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Medieval Timeline

  • William the Conquerer
    Jan 1, 1066

    William the Conquerer

    William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, invades England and becomes King after the Battle of Hastings.End of Anglosaxon rule in England and start of Norman lineage.
  • Paper in Spain
    Jan 1, 1150

    Paper in Spain

    They used hemp and linen rags as a source of fiber. The first recorded paper mill in the Iberian Peninsula was in Xàtiva in 1151.
  • Magna Carta
    Jun 15, 1215

    Magna Carta

    The Magna Carta is sealed by John of England.This marks one of the first times a medieval ruler is forced to accept limits on his power.
  • End of Crusades
    Aug 24, 1270

    End of Crusades

    The Ninth Crusade occurs. Considered to be the Last Major Crusade to take place in the Holy Land.
  • The Plague
    Aug 24, 1348

    The Plague

    The Black Death ravages Europe for the first of many times. An estimated 20% - 40% of the population is thought to have perished within the first year.The first of many concurrences of this plague, This was believed to have wiped out as many as 50% of Europe's population by its end.
  • Robin Hood
    Jan 1, 1378

    Robin Hood

    The oldest references to Robin Hood are not historical records, or even ballads recounting his exploits, but hints and allusions found in various works. From 1228 onwards, the names 'Robinhood', 'Robehod' or 'Robbehod' occur in the rolls of several English Justices. The majority of these references date from the late 13th century. Between 1261 and 1300, there are at least eight references to 'Rabunhod' in various regions across England, from Berkshire in the south to York in the north.
  • Canterbury Tales
    Jan 1, 1387

    Canterbury Tales

    a collection of stories written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer at the end of the 14th century. The tales are presented as part of a story-telling contest by a group of pilgrims as they travel together on a journey from Southwark to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. The prize for this contest is a free meal at the Tabard Inn at Southwark on their return.
  • War of Roses Begins
    Jan 1, 1455

    War of Roses Begins

    Battle of St. Albans, Traditionally marks the beginning of the War of the Roses.
  • Le Morte d' Arthur
    Jan 1, 1485

    Le Morte d' Arthur

    Thomas Malory composes Le Morte d'Arthur. A compilation by Sir Thomas Malory of Romance tales about the legendary King Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table.
  • Henry VII
    Aug 22, 1485

    Henry VII

    Battle of Bosworth Field. Richard III dies in battle, and Henry Tudor becomes king of England; last shift of Houses/kingship during the War of the Roses.