used Corfe Castle in the south-west as his base of operations while he planned his campaign against the rebel barons and Prince Louis.
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
Jun
Odiham Castle Siege
Jun
King John's last visit to Odiham Castle was on April 14th, staying there for five days. In the middle of June Louis captured Winchester and marched to Odiham where a siege began. The small castle held out for several weeks and defied the French siege engines. Inside the castle were less than twenty men, a hand full of knights and ten sergeants. Finally on the 9th of July, they surrendered being assured they would retain their freedom, arms and horses.
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
Jul 18
Honorius III elected as the new Pope
Jul 18
Pope Innocent III died on July 16th and two days later in Rome the Cardinals elected Honorius III as the new Pope.
Sep
William of Cassingham
Sep
A man called William of Cassingham, possibly known as Willekin of the Weald, supported King John against the invaders and attacked the rebel barons and French in whatever means he could using a form of guerrilla warfare. ¹
Sep 16
King John at Cambridge
Sep 16
King John was at Cambridge Castle before heading north. He left the castle in the hands of Falcasius de Brent. The castle fell into the hands of the rebel barons. ¹
Oct
Death of King John
Oct
King John died at Newark from excessive eating and drinking. Protestant historians of the 16th century wrote that he was poisoned by a monk at Swineshead in Lincolnshire. The monk received orders from the Pope to kill King John and took a small amount of poisoned wine himself to reassure the King and also died. But had King John become the Pope's ally before his death?
Episode: Wars of the Roses [highlight all]
Oct
King John buried at Worcester
Oct
King John's wishes were to be buried at the church at Worcester.This was done and King John's body was placed in a tomb at the centre of the Cathedral. ¹
Oct 19
King John dies
Oct 19
King John died at Newark. This was shortly after he lost his baggage train in the Wash estuary as the tide returned. There was supposed to be a large amount of treasure in the baggage train at the time and it has never been found.
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
Oct 28
King Henry III Crowned
Oct 28
King John's eldest son Henry was crowned King Henry III at the abbey church of Gloucester by Peter des Roches the Bishop of Winchester. The Earl of Pembroke, Earl Marshal of England (William Marshal), was declared Regent.
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
Nov
Llywelyn divides Wales
Nov
Llywelyn of Wales divided south Wales amongst the native princes.
Nov 12
Revision to the Magna Carta
Nov 12
The Magna Carta was revised at King Henry's Council at Bristol.
See Also
- Louis (VIII, The Lion, King of France 1223-1226)
- John (King of England 1199-1216)
- Innocent (III, Pope)
- Henry (III, King of England 1216-1272)
- Roches, Peter Des
- Isabella (of Angouleme)
- Iorwerth, Llywelyn ap (The Great)
- Berkhamsted Castle
- Peterborough Cathedral
- Berwick Castle
- Rochester Castle
- Corfe Castle
- Dover Castle
- Windsor Castle
- Odiham Castle
- Cambridge Castle
- Newark Castle
- Swineshead Abbey
- Worcester Cathedral
- Gloucester Cathedral
- London
- Dover
- Rome
- Worcester
- The Magna Carta
Deaths
Isabella of Gloucester ( - d.1217)
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The Fifth Crusade (1217-21)
Again Egypt was the destination of this Crusade called for by the Pope and organised by Frederick II, the Holy Roman Emperor. Although Frederick promised to join the Crusade he failed to do so. The Cruaders mainly consisted of Knights from northern Europe. They laid siege to Damietta, a port on the Egyption coast, and captured it. The journey from Damietta to attack Cairo had to be abandoned due to floods and attacks. The Crusaders had to surrender and Damietta was handed back to the Muslims. The Crusade was over and Frederick II was blamed for its failure. ¹
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Portchester castle captured
Prince Louis captured and almost destroyed the castle at Portchester.
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
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Foundation of Culross Abbey
Cluross Abbey, in Fife Scotland, was founded by this year by Malcolm, the Earl of Fife.
Apr
Siege of Mountsorrel Castle
Apr
Royalists besieged the French controlled Mountsorrel Castle in Lincolnshire. When Louis sent reinforcements to assist those in the castle the royalists moved away to Nottingham. The French army then made the mistake of moving on to Lincoln where the royalists had held out against previous attacks. ¹
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
May 20
Battle of Lincoln
May 20
King Henry III's supporters defeated the forces belonging to Prince Louis and the rebel barons that were besieging the castle at Lincoln.
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
Aug 24
Battle off Sandwich
Aug 24
A fleet of French ships were defeated off the coast near Sandwich by Hubert de Burgh. The French fleet was commanded by Eustace the Monk, a pirate and mercenary who fought for both the French and English when it suited his needs. The French fleet were bringing more men and supplies to assist Prince Louis in his quest to take the English throne. The ship Eustace was on was captured and the monk was executed.
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
Sep 12
Treaty of Kingston
Sep 12
The defeat of the French fleet left Prince Louis without much hope of taking the English throne. William Marshall blockaded London from the sea and land and at Lambeth Louis accepted peace terms. Louis waived his claim to the throne of England and should have restored Normandy to Henry but did not. Louis was paid 10,000 marks to ensure he left the country as soon as possible. William Marshall pardoned all those who had supported Louis.
Episode: The First Barons' War [highlight all]
Deaths
Otto (IV, Roman Emperor) (b.1182 - d.1218)
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Construction of Castle Pelerin
The Knights Templar, with the help of pilgrims, built this castle in the Holy Land. ¹
Mar 11
Treaty of Worcester
Mar 11
King Henry III of England wrote to the Welsh ruler Llywelyn the Great and promised safe-conduct if they met at Worcester, A peace treaty was signed by Henry and Llywelyn at Worcester which confirmed Llywelyn's ownership of lands in Wales and in return Llywelyn agreed to pay homage to Henry and to return those castles that he had captured.
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William Marshal dies
William Marshal is succeeded by Peter de Roches, Bishop of Winchester and Hubert de Burgh who was Justiciary.
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Foundation of Deer Abbey
The Cistercian Deer Abbey in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, was founded by William Coymn, the Earl of Buchan. It was populated with monks from Kinloss.
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Salisbury Cathedral rebuilding started
A new site 2 miles from the original site at Old Sarum was chosen for the new Salisbury Cathedral. For a cathedral the construction work was completed in a very short time and the building was consecrated in 1258 only 38 years later.
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Work on the Lady Chapel of Salisbury Cathedral
The Lady Chapel of Salisbury Cathedral appears to be the starting point of the construction of the new cathedral. Work continued until 1225. ¹
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Chapter-house of Lincoln Cathedral
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Grosmont Castle building work
Hubert de Burgh improved the defences at Grosmont Castle, including the gatehouse and towers. ¹
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Lady Chapel at Oxford
Work began on the Lady Chapel at Oxford Cathedral. The chapel was incorporated into the layout of the Cathedral as an extra aisle built onto the north side of the building. ¹
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Henry III's improvements at the Tower
King Henry III made large alterations to the Tower of London including new curtain walls, an improved water filled ditch, and a water gate, so the King could enter the castle directly from the Thames. ¹
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Llywelyn raids Pembrokeshire
Llywelyn, the Prince of Wales, began raiding Pembrokeshire to retake land that he accused William Marshall, the younger, of stealing. This included Wiston Castle. ¹
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Tower Collapse at St. David's
The central tower collapsed at St. David's Cathedral destroying the presbytery resulting in construction work to repair the damage. ¹
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Construction of Beverley Minster
Building work on the Beverley Minster began in this year. The building was designed using the Gothic style and construction work continued until 1425.
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Elder Lady Chapel at Bristol
Construction of the Elder Lady Chapel commenced in 1220 and took around ten years to complete.
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Alberbury Priory
Foundation of the alien priory Alberbury in woods near the River Severn. A small priory dedicated to Bendictine Rule, a cell of the French House of Grandmont. In the reign of Edward III, when war with France broke out, the priory became of property of the crown. ¹
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Amiens Cathedral construction
Construction began in 1220 under Bishop Evrard de Fouilloy and was largely completed by 1270. The cathedral was built to house the relic of St. John the Baptist's head, a prized Christian relic acquired during the Crusades, which attracted pilgrims and contributed to its rapid construction.
May
Coronation of Henry III
May
At his coronation in Westminster Abbey, King Henry was reminded of his duties at king to maintain peace, defend the rights of the crown and to dispense justice where required. Henry was only around thirteen years old. The day before the coronation Henry laid the foundation stone of a new Lady Chapel at the Abbey.
Jul 7
Stephen Langton returns to England
Jul 7
Stephen Langton returned to England and resumed the role of Archbishop of Canterbury. He performed a ceremony in Canterbury in which relics from St. Thomas Becket were put in a tomb. The 7th of July became St. Thomas of Canterbury's Day; a major holy day.
See Also
- Burgh, Hubert de (Earl of Kent)
- Henry (III, King of England 1216-1272)
- Iorwerth, Llywelyn ap (The Great)
- Marshal, William (the younger)
- Becket, Thomas (St)
- Salisbury Cathedral
- Old Sarum
- Lincoln Cathedral
- Grosmont Castle
- Oxford Cathedral
- Tower of London
- Wiston Castle
- St. David's Cathedral
- Beverley Minster
- Bristol Cathedral
- Amiens Cathedral
- Westminster Abbey
- Hedingham Castle
3D Virtual Reconstructions
Click to explore
Deaths
Bigod, Hugh (2nd Earl of Norfolk) ( - d.1221)
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Hubert de Burgh
Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury, travelled to Rome and left Hubert de Burgh in charge of affairs of the country.
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Joan of England marries Alexander II
At York Minster, King John's daughter Joan married Alexander II, the king of the Scots. Joan was only eleven years old at the time of the wedding.
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Construction of Castell-y-Bere
Llyewelyn the Great started the construction of this Welsh castle. ¹
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William the younger retakes his castles
Llywelyn, the Prince of Wales, had captured the castles at Carmarthen and Cardigan but both were recaptured by William Marshall, the younger. ¹
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Haley's Comet
Return of the comet now named after Edmond Halley who died in 1742 that returns approximately every 75 years.
Deaths
Philippe (II Augustus, King of France 1180-1223) (b.1165 - d.1223)
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Louis VIII becomes King of France
Louis VIII became king of France, upon the death of his father Philippe Augustus. ¹
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Cilgerran Castle recaptured
William Marshall, the younger, recaptured the castle at Cilgerran from Llywelyn ap Iorwerth.
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Earls deprived of their castles
Hubert de Burgh gets agreement that the rebel barons should give up their Earldoms and castles which were to be turned over to the crown. The Earls were slow in complying with the agreement. ¹
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Fire at Pershore Abbey
A fire destroys part of the abbey church at Pershore. ¹
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Hubert de Burgh builds a mansion
Hubert de Burgh purchased land from Westminster Abbey on which he built a mansion. This building would be expanded over the years to become Whitehall Palace. ¹
Autumn
Construction of Montgomery Castle
Autumn
King Henry III started the construction of a new castle at Montgomery on the Welsh border with England.
See Also
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London Fog
From the Chronicles of Meaux Abbey came the report saying 'A London fog occurred while the Bishop of London was officiating in St. Paul's there came on suddenly such a thickness of the clouds and darkness of the sun, accompanied by thunder and lightening and a most foul stench, that the people departed, leaving only the bishop there with one attendant.' ¹
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Foundation of Naples University
Naples University was founded by Emperor Frederic II of Italy.
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Aquitaine taken by France
While King Henry was occupied with problems caused by the barons, Louis VIII took the opportunity to take an army into Poitou and besiege La Rochelle. Unable or unwilling to send assistance from England, Henry allowed the town to be captured and by the end of the year the northern part of Aquitaine fell to the French.
Qtr 1
Henry reclaims castles
Qtr 1
All those castles that had been taken from King John were claimed back by Henry. Henry did not want to have untrustworthy Barons in control of strong castles. Fawkes de Breaute, one of the castle occupiers refused to relinquish his castle(s) and started a short rebellion. Stephen Langton and Hubert de Burgh dealt with Fawkes and the castles were handed over. (Need to find out which castles)
Jun (to Aug)
Bedford Castle siege
Jun (to Aug)
The garrison at Bedford Castle, belonging to the rebel Falkes de Breute, refused to surrender to the Crown. Falkes had been repeated summonsed to account for his refusal to comply with agreement and when he refused to appear before the King the castle was surrounded. The castle fell when the keep was undermined. The garrison, who had surrendered the castle, were all hung on the order of the Justiciar. Falkes was allowed to leave the country but he lost all his possessions in doing so. Bedford Castle was badly damaged as a result. ¹
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Beeston Castle construction
Returning from a spell crusading in the Holy Land, Ranulf, the fifth Earl of Cheshire started the construction of the castle at Beeston.
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Salisbury Choir
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