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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.

1326 .. 1350
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Fourteenth Century

132 Historical events occurring between 1326 and 1350

Years: 1326 1327 1328 1329 1330 1331 1332 1333 1334 1335 1336 1337 1338 1339 1340 1341 1342 1343 1344 1345 1346 1347 1348 1349 1350

1326

English Regnal years: 19 Edward II - 20 Edward II
 
Births

Murad (I, Ottoman Sultan) (b.1326 - d.1389)

 
Deaths

Despenser, Hugh (the younger) (b.1286 - d.1326)

...
Oriel College Oxford founded
Edward II founded Oriel College, Oxford.
...
Clare College Cambridge founded
A new college is founded in Cambridge, called Clare College.
...
Threat of invasion
Preparations were made in England for the threatened invasion from Isabella. Preparations were made difficult because Hugh Despensers was so unpopular. [1]
Episode: Isabella, She-Wolf of France and death of Edward II [highlight all]
...
Despenser tried to starve himself before his trial
Anticipating that he would receive no mercy, Despenser tried to starve himself before his trial, but he was unsuccessful. In order to legalise the process against him the tribunal that had sat in judgement on the elder Despenser was reconvened. Roger Mortimer, the Earls of Lancaster, Kent and Norfolk, and Thomas Wake and William Trussell presided. [2]
Spring
Marriage arranged between Edward and Philippa
Spring
Isabella arranged the future marriage between her son Edward and Philippa the daughter of William count of Hainault. Isabella claimed part of Philippa's dowry in advance so that she could finance her invasion of England. [3]
Episode: Isabella, She-Wolf of France and death of Edward II [highlight all]
Sep 24
Isabella and Mortimer land to take the throne
Sep 24
Isabella, the wife of Edward II and her supporters including Mortimer landed at Orwell in Suffolk. Their aim was to remove Edward II from his throne and place Prince Edward there as the new king. Isabella had no problem in raising an army from those opposed to the King and they advanced on London. Although Edward was in the Tower of London the rest of London was against him and he decided to leave the city and head west with his supporters including the Despensers and the Earl of Winchester. The Tower of London fell to the mob of Isabella's supporters.
Episode: Isabella, She-Wolf of France and death of Edward II [highlight all]
Oct
Prince Edward is declared Keeper of the Realm
Oct
Isabella of France the wife of King Edward II entered Bristol and was welcomed by the citizens there. The Earl of Winchester who had taken to the castle decided the best action was surrender. He was executed on the 27th of October as a traitor.
Episode: Isabella, She-Wolf of France and death of Edward II [highlight all]
Nov
Edward captured
Nov
The King was captured in Wales at the Abbey of Neath. He had hoped to get some support in Wales but that was not to be the case. The Despensers were also captured. Hugh Despenser was given a short trial and executed as a traitor. Edward was taken to Kenilworth Castle and imprisoned. [1]
Episode: Isabella, She-Wolf of France and death of Edward II [highlight all]
See Also

1327

English Regnal years: 20 Edward II - 1 Edward III
 
Deaths

Edward (II, King of England 1307-1327) (b.1284 - d.1327)

...
Abingdon Abbey looted
Rioters attacked and looted Abingdon Abbey causing large amounts of damage.
...
Norham Castle siege
The Scots invaded the north of England and laid siege to Norham Castle. The attackers managed to take the castle but it was rescued shortly afterwards.
Jan 13
Abdication of Edward II
Jan 13
King Edward II was forced to abdicate when Parliament agreed that his son should become king of England.
Jan 25
Edward III becomes King of England
Jan 25
King Edward III succeeded his father to the English throne on the 25th of January and was crowned at Westminster Abbey a few days later by Archbishop Walter Reynolds. [4]
Episode: Isabella, She-Wolf of France and death of Edward II [highlight all]
Apr
Edward II is imprisoned
Apr
Edward II was imprisoned in Berkeley Castle.
Episode: Isabella, She-Wolf of France and death of Edward II [highlight all]
Sep
Edward II murdered at Berkeley Castle
Sep
Edward was buried at the abbey church at Gloucester.
Episode: Isabella, She-Wolf of France and death of Edward II [highlight all]
See Also

1328

English Regnal years: 1 Edward III - 2 Edward III
 
Births

Joan (of Kent) (b.1328 - d.1385)

 
Deaths

Charles (IV, the Fair, King of France 1322-1328) (b.1294 - d.1328)

...
Nicholas V becomes the Antipope
Jan 24
Edward III marries
Jan 24
King Edward III married Philippa of Hainault at York Minster. The marriage was arranged as many were at the time. The arrangement was organised as early as 1323, when she was not yet nine years old. The Bishop of Exeter visited Hainault to see the girl. [5]
Episode: Isabella, She-Wolf of France and death of Edward II [highlight all]
Feb 1
Charles IV of France Dies
Feb 1
Charles IV died at the castle at Vincennes. The next rightful claimant to the French throne was not clear-cut as Charles had no male heir. Isabella, the sister of Charles, had married Edward II and their son Edward III had just taken on the rule of England. Isabella put in a claim for her son although in French law it was not possible to inherit the throne through the female line. [5]
Episode: The French Succession [highlight all]
Apr 1
The child of the late French king is a girl
Apr 1
When Charles IV died he left a wife expecting a child. She gave birth to a daughter so the first cousin of Charles was chosen as the next King of France. He was Philippe of Valois the grandson of Philippe III of France.
Episode: The French Succession [highlight all]
May
Treaty of Northampton
May
In the Treaty of Northampton England recognised the Declaration of Arbroath drawn up by Robert the Bruce in 1320. Scotland was accepted as an independent country under the rule of Robert.
May 29
Philippe VI crowned at Reims
May 29
King Philippe VI of France was crowned at Reims Cathedral. In England, Isabella, the mother of King Edward III, declared that her son should be the French King as she, as the elder sister of the late King of France, Charles IV, had a better claim.
Episode: The French Succession [highlight all]
Jun
David (II) marries Joan
Jun
Part of the Treaty of Northampton was the betrothal of David Bruce, the son of Robert King of the Scots, to King Edward's sister Joan. The two were married in the same year.
See Also

1329

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

Bruce, Robert (the Bruce, I, King of the Scots 1306-1329) (b.1274 - d.1329)

...
Construction work at Wells
Reconstruction work, possibly on the choir, took place at Wells Cathedral. [6]
Apr
Philippe summons Edward
Apr
Philippe of Valois summoned Edward to travel to France and do him homage for lands that Edward held in south western and northern France. [7]
Episode: The French Succession [highlight all]
Jun
Edward agrees to do homage to Philippe
Jun
At Amiens, King Edward III agreed to do homage to Philippe of Valois for the lands he held in Aquitaine. Edward did not place his hands between Philippe's, a sign of total loyalty which would have been hard to reverse, as Edward was unhappy about Philippe's claim to the French throne. Edward was hoping diplomatic endeavours would help his position and wanted Philippe's daughter Joan to marry his first son Edward the Black Prince.  [5]
Episode: The French Succession [highlight all]
Jun 7
David II becomes king of Scotland
Jun 7
King Robert the first of Scotland died and was followed by David the second. David was only 5 years old and so Edward Balliol claimed his right to the throne being the son of John who was king of Scotland from 1292 to 1296. [5]
See Also

1330

English Regnal years: 3 Edward III - 4 Edward III
 
Births

Edward (The Black Prince) (b.1330 - d.1376)

Wycliffe, John (b.1330 - d.1384)

 
Deaths

Edmund (Earl of Kent) ( - d.1330)

Mortimer, Roger (of Wigmore) ( - ex.1330)

...
York Minster West Window
Building work on the West Window of York Minster took place until 1338. [8]
...
Sherborne Castle is given to the Earl of Salisbury
King Edward III gave the castle at Sherborne to the Earl of Salisbury.
Mar
Execution of Edmund, Earl of Kent
Mar
Mortimer arrested Edmund, Earl of Kent for openly opposing Queen Isabella and Mortimer himself. This act was the catalyst for Edward II to arrest Mortimer for treason.
Episode: Isabella, She-Wolf of France and death of Edward II [highlight all]
Mar 4
Coronation of Philippa of Hainault
Mar 4
Philiippa of Hainault, the wife of King Edward III, was crowned at Westminster Abbey.
Jun 15
Edward (the Black Prince) is born
Jun 15
Edward was born at the royal manor of Woodstock. [3]
Oct 19
Arrest of Mortimer
Oct 19
King Edward III ordered the arrest of Roger Mortimer. The King and some loyal supporters entered Nottingham Castle via a secret passage in the rocks and Roger Mortimer was arrested.
Episode: Isabella, She-Wolf of France and death of Edward II [highlight all]
Nov 29
Execution of Roger Mortimer
Nov 29
Mortimer was tried before Parliament and executed.
Episode: Isabella, She-Wolf of France and death of Edward II [highlight all]
See Also

3D Virtual Reconstructions

Click to explore

1331

English Regnal years: 4 Edward III - 5 Edward III
...
Weaving introduced into England
King Edward III invited weavers from Flanders to come to England and start production of cloth. It was cheaper to produce the cloth in England as much of the raw material was locally produced. Edward promised the weavers his protection.
Apr 4
Meeting between Edward III and Philippe VI
Apr 4
In disguise Edward travelled to France to meet Philippe VI. At the meeting it was agreed that Edward did not have to do homage for Aquitaine.
Episode: The French Succession [highlight all]
Nov 24
David II is crowned
Nov 24
King David II, at the age of 7, was crowned King of Scotland at Scone.
See Also

1332

English Regnal years: 5 Edward III - 6 Edward III
Jun 16
Isabella born
Jun 16
Isabella, the daughter of King Edward III and Philippa of Hainault, was born.
Jul 31
Edward Balliol invades Scotland
Jul 31
Edward Balliol took a small army of men, including archers, into Scotland to take back the Scottish throne.
Aug
Holyrood Abbey sacked
Aug
Before Edward's army returned to England they attacked Holyrood Abbey, destroying the shrines and taking the gold and silver vessels that were used in the ceremonies.
Aug 11
Battle of Dupplin Moor
Aug 11
With help from English archers Edward Balliol forwarded his right to the Scottish throne by defeating the Scots fighting for the young King David II at Dupplin Moor. Many Scots were killed in the battle including the Earl of Mar and King David's uncle Lord Robert Bruce. [5]
Sep 24
Balliol crowned king of Scotland
Sep 24
Edward Balliol was crowned king of Scotland at Scone but was quickly forced over the border back to England prompting King Edward III's assaults. [5]
Dec
Balliol overthrown
Dec
Edward Balliol's fortunes changed when he was overthrown and had to flee to England.
See Also

1333

English Regnal years: 6 Edward III - 7 Edward III
...
Urquhart Castle is held by the Scots
Urquhart Castle was one of only five Scottish castles that resisted being captured by the English. Its Constable at the time was Sir Robert Lauder.
Mar 18
Earl of Chester
Mar 18
Edward (the Black Prince) was given the title Earl of Chester. [3]
Jun
Isle of Man comes under English control
Jun
Montagu, an English Baron, took control of the Isle of Man from Scotland. From that time the island has been associated with England.
Jul 19
Battle of Halidon Hill
Jul 19
King Edward had positioned his army on Halidon Hill overlooking Berwick which he had under siege. He choose the location because it allowed him to look out for the Scots who may try and relieve the Scottish who were besieged with the town. A Scottish force tried to get to Berwick put were defeated by Edward's army. King Edward III's attacks on Scotland and victory at Halidon Hill put Edward Balliol back on the Scottish throne for four more years. Robert (II), the future King of the Scots, was one of the Scottish commanders at the battle of Halidon Hill. [5]
Jul 20
Berwick surrenders to the English
Jul 20
After the defeat of their relief force at Halidon Hill the day before, the Scots holding out in Berwick had no option but surrender to the English and King Edward III.
See Also

1334

English Regnal years: 7 Edward III - 8 Edward III
 
Deaths

John (XXII, Pope) ( - d.1334)

...
The spire of Salisbury Cathedral
The tower and spire of Salisbury Cathedral were constructed between 1334 and 1380. The spire at 404ft was the tallest stone spire built in the Medieval era. [8]
...
Construction of the Ely Lantern
The octagonal vault and the lantern above if were designed and built by the master mason William Hurley at Ely Cathedral. [6]
May 14
King David II of Scotland flees to France
May 14
The young King of Scotland, David II, along with his young wife Joan of England, fled to France and the court of the French King Philippe VI. They landed at Boulogne.
Jun
England takes control of parts of Scotland
Jun
Edward Balliol granted England control of parts of southern Scotland.
Dec
Benedict XII becomes Pope
Dec
Pope John XXII died at his palace at Avignon. He was succeeded by Benedict XII.
See Also

1335

English Regnal years: 8 Edward III - 9 Edward III
Qtr 2
Edward attacks the Scots
Qtr 2
King Edward III, assisted by Balliol, moved up through Scotland. There was a chance that the French would invade while the King was in the North as Philippe VI had sent ships to help the Scottish cause. [3]
See Also

1336

English Regnal years: 9 Edward III - 10 Edward III
 
Deaths

John (Earl of Cornwall) ( - d.1336)

...
Bampton Castle rebuilding work
License to crenelate (fortify) the castle at Bampton in Devon was granted.
Aug 12
Exports of Wool Stopped
Aug 12
Louis de Nevers, the count of Flanders from 1322, prohibited trade with England in an attempt to control the powerful cloth-weavers in the area. Louis suspected some kind of link between the weavers and England and so he banned the trade of wool to cut the supplies that their wealth relied on. King Edward III counteracted with by changing the only continental port where wool was imported to from Bruges to Antwerp. [5]
See Also

1337

English Regnal years: 10 Edward III - 11 Edward III
...
1st Duke of Cornwall
Edward, the Black Prince, was given the title Duke of Cornwall by his father King Edward III. The estate was created at this time is order to provide an annual income for the Prince and for future eldest sons of the monarch. [9]
Qtr 2
Cardinals sent to Europe
Qtr 2
Two cardinals, Peter Gomez and Bertrand of Montfavence, were sent by Pope Benedict XII to Europe to try and prevent King Edward III of England and Philipe VI of France going to war. [10]
Jun
A comet is seen over France
Jun
A comet was seen in the skies of France and was viewed as a bad omen and that war was on the horizon. [3]
More Natural World Events
Aug
Edward rescues Stirling Castle
Aug
King Edward III reached Stirling Castle with supplies to assist the English garrison there that was under siege from Sir Andrew Moray. [11]
Aug 14
Robert III is born at Scone
Aug 14
Robert (III), the future king of Scotland, was born at Scone.
Oct
Start of the Hundred Years' War
Oct
Relations between England and France were not good. Philippe VI the French King had sent ships to help the Scots who were attacking English merchant shipping and ports. There was the threat that the French would invade England. King Edward III then laid a claim to the French throne. The claim centred on the fact that Isabella, his mother, was the daughter of Philippe IV of France. All of Philippe's sons John I, Philippe V and Charles IV had died without passing the French throne onto a son. On his death-bed Charles IV designated Philippe of Valois, his first cousin, as regent. Charles' wife was expecting a child and it was hoped that the child would be a boy. The child was a girl and Philippe of Valois claimed the throne for himself. Edward's claim to the throne was disputed because in French law it was stated that the line of succession could not pass through the female line. Philippe VI then declared that all of the English held lands in France were forfeit. These events were the start of conflict between England and France that would last on and off for more than one hundred years. [12]
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Nov
Battle of Cadsand
Nov
King Edward III sent an expedition to the island of Cadsand, a few miles up the coast from Calais, where ships belonging to Louis of Flanders were being used to attack English ships. The English, led by Sir Walter Manny, took the island.
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
See Also

1338

English Regnal years: 11 Edward III - 12 Edward III
 
Births

Ball, John (b.1338 - d.1381)

Charles (V, King of France 1364 - 1380) (b.1338 - d.1380)

Charles (VI, King of France 1380-1422) (b.1338 - d.1422)

Lionel (of Antwerp, Duke of Clarence) (b.1338 - d.1368)

 
Deaths

Thomas (Earl of Norfolk) ( - d.1338)

...
Wells Cathedral scissor arches
The Scissor arches were added to prevent the collapse of the central tower.
...
Construction of Ford Castle
Sir William Heron started building work on Ford Castle in Northumberland [13]
Qtr 1
French attack English ports
Qtr 1
Philippe used Genoese troops to attack ports on the south coast of England including Southampton, Plymouth, Hastings and Rye. The attacks reached right around the coast as far as Bristol. [3]
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Apr
A comet seen in Europe
Apr
A second? comet trailing fire is seen in the skies over Europe. [3]
More Natural World Events
Jul
Edward invades France
Jul
Edward crossed to Antwerp and attempted an invasion of France. [3]
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Oct
French attacks continue on the south coast
Oct
Towns at Dover, Folkestone, Harwich, Hastings, Portsmouth, Rye, and the Isle of Wight were attacked and many merchant ships were destroyed. The attackers even sailed into Portsmouth harbour pretending to be English by raising English flags and sacked the town.
Nov 29
Lionel born to Queen Philippa
Nov 29
Queen Philippa gave birth to another son. The child was born in Antwerp. [3]
See Also

1339

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

Beauchamp, Thomas (12th earl of Warwick) (b.1339 - d.1401)

Mar 12
French attack Jersey
Mar 12
The French attacked Gorey Castle on the island of Jersey but the castle's garrison held out and fought off the invaders.
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Mar 23
French plan invasion
Mar 23
Philippe VI of France and the Normandy elite planned an invasion of England. Their invasion force consisted of around 20,000 to 25,000 men.
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Jul
French attack Dover
Jul
A French fleet attacked Dover, Folkestone and Sandwich but they were driven back to France. Boulogne was attacked in revenge. [3]
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Sep
Edward in Northern France
Sep
With the promised help of the counts of Hainault and Namur Edward took his army into northern France. The Counts changed their minds as they had lands to lose if they fought against Philippe. Edward continued without their help and the English confronted the French at La Fremengerie. The French refused to fight and the English, short of supplies, turned back. [3]
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
See Also

1340

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

Chaucer, Geoffrey (b.1340 - d.1400)

John (of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster) (b.1340 - d.1399)

Stewart, Robert (Duke of Albany) (b.1340 - d.1420)

...
Universal Crop Failure
Thousands die of starvation. [12]
...
Queen's College Oxford founded.
Queen's College Oxford founded by Robert de Eglesfield.
...
Building work at Windsor Castle
The Round Tower was rebuilt at Windsor Castle.
...
Icelandic volcanoes erupt
Several Icelandic volcanoes erupted at the same time including Hekla, Herdubreid and Trolladyngja.
More Natural World Events
...
Hever Castle licence to crenellate
William de Hever was granted a licence to crenellate his manor.
Jan 25
Edward declares himself King
Jan 25
In Ghent (Flanders) Edward declared himself as the true King of France. When he left Flanders for England Philippa remained as assurance that money Edward owed would be paid. [3]
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Feb
Tournament held at Norwich
Feb
A grand tournament was held at Norwich attended by King Edward III and Queen Phillippa. [14]
Mar 29
Edward raises taxes
Mar 29
Parliament agreed to raise taxes so that Edward could fund an army to invade France. [3]
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Jun 24
Battle of Sluys
Jun 24
A naval battle between the English and French. The French tried to prevent the English ships landing at Flanders. The French were defeated by Edward's forces. Edward did not follow up with the advantage.
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Jul
Siege of Tournai
Jul
King Edward III besieged the important French town of Tournai. The town proved impossible to break and when King Philippe VI arrived nearby with an army a truce was agreed. The truce with mediated by Philippe's sister who was also Edward's mother-in-law. The truce lasted until June of 1341. [3]
Sep 25
Treaty of Esplechin
Sep 25
The Treaty of Esplechin was a peace treaty between King Edward III of England and Philippe VI of France. Edward had large debts and further campaigning was not possible so he accepted that the truce between the two kings was the best course of action. This treaty marked the end of the first phase of the Hundred Years War.
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Oct 30
Battle of the Salado River
Oct 30
Afonso of Portugal and Alfonso of Castile join forces to produce a major victory against the Muslim Moors who were invading from Africa.
Nov
Edward dismisses his Chancellor
Nov
Edward travelled back to England and came ashore at the Tower of London. He was horrified to find the castle unguarded. His anger did not stop with those in charge at the Tower. Edward sacked many of his advisors including the Chancellor, John Stratford, the Archbishop of Canterbury. [3]
See Also

3D Virtual Reconstructions

Click to explore

1341

English Regnal years: 14 Edward III - 15 Edward III
Spring
Edward raises funds
Spring
To raise funds for further French expeditions Edward had to confront Parliament. Parliament insisted that Edward reconfirmed various ancient charters. [3]
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Apr
Edinburgh Castle taken by the Scots
Apr
The Scots took Edinburgh Castle back from English control.
May 4
David II returns to Scotland
May 4
After the fall of Edinburgh Castle and the liberation of the northern areas of Scotland it was safe for the Scottish King to return from exile in France.
Jun
David II returns to Scotland
Jun
Edward Balliol was forced to leave Scotland when David II returned from France to claim the Scottish throne. [11]
Jul
Edward goes north
Jul
Edward went north to deal with the threat posed by David's return to Scotland. [3]
See Also

1342

English Regnal years: 15 Edward III - 16 Edward III
 
Births

Blanche (of Lancaster) (b.1342 - d.1369)

 
Deaths

Benedict (XII, Pope 1334-1342) (b.1285 - d.1342)

...
Norwich defences improved
The gates and towers of the city walls of Norwich were made habitable and fortified. Large stone-throwing engines were added. Chains were strung across the river to protect passage. [14]
Jan
Truce agreed with David II
Jan
King Edward III of England and King David II of Scotland agreed peace terms and Edward returned to London. [3]
May
Clement VI becomes Pope
May
Peter Roger who chosen by the Cardinals as the successor to Benedict XII.
Oct
Edward and Brittany
Oct
Edward sailed to Brittany to assist English troops already there. They were supporting Jean de Montfort's claim to be the Duke of Brittany. Philippe, king of France, disputed this claim and supported his own contender to the title. Edward left his eldest son in charge of England while he was away. [3]
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Dec
Siege of Vannes
Dec
Edward had to control Vannes if he was to hold Brittany and he laid siege to the city. The city did not fall to the English. [3]
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
See Also

1343

English Regnal years: 16 Edward III - 17 Edward III
...
Rochester Cathedral Tower
Under the direction of Bishop Hamo de Hythe the construction of a new central tower was begun [15]
Jan
Treaty of Malstroit
Jan
After a hard winter without any new gains in France Edward signed a new peace treaty with the French and returned to England. [3]
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
May 12
The Black Prince becomes Prince of Wales
May 12
Edward, the Black Prince, was bestowed with the title of Prince of Wales by his father King Edward III at a ceremony at Westminster. [3]
See Also

1344

English Regnal years: 17 Edward III - 18 Edward III
...
Construction of Chillingham Castle
Building work on Chillingham Castle was started by Sir Thomas De Heton. [13]
...
Island of Madeira discovered
The discovery of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean is attributed to a legend in which Robert Machim (or Macham) and his lover were shipwrecked on the island after fleeing from England. The island was later colonised by the Portuguese.
...
Lisbon Earthquake
A large earthquake hit the city of Lisbon on the west coast of Portugal damaging the cathedral and palaces. The area suffers an earthquake on a regular basis, the biggest being in 1755 when thousands died.
More Natural World Events
...
Clement VI and the calendar
Due to the length of the year not being an exact number, over time key dates in the calendar were slowly shifting. In an attempt to correct the situation Pope Clement VI invited two senior astronomers to Avignon to come up with a solution. They were Firmin de Belleval and John of Murs. Their suggestions were but forward with a delay until 1349. But the proposals were put aside as the Pope had to contend with more pressing issues such as the Black Death.
More Natural World Events
...
Norwich builds ditches
King Edward III again visits Norwich nad grants castle-ditches to it's citizens. [14]
Jan 19
First Round Table at Windsor
Jan 19
A jousting tournament at Windsor Castle may have been the time of the creation of the Order of the Garter based on King Arthur's knights of the Round Table. A huge circular hall was built within the grounds of the castle just for the event. The hall is supposed to have been 200 feet in diameter. The formal creation of the Order occurred later in 1348.  [16]
See Also

1345

English Regnal years: 18 Edward III - 19 Edward III
Jul
Edward in Ghent
Jul
King Edward travelled to Flanders landing at Sluys. He took his son, the Prince of Wales and attempted to have the masters of the nearby towns accept the prince as their Lord. But the murder of Van Artevelde, a wealthy commercial trader accused of accepting money for supporting the English King put an end to the plans.
See Also

1346

English Regnal years: 19 Edward III - 20 Edward III
 
Births

Glyndwr, Owain (b.1346 - d.1415)

...
Maxstoke Castle licence to crenellate
Edward gives permission to William de Clinton to build a castle. [16]
Jan 1
Edward III orders an invasion fleet
Jan 1
King Edward III gave the order that an invasion fleet should be assembled at Portsmouth harbour. [3]
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Jul 5
Edward departs from Southampton
Jul 5
King Edward III's invasion fleet finally left Southampton harbour, delayed by bad weather earlier in the year. Estimates of the number of men Edward took with him vary but could have been around 20,000. This would have required hundreds of ships to transport them all. [3]
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Jul 12
Edward III lands in Normandy
Jul 12
King Edward III's invasion fleet landed on the north west coast of Normandy at Saint-Vaast de la Hougue on the Cotentin Peninsula (also known as the Cherbourg Peninsula). Edward stayed there for several days while the large army came ashore. [3]
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Jul 17
Devastation of Normandy
Jul 17
King Edward III's army began their march east across Normandy attacking and destroying French towns as they went. Those towns that did not surrender were shown no mercy and when they fell to the English many of the inhabitants were killed. Other towns surrendered to avoid bloodshed. Many hostages were taken and shipped back to England so that ransom money could be demanded. The English fleet sailed along the coast at the same time destroying French ships and attacking ports as they went.
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Aug
Edward III crosses the Seine
Aug
King Philippe VI of France had ordered bridges across the Seine to be destroyed so that King Edward III could not cross the river. Edward marched south towards Paris but at Poissy his engineers managed to repair the bridge. His army crossed the river and turned north.
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Aug 26
Battle of Crecy
Aug 26
Under King Edward III, the English forces defeated a superior French army at Crecy. Estimates give the English numbers at around 12,000 and a French contingent at 36,000. The English longbow made its mark in the battle against the armour of the French knights.
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Sep 4
Siege of Calais
Sep 4
King Edward III began the siege of Calais that would last for almost a year. The governor of the town was man called Jean de Vienne. Edward demanded that the town should surrender but de Vienne refused, hoping that the town walls would hold the English out until King Philippe VI could come to their rescue. The English set up camp around the town and arranged for supplies to be brought from England. Wooden houses were also built to house the soldiers while they waited. Edward's wife Philippa even joined her husband at the camp.
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Oct 17
Scots defeated at Neville's Cross
Oct 17
During the absence of King Edward III while he was on campaign in France the Scottish king David II was approached by the French King Philippe VI to invade England. David II did so and advanced south. On the way to Corbridge the army captured Aydon Castle, allowing the inhabitants to leave safely if they handed the castle over. At Neville's Cross the Scottish were defeated by a band of monks, priests and land workers led by the archbishop of York, William Zouche. David II was captured and sent to London to be held at the Tower. [5]
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1347

English Regnal years: 20 Edward III - 21 Edward III
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The Black Death (Plague)
Kipchak Mongols besieging a Genoese trading centre on the Crimean coast catapulted their own dead into the city. The cause of death was a mysterious disease. The Genoese escaped by sea taking the 'Black Death' with them. They landed at Messina in Sicily. Black Death or Bubonic plague was spread by the rat flea. The name Black Death came from the colour of the swelling in the groin, armpit or neck. The person suffering went into a coma and dies soon after. In Europe an estimated 25 million people died. The plague reached Britain in 1348 and again in 1360 and the population may have been reduced by a half. [12]
Episode: The Black Death [highlight all]
More Natural World Events
Aug
Calais captured by the English
Aug
Philippe VI finally arrived at Calais and challenged King Edward III to a fight. Edward agreed but instead Philippe withdrew abandoning the town to the English. The governor, Jean de Vienne, had no other option other than to surrender the town to Edward. The town's leaders should have been executed according to siege rules because they refused to surrender when first asked, but Edward spared their lives and they were taken as hostages. The town of Calais was emptied of all its citizens and all their property was confiscated. Edward then made Calais English territory and sent word to England that anyone who wanted to live in Calais was welcome as long as they could get there quickly.
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Sep
Edward accepts truce
Sep
King Edward III accepted a truce with France as the efforts abroad had been exhausting and he returned to England. Edward's popularity was high as he had beaten the French at Crecy and in his absence the Scots had been defeated at Neville's Cross.
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
See Also

1348

English Regnal years: 21 Edward III - 22 Edward III
 
Deaths

Joan (Daughter of Edward III) ( - d.1348)

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Founding of the Order of the Garter
King Edward III of England established the Order of the Garter, the first English order of knighthood. It was based on the Knights of the Round Table and King Arthur. The name of the order is supposed to have originated when Edward III picked up a garter that had been lost on the dance floor during a banquet. Edward tied the garter around his own leg telling all present not to pass judgement. The garter may have belonged to the beautiful Joan of Kent. Joan was later to marry Edward's son, the Black Prince.
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Construction of Maxstoke Castle
Building work on Maxstoke Castle in the Midlands was begun by William De Clinton. [13]
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Water gate built at Tower of London
At the Tower of London King Edward III had a water gate constructed at the base of the Cradle Tower. This allowed access to royal apartments directly from the river.
Jan 25
Northern Italy earthquake
Jan 25
A large earthquake struck the north of Italy destroying many buildings. The event was felt across Europe. [17]
More Natural World Events
Apr 23
Creation of the Order of the Garter
Apr 23
On St. George's Day at Windsor Castle, the Order of the Garter was created. The initial Knights of the Order were: The King (Edward III); the Prince of Wales (The Black Prince); Henry, Earl (afterwards Duke) of Lancaster; Thomas Beauchamp, 3rd Earl of Warwick; the Captal of Buch; Ralph, Lord Stafford; Motacute, Earl of Salisbury; Sir Roger Mortimer; Sir John (afterward Lord) Lisle; Sir Bartholomew (afterwards Lord) Burghershe; Sir John Beauchamp; Lord Mohun; Sir Hugh Courtenay; Sir Thomas Holland; Lord Grey; Sir Richard FitzSimon; Sir Myles Stapleton; Sir Thomas Wales; Sir Hugh Wrottesley; Sir Neel Loryng; Sir John Chandos; Sir James Audley; Sir Otho Holland; Sir Henry Eam; Sir Sanchete d'Ambrichecourt; and Sir Walter Paveley. [16]
May
The Plague reaches Paris
May
The steady progress of the Plague westwards could not be stopped. The French king left the city for the relative safety of the countryside.But several of the royal family died including the King's niece Queen Jeanne of Navarre who had tended to the sick and had caught the illness herself.
Episode: The Black Death [highlight all]
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Jun
The Plague reaches England
Jun
The plague reached the shores of England first at Melcombe Regis in Dorset. By winter of the year, the plague had reached London. [18]
Episode: The Black Death [highlight all]
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1349

English Regnal years: 22 Edward III - 23 Edward III
 
Deaths

Bona (of Luxemburg) ( - d.1349)

Joan (II, of Navarre) ( - d.1349)

Wake, Margaret ( - d.1349)

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Meaux Abbey hit by the plague
From the Chronicles of Meaux Abbey came the report saying 'Meaux Abbey suffered so severely that thirty-two monks, and seven conversi died, the majority being taken in the month of August.' [19]
Episode: The Black Death [highlight all]
More Natural World Events
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Earthquake
From the Chronicles of Meaux Abbey came the report saying 'during Lent, six days before Easter Sunday, there occurred an earthquake throughout the whole of England so great that the monks of Melsa were thrown so violently from their stalls that they all lay prostrate on the ground.' [19]
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Deaths at Ely Cathedral
Of the 43 monks at Ely Cathedral, 15 died from the plague. [20]
Episode: The Black Death [highlight all]
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...
Croxton Abbey deaths
All apart from the abbot and prior died from the plague at the abbey of Croxton in Lincolnshire. [20]
Episode: The Black Death [highlight all]
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Summer
The Plague is at its peak
Summer
The peak of the plague was reached in the summer of 1349. Estimates of a third of the population dying from the infection have been made but being accurate is very difficult.  [18]
Episode: The Black Death [highlight all]
More Natural World Events
Qtr 3
Spanish fleet sail up English Channel
Qtr 3
Spain had signed a naval treaty with France and a fleet of Spanish galleys sailed past France and up the English Channel attacking English ships as it went.
See Also

1350

English Regnal years: 23 Edward III - 24 Edward III
 
Births

Drummond, Annabella (b.1350 - d.1401)

Swynford, Catherine (b.1350 - d.1403)

 
Deaths

Philippe (VI, King of France 1328-1350) ( - d.1350)

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John II becomes King of France
John became king of France after the death of his father Philippe. [21]
Episode: Edward III - The Hundred Years War [highlight all]
Aug
Edward III attacks the Spanish fleet
Aug
The Spanish fleet was returning from Sluys where it had stayed over winter. King Edward III had taken his time and prepared an English fleet that could attack the Spanish boats as they came back down the English Channel. The two fleets met off the south coast near Winchelsea. Fierce hand-to-hand fighting took place as the ships, using grappling hooks, came together. Both Edward III and his son the Black Prince took part in the battle and defeated the Spanish. [3]
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Timeline Navigation

 

Selection of references used:

  • 1: Caroline Bingham, The Life and Times of Edward II
  • 2: 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
  • 3: Hubert Cole, The Black Prince, 1976, ISBN:0-246-10778-2, Granada Publishing Limited (1976), Own copy
  • 4: Alan LLoyd, The Hundred Years War
  • 5: John Harvey, The Black Prince and his age, ISBN:0-7134-3148-2, Erdington Library
  • 6: John H Harvey, Henry Yevele, LIfe of an English Architect
  • 7: William Toone, The Chronological Historian, 1828
  • 8: John Harvey, English Cathedrals, 1961, Batsford (1961)
  • 9: David Green, The Black Prince
  • 10: T.F. Tout, The History of England
  • 11: Susan Ross, The Castles of Scotland, ISBN:0-85097-184-5
  • 12: John J. Robinson, Born in Blood, ISBN:0-87131-602-1, M. Evans & Company / New York, Geoff Bath
  • 13: James Forde-Johnston, Great Medieval Castles of Britain, 1979
  • 14: Unknown, A topographical and historical account of Norwich, 1819
  • 15: T. Francis Bumpus, The Cathedrals of England and Wales, 1934
  • 16: E.B.D'Auvergne, The English Castles, 1926, T.Werner Laurie Ltd. (1926)
  • 17: George Fleming, Animal Plagues from 1490 B.C. to 1800 A.D., 1871, Chapman and Hall (1871), Google Books
  • 18: M H Keen, England in the Later Middle Ages, ISBN:0-415-02783-7, Erdington Library
  • 19: John Timbs & Alexander Gunn, Abbeys, Castles and Ancient Halls of England & Wales (North), 1872, Frederick Warne & Co. (1872), Mine
  • 20: Charles Creighton , A History of Epidemics in England, 1891, C. J. Clay and Sons (1891), Google books
  • 21: Duc de Castries, The lives of the Kings and Queens of France, ISBN:0-297-77676-2, Erdington Library