Timeline: 1125..1149

Years in this period

English Rulers
Henry I (1100 - 1135)
Stephen (1135 - 1154)
Matilda (1141 - 1141)
Scottish Rulers (not all)
David I (1124 - 1153)

French Rulers (not all)
Louis VI (1108 - 1137)
Louis VII (1137 - 1180)
1125

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Hugh of Champagne joins the Templars 
Hugh of Champagne joins the Templars.1

See Also
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1126

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Shrewsbury Castle granted to Adeliza 
The castle at Shrewsbury was granted by Henry to his second wife Adeliza. The command of the castle was given to Fitz-Alan.2

See AlsoConstruction of Rochester Castle  
The tower-keep at Rochester was built soon after 1126 by the Archbishop of Canterbury with the permission of Henry I. 3

See AlsoHugues de Payen travels West 
Hugues de Payen travels west to obtain more authority of the Order.1

See Also
Dec - Henry holds a council at Woodstock 
King Henry held a council at Woodstock.4

See Also
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1127

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Charter for Glastonbury fair 
Henry I granted a charter for an annual fair to be held at Glastonbury known as the Tor Fair. The reaffirmed the right for the existing fair to be held there.5

See Also
Jan - Barons swear allegiance to Matilda Episode: Stephen's succession to the throne, click to view
With Matlida the rightful heir to the English throne, Henry I had the barons swear allegiance to her to ensure she became Queen of England when he died.6

See AlsoQtr 4 - Templars are donated land near Troyes 
The first donation of land was given to the Templars in 1127 by Count Thybaud of Champagne at Barbonne-Fayel, some fify kilometres north-west of Troyes. The farm called La Commanderie still exists.7

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1128

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Construction of new church at Dunfermline Abbey 
The construction of new church buildings was begun in 1128 at Dunfermline Abbey. The outline of this earlier church can be seen on the floor of the current nave.

Lichfield regains Bishop's seat 
Lichfield had lost the status to allow it a cathedral during the eleventh century, but in 1128 Lichfield was restored to its ancient status.

See AlsoMatilda marries Geoffrey Plantagenet Episode: Stephen's succession to the throne, click to view
Henry I arranged a marriage between his daughter Matilda and the son of Fulk V of Anjou, Geoffrey Plantagenet. He had previously arranged a marriage between his son William Adelin to Fulk's daughter also called Matilda, but William had died when the 'White Ship' sank returning the Prince from Normandy.

See AlsoThe nave at Durham is vaulted 
Work on the nave vaulting lasted from 1128 until 1133.8

See AlsoFirst Cistercian Abbey in Britain 
Waverley Abbey, the first Cistercian abbey was founded.9

See AlsoTemplar Church in London 
Hugh de Payens may have been granted the land for the first Temple Church in London at this time. Consisting of an orchard, a cemetery, a round church. The position was possibly at the end of Chancery Lane. The temple was moved in 1161.7

See AlsoHugues de Payen visits Scotland and England 
During late 1128 and early 1129, Hugues de Payen visited both Scotland (David I ?) and England where he was apparently donated both land and money. At this time, the original Temple in Holborn (London) outside Holborn bars was built. It consisted of gardens, orchard, boundary ditch and cemetery, and was the first round church. In 1161 the site was moved to the New Temple between Fleet street and the Thames.1

See Also
Jan - Council of Troyes takes place 
The Council of Troyes took place. Its aim was to consider the claim of the Knights Templars represented by Hugues de Payen and Andre de Montbard and was brought about by Bernard of Clairvaux. The Council provided papal approval for the Templars and resulted in many new recruits joining the order. The Order was provided it with its first rule, the Latin Rule.1

See AlsoApr - Hugh de Payen visits Fulk of Anjou 
Hugh de Payen travelled around France starting with a visit to Fulk of Anjou who had become an associate member of the Knights Templar order in 1120. Support and donations across Europe for the Templars increased. The visits lasted during April and May.7

See Also
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1129

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Fulk V marries Melisende 
Fulk V married Melisende, the heir to the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Fulk gave up his title of Count of Anjou which passed to his son Geoffrey Plantagenet.

See AlsoArundel Castle building work 
New construction work was done at Arundel between 1129 and 1130.3

See Also
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1130

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Fire at Rochester 
On the same day that Henry I attended the consecration of Rochester Cathedral, a fire took hold in the city and damaged the newly finished building.

See Also
Dec - Henry spends Christmas at Woodstock 
Henry spent Christmas at Woodstock.4

See Also
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1131

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Fulk V becomes King of Jerusalem 
King Baldwin of Jerusalem died and Fulk V, who had married the King's daughter Melisende, became the King of Jerusalem.10

See AlsoBasingwerk Abbey founded 
The North Welsh Cistercian Abbey was colonised by monks from the Norman house called Savigny and was possibly founded by the Earl of Chester at the time, Ranulf de Gernon.9

See AlsoGilbertines founded 
A minor order of monks and nuns was founded in this year by St. Gilbert. Most of the foundations were set up in the east of England as Gilbert came from Lincolnshire.

Rievaulx Abbey founded 
The Cistercian abbey of Rievaulx was founded.

See AlsoKnights Templars in Spain 
The Knights Templars appear in the North East of Spain (possibly as early as 1130) and were receiving privileges from Alfonso I. The Templars may have helped the rules of Catalonia and Aragon regain land from the Moors. Alfonso I granted the Templars exemption of tax on a fifth of the wealth taken from the Moors and on his death he left a third of his kingdom to them. This was later successfully contested but the Templars were given land in Aragon, Catalonia, Valencia, Mallorca and Andalucia.1

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1132

 A-S C

Winter - Monks visit Ripon 
A Group of monks from St. Mary's in York Arrive at Ripon. They go on to found Fountains Abbey11

See Also
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1133

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Augustinians at Porchester 
A small priory was built by Augustinian monks within the confines of Porchester Castle.

See AlsoCombermere Abbey founded 
Ranulf, the Earl of Chester witnessed the foundation of the new Savigny abbey in the Midlands.9

See AlsoDurham Cathedral Chapter house  
The Chapter house at Durham Cathedral was begun in 1133 and took until 1140.8

See AlsoFoundation of Garendon Abbey 
A Cistercian abbey founded by monks from Waverley Abbey.9

See Also
Mar 25 - Future king Henry II is born 
Henry II was born on the first day of the traditional new year at Le Mans.12

See AlsoAug 2 - Eclipse 
There was an eclipse of the Sun over Scotland and the north of England on this day.

See AlsoAug 4 - Earthquake 
An eye-witness account (William of Malmesbury) tells of an earthquake affecting many parts of England. (Symeon of Durham’s Historia Regum, by John of Hexham.) This is interesting as it occurred just after an eclipse. See year 1185 when another eclipse and earthquake occurred.

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1134

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Calder Abbey first founded 
Colonising a new abbey at Calder was first attempted by monks from the Savigny order, but they were driven out by the Scots a few years later.9

Fountains Abbey Founded 
Fountains abbey was founded.

See AlsoDeath of Robert Curthose 
Robert Curthose, William the Conqueror's eldest son, died in captivity in Cardiff Castle where he had been locked up since being defeated by his brother in 1106. Robert was buried in Gloucester Cathedral where there is an effigy of him still.

See Also
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1135

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Buildwas Abbey founded 
Founded in 1135 by Roger de Clinton. It was populated by monks from Furness Abbey.9

See AlsoStephen at Hereford 
Stephen visits Hereford Cathedral for his royal proclamation on Whit-Sunday. The chair reputed to have been used by Stephen still exists at Hereford.13

See Also
Dec 1 - Henry I dies Episode: Stephen's succession to the throne, click to view
Death of Henry I.6

See AlsoDec 22 - Stephen succeeds Henry I Episode: Stephen's succession to the throne, click to view
Stephen becomes king of England. (Builds a chapel at Westminster, now the House of Commons. Finished under the direction of Gilbert De Clare, Marquis of Pembrokeshire)14

See AlsoDec 26 - Coronation of Stephen of Blois Episode: Stephen's succession to the throne, click to view
Stephen of Blois was crowned King Stephen of England at Westminster Abbey.

See Also
Buildwas Abbey


Buildwas Abbey was founded in 1135 by Roger de Clinton, the Bishop of Coventry. The founding order of the abbey was the Savignic order from Furness, but in 1147 the order merged with the much bigger Cistercian order. Much of the church still remains and over time parts have been incorporated for other uses.
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1136

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Battle of Crug Mawr 
The Normans were defeated in battle at Crug Mawr, south west Wales, by a Welsh army. Cilgerran Castle then fell to the Welsh.

See AlsoKing Stephen captures Bampton Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Bampton Castle in Devon captured by King Stephen.

See AlsoConstruction of a castle at Scarborough 
William le Gros built a castle on the headland at Scarborough.

See AlsoLondon Bridge damaged by fire 
The old wooden London Bridge across the Thames was destroyed by fire this year or in 1135. Note that St. Paul's was also damaged so the fire must have affected a large area of the city.15

See AlsoForde Abbey founded 
Initially the abbey was situated at Brightly in Devon, but the site proved too difficult and in 1141 moved. The founding monks came from Waverly Abbey in Surrey.9

See AlsoBuckfast Abbey founded 
The site of an early Benedictine abbey was taken over by the Cistercians with the permission of King Stephen. Monks from Savigny colonised the abbey.9

See AlsoCastle at Banbury is built 
The Bishop of Lincoln built a castle at Banbury.3

Baldwin de Redvers flees to Carisbrooke 
The Earl of Devon, Baldwin de Redvers takes refuge in Carisbrooke castle on the Isle of Wight after a defeat at the hands of King Stephen.

See AlsoHugues de Payen dies 
Hugues de Payen died and was succeeded by Robert de Craon as Master of the Temple.1

See Also
Jan - A fire at St. Paul's 
Reconstruction work on the Cathedral at St. Paul's had been going on since the last major fire of 1087, and this fire again did much damage to the building.

See AlsoFeb - Treaty of Durham Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
A peace treaty signed by King David of Scotland and King Stephen. The Scottish King had invaded northern England in January and had captured many of the major towns including Carlisle and Newcastle. In response, Stephen had raised a large army and marched north to Durham. King David agreed to talk rather than fight and an arrangement was agreed allowing the Scots to keep Carlisle in return for stopping their advance. David refused to do homage to the English King as his loyalties rested with Matilda, King Henry's daughter. King David's son did pay homage to Stephen and recieved the Earldom of Huntingdon in return.

See AlsoEaster - Stephen and the Court at Oxford 
King Stephen held a magnificent court at Oxford attended by large numbers of important barons and members of the Church. No expense was spared.16

See Also
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1137

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Bath Abbey fire 
A fire badly damages the church at Bath Abbey.17

See AlsoLouis VII becomes King of France 
Louis VII became king of France, upon the death of his father Louis VI.18

See AlsoYork Minster damaged by fire 
York Minster was partially damaged by fire in this year. The near-by church of St. Mary's and some other 37 churches were also damaged. (Need to find out what was happening here.)

See Also
Apr - Stephen goes to Normandy 
King Stephen sailed to Normandy to confront Geoffrey Plantagenet, count of Anjou and the Angevins who were attacking the soutern areas of Normandy. Although Stephen had come success he was not able to deal fully with the count. Stephen did come to an agreement with the French King Louis VII and Eustace, Stephen's son, paid homage to the French king for Normandy.16

See Also
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1138

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Gilbert de Clare becomes Earl of Pembroke 
Gilbert de Clare was made the first Earl of Pembroke. He took control of the castle of the same name.

See AlsoLudlow castle siege Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Ludlow Castle was captured on behalf of Matilda in 1138 and King Stephen besieged the castle in an attempt to regain it. During the siege the King bravely saved Prince Henry of Scotland from being injured by a grappling hook thrown from the castle.19

See AlsoDudley castle attacked by Stephen Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
The Castle and lands around Dudley were attacked by King Stephen during the early part of his war against Matilda.4

See AlsoShrewsbury Castle captured by Stephen Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Stephen captured the castle at Shrewsbury. Henry (II) would capture back the castle before the end of Stephen's reign.2

See AlsoCalder Abbey attacked by the Scots 
Monks of the Savigny order were attacked by the Scots under the control of David I, and were forced to return to Furness Abbey.9

See AlsoExeter castle building work 
Work on the curtain wall at Exeter castle progressed from 1169 and 1177.3

Arundel Castle siege Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Matilda was given refuge by William de Albini at Arundel Castle. Stephen built siege works around the castle in response.3

See AlsoStart of Civil War Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Robert, the Earl of Gloucester and half brother to Matilda (daughter of Henry I) rebels against King Stephen, supporting Matilda's claim to the throne of England.

See AlsoFoundation of Bordesley Abbey 
Waleran, the earl of Worcester founds a new Cistercian abbey with help from monks from Garendon.9

See AlsoTheobald becomes Archbishop 
Theobald is elected as Archbishop of Canterbury.

See AlsoCressing Temple Site 
This wealthy manor was given to the Knights Templar by Matilda, wife of King Stephen for their help getting Stephen to the throne. Later, the site was given to the Hospitallers when the Templars were suppressed.20

See Also
Qtr 2 - The Scots invade Northumberland 
Led by their king, David I, the Scots invade and destroy Northumberland. The Scots moved south into Lancashire and North Yorkshire. This prompted Steven to mobilize an army to counter the invasion.

See AlsoMay - Robert sides with Matilda Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Robert, the Earl of Gloucester announces that he will assist Matilda, his step-sister in her claim for the English throne.21

See AlsoAug 22 - Battle of 'the Standard' Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
David I of Scotland was defeated at the battle of 'the Standard' in Yorkshire. The name for the battle came from the banners that were carried into battle by the English.22

See Also
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1139

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Leeds Castle siege Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
King Stephen besieged Leeds Castle which was being held against him by supporters of Matilda. The castle fell to the King and he took control of it.16

See AlsoCorfe Castle siege Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
In 1139 Baldwin de Redvers took the castle for Matilda. King Stephen besieged the castle but was unable to take it back.19

See AlsoKirkstead Abbey founded 
A daughter house of Fountains Abbey. The initial location of the abbey proved unsuitable and the a new site was chosen near Horncastle in Lincolnshire.23

See AlsoKingswood Abbey founded 
A Cistercian abbey was founded by monks from Tintern Abbey. The location of the abbey altered several times in the first few years, but finally settled at Kingswood in Gloucestershire. A sixteenth-century gatehouse is all that remains.23

See AlsoWallingford Castle siege Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
After Brian fitz Count the owner of the castle at Wallingford sided with Matilda, king Stephen built two siege castles to force him out.3

See AlsoMatilda arrives in England Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Matilda arrives in England to further her attempts to take the throne from king Stephen.

See AlsoPapal Bull by Pope Innocent II 
A Papal Bull issued by Pope Innocent II, a former Cistercian monk and protégé of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, stated that the Knight Templars should owe allegiance to no one other than the Pope himself. This meant that the Templars answered to no one not even Kings or other political or religious authorities.24

See Also
Jun - Roger, Bishop of Salisbury is arrested Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
King Stephen arrested Roger, the Bishop of Salisbury. Bishop Roger was a powerful landowner and had several castles. Stephen also arrested Alexander, the bishop of Lincoln and had him imprisoned. Stephen wanted to take control to bishop Roger's castles and the bishop was taken to his castle at Devizes where he was held captive outside the walls and starved until the castle surrendered. Roger's son was also captured and tortured until the castle finally fell to the King. Roger's castle at Sherborne was also captured by Stephen. The castles at Newark and Sleaford in Lincolnshire belonging to bishop Alexander were forced to surrender to the King using the same underhand tactics.

See Also
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1140

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Woodstock held by Matilda Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
The Palace of Woodstock was held by Matilda's supporters during the conflict with Stephen. Henry (II) spent much of his time there.4

See AlsoCastle Rising Construction 
The Norman Lord William D'Albini built a new stone keep at Castle Rising.

See AlsoConstruction of Hedingham Castle 
Built by the de Vere family, land owners in Essex.

See AlsoWhitland Abbey foundation 
This Cistercian abbey in Wales was colonised by monks from Clairvaux.

Construction of Framlingham Castle 
A motte with a wooden tower was probably the first type of castle built by the Normans on the site. Hugh Bigod owned Framlingham at the time.

See AlsoCoggeshall Abbey founded 
King Stephen and Matilda his wife founded Coggeshall Abbey. This was to be the last of the Savigny abbeys to be founded before the order merged with the Cistercians in 1147.9

See AlsoCastle at Sherriff Hutton 
A castle at Sherriff Hutton may have belonged to Bertram de Bulmer .3

Building of original Bristol church 
Building of original Bristol church.8

Foundation of Augustinian canons at Bristol 
Robert Fitzharding founded a monastery of Augustinian canons in Bristol.

See AlsoAbbey Church of St Denis begun 
The construction of the abbey church of St Denis in Paris, the first Gothic Cathedral was begun in 1140. Combining stained glass windows, flying buttresses, choir vaulting and rib vaults, it was a daring innovation in architecture. The specifications were set by the abbot of St Denis, Suger.25

See Also
Mar 20 - Eclipse 
The Anglo Saxon Chronicles reported that an eclipse of the sun occurred on this day.

See AlsoDec - Stephen besieges Lincoln Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Lincoln, held by Matilda's supporters, was besieged by King Stephen. The siege would continue until February the next year.16

See Also
Rising Castle
Castle Rising consists of a square keep built in around 1140 in the middle of large earthworks. This is an excellent example of a twelfth century castle and its defences. The castle was built on an earlier wooden structure, probably a large hall.

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1141

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Winchester Castle burns down Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
The castle was destroyed during the civil war.

See AlsoLincoln Cathedral damaged by fire 
The roof of the Cathedral burnt down. Bishop Alexander the Magnificent started rebuilding work.

See Also
Feb 2 - Battle of Lincoln Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Matilda's forces defeated and captured King Stephen at the battle of Lincoln. Stephen was held captive until September when Matilda's forces were defeated at Winchester.

See AlsoApr - Matilda is elected Queen Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
After Stephen had been captured at Lincoln, Matilda was elected as Queen of England at Winchester. Her new position as ruler of England was not to last for long

See AlsoJun - Matilda enters London Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Matilda and her supporters entered London for her coronation. Her supporters included David I, king of the Scots. Geoffrey de Mandeville who controlled the Tower of London, abandoned his king as he saw Matilda had the upper hand. He joined her side and offered her the Tower of London. He did this to ensure he kept the Earldom of Essex which made him one of the most powerful barons of the time.

See AlsoSep 14 - Rout of Winchester Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Matilda's forces were besieging a royalist held castle at Wolvesey near Winchester and were attacked and defeated by a royalist relief army. King Stephen who was being held captive at the time was exchanged for Robert, earl of Gloucester one of Matilda's supporters who was captured in the defeat.

See AlsoNov - Exchange of King Stephen and Gloucester 
Robert, Earl of Gloucester was held captive at Rochester Castle before being exchanged for King Stephen who had been captured earlier in the year at Lincoln.

See Also
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1142

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Cistercians in Ireland 
The first Cistercians arrived in Ireland invited by St. Malachy. Their Abbey of Mellifont was the first of many.26

Mandeville and Matilda Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Secret negotiations between Matilda and Mandeville take place.27

See AlsoDundrennan Abbey founded 
David I, King of the Scots may have been involved in the foundation of this Cistercian abbey in Scotland. The founding monks probably came from Rievaulx.9

See AlsoCalder Abbey founded 
The Savigny order of monks colonised the a new abbey at Calder in this year. The earlier attempt at colonising the location had failed after being attacked by the Scots.9

Henry (II) spends a year in England Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Henry spent a year in England at Bristol being taught by Master Matthew. He came across the channel with Earl Robert of Gloucester.12

See Also
Oct (to Dec) - Oxford siege and Matilda's escape Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Oxford was besieged by King Stephen trapping Matilda inside the city. But just before Christmas Matilda managed to escape across the snow and ice of the frozen Thames dressed in white so that she would not be seen. Matilda escaped to Wallingford Castle and Oxford fell to the King.16

See Also
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1143

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Boxley Abbey founded 
This Cistercian Abbey was founded in 1143 or 1146 by William of Ypres and was colonised by monks from Clairvaux. The Abbey is situated near Maidstone in Kent.9

Revesby Abbey founded 
A new Cistercian abbey was founded by monks from Rievaulx in this year. The abbey was founded by William de Roumare I, earl of Lincoln and the first abbot was Ailred, who moved back to Rievaulx in 1146 to become the head of that abbey.

See AlsoWhitland Abbey founded 
Cistercians found Whitland Abbey.

Sep - Mandeville is arrested Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
King Stephen arrested Geoffrey de Mandeville at a meeting of the Royal Court. Mandeville had tried Stephen's patience with his disloyalty and the king did not want the Tower of London (which Mandeville controlled) fall into the hands of Matilda. Mandevilles castles and title of Earl of Essex were taken from him, and he became an outlaw.27

See Also
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1144

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Geoffrey Plantagenet captures Normandy Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
After several years of conflict between the Angevins and the Barons of Normandy Geoffrey Plantagenet, count ot Anjou, captured Rouen and took control of the whole of the duchy of Normandy. Geoffrey also took the title of Duke of Normandy.16

See AlsoConstruction of Faringdon Castle Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Built by Robert, Earl of Gloucester. The castle soon came under siege by King Stephen who after four days took the castle and destroyed it.19

See Also
Dec 24 - Capture of Edessa Episode: The Second Crusade, click to view
The county of Edessa, a Crusader state, was captured by Zengi, ruler of Mosul. This triggered the Second Crusade in 1148.

See Also
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1145

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Construction of Brightwell Castle 
Built by King Stephen (or the Earl of Chester). The castle had a moat and was situated on the site of current manor house.19

See AlsoJervaulx Abbey founded 
Initially a Savignic foundation, the abbey was taken over by the Cistercian order and responsibility for it was taken by Byland.

See AlsoWoburn Abbey founded 
A colony of monks from Fountains Abbey move to set up a new Cistercian abbey at Woburn.

See AlsoStephen takes Farringdon Castle Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
King Stephen captures the castle at Farringdon from Matilda.

See Also
Dec 1 - First formal Bull of crusade Episode: The Second Crusade, click to view
First formal Papal Bull of Crusade (‘Bulla cruciata’ - calling on France to restore the Holy Land to Christendom) issued by Eugenius III, together with ‘Quantum prædecessors’ (reissued 1.3.1146).
28

See Also
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1146

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Llansteffan Castle captured 
Llansteffan Castle was captured by the Welsh.

See AlsoKnights Templars adopt cross pattee 
The Knights Templars adopted cross pattee; a splayed red cross.24

See Also
Mar 1 - Pope reissues Papal Bull for a Crusade Episode: The Second Crusade, click to view
Pope Eugenius III reissued an amended Bull (a formal proclamation issued by the pope) proclaiming the Second Crusade.

See AlsoMar 31 - Sermon at Vézelay Episode: The Second Crusade, click to view
St. Bernard's sermon at Vézelay so moved Eleanor of Aquitaine that she vowed to go on Crusade.

See AlsoDec 25 - Diet of Spires Episode: The Second Crusade, click to view
Diet of Spires; the emperor Conrad III took the cross and secured the election of his son Henry as his successor in Germany.28

See AlsoChristmas - Stephen's Crown Wearing 
King Stephen's 'crown wearing' ceremony was held in Lincoln at Christmas.10

See Also
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1147

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Kirkstall Abbey founded 
A daughter house of Fountains Abbey, the abbey at Kirkstall was first located at Barnoldswick , but was moved a few years later to its current location near Leeds in West Yorkshire.23

See AlsoDore Abbey founded 
The Cistercian abbey of Dore, south-west of Hereford was founded in 1147 by monks from Morimond

See AlsoThe Savigny order joins the Cistercians 
The order of Savigny became part of the larger Cistercian movement in this year. The Savigny order was having trouble running its abbeys and it was decided that a merger with the more prosperous Cistercian order was advantageous for both sides.9

Bruern Abbey founded 
A Cistercian abbey in Lincolnshire founded by Nicholas Basset and colonised by monks from Waverley. 9

Henry arrives in England Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Henry landed in England with a small army intent on attacking Stephen. Unfortunately, Henry's army of mercenaries was small and they were not being paid enough. Stephen gave Henry money to pay the mercenaries and for Henry to return to Normandy. Henry left England.

See AlsoFoundation of Biddlesden Abbey 
A new Cistercian abbey was founded in 1147 by Ernald de Bosco and monks from Garendon.9

See AlsoPevensey Castle siege Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
King Stephen leys siege to Pevensey castle and has to wait for the castle's reserves to run out before the castle falls.

See Also
May - The start of the Second Crusade Episode: The Second Crusade, click to view
The crusaders left Regensburg to march across land to Constantinople.29

See AlsoJun - Louis VII joins the Crusade Episode: The Second Crusade, click to view
Declaring Abbot Suger regent of France, Louis VII and Eleanor began their Crusade.

See AlsoOct 31 - Robert, Earl of Gloucester dies Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
The death of Robert was a blow to Matilda's attempts to fight for the English throne. Matilda was to leave England shortly afterwards.

See Also
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1148

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Consectration at Bristol 
The Augustinian Abbey at Bristol founded by Robert Fitzharding was consecrated on Easter day in the presence of the Bishops of Worcester, Exeter, St. Asaph and Llandaff.

See Also
Feb - Matilda leaves England Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Without the support of the Earl of Gloucester, who died the previous year, Matilda left England for Normandy.

See AlsoJun 24 - Damascus attacked Episode: The Second Crusade, click to view
The decision was made to attack Damascus. The armies were assembled in Acre. Present were Baldwin, the Patriarch Fulcher, Kings Louis and Conrad, Archbishops of Caesarea and Nazareth, Masters of the Knights Temple and Hospital.1

See AlsoSep - Conrad III leaves the Holy Land Episode: The Second Crusade, click to view
Hostilities between the French and German leaders of the Second Crusade became such a problem that the German Emperor, Conrad III, abandoned the crusade and returned to Constantinople. The Second Crusade ended in failure.28

See Also
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1149

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May 22 - Henry (II) knighted by David Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Henry the future king of England (Henry II) was knighted at Carlisle by David, King of the Scots.12

See Also

Selection of references used:

  1. Edward Burman,The Templars, Knights of God,
  2. John Timbs & Alexander Gunn,Abbeys, Castles and Ancient Halls of England & Wales (North),1872
  3. Derek Renn,Norman Castles,1968
  4. Timbs & Gunn,Abbeys, Castles & Ancient Halls of England & Wales,
  5. Many,Glastonbury,
  6. Richard Barber,The Devil's Crown,
  7. Stephen Howarth,The Knights Templar,
  8. John Harvey,English Cathedrals,1961
  9. Various,The Cistercian Abbeys of Britain,1998
  10. T. Wise,The Wars of the Crusades,
  11. Colin Platt,Medieval England,
  12. John Harvey,The Plantagenets,
  13. H.R.Burrows M.A.,Pictorial History of Hereford Cathedral,
  14. Preston Williams,Illustrations of Masonry,
  15. Christopher Hibbert,Tower Of London,1971
  16. The Plantagenet Chronicles,
  17. Roy Midmer,English Medieaval Monasteries 1066-1540,1979
  18. Duc de Castries,The lives of the Kings and Queens of France,
  19. John Kinross,Discovering Castles in England and Wales,
  20. John J. Robinson,Born in Blood,
  21. G.W.S Barrow,Feudal Britain,1967
  22. J.D. Mackie,A History of Scotland,1978
  23. Jasper Ridley,The History of England,1981
  24. Micheal Baigent, Richard Leigh and Henry Lincoln,The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail,
  25. A.T. Mann,Sacred Architecture,
  26. G.A.Cambell,The Knights Templar. Their rise and fall,
  27. Derek Wilson,The Tower (1078 - 1978),
  28. Peter Potter,Data Donation,
  29. T. Wise & G.A. Embleton,Armies of the Crusades,
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