| | | 1050  A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Macbeth visits Rome Macbeth took time to travel to Rome on a pilgrimage. Reports of his visit tell of him distributing large amounts of money. See AlsoSweyn pardoned  Sweyn Godwineson was pardoned and allowed to return to England. See AlsoSee of Devon and Cornwall moved to Exeter The See of Devon and Corwall had been located at Crediton in Devon but in 1050 Edward the Confessor moved the See to Exeter. This moved the cathedral from an obscure location to a more important one. Edward gave the new Bishopric to Leofric. See AlsoRobert of Jumieges becomes Archbishop of Canterbury Edward appointed the French abbot Robert of Jumieges to the post of Archbishop of Canterbury. See Also |
| |
| | 1051 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Edward abolishes miltary tax The unpopular military tax was abolished by Edward the Confessor. It had been collected for many years to provide funds for defending the country from raiders. See AlsoEdward expels the Godwine family An incident occurred when Eustace II Count of Boulogne visited Edward the Confessor, his brother-in-law. The incident occurred in Dover where a fight broke out between the Norman visitors and the locals. Several people were killed. The area of Dover was under the control of the Godwine family and Edward the Confessor, who blamed the people of Dover for the fight, told Godwine to deal with them. Godwine refused to obey Edward's order and in response Edward raised an army and forced the Godwine family into exile. See Also | |
| | 1052 A-S C
| Mar - Death of Queen Emma
Queen Emma died at Winchester.1
See AlsoMay - Godwines invade England
Godwine, Earl of Wessex, his son Harold and a large fleet sailed up the Thames to London forcing Edward to reinstate them into their previous positions of power.
See AlsoSummer - Stigand becomes Archbishop of Canterbury
Stigand, Bishop of Winchester, mediated between the Godwines and Edward the Confessor. The Norman Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert of Jumieges, fled the country with other bishops who had been appointed by Edward. Stigand assumed the title of Archbishop of Canterbury. Robert appealed to Leo IX and Stigand was excommunicated (repeated by Victor II & Stephen IX, repealed by Benedict X, reintroduced by Nicholas II and Alexander II).
See Also | |
| | 1053 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year William marries Matilda In spite of objections from Pope Leo, William married Matilda, the daughter of Baldwin V, Earl of Flanders. See AlsoEdward the Exile invited to England Harold Godwinson invited the exiled Edward the Exile back to England in the hope that he could claim the English throne from Edward the Confessor. See Also
Godwine, Earl of Wessex, died and Harold inherited his title.
See AlsoDec 21 - Strong winds
Extremely strong winds destroyed churches and buildings.2
See Also | |
| | 1054 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year The Great East-West schism Although the split between the East and West Churches can not easily be put down to one event, the conflict caused in 1054 between Pope Loe IX and the patriarch of Constantinople is often thought, rightly or wrongly, as the key moment. Pope Leo IX sent a delegation to Constantinople to discuss differenecs which resulted in the excommunication of the patriarch by the delegation and in return the excommunication of the delegation by the patriarch. 3See AlsoBattle of Mortemer Battle fought between Henry, the King of France, and William, the Duke of Normandy. Henry wanted to take control of the Normandy area which was preventing the French access to the English Channel. The Normans defeated the French. 4See Also
The supernova that occurred in this year formed the Crab Nebula and the event was recorded by astronomers in China. The explosion was so great that the supernova would have been visible during the daytime. Due to the huge distances involved, the explosion would have happened thousands of years earlier but the light from the event only reached Earth in 1054.
See Also | |
| | 1055 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Seljuk Turks capture Baghdad The tribe of Tatars known also as the Seljuk Turks invaded parts of Persia and captured the city of Baghdad starting a Suljuk empire. Rebellion of Aelgar of Mercia Aelfgar, earl Mercia was outlawed by the witan. He built a force and allied himself with Welsh Gruffydd ap Llywelyn. They raided Hereford and eventually came to terms with Harold. Aelfgar was later restored. 1See Also | |
| | 1056 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Death of Leofgar, bishop of Hereford Gruffydd ap Llywelyn killed Leofgar, bishop of Hereford and others near Glasbury on Wye; English militia called out against Gruffydd but a settlement reached. 1See AlsoBishop of Hereford Death of Athelstan, bishop of Hereford; succeeded by Leofgar, who tried to take reprisals against Gruffydd, the Welsh Prince. 1See AlsoHereford cathedral burnt A force of Welsh and Irish men led by Griffith, a Welsh prince attacked and burnt the building. See Also | |
| | 1057 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year The Battle of Varaville Another battle fought between Henry, the King of France, and William, the Duke of Normandy. Again the Normans defeated the French King's army. 4See AlsoEdward (the Exile) dies Edward the Exile died in mysterious circumstances. Edward was the rightful heir the throne of England and Harold, Earl of Wessex benefited from Edward's death. See Also
MacBeth was killed by Malcolm III (Malcolm Canmore) who later became the King of Scotland. Macbeth was succeeded by his stepson Lulach who was crowned at Scone.
See Also | |
| | 1058 A-S C
| Mar - Malcolm III becomes King of the Scots
Malcolm had killed Macbeth at Lumphanan in Aberdeenshire. Macbeth's stepson Lulach was crowned king and reigned for four months until he too was killed at Strathbogie. Malcolm became King of the Scots and was crowned at Scone.5
See Also | |
| | 1060 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Henry, King of France, dies to be followed by Philippe Henry I King of France died. His son, Philippe, became King although he was only eight years old. France was administered by Baldwin one of Philippe's uncles. See Also | |
| | 1062 A-S C
| Sep 8 - Wulfstan becomes bishop of Worcester
A monk at Worcester from 1040, Wulfstan was recommended for the position of bishop by visiting papal legates.
See AlsoDec - Harold, earl Wessex, attacked Rhuddlan
Harold led an attack on the stronghold of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn at Rhuddlan in north Wales. The attack was a success but the Welsh Prince managed to escape.1
See Also | |
| | 1063 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Gruffydd ap Llywelyn killed The Welsh Prince, Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, was killed by his own men. (Need to find out why) 1Earl Harold invades Wales Harold invaded south Wales while Tostig of Northumbria attacked the north. See Also | |
| | 1065 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Mysterious meeting in Normandy A mysterious meeting is reported to have taken place in Normandy between William the Conqueror and Harold in 1065. In the meeting it was claimed that Harold agreed that William should become King of England when Edward the Confessor died. From what is known of Harold it seems unlikely that he would agree to something like this. We know that he went against this agreement when assumed the role as King after Edward's death. See Also
A rebellion against Tostig, Earl of Northumbria leads to Tostig fleeing to Flanders and Morcar becoming the new Earl.
See AlsoDec - Dedication of Westminster Abbey
Work on the Abbey at Westminster was either complete or very nearly so at its dedication. Edward the Confessor who had devoted himself to creation was to die less than two weeks later.
See Also | |
| | 1066 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Fulk Rechin defeats Geoffrey the Bearded Fulk Rechin was at war with his brother Geoffrey. They were fighting over the lands of Anjou and Touraine which had been left to them by their uncle Geoffrey Martel, the count of Anjou. Fulk captured Geoffrey the Bearded and captured Anjou later taking the title of count. 3See Also
Edward the Confessor died at Westminster. The death of Edward was an important event in the chain of events that led up to the invasion by William the Conqueror from Normandy.
See AlsoJan 6 - Harold II Godwinson is crowned King of England
Harold was chosen as king but his reign was not to last very long.
See AlsoApr - Halley's Comet
The comet named after Edmund Halley who accurately predicted the return of the comet in 1758 (unfortunately after his death). It is difficult to determine when the comet would have appeared in the past as the orbit of the comet varies by several years. The Bayeux Tapestry shows what looks like a comet and this could well have been Halley's comet.
See AlsoJul - Harold prepares for William's invasion
Harold, King of England, gathered an army and waited on the south coast of England to defend the country against an William's invasion.
See AlsoJul - William's Invasion fleet gather in the estuary of the River Dives
William the Conqueror prepared to invade England. His invasion fleet gathered in the estuary of the River Dives and other ports in Normandy.6
See AlsoSep 20 - Battle of Gate Fulford
Harold Hardrada's forces invaded and started ravaging the countryside as they made their way to York. English forces led by Earl Edwin and Earl Morcar battled with Harold Hardrada at Gate Fulford, but the English were severely beaten. Following this defeat Harold, King of England, was forced to march his army away from the south coast where they were preparing to defend against William the Conqueror's invasion to deal with the invasion in the north.
See AlsoSep 25 - Stamford Bridge Battle
King Harold II defeated the invasion threat from Harold Hardrada, King of Norway and his own brother Tostig, both of whom were killed. This stretched his forces to the limit as they quickly had to march south to defend against William of Normandy's invasion at Hastings.
See AlsoSep 27 - William lands at Pevensey
After dawn the main part of William's fleet landed on the English coast at Pevensey while some split from the main group and landed at Romney.
See AlsoOct 1 - Harold learns of William's arrival
Harold was resting his army in York when he learnt that William had landed on the south coast.
See AlsoOct 6 - Harold and his forces reach London
Harold II had to march south from Stamford Bridge to counter the threat of invasion from William of Normandy.
See AlsoOct 11 - Harold leaves London
Harold left London with an army and headed for the south coast.
See AlsoOct 14 - Battle of Hastings
William the Conqueror and Harold II met in battle at Hastings. Although Harold had the superior position on the battlefield his tactics failed and he was killed. This left England open for William to continue with his invasion plans.6
See AlsoDec 25 - William the Conqueror becomes King of England
William the Conqueror was coronated as King of England in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day of 1066.6
See Also | William the Conqueror
In 1051 Edward the Confessor, the King of England was having problems restraining the Godwine family. In the hope that the Normans would assist him, Edward offered William, Duke of Normandy the right to claim the English throne after his death. Edward had no children and no direct heir. In 1066 just before his death, Edward changed his mind and offered the English throne to his wife's brother, Harold, Earl of Godwine. William had been visited by Harold earlier in 1064 and at a meeting it is suspected that Harold agreed to William's succession. When William learnt that Harold was to become king he was outraged and began invasion plans.
Invasion
By August of 1066 the invasion fleet was ready, but the winds in the English Channel were not right and he had to delay sailing. This delay was fortunate for William because in July another invasion led by Harold Hardrada had begun in the north of England. This drew king Harold away from the south coast. King Harold fought and defeated Hardrada on 25th September at Stamford Bridge. At the same time, the winds on the Channel became favourable and William crossed to land without opposition at Pevensey. King Harold then marched his exhausted army back south to fight William.
The Battle of Hastings
The Norman and English armies met at Senlac Hill near Hastings on October 14th. After the battle King Harold was dead and William the Conqueror and his army had won. William refused to allow Harold's body to have a proper burial and the body was moved to the beach where it was put under rocks. The Normans waited expecting representatives of the Saxons to approach and submit to William's rule but none came. William marched his army along the south coat of England to capture the key ports which he needed to control if more men and supplies were to be sent from Normandy. The ports and castles at Dover and Romney fell easily to William. After a stay at Dover resupplying his men William moved north to Canterbury which again submitted to him. | |
| | 1067 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Construction of Winchester Castle Construction of a wooden castle was begun at Winchester. See AlsoConstruction of Wallingford Castle A castle at Wallingford was built in this year. It would have been a motte and bailey type castle. 7See AlsoA castle at Norwich is begun A motte and bailey castle is built at Norwich. 8See AlsoChepstow Castle begun Construction of Chepstow Castle is begun. See AlsoOdo becomes William's deputy Odo,the Bishop or Bayeux, became William the Conqueror's deputy in England and was assisted by William Fitz Osbern until Osbern's death in 1071. Odo also became the Earl of Kent and his wealth and land became considerable. See Also
William returned to Normandy taking as guests Edgar the Aetheling (the grandson of Edmund Ironside), Stigand (Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earls of Mercia and Northumbria and the brothers Edwin and Morcar.6
See Also | |
| | 1068 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Construction of Lincoln Castle William the Conqueror ordered that building work on a castle at Lincoln was to be started. See AlsoThe Curfew Bell William the Conqueror ordered that all church bells should be sounded at eight o'clock each night as a signal for everyone to put out fires and candles and retire to bed. The term appears to come from the French couvre feu meaning cover the fire. 2See AlsoConstruction of Nottingham Castle William and the Normans started construction of the castle at Nottingham. This would have been a wooden building. It was built on the high ground above the town using the step slope down to the river Leen as a defence. 9See AlsoMalcolm III marries Edgar's sister Edgar the Aetheling took refuge with Malcolm III in Scotland along with his sister Margaret. Malcolm and Margaret were married in the same year. See AlsoNorthern English move to Scotland Many of the northern English lords escaped to Scotland and the court of Malcolm III when it was clear that William had control of the country. See AlsoWarwick Castle built on William's orders William the Conqueror ordered the building of Warwick Castle. See Also
Although William had defeated Harold at Hastings, Harold's mother Gytha and her forces still had not submitted to William's rule. They held out at Exeter until William broke the defences. William had to take heavy casualties in the confrontation.6
See AlsoSpring - Construction begins on Exeter Castle
Following the rebellion in the West William orders the construction of a castle at Exeter.10
See AlsoMay 11 - Matilda is crowned Queen
William brought his wife Matilda of Flander to England to crown her Queen of England.6
See Also |
| |
| | 1069 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Danish fought off at Sandwich An attack by a Danish invasion fleet led by Sweyn Estrithson of Denmark was fought off by a garrison stationed at a castle at Sandwich. Sandwich was an important port on the south coast. The location has now been found and the site is being investigated. 7See Also
William's forces defeat rebels in the North and Midlands.
See Also | |
| | 1070 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Dunfermline Abbey founded The Abbey of Dunfermline was founded by Malcolm III, King of the Scots and his wife Margaret. See AlsoBuilding work at Chepstow William Fitz Osbern built the hall at Chepstow Castle. 11See AlsoMalcolm raids Northern England The Scottish king attacked towns in the north of England. See AlsoCastle at Old Sarum Using the prehistoric hill fort's defensive position to good use, the Normans built a new castle on the Old Sarum site. William the Conqueror paid off his soldiers here in this year. See AlsoCastles at Chester and Stafford begun William continues his castle building spree at both Chester and Stafford. 10See AlsoLanfranc becomes Archbishop of Canterbury William the Conqueror placed Lanfranc in the position of Archbishop of Canterbury a move designed to strengthen his hold on the English throne. Thomas of Bayeux, a pupil of Odo (William's brother), was put in the position of Archbishop of York after the death of Ealred who died on September 11, 1069. Archbishop Stigand was imprisoned in Winchester. See Also
As part of a revolt against the new Norman invaders, Hereward the Wake sacks the abbey at Peterborough.
See Also | |
| | 1071 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Richmond Castle construction The construction of Richmond Castle began around this time by Alan Rufus, the cousin of the Duke of Brittany. See AlsoAbbot of Abingdon imprisoned The Abbot of Abingdon was imprisoned at Wallingford Castle. 9See AlsoDudley Castle Construction After Eadwin, the Earl of Mercia, was killed in the revolt against William his castle and lands at Dudley were given to William's Norman followers. 12See AlsoWilliam puts down the revolt The rebels Hereward the Wake and Morcar on the Isle of Ely were attacked and defeated by William the Conqueror. See AlsoEly castle ordered William orders a castle to be built at Ely. 10See AlsoTurks conquer Syria, Jerusalem and parts of Palestine The Seljuk Turks conquer Syria, Jerusalem and parts of Palestine. 13See AlsoByzantine army destroyed at Manzikert The Byzantine army was destroyed at Manzikert by the Turks. Romanus IV Diogenes, emperor of Byzantium, was defeated by the Sultan Alp-Arslan of Persia and imprisoned. Michael VII Ducas became the new emperor. 13Canterbury Cathedral rebuilt by Lanfranc Canterbury Cathedral was rebuilt at this time by Archbishop Lanfranc. The Cathedral was based on the design of his abbey in Caen. See Also | Richmond Castle was begun in around 1071 when William the Conqueror held Christmas in north Yorkshire where he granted large amounts of land to Alan (Alain) Rufus from Brittany who was one of William's trusted lieutenants. Alan selected a site above the River Swale for a castle, a site which may have not been used as a defensive site before. It appears that the castle he built was of stone which was unusual for the time when castles were built of earth banks and wooden stockades. | |
| | 1072 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year First Cathedral at Lincoln begun The Norman Bishop of Fecamp began work on the first Cathedral church at Lincoln. The bishop's see had been moved from Dorchester-on-Thames. See AlsoTreaty of Abernethy Treaty between William the Conqueror and Malcolm III of Scotland. In this treaty Malcolm paid homage to William. See AlsoOld Sarum Cathedral The first cathedral at Old Sarum was built between 1075 and 1092. Its builder was Bishop Osmund, who was supposed to be William the Conqueror's nephew. From 1072 until 1078, Osmund was William's Chancellor. In 1078 Osmund was given the title of Bishop of Salisbury. See AlsoSerlo takes over at Gloucester Serlo, William the Conqueror's chaplain, revived the floundering monastery at Gloucester and started major rebuilding work. Serlo died in 1104. See AlsoAt Durham, another castle is ordered William orders the castle as Durham to be built. 10See Also
Lanfranc held a Church council at Winchester where the reoganisation of Bishops and Bishoprics war confirmed. Canterbury was also confirmed as the head of the English Church rather than York.
See AlsoJun - William leads an army into Scotland
It is possible that William the Conqueror was planning to attack King Malcolm to prevent him protecting Edgar the Aetheling and to stop him advancing into the north of England. The treaty 'Peace of Abernethy' brought a solution to the situation where Malcolm agreed to become William's vassal and to expel Edgar.6
See Also | |
| | 1073 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Edgar the Aetheling attempts to take the English throne Edgar joins forces with King Malcolm in Scotland and King Philippe I of France. See Also |
|
Selection of references used:
1. Peter Potter,Data Donation,
2. A.F.Scott,The Norman Age,1976
3. The Plantagenet Chronicles,
4. W.H.Hudson,France, The Nation & its Development,MCMXVII
5. J.D. Mackie,A History of Scotland,1978
6. David Bates,William the Conqueror,
7. Derek Renn,Norman Castles,1968
8. Sheila Sancha,The Castle Story,
9. John Kinross,Discovering Castles in England and Wales,
10. Colin Platt,Medieval England,
11. Sidney Toy,Catles. Their Construction and History,1985
12. Timbs & Gunn,Abbeys, Castles & Ancient Halls of England & Wales,
13. T. Wise & G.A. Embleton,Armies of the Crusades,
|
