| | | 1075  A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Chepstow Castle passes to the crown  Roger Fitz Osbern joined an unsuccessful uprising against the king and lost. The castle then passed to the crown. 1See AlsoCouncil of London At the Council of London Archbishop Lanfranc instigated the movement of many English Bishoprics to more important locations. One of these was the Bishopric of Sherborne and Wilton which moved to Old Sarum. See AlsoConstruction of Windsor Castle Construction of Windsor castle started by William the Conqueror. See AlsoChichester founded as a see Chichester was made a bishopric in this year when the bishop moved there from Selsey. | |
| | 1076 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Battle Abbey Consecrated Even though incomplete, Battle Abbey is consecrated. See Also | |
| | 1077 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Gundulf consecrated as Bishop of Rochester Gundulf became Bishop of Rochester, remaining there for thirty years and where he is buried. See AlsoSt. Albans Cathedral building begins Work began on St. Albans Cathedral. (More Information to follow) See AlsoRochester Cathedral building begins Work on Rochester Cathedral began. (More Information to follow) See Also
The Bayeux Tapestry is first shown at the dedication of Odo's cathedral.
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| | 1078 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Osmond becomes Bishop at Old Sarum Osmond was a Norman who came to England with William the Conqueror. He exchanged his noble title for that of a religious one and became Bishop at Old Sarum after Herbert. Osmond continued the construction work of a new cathedral at Old Sarum. See AlsoBishops of East Anglia moved to Thetford The two bishoprics of East Anglia and Dunwich (Suffolk) were merged into one and moved to Thetford which was an important town at the time and was in a central location. See AlsoWork starts on the White Tower Gundulf began work on the White Tower, the Tower of London. 2See Also | |
| | 1079 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Winchester Cathedral crypt Work began on the crypt and transepts of Winchester Cathedral. Until 1093. 3See Also | |
| | 1080 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Construction of Lewes Castles Work on a castle at Lewes began in 1080 and lasted possibly to around 1100. 4See AlsoColchester castle begun To defend the estuaries of Essex against attacks from the Danes William the Conqueror ordered the construction of a new castle at Colchester. See AlsoHereford Cathedral new building Robert de Losinga, a Norman Bishop started work on a new Cathedral at Hereford. 5See AlsoRipon monastery destroyed by Normans Ripon monastery destroyed by Normans. 6See Also |
The Norman invasion brought some stability and in 1080 under Bishop Losinga, rebuilding work began on the Cathedral which had been in ruins since the Welsh attack. There is a chair here supposed to be the chair used by King Stephen at his royal proclamation, in 1138. | |
| | 1081 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Cardiff Castle construction William the Conqueror may have ordered the creation of a castle at Cardiff during his tour of Southern Wales. The first castle on the site would have been a motte and bailey type and it was built on the site of existing Roman fortifications. 7See AlsoWilliam tours south Wales William the Conqueror visited South Wales and St. David's. He met Rhys ap Tewdwr, the ruler of the area and allowed him to remain in control of the region for a yearly sum of money. See AlsoAccession of Alexius Comnenus The civil wars following the battle of Manzikert led to Alexius Comnenus becoming the Eastern Emperor. 8See Also | |
| | 1083 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Odo imprisoned William imprisoned his half-brother Odo, Bishop of Bayeux. See AlsoEly Cathedral building begins Work began on Ely Cathedral See Also | |
| | 1084 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Worcester Cathedral building begins Building work starts on Worcester Cathedral. Orchestrated by Bishop Wulfstan. (More Information to follow) See Also | |
| | 1085 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Toledo recaptured from the Moors Toledo was recaptured from the Moors. 9
At the Christmas Council William ordered the creation of survey of property with their values and populations county by county covering most of England. Commissioners were sent all over England, apart from the far north, to make a record of the population, value, state and ownership of the land. The book consisted of two volumes and was completed by 1088.
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| | 1086 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Stormy weather and disease Violent storms killed many people while cattle died from disease. See AlsoThe Spanish are defeated at Zallaca The Spanish are defeated at Zallaca. 9
William the Conqueror called a meeting at Old Sarum where he invited his most important vassals and tenants-in-chief in England to swear allegiance to him. The oath is now known as the Oath of Salisbury.
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| | 1087 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Castle Acre Priory founded The Priory was founded by William de Warrene a Norman follower of William the Conqueror. See AlsoWilliam Rufus gives Manor of Tewkesbury William Rufus gave the Manor of Tewkesbury to his cousin, Robert FitzHamon. Together with the patronage of the Priory of Tewkesbury. See AlsoSt. Paul's Cathedral Burns down Work on rebuilding St. Paul's Cathedral started after the Old St. Paul's burnt down and a good deal of London as well. The person in charge of the rebuilding work was Mauritius, chaplain to William the Conqueror and Bishop of London. The new Cathedral was reportedly extremely large. See Also
William I of England died at the abbey of St Gervais, near Rouen.10
See AlsoSep 26 - William II (Rufus) crowned at Westminster
William II (Rufus) was crowned at Westminster by Archbishop Lanfranc after the death of his father William the Conqueror.
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| | 1088 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Earldom of Warwick created The earldom of Warwick was created by William II and given to Henry de Beaumont. Henry de Beaumont changed his name to Newburgh. See AlsoFoundation of Bath Abbey Bath Abbey is founded by John de Villula and populated by Benedictine monks. See AlsoUrban becomes Pope Urban II was elected Pope in 1088. His real name was Odo of Lagery and chose the name Urban when he became Pope. He had at first been a monk at the abbey at Cluny from 1070 and had become a prior there. See Also
Many Norman barons held land both in England and Normandy. With two opposing lords, William in England and Robert in Normandy, the barons were finding it difficult to know who to support. A revolt led by Odo sprung up in England with the aim of removing William from the throne. Odo's revolt in Kent and Sussex was supported by barons across the country. Roger Bigod from Norwich and Geoffrey of Coutances and Robert Mowbray from Bristol supported Odo. In Worcestershire Roger de Lacy captured Hereford and attacked Worcester. In the south-east Roger Montgomery at Arundel Robert Mortain at Pevensey and Gilbert de Clare at Tonbridge also prepared to fight the King. Robert of Belleme, a Norman baron, who was able to bring support from Normandy. Robert also controlled castles in the Welsh Marches where the revolt also took place.
See AlsoSpring - William Rufus calls for support
William Rufus had insufficient men at his disposal to deal with the rebellion in the south-east as there were too many ports to guard. The King called the representatives of the fyrd (the ordinary people of the country organised into an army) to a meeting in London where, with the support Lanfranc, he promised the people better laws and the removal of unfair taxes if they supported him against the rebels. The people agreed and together with the King they captured the castle at Tonbridge after a two day siege.11
See AlsoSpring - Worcestershire Rebellion put down
The Worcestershire rebellion led by Robert of Lacy was dealt with quickly by Wulfstan, the Bishop of Worcester, who called on those knights and local landowners still loyal to the King to defend Worcester. Many of the rebels were captured or killed.11
See AlsoApr (to Jun) - Pevensey Castle siege
William Rufus lay siege to Pevensey Castle where Odo had taken shelter with Robert of Mortain. The siege lasted for six weeks. Robert, the Duke of Normandy, sent a force to support the rebels at Pevensey but they were unable to land because the King had made sure the ports were well guarded. Robert admitted defeat and withdrew his support for the rebels. Odo had little choice, other than that to starve, and surrendered to the King. Odo agreed to go to Rochester where he would convince the rebels to accept William Rufus as the rightful King of England.
See AlsoMay - William puts down the revolt
Odo was accompanied to Rochester Castle by an escort but When they reached the castle the rebels captured the escort and refused to accept William Rufus as their King. Again William called for the people of England to support him against the rebels and together they lay siege to the castle. Odo surrendered when it was agreed that those in the castle would have their lives spared if the they came out. Odo and the rebels were allowed to leave but their lands in England were taken from them. Odo went into exiled in Normandy.
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| | 1089 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Serlo builds the crypt at Gloucester Some seventeen years after taking his position at Gloucester, Serlo built the crypt. See Also
After the death of Archbishop Lanfranc William Rufus held open the post of Archbishop of Canterbury for four years taking the revenues for his own purposes.
See AlsoAug 11 - Earthquake
An earthquake was felt across England.12
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| | 1090 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Construction of Caernavon Castle The first castle to be built at Caernarvon was constructed by Hugh of Avranches in about 1090. He built a wooden motte and bailey castle. See AlsoConstruction of Pembroke Castle A motte and bailey castle was built at Pembroke by Arnulf of Montgomery. See AlsoLancaster Keep Construction of keep at Lancaster Castle by Roger of Poitou. 13See Also | |
| | 1091 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Violent storm hits London London was hit by a terrible storm, possibly a tornado. Damage was done to the Tower of London, the old wooden London Bridge and many churches and buildings. See AlsoColchester Castle passes to Eudo Once the threat from invasion had reduced, the castle was passed into the control of Eudo de Rie, who held the position of high steward. See Also
William Rufus renewed the arrangement that his father had with Malcolm III, King of the Scots. This may have included letting Malcolm have some areas of northern England. Even so this did not prevent further attacks on England in the north by the Scots.14
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| | 1092 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Old Sarum Cathedral completed and dedicated The cathedral at Old Sarum was completed and dedicated to Blessed Virgin. The cathedral was damaged by a storm only five days after the dedication service and the roof destroyed. The location of the cathedral meant it exposed to the wind and the sermons were sometimes drowned out by the sound. See AlsoWork begins on Carlisle Cathedral Work began on the nave and the southern transept. 3See AlsoCarlisle Collegiate church founded Secular canons founded a collegiate church at Carlisle. See AlsoCollegiate church founded at Carlisle. A collegiate church was founded at this time at Carlisle and a Norman church was built. Tewkesbury Abbey Founded Robert FitzHamon, the cousin of William Rufus, together with Abbot Giraldus, founded the present Abbey at Tewkesbury. See Also | |
| | 1093 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Cardigan Castle built The Norman baron, Roger de Montgomery, had a motte and bailey castle constructed at Cardigan as he attempted to control the Welsh. Benedictines take over at Chester. Chester was a strategic site after the Norman Conquest and the Saxon church there was taken over in 1093 by Benedictine monks. Anselm Becomes Archbishop of Canterbury Anselm became Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093 succeeding Lanfranc. The post of Archbishop of Canterbury had been held open by William Rufus so that he could collect for himself the church's income. Anselm died in 1109. See AlsoDurham Cathedral begun Durham Cathedral was the first building in Western Europe with ribbed vaulting in the ceiling. 15See Also
William fell ill early in this year and the illness was so serious that reports went out saying that he had died. William granted land to many religious houses in preparation for his death but when he recovered he claimed the land back.12
See AlsoNov 13 - Donald Bane becomes king of Scotland
After Malcolm III and his second son Edward were killed near Alnwick Donald, Malcolm's brother, became the king of Scotland. Malcolm's family, including Edgar, were forced into exiled in England.
See AlsoNov 13 - Battle of Alnwick
Malcolm III, the king of Scotland, and his son Edward were both killed at the battle of Alnwick in Northumberland. Malcolm had invaded England after William II had made moves to take more control over Cumbria and had fortified Carlisle.
See AlsoNov 16 - Death of Margaret of Scotland
Margaret of Scotland died only days after her son and husband had been killed at Alnwick.
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| | 1094 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year See of Norwich bought by Hebert de Losinga Herbert de Losinga purchased the see (seat of the bishop) for the area around Norwich. The bishops seat was at Thetford but Herbert moved it to Norwich itself before starting the construction of a new cathedral. 16See AlsoBattle Abbey reconsecrated Building work at Battle Abbey was completed and the abbey reconsecrated by William Rufus. See Also
Assisted by Norman knights, Duncan became king in May. His reign only lasted until November.
See AlsoNov - Donald III restored
Donald III was restored to the Scottish throne after the death of Duncan II. He shared the Scottish rule with his nephew Edmund.
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| | 1095 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Robert Mowbray's Rebellion After attacking four merchant ships Robert Mowbray was called for by William Rufus to explain his actions. Instead Mowbray rose up in rebellion against the king along with other powerful Norman Barons. See AlsoWulfstan dies Wulfstan was bishop of Worcester. The location of his grave is not known. See Also
A delegation led by the Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenus visited Pope Urban II to raise the problems he was having fighting the Muslims in the East. Pope Urban removed the excommunication that had been placed on the Emperor by Pope Gregory and promised to help.
See AlsoNov 27 - The Council of Clermont
On the last day of the council Pope Urban II preached about the oppression being inflicted on the Christians in the Middle East by the Muslim Seljuks. Christian churches were being destroyed and Christians attacked. The Pope called for the Christians in the West to help.
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| | 1096 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year William buys Normandy Robert of Normandy became under pressure from William who laid claim to Normandy. William was gaining support from some Norman barons and Robert took the opportunity to leave Normandy to answer Pope Urban II's call for a Crusade. Robert agreed that William could lease Normandy for three years for a sum of 10,000 marks. This money would help him fund the expedition. See AlsoCanterbury Choir, East Transepts and Crypt building work. Canterbury Choir, East Transepts and Crypt building work. 3See AlsoBuilding work on Alnwick castle begins Building work on Alnwick castle began. See AlsoNorwich Cathedral building begins Work starts on Norwich Cathedral. See Also
Following Pope Urban's speech at Clermont Peter the Hermit, a simple man with a powerful ability to move people by his words, started preaching for Christians to help their fellow Christians in the East. He started to gain a large number of followers eager to go to Jerusalem with promises of absolution and freedom from a life of hunger and depravation. His followers were poor, not prepared for the journey and not armed.
See AlsoQtr 2 - Crusaders cause trouble
Peter the Hermit's army of ordinary people was large and it needed feeding. One of the more noble members of the army was Walter Sans Avoir, also known as Walter the Penniless. When the army reached Cologne in April Peter decided to halt the army to take advantage of the good supply of food. Walter was impatient and with a small section of the army continued on. They passed through Hunrgary but at the town of Semlin a dispute broke out when some of his men stole food. When his men were refused food at Belgrade because the harvest had not yet been gathered Walter's army began pillaging the surrounding area. Finally Alexius Comnenus sent supplies and an escort to guard the Crusaders as they marched to Constantiople. The guard ensured that the Crusaders didn't cause any more trouble.17
See AlsoJul - Peter reaches Byzantium
At Constantinople the Emperor Alexius welcomed Peter's army but there were too many people and no provision had been made for them. There was a general lack of discipline that resulted in repeated attacks and thefts from surrounding villages. Alexius warned Peter to wait for better trained troops to arrive before moving on but the pressure of the army was so great on Constantinople that they were forced to move before help could arrive.
See AlsoAug - The People's Crusades cross the Bosperus
The People's Crusaders were shipped across the Bosperus to a disused army base at Civetot. From there they attacked the surrounding areas but they had little affect.
See AlsoOct - Raymond starts his crusade
While the People's Crusade led by Peter the Hermit was being crushed in the Holy Land, preparations for the First Crusade carried on in Europe. Those leaders involved were Raymond of Toulouse, Hughes Count of Vermandois, Robert Count of Flanders, Robert Duke of Normandy and Etienne Count of Blois. The leaders arranged to meet at Constantinople and set off taking different routes. Some followed the path across Europe taken by Peter the Hermit, while others took a more southerly routes via the Alps and the Adriatic.
See AlsoOct 21 - The People's Crusaders massacred
The Turks attacked the People's Crusades in their base at Civetot and ended their Crusade.
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| | 1097 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Edgar Macmalcolm becomes king of the Scots Edgar, the son of Malcolm III of Scotland, became the king of Scotland after taking the Scottish throne from Donald Bane. See Also
When the crusaders arrived at Constantinople they were greeted by Emperor Alexius. The Emperor was happy for the crusaders to capture areas of the Holy Land but he wanted the land to be under his control. Alexius persuaded the Leaders of the cruaders to swear an oath of allegiance to him and to hand over the land they captured. They could however be allowed to live on and rule that land but not own it.
See AlsoMay - Siege of Nicaea
The Crusaders began their campaign with a siege of the city of Nicaea. Before the Crusaders stormed the city, the Turks surrendered. They did not surrender to the Crusaders but to the Emperor instead. This infuriated the Crusaders who were expecting a large haul of treasure from the city.18
See AlsoOct - The Crusaders reach Antioch
In October of 1097 the Crusaders had reached Antoch. The march had been long and difficult and many had died or deserted due to starvation, diseases and the very wet weather. At once they laid siege to the city. The Turks in the city were prepared and waited to be rescued.18
See AlsoOct 4 - Comet
A star with a long tail was seen in the south-west.12
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| | 1098 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Treaty with Magnus III of Norway A treaty was signed between Edgar, King of Scotland, and Magnus III of Norway agreeing that the northern territories of Scotland including the Hebrides belonged to Norway. See Also
The siege of Antioch was ended not by force but by betrayal. A hand full of Crusaders climbed a ladder into the city and simply opened the gates from the inside. The hoard of the Christian army surged into the city killing anyone or anything in their way. The destruction was brutal and no mercy was shown. As soon as the Crusaders were in the city the situation changed. Outside a Moslem army arrived and in turn besieged the city. Some Crusaders managed to escape over the walls and flee but the majority were trapped without food in the city.18
See AlsoJun 28 - The Crusaders escape Antioch
Spurred on by the find of the Spear of Longinus, the spear that was supposed to have pierced Jesus on the cross, the Crusaders emerged from the city of Antioch to face the Moslems. The Moslems were defeated many being killed and many fleeing.18
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| | 1099 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Flambard is made Bishop of Durham Ranulf Flambard is made the Bishop of Durham by William Rufus. See AlsoNave at Durham constructed Construction of the nave at Durham Cathedral began in 1099 and lasted until 1128. 3See Also
A year after their victory at Antioch the remaining Crusaders finally reached Jerusalem, their goal.19
See AlsoJul 15 - Crusaders take Jerusalem
The Crusaders take Jerusalem and Godfrey of Bouillon becomes King of Jerusalem.15
See AlsoAug 12 - Battle of Ascalon
The last battle of the First Crusade was fought between the Christians and Muslims at Ascalon. Led by Godfrey of Bouillon, the king of Jerusalem, the heavily out-numbered Christian army used their heavy armour to good affect. The Muslim army consisted mainly of Egyptions intent of driving the Christians out of Jerusalem.15
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Selection of references used:
1. John Kinross,Discovering Castles in England and Wales,
2. E.B.D'Auvergne,The English Castles,1926
3. John Harvey,English Cathedrals,1961
4. James Forde-Johnston,Great Medieval Castles of Britain,
5. H.R.Burrows M.A.,Pictorial History of Hereford Cathedral,
6. Richard Muir,Old Yorkshire,
7. Mike Salter,Castles of Gwent, Glamorgan and Gower,
8. BBC Publication,Background to the Crusades,
9. T. Wise & G.A. Embleton,Armies of the Crusades,
10. David Bates,William the Conqueror,
11. H.W.C.Davis,England under the Normans and Angevins,1949
12. A.F.Scott,The Norman Age,1976
13. Colin Platt,Medieval England,
14. J.D. Mackie,A History of Scotland,1978
15. Alan & Veronica Palmer,Pimlico Chronology of Britsh History,
16. G H Cook,English Cathedrals through the centuries,
17. Alfred Duggan,The Story of the Crusades,
18. J.D.Griffith Davies,England in the Medieval Ages,1928
19. C.H.Frith,Cromwell,1935
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