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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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3D/VR

Virtual Buildings

Transport yourself back up to a thousand years and explore historical buildings as they may have appeared in the past.

1301 .. 1325
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Fourteenth Century

145 Historical events occurring between 1301 and 1325

Years: 1301 1302 1303 1304 1305 1306 1307 1308 1309 1310 1311 1312 1313 1314 1315 1316 1317 1318 1319 1320 1321 1322 1323 1324 1325

3D Virtual Reconstructions

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1301

English Regnal years: 29 Edward I - 30 Edward I
...
Halley's Comet
Return of the comet now named after Edmond Halley who died in 1742 that returns approximately every 75 years.
More Natural World Events
Feb
Edward (II) invested as Prince of Wales
Feb
Prince Edward was invested by his father King Edward I as 'Prince of Wales' and was granted royal lands in Wales.
May 20
Treaty finally signed
May 20
The peace treaty between England and France was finally signed.
Jul
Edward advances into Scotland
Jul
King Edward I found the land laid waste as he advanced into Scotland. At Linlithgow he halted and built a castle where he spent Christmas.
Episode: Edward I and Scotland [highlight all]
See Also

1302

English Regnal years: 30 Edward I - 31 Edward I
 
Deaths

Blanche (of Artois) (b.1248 - d.1302)

Spring
Treaty is signed
Spring
King Edward I and the Scots signed a peace treaty. John Segrave was left in charge in Scotland with a force of 20,000 men.
Episode: Edward I and Scotland [highlight all]
See Also

1303

English Regnal years: 31 Edward I - 32 Edward I
 
Deaths

Boniface (VIII, Pope) ( - d.1303)

...
Baltic Sea Freezes over
There appears to be a mini ice age during this period (1303 and 1306-7) where the temperatures dropped so far that the Baltic Sea actually froze.
More Natural World Events
...
Constantinople Earthquake
A large earthquake hits the city of Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey).
More Natural World Events
...
Crete Eartquake
Possible earthquake in Crete.
More Natural World Events
Feb 24
Battle of Roslin
Feb 24
A Scottish army of around 8,000 men, led by John Comyn and Simon Fraser, defeated an English army of 30,000 men. Roslin is located just to the south of Edinburgh.
Spring
John Comyn is appointed regent
Spring
The Scots appointed John Comyn as regent and with Sir Simon Frazer he marched south from northern Scotland to repel the English. Segrave was captured by the Scottish forces.
Episode: Edward I and Scotland [highlight all]
May
Edward's last campaign in Scotland
May
William Wallace had returned to Scotland from France where he had been in exile and so Edward took an army into Scotland. [1]
Episode: Edward I and Scotland [highlight all]
...
Edward takes Urquhart Castle
As part of Edward's campaign in Scotland he attacked and took control of Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness. Sir Alexander Comyn was left in change. [1]
Episode: Edward I and Scotland [highlight all]
May 20
Treaty of Paris
May 20
After his defeat at Courtrai Philippe IV called on King Edward I for a peace treaty. Part to this involved Edward regained some French land and Philippe's daughter, Isabella, marrying Edward's son, the future Edward II, king of England.
Jun
Edward I reaches Perth
Jun
King Edward I had reached Perth by June and stayed there until July. In August Edward had besieged Brechin. [2]
Oct 11
Death of Boniface VIII
Oct 11
Boniface, the Pope, died a few weeks after being held captive by supporters of the French King over taxation disputes. [3]
Oct 27
Benedict XI becomes Pope
Oct 27
Nicolas Bocasini was crowned as Pope on this day.
Dec
Edward stays at Dunfermline Abbey
Dec
Edward spent the winter months at Dunfermline Abbey where he planned the attack on Stirling Castle. [1]
Episode: Edward I and Scotland [highlight all]
See Also

1304

English Regnal years: 32 Edward I - 33 Edward I
 
Deaths

Benedict (XI, Pope 1303-1304) (b.1240 - d.1304)

Bruce, Robert (Earl of Carrick, 6th Lord of Annandale) (b.1243 - d.1304)

...
Canterbury Screen of choir and chapter house building work
Canterbury Screen of choir and chapter house building work. [4]
Spring
Edward besieges Stirling Castle
Spring
Edward began a siege of Stirling Castle. [1]
Episode: Edward I and Scotland [highlight all]
Jul
Stirling Castle surrenders
Jul
The Scots surrendered Stirling Castle to Edward. The constructions of a huge trebuchet was ordered by the English king to bombard the castle into submission. The siege engine was called Warwolf. [1]
Episode: Edward I and Scotland [highlight all]
See Also

1305

English Regnal years: 33 Edward I - 34 Edward I
 
Deaths

Wallace, William (b.1270 - d.1305)

...
William Wallace captured
William Wallace was betrayed and captured by the English. [1]
Episode: Edward I and Scotland [highlight all]
...
'Captivity of the Popes'
Lasting from 1305 until 1378, the Popes lived in Avignon in southern France and not in Rome.
...
Clement V becomes Pope
Aug
Wallace executed
Aug
William Wallace was tried and executed. [1]
Episode: Edward I and Scotland [highlight all]
See Also

1306

English Regnal years: 34 Edward I - 35 Edward I
...
Philippe confiscates Italian bankers' goods
To regain money spent on expanding his domains, Philippe turns his attentions to Italian bankers and Jews within the country from whom he can confiscate goods. [5]
...
Lady Chapel at Bristol Abbey
The construction of the Lady Chapel at Bristol Abbey took place. [6]
...
Central Tower at Lincoln Cathedral
The central tower at Lincoln Cathedral was constructed between 1306 and 1311. [6]
...
Despenser was knighted at the Feast of the Swans
In May 1306, Despenser was knighted at the Feast of the Swans at Westminster Abbey alongside Prince Edward, and in that summer he married Eleanor de Clare, daughter of powerful noble Gilbert de Clare, and Joan of Acre. Eleanor's grandfather, Edward I, had owed the elder Despenser 2,000 marks, a debt which the marriage settled. When Eleanor's brother, Gilbert, was killed in 1314 at the Battle of Bannockburn, she unexpectedly became one of the three co-heiresses to the rich Gloucester earldom, and in her right, Hugh inherited Glamorgan and other properties. In just a few years Hugh went from a landless knight to one of the wealthiest magnates in the kingdom. [7]
Feb 10
John Comyn murdered by Robert Bruce
Feb 10
Robert Bruce murdered John Comyn.
Episode: Edward I and Scotland [highlight all]
Mar 25
Robert Bruce is crowned Robert I of Scotland
Mar 25
Robert Bruce was crowned King of Scotland At Scone Abbey.
Episode: Edward I and Scotland [highlight all]
May 22
Feast of the Swans
May 22
At the 'Feast of the Swans' held at Westminster Abbey, Edward I knighted his son, the future king Edward II, and took an oath to avenge the murder of John III Comyn, Lord of Badenoch by Robert Bruce. No mercy to be shown to any Scots captured in battle.
Jun 19
Battle of Methven
Jun 19
Robert Bruce, the new King of Scotland, was camped on high ground by the River Almond near Methven, west of Perth. An English army led by the Earl of Pembroke attacked the Scots in an early morning raid. Unprepared for the assault, the Scots were defeated but Bruce was able to make his escape.
See Also

1307

English Regnal years: 35 Edward I - 1 Edward II
 
Deaths

Edward (I, King of England 1272-1307) (b.1239 - d.1307)

Joan (of Acre) (b.1271 - d.1307)

...
Philippe adds Bigorre to his territories
By paying rent to the Bishop of Puy, Philippe added the county of Bigorre to his lands. [5]
...
Orford Castle Ready for Defence
Again, the castle at Orford was ordered to be made ready for defence. This time by King Edward II. [8]
May 10
Battle of Loudoun Hill
May 10
The English were defeated by the Scots at the battle of Loudoun Hill led by Robert I of Scotland.
Jul 7
Death of Edward I
Jul 7
King Edward I died at Burgh-upon-the-Sands on the Solway with Scotland in view across the Firth. Right up until his death Edward's priority was the realms that he ruled. After his death Edward's body was embalmed and transported to Waltham Abbey in Essex. Here it lay unburied for several weeks presumably so that people could come and see the body lying in state. After this the body was taken to Westminster Abbey for a proper burial. [2]
Jul 8
Edward II becomes king
Jul 8
Edward the eldest son of King Edward I became King of England.
Oct 13
Knights Templar are arrested
Oct 13
King Philippe of France ordered the arrest of all Knight Templars in France. The order to arrest the Templars was sent out several weeks before the date possibly giving the Templars time to hide their wealth. [9]
Oct 28
Edward I buried at Westminster Abbey
Oct 28
After lying in state for several weeks at Waltham Abbey King Edward's body was moved to Westminster Abbey for burial.
Dec 20
Order to arrest Knights Templar
Dec 20
Edward II sent out orders for the arrest of the Knights Templar and the confiscation of their properties. The actual date that the arrests should take place was ordered to be January 8th, 1308.
See Also

1308

English Regnal years: 1 Edward II - 2 Edward II
...
Bruce takes Urquhart Castle
Robert Bruce captured Urquhart Castle and placed it in the care of Sir Thomas Ranpolph, the Earl of Moray. [1]
...
Rebuilding work at Exeter Cathedral
At bExeter Cathedral the smaller choir transepts, rood screen and sedilia were all constructed between 1308 and 1326 under Bishop Stapledon. [4]
...
Lady Chapel built at St. Albans
A Lady Chapel was constructed at St; Albans Abbey. [6]
Jan 8
Arrest of Knights Templar in England
Jan 8
The date set for the arrest of the Knights Templar across England.
Jan 25
Edward II marries Isabella of France
Jan 25
Edward II married Isabella of France, the daughter of King Philippe IV of France. The marriage took place at Boulogne and Edward left Gaveston as Regent in his absence. Edward alienated the Lords by placing Gaveston in such a powerful position. [10]
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
Feb 25
Edward's Coronation
Feb 25
Edward II was crowned at Westminster Abbey. During the ceremony Gaveston was given the honour of carrying the crown. During the banquet that followed the King spent much more time with Gaveston than his wife. The Queen's uncles, who had travelled with her from France, left to report back to the King of France of the King's favouritism for Gaveston over Isabella. As part of the coronation ceremony Edward swore an oath that he should abide by the laws and customs that the community and realm determined. [10]
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
Apr
Parliament angry with the King
Apr
The barons appeared at Parliament in April demanding the banishment of Gaveston. [11]
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
May 9
Thomas Earl of Lancaster
May 9
King Edward granted his cousin Thomas Earl of Lancaster and his heirs the title of Stewardship of England. Many barons were opposing the King beacuse of his closeness to Gaveston and Edward needed some support. This may have been a way of getting Lancaster on his side.
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
Jun 25
Gaveston banished
Jun 25
Parliament was unhappy with Gaveston's actions as Regent while Edward was away. Gaveston's closeness to Edward was also distressing for Edward's new wife as well. Parliament concluded that Edward should remove Gaveston and the knight was given the role of Lieutenant of Ireland in order to remove him from England. Gaveston was threatened with excommunication is he did not leave or if he was to return. Edward accompanied Gaveston to Bristol from where he set sail for Ireland.
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
See Also

1309

English Regnal years: 2 Edward II - 3 Edward II
 
Deaths

James (of St George) ( - d.1309)

...
Robert Bruce recognised as King
Robert Bruce was formally recognised as King of Scotland by the Scottish parliament at St. Andrews. [10]
...
Clement V moves Papacy to Avignon
May 9
Death of Charles II of Naples
May 9
Charles II, King of Naples died. A dispute arose over the succession which was contested by Robert, the King's third son and the son of Charles Martel, the King's first son who had died earlier. The dispute was settled by the Pope at Avignon and Robert was chosen as the successor.
Jul
Parliament agrees to Gaveston's return
Jul
In the parliament held in April earlier in the year several demands of reform were put to the King. But Edward said that he would only agree to them if Gaveston were to return from exile. In the April parliament this was rejected, but in a parliament held at Stamford in July agreement was given. Edward had managed to have the threat of excommunication overturned and he managed to get support from some of the barons. The barons hoped that the King and Gaveston had learnt from their mistakes in running the country. [11]
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
Aug
The Hospitallers take Rhodes
Aug
After the loss of their territories in the Holy Land in 1291, the Hospitaller knights fled to Cyprus. In 1309 they captured the island of Rhodes located off the south west coast of modern day Turkey and made it their base for over two hundred years.
Oct
Great Council at York
Oct
King Edward summonsed a council to meet at York, but several barons refused to attend due to Gaveston's attandance. Since he had returned from exile Gaveston had returned to his old ways trying to alienate the barons from the King.
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
See Also

1310

English Regnal years: 3 Edward II - 4 Edward II
...
Wells Cathedral Lady Chapel
Work commenced on the Lady Chapel of Wells Cathedral. This may have taken place been between 1320 and 1330. [4]
...
Knaresborough Castle granted to Gaveston
Edward II granted the castle and town of Knaresborough to Pier Gaveston around this time and spent money on the castle to provide his favourite with a palace to live in.
Mar
Appointment of the Lords Ordainers
Mar
The weight of resentment towards Gaveston by the barons led to the creation of a group of twenty-one of their number known as the Lords Ordainers. They were elected to reform the way King Edward II ruled the country, They issued six ordinances almost immediately but the main changes were not put forward until 1311.
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
Sep
Edward campaigns in Scotland
Sep
Supported by Earls of Gloucester, Warwick and Cornwall, Edward took an army into Scotland. Edward directed the assaults from Berwick. The campaign was fruitless even though Gaveston managed to reach as far north as Perth. [10]
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
See Also

3D Virtual Reconstructions

Click to explore

1311

English Regnal years: 4 Edward II - 5 Edward II
...
Bruce attacks the north
The conflict within England gave Robert Bruce the opportunity to attack towns and forts in the north of England. He was commonly paid large sums of money by the towns' people to leave them alone. In this way he was able to raise enough money to buy better weapons for his army. [10]
...
Lancaster's marriage provides more power
The marriage of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster to Alice de Lacy, the heiress of the of the powerful Henry de Lacy, gave the Earl even more titles and properties. One of these properties was Pontefract Castle in Yorkshire.
Jan
Katla Volcano Eruption
Jan
Eruption of the large Icelandic volcano. [12]
More Natural World Events
Qtr 1
The rise of Thomas Earl of Lancaster
Qtr 1
While Edward II was in Scotland, his Regent, the Earl of Lincoln died. and was replaced by his son-in-law Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. Lancaster became the Earl of Lincoln and Salisbury, but already held the titles of Earl of Leicester and Derby. Holding so many titles, made Lancaster the most powerful Baron of the time. His hatred of Gaveston was to become a major problem for the king. [10]
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
Qtr 1
Lancaster pays homage
Qtr 1
Lancaster had to pay homage to the king for the new lands he had received with his new earldoms. Edward was in Scotland but Lancaster refused to leave England and Edward met Lancaster at Haggerston Castle on the border. Gaveston was with the king but Lancaster refused to meet him. [10]
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
Jul
Edward returns to England
Jul
Edward II left Scotland and returned to England to attend a session of Parliament. Gaveston was left behind at Bamburgh Castle where he was relatively safe from the Lords Ordainers. [10]
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
Aug
Ordinances
Aug
The king was summonsed to a parliament at Westminster in August. The Ordinances were a series of government acts made at the parliament by the Lords Ordinaners to obtain control over King Edward II. This involved increasing their control over Edward's finances and renewing the banishment of Piers Gaveston. King Edward returned slowly from the north arriving several days after the parliament had begun using a pligrimage to Canterbury as an excuse. The King had to agree to the demands.
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
Sep 27
Ordinances Proclaimed
Sep 27
The Ordinances were publicly proclaimed at Paul's Cross. In addition, Gaveston was ordered to leave the country by the 1st of November and to be stripped of his titles. [10]
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
Nov 3
Gaveston leaves the country
Nov 3
Gaveston left the country a few days later than he should have done, but even then he didn't go far. By Christmas he had returned to Edward's side and made public appearances with the King. Edward also gave Gaveston his title of Earl of Cornwall back to him. [10]
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
Christmas
Edward and Gaveston at Windsor
Christmas
Gaveston appeared openly at Windsor where the King celebrated Christmas. [11]
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
See Also

1312

English Regnal years: 5 Edward II - 6 Edward II
 
Births

Edward (III, King of England 1327-1377) (b.1312 - d.1377)

 
Deaths

Gaveston, Piers (Earl of Cornwall) (b.1284 - ex.1312)

...
Foundation of Dublin University
Archbishop John Lech obtained a Papal Bull from Pope Clement V authorising the foundation of a university at Dublin but died before he could complete it's foundation.That was left to his successor.
Qtr 1
Edward looks to Scotland for help
Qtr 1
Gaveston's return to England forced the Archbishop of Canterbury to honour his threat of excommunication and the Earls to prepare for civil war against the king. Edward and Gaveston travelled to Scotland to seek help from Robert the Bruce but were not welcome. [10]
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
May 4
Edward and Gaveston flee
May 4
Edward and Gaveston were at Newcastle when they were alerted to the news that the Earl of Lancaster was heading for them. They escaped down river to Tynemouth where the King and Gaveston took a boat to Scarborough leaving behind them everything and everybody including Isabella, Edward's wife. Gaveston took refuge at Scarborough Castle and Edward went to York. [11]
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
May 19
Gaveston surrenders
May 19
While the Earl of Lancaster set up camp midway between York and Scarborough to prevent Gaveston and the King rejoining, the Earls of Pembroke and Surrey besieged Scarborough castle. The castle was not prepared to withstand the stand-off and Gaveston surrendered after a couple of weeks. The terms of his surrender were generous and Pembroke gave his word that Gaveston would not be harmed until he was presented to Parliament. [10]
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
Jun 19
Gaveston executed
Jun 19
The Earl of Pembroke with his captive Gaveston, stopped at Deddington for the night. Pembroke left Gaveston to attend to other matters. The Earl of Warwick took advantage of Pembroke's absence and took Gaveston from his bed. They went to Warwick Castle and Gaveston was thrown in the dungeon. The four Earls, Lancaster, Warwick, Arundel and Hereford took the decision that Gaveston should be punished and took him to Blacklow Hill where he was executed. As Gaveston was under excommunication, the body was not buried straight away. [13]
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
Nov
Future Edward III is born
Nov
Edward the future king of England was born at Windsor Castle and was known as Edward Windsor.
See Also

1313

English Regnal years: 6 Edward II - 7 Edward II
 
Deaths

Balliol, John (King of Scotland 1292-1296) (b.1249 - d.1313)

...
Montagne and Tournai fall to Philippe
More lands were added to Philippe's domain. [5]
...
The Scots regain ground
Using stealth and surprise tactics Robert Bruce's army recaptured Perth, Dundee, Edinburgh and Roxburgh from English occupation. [10]
...
Construction of Dunstanburgh Castle
Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, started the construction of a castle at Dunstanburgh on the Northumbrian coast.
Jun
Stirling Castle Siege
Jun
Stirling Castle was still under the control of English forces but was under siege from the Scots led by Edward Bruce. Bruce and the English commander, Sir Philippe de Mowbray, came to an agreement that if English forces had not reached the castle by midsummer 1314, Mowbray would surrender the castle to the Scots. Bruce even let Mowbray leave the castle to inform the English king of the agreement. [10]
Dec 23
Edward prepares for invasion
Dec 23
King Edward II called upon the earls to provide men and arms and to meet at Berwick on the 10th of June 1314 to attack the Scots. [10]
See Also

1314

English Regnal years: 7 Edward II - 8 Edward II
 
Births

Beauchamp, Thomas (11th Earl of Warwick) (b.1314 - d.1369)

Philippa (of Hainault) (b.1314 - d.1369)

 
Deaths

Philippe (IV, The Fair, King of France 1285-1314) (b.1268 - d.1314)

...
Bruce orders destruction of castles
To prevent Scottish castles falling into English hands, Robert Bruce ordered that the castles at Roxburgh, Linlithgow and Edinburgh should be destroyed. [14]
...
Old St. Paul's Cathedral completed
Work on the old St. Paul's Cathedral was finally completed in this year. [15]
...
Lady Chapel built at Reading
A Lady Chapel was constructed at Reading Abbey. [6]
...
Famine at Norwich
In common with the rest of the country and Europe, Norfolk suffered with failing food supplies due to wet conditions. The famine lasted until 1317. [16]
Mar 18
Jacques de Molay and Geoffroi de Charney burnt at the stake.
Mar 18
Jacques de Molay, the Grand Master of the Templars and Geoffroi de Charney were taken to an island on the River Seine and burnt at the stake. Jacques de Molay declaring their innocence and that the Templar Order were also innocent of all of the changes that they had been accused of. It is said that Jacques de Molay predicted the deaths of both the French king and Pope Clement within the year. [9]
Apr 20
Pope Clement V dies
Apr 20
When the Knight Templar leader Jacques de Molay was burnt at the stake he vowed that the Pope would soon die. Pope Clement V was dead within 40 days. [5]
Jun 17
Edward leaves Berwick
Jun 17
Edward II and his army left Berwick to march to Stirling Castle which they had to reach before midsummer's day if the castle were to be saved from falling back into the hands of the Scots. [10]
Jun 24
Battle of Bannockburn
Jun 24
Forces led by Edward II were defeated by Robert I at Bannockburn. Edward was trying to reach Stirling Castle to relieve the English forces there. This was an important battle for the Scots to win and helped them to make some gains of land in northern England even if the success was short-lived.
Sep
Edward loses power to Lancaster
Sep
After the defeat at Bannockburn, the death of Gloucester and his army scattered, Edward had to hand power over to the Earl of Lancaster and the Lords Ordainers. Lancaster had kept back his own personal army in readiness for Edward's return and Edward had no option. Lancaster then replaced the Edward's supporters in key seats of power with his own Lancastrian supporters. [10]
Nov 29
Philippe IV, the Fair dies, and is succeeded by Louis X
Nov 29
Philippe, King of France, died of a hunting accident within the same year as the deaths of the Knight Templar leaders at the stake. His was succeeded by his eldest son Louis X. [5]
Dec
Gaveston buried
Dec
Edward had delayed having the body of Gaveston buried until he had taken revenge for the murder, but because the King was powerless to act against the Ordainers, he decided to hold a lavish ceremony to bury his dead friend. [10]
Episode: Edward II and Piers Gaveston [highlight all]
See Also

1315

English Regnal years: 8 Edward II - 9 Edward II
 
Deaths

Margaret (of Burgundy) (b.1290 - d.1315)

...
Wells Cathedral Central Tower
Work commenced on the central tower of Wells Cathedral. This needed strengthening and in 1338, new internal arches were added to support the weight. [4]
...
A year of flood, famine and disease
Known as 'The Great Famine' this year had several natural disasters spread across western Europe leading to economic problems. In England famine was caused by severe rainfall which was so great that crops failed and people resorted to eating horses, rats, cats and dogs. The conditions lasted until 1317.  [10]
More Natural World Events
...
Lancaster in power
For the whole of 1315 Thomas, the Earl of Lancaster was in control of England and he embarked on a campaign to create a network of supporters in all positions of power. It seems that every section of society had Lancastrians that he could depend on.  [10]
...
Edward Bruce invades Ireland
Edward Bruce landed in Ireland in an attempt to become King of Ireland.  [17]
...
Despenser seizes Tonbridge Castle
Eleanor was also the niece of the new king, Edward II of England, and this connection brought Despenser closer to the English royal court. He joined the baronial opposition to Piers Gaveston, the king's favourite (and Despenser's brother-in-law, through Gaveston's marriage to Eleanor's sister Margaret). Eager for power and wealth, Despenser seized Tonbridge Castle in 1315, after his brother-in-law's death under the misapprehension that it belonged to his mother-in-law; he relinquished it on discovering that the rightful owner was, in fact, the Archbishop of Canterbury. [18]
Aug
Birth of John of Eltham
Aug
While staying at Eltham Palace, Queen Isabella gave birth to a son called John and known as John of Eltham.
See Also

1316

English Regnal years: 9 Edward II - 10 Edward II
 
Births

John (I, King of France 1316) (b.1316 - d.1316)

Robert (II, King of the Scots 1371-1390) (b.1316 - d.1390)

 
Deaths

Elizabeth (b.1282 - d.1316)

John (I, King of France 1316) (b.1316 - d.1316)

Louis (X, The Headstrong, King of France 1314-1316) (b.1289 - d.1316)

Marjorie (Daughter of Robert I, the Bruce) ( - d.1316)

...
Philippe V becomes King of France
Philippe, the brother of the previous King of France, became regent and then King of France. [5]
...
More famines and floods.
Natural disasters continued this year across western Europe leading to more social and economic problems. [10]
...
John XXII becomes Pope
Jun
Death of Louis X
Jun
King Louis X of France died after a game of tennis or Jeu de paume. It is possible the king was poisoned. Louis' wife was pregnant at the time so his brother Philippe was elected regent until the child was born. He was at the castles at Vincennes at the time.
Nov 15
Birth of John I King of France
Nov 15
As soon as he was born John became the King of France. His father, Louis X, had died several months before his birth.
Nov 20
Death of King John of France
Nov 20
Only five days after his birth the King of France died. John's uncle Philippe, who had been acting as regent, became King of France.
See Also

1317

English Regnal years: 10 Edward II - 11 Edward II
 
Deaths

Margaret (of France) (b.1279 - d.1317)

...
End of famine
The 'Great Famine' that started in 1315 affecting western Europe came to an end this year.
More Natural World Events
...
Despenser the Younger claimed the Lordship of Glamorgan
Despenser the Younger claimed the Lordship of Glamorgan in 1317 through his wife Eleanor de Clare. He then accumulated more lands in the Welsh Marches and in England. At various points he was a knight of Hanley Castle in Worcestershire, Constable of Odiham Castle, and the Keeper of Bristol Castle, Portchester Castle and Dryslwyn Castle plus their respective towns, and the region of Cantref Mawr in Carmarthenshire. [19]
Jan 9
Philippe V crowned
Jan 9
Philippe the Tall, the younger brother of the late King Louis X of France, was crowned King of France, as King Philippe V, at Reims Cathedral. The only son of King Louis X had been born after his father's death, but died after four days.
See Also

1318

English Regnal years: 11 Edward II - 12 Edward II
 
Deaths

Margaret (b.1275 - d.1318)

...
Norham Castle attacked
Norham Castle was besieged by the Scots. The governor Sir Thomas Gray aided by Lords Percy and Neville managed to defend the castle at this time.
Aug
Hugh Despenser is made Chamberlain
Aug
Despenser the Younger rose to become Chamberlain and a close advisor to King Edward II, much as Despenser the Elder had been.
Aug 9
Treaty of Leake
Aug 9
The Earl of Pembroke and his 'Middle Party' held discussions with the Earl of Lancaster during which it was agreed that a council should be formed that would advise the King, and that the King should not be able to act without the council's advice. Lancaster was also assured that he and his followers would be pardoned for any illegal acts that they may have performed during the time of their power. Lancaster agreed to the Treaty and met Edward to reconcile their differences. [10]
Oct
Battle of Faughart
Oct
Edward Bruce was defeated and killed at the Battle of Faughart by the English led by John de Birmingham.
See Also

1319

English Regnal years: 12 Edward II - 13 Edward II
 
Births

John (II, King of France 1350-1364) (b.1319 - d.1364)

Jun
Edward marches to free Berwick
Jun
The last Scottish town to be held in English hands had been captured by Robert the Bruce. The loss of Berwick brought Edward and Lancaster together. Their common goal was to recapture the town and together with the Earl of Pembroke and Surrey they marched north. [10]
Sep 20
Battle of Myton
Sep 20
While the best of the English army were at Berwick, a Scottish army led by Sir James Douglas invaded Yorkshire. With an untrained army the Archbishop of York, William Melton, tried to fight off the Scots but was defeated at Myton-in-Swalesdale. With the Scots threatening their lands in the north the earls, with Edward at Berwick, abandoned the siege and returned to their homes. Queen Isabella who was in York at the time managed to escape to safety at Nottingham.
See Also

1320

English Regnal years: 13 Edward II - 14 Edward II
 
Births

Yevele, Henry (b.1320 - d.1400)

...
Lady Chapel at Lichfield
The construction of a Lady Chapel at Lichfield Cathedral took place. [6]
Apr
Declaration of Arbroath
Apr
Robert the Bruce drew up the Declaration of Arbroath which defined Scotland's sovereignty and Robert's right to be King. This was sent to the Pope in the hope that he would lift the excommunication order under which Robert was being held for the death of John Comyn in 1306.
See Also

3D Virtual Reconstructions

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1321

English Regnal years: 14 Edward II - 15 Edward II
 
Births

Joan (of the Tower) (b.1321 - d.1362)

...
Lady Chapel construction at Ely
The construction of the Lady Chapel also known as the Trinity Chapel was begun in 1321 at Ely Cathedral. Shortly after work began the central tower fell down damaging the choir area. [20]
...
Abbey Dore relic
Around 1305, Richard Straddell (d.1346) became Abbot. He was a distinguished scholar and theologian who at times served as a diplomat for the crown. In 1321 he was given a relic of the Holy Cross by William de Gradisson, and the abbey became a centre of pilgrimage. [21]
Qtr 1
Despenser and the Marcher Lords
Qtr 1
Hugh Despenser began obtaining lands in South Wales. He did this by exchanging estates he held in England and by obtaining grants from the king. He even obtained the Isle of Lundy. When the last male heir of the Marcher Lord Braose family died, Despenser was able to obtain the land that the family owned in and around Swansea. This angered the other Marcher Lords as they had customs that allowed land to pass into the hands of one another. The Marcher Lords threatened to start a civil war and it was agreed that a Parliament should be called to settle the matter. It was also agreed that Despenser was to be held in custody by Lancaster until the meeting but Despenser refused.
May 24
Meeting at Pontefract
May 24
Thomas, Earl of Lancester held the first of two meetings to gather support of Barons and the clergy to remove the Despensers from power. The second meeting at Sherborn-in-Elmet near York was held on June 28th. [10]
Jul
Parliament at Westminster
Jul
Lancaster put a large amount of pressure on Edward to remove the Despensers from power. The Marcher Lords brought a force to London and threats were made that Edward would be removed from the throne if he did not comply. [10]
Aug
The Despensers are banished
Aug
Both Despensers were banished from England. Hugh, the elder left without any fuss, but his son, Hugh the younger had different ideas and at first was given refuge by sailors of a Cinque Port and then started a spell of piracy. [10]
Qtr 3
Despenser spends a period of time as a pirate in the English Channel
Qtr 3
During his exile, Despenser spent a period of time as a pirate in the English Channel, At his makeshift trial, he would be accused 'of robbing two great ships to the value of £60,000 'to the great dishonour of the king and the realm and to the great danger of English merchants in foreign countries'. [22]
Oct
Siege of Leeds Castle
Oct
Edward was forced to lay siege to Leeds Castle after an incident involving his wife Queen Isabella. The Queen had wanted to stay at the castle while travelling to Canterbury but was refused entry by the owners wife. The owner of the castle, who was not there at the time, was Lord Badlesmere, a supporter of Lancaster. When Isabella's men tried to gain access to the castle, some of them were killed. On hearing of the problem, Edward took an army to the castle and after a week broke the siege. Several of the Marcher Lords began to march into England in support of Lord Badlesmere. They only got as far as Kingston-upon-Thames when the siege ended. Edward then had every excuse to engage the Marcher Lords in their act of rebellion. [10]
See Also

1322

English Regnal years: 15 Edward II - 16 Edward II
 
Deaths

Maria (of Brabant) (b.1254 - d.1322)

Philippe (V, the Tall, King of France 1316-1322) ( - d.1322)

Thomas (Earl of Lancaster) (b.1278 - ex.1322)

...
Collapse of central tower at Ely Cathedral
The collapse of the central crossing tower of Ely Cathedral allowed the construction of the unique Octagon that took its place.
Jan
The Despensers return
Jan
The Archbishop of Canterbury had ruled that the banishment of the Despensers was illegal at the end of 1321 and as soon as they heard the news, the Despensers returned to England. [10]
Jan
The Despensers return
Jan
Finally the barons took action against King Edward and, at the beseeching of Queen Isabella, forced Despenser and his father into exile in August 1321. However, Edward's intent to summon them back to England was no secret. The king rallied support after an attack against Isabella's party at Leeds Castle, an event possibly orchestrated. Early in the following year, with Mortimer's barons busy putting down uprisings in their lands, the Despensers were able to return. Edward, with the Despensers backing him once more, was able to crush the rebellion, securing first Mortimer's surrender and then that of the earl of Lancaster, who was subsequently executed. [18]
Jan 3
Charles IV becomes King of France
Jan 3
King Charles IV succeeds his brother Philippe as King of France.He would reign until 1328. [5]
Qtr 1
Edward attacks the Marcher Lords
Qtr 1
Edward advanced up the Severn Valley and crossed the river at Shrewsbury. Several of the Marcher Lords surrendered to the King without a fight. Lancaster had moved to his base at Pontefract. The King took time to take control the castles belonging to the Marcher Lords. [10]
Mar 16
Battle of Boroughbridge
Mar 16
Lancaster left his base at Pontract and headed north. At the bridge crossing the river Ure at Boroughbridge he was halted by an army led by Andrew Harcley, the Earl of Carlisle. Harcley held the bridge against Lancaster's attacks and Lancaster was forced to surrender. Lancaster was taken back to Pontefract Castle where Edward had taken control.
Mar 22
Lancaster Executed
Mar 22
Edward finally had his revenge for the death of Gaveston when Thomas, the Earl of Lancaster, was executed outside the walls of Pontefract Castle. [10]
May
Parliament at York
May
Edward was now back in control of the country and at the Parliament held at York the rebels who had fought against him were punished, many being executed for treason. The Ordinances against Edward were repealed and those who had supported Edward through the bad times were rewarded. The elder Hugh Despenser was made Earl of Winchester. The younger Despenser was given large amounts of land forfeited by the rebels. [10]
Jul
The Scots invade
Jul
The two year truce that had been agreed after the failed siege by the English at Berwick expired and Robert the Bruce invaded the north of England. [10]
Aug
Edward advances into Scotland
Aug
In response to Robert the Bruce's attacks in the north of England, Edward called for an army and took them into Scotland. The Scots were prepared for the English and had burnt land and supplies in front of Edward's army making it difficult for the English to survive. [10]
Oct
Edward almost captured
Oct
After returning from Scotland, Edward and Queen Isabella rested at Rievaulx Abbey in Yorkshire. The Scots were still nearby and met the English army led by the Earl of Richmond near Old Byland. The Scots defeated the English army and Edward had to flee to escape capture. Isabella too escaped. [10]
Oct
Melrose Abbey destroyed
Oct
During his retreat from Scotland, forces of Edward II did great damage to the Abbey.
See Also

1323

English Regnal years: 16 Edward II - 17 Edward II
...
Sections of St. Alban collapses
Parts of the ceiling of the church collapsed when several columns in the nave fell down.
Mar
Peace negotiations
Mar
Edward and Robert the Bruce began negotiations for a peaceful settlement of their differences. There were difficulties because Robert claimed the title of King of Scotland but Edward initially refused this because he had inherited the title from his father King Edward I. The execution of the Earl of Carlisle had led to the start of negotiations. Carlisle had approached Robert with the intention of preparing the ground for peace talks but had not informed the king of his intentions. His actions were discovered and the king assumed his actions were treasonable. Carlisle was executed as a traitor. [10]
May
Treaty signed
May
A thirteen year peace was signed at York between Scotland and England. [10]
Autumn
Mortimer escapes from the Tower
Autumn
Mortimer of Wigmore escaped from the Tower of London. [10]
See Also

1324

English Regnal years: 17 Edward II - 18 Edward II
 
Births

David (II, King of the Scots 1329-1371) (b.1324 - d.1371)

Wykeham, William (of) (b.1324 - d.1404)

 
Deaths

Henry (II, King of Cypus 1285-1324) (b.1270 - d.1324)

Osman (I, Ottoman Sultan) (b.1258 - d.1324)

Polo, Marco (b.1253 - d.1324)

...
Extensive repairs to Bath Abbey
Repairs begin on Bath Abbey. [4]
Mar 5
David (II) born
Mar 5
The birth of David (II), the future king of Scotland to Robert I and Elizabeth de Burgh.
See Also

1325

English Regnal years: 18 Edward II - 19 Edward II
 
Deaths

Walter (6th High Steward) ( - d.1325)

...
Peterborough's Central Tower
The central tower of Peterborough Cathedral was begun in 1325. [4]
Mar
Isabella leaves for France
Mar
Isabella of France, the wife of King Edward II, travelled to France to see King Charles IV, her brother. Her mission was to bring to an end the disputes over land between France and England. The French King agreed to the English reclaiming the lands of Gascony and Ponthieu as long as Edward came to Paris and paid homage. In Paris Isabella met Roger Mortimer who had recently escaped from the Tower of London. She fell in love with him. [10]
Episode: Isabella, She-Wolf of France and death of Edward II [highlight all]
Sep
Prince Edward in France
Sep
In England, King Edward II was persuaded not to go to France by the Despensers. The Despensers were worried that because their position of power in England was precarious, if Edward left the country they could easily lose that power. Instead, it was decided that the King's son Prince Edward, only thirteen years old should go to France and pay homage instead. Before the prince left for France, the King bestowed the title of Count of Ponthieu on his son and the French King gave consent for him to to have Aquitaine as well. On the 12th of September Prince Edward left England and sailed to France. [10]
Episode: Isabella, She-Wolf of France and death of Edward II [highlight all]
Sep 21
Prince Edward is captured
Sep 21
Prince Edward met Charles IV and paid him homage. The French king gave the Prince the title of Duke of Aquitaine and informed the English King that the French were going to retain the Agenais, an area of southwest France. Prince Edward had effectively been captured and his mother, Isabella the English Queen, had begun the plans of removing her husband from the throne of England. [10]
Episode: Isabella, She-Wolf of France and death of Edward II [highlight all]
Nov
Edward commands Isabella to return
Nov
At a Parliament called to discuss the situation in France, it was decided to send a petition to Isabella for her return to England. She refused. In France, her brother the King had become annoyed with Isabella's conduct. Isabella left France and went to the court of William II, Count of Hainault who assisted her with preparations to invade England. A promise was made to marry Prince Edward, now Duke of Aquitaine to William's daughter Philippa. [10]
Episode: Isabella, She-Wolf of France and death of Edward II [highlight all]
See Also

Timeline Navigation

 

Selection of references used:

  • 1: Susan Ross, The Castles of Scotland, ISBN:0-85097-184-5
  • 2: Powicke, The Thirteenth Century
  • 3: Robert Fawtier (translation by Lionel Butler and R J Adam), The Capetian Kings of France, 1966, St. Martin's Press (1966), Oxfam bookshop
  • 4: John Harvey, English Cathedrals, 1961, Batsford (1961)
  • 5: Duc de Castries, The lives of the Kings and Queens of France, ISBN:0-297-77676-2, Erdington Library
  • 6: John H Harvey, Henry Yevele, LIfe of an English Architect
  • 7: Bury, J. B., The Cambridge Medieval History Vol Vii, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Despenser_the_Younger
  • 8: Ministry of Works Official Guide Book, Orford Castle
  • 9: Edward Burman, The Templars, Knights of God, ISBN:0-85030-396-6, Erdington Library (271.79)
  • 10: Caroline Bingham, The Life and Times of Edward II
  • 11: McKisack, The Fourteenth Century 1307-1399
  • 12: www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1702-03=&volpage=erupt, Global Volcanism Program
  • 13: A.R.Myers, England in the late middle Ages
  • 14: Charles Knightly & Peter Cheze-Brown, Strongholds of the Realm
  • 15: Richard Cavendish, Kings and Queens The Concise Guide, ISBN:978-0-7153-2376-2
  • 16: Unknown, A topographical and historical account of Norwich, 1819
  • 17: G.A.Cambell, The Knights Templar. Their rise and fall
  • 18: Weir, A, Queen Isablla, Treachery, Adultery, and Murder in Medieval England, 2005, ISBN:978-0-3454-5320-4, Ballantine Books (2005), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Despenser_the_Younger
  • 19: Phillips, Seymour, Edward II, 2011, ISBN:978-0-3001-7802-9, New Haven, CT & London: Yale University Press (2011), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Despenser_the_Younger
  • 20: T. Francis Bumpus, The Cathedrals of England and Wales, 1934
  • 21: R.J.L Smith, The Parish Church of St. Mary, formerly Dore Abbey, 1999, ISBN:1-872665-08-X, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dore_Abbey
  • 22: Mortimer, Ian, The Greatest Traitor: The Life of Sir Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March, Ruler of England, 1327–1330, 2006, ISBN:ISBN0-3123-4941-6, London: Jonathan Cape (2006), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Despenser_the_Younger