Timeline: 1150..1174

Years in this period

English Rulers
Stephen (1135 - 1154)
Henry II (1154 - 1189)
Scottish Rulers (not all)
David I (1124 - 1153)
William I (1165 - 1214)

French Rulers (not all)
Louis VII (1137 - 1180)
1150

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Worcester siege  Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
King Stephen besieged then plundered the city of Worcester but was unable to capture the castle due to its stong defences.1

See AlsoKinloss Abbey founded 
Another Cistercian abbey helped by David I, King of the Scots. The first monks came from Melrose.2

See AlsoCombe Abbey founded 
This Cistercian abbey in the Midlands was founded by Richard de Camville and was a daughter house of Waverley in the south.3

See AlsoHenry becomes Duke of Normandy 
Henry returned to Normandy from Scotland and he was given the title of Duke of Normandy by his father.

See AlsoRochester Cathedral West Front 
Work on the West front of Rochester Cathedral began in 1150.4

See AlsoFountains Abbey cloisters rebuilt 
Work began on rebuilding the cloisters at Fountains Abbey.3

See Also
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1151

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Foundation of Flaxley Abbey 
Located in the Forest of Dean, in Gloucestershire, the remains of this Cistercian abbey are in the grounds of a private house. The abbey's benefactor was Roger, Earl of Hereford and it was populated by monks from Bordesley Abbey. 3

War in Normandy 
Louis VII, the king of France, was not happy with Henry's new position as Duke of Normandy. Louis declared war on Henry. The dispute was sent to arbitration in Paris (who by - probably Knights Templar) and was resolved by Henry doing homage to Louis for Normandy and giving France the area of Vexin.

See Also
Sep - Geoffrey dies 
After returning from Paris with Henry, Geoffrey fell ill and died.

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1152

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Henry captures Malmesbury 
Prince Henry captured the town of Malmesbury and its castle.5

See AlsoNewbury Castle Siege Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Besieged and captured by King Stephen in 1152 (or 1153).6

See AlsoDeath of Ranulf, Earl of Chester 
He died.2

See AlsoWilliam Marshal as hostage 
At the age of five or six, William Marshal was handed over to King Stephen as a hostage. Instead of being killed, which was possible, William began a new life that would make him a knight. 7

See Also
Mar 11 - Divorce of Louis VII and Eleanor 
The marriage of King Louis VII of France and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine was annuled. The reason for the divorce was given as consanguinity which means both Louis and Eleanor shared a common ancestor but the marriage had never been a happy one and Eleanor had been accused of adultery while accompanying Louis on crusade to the Holy Land in 1149.1

See AlsoApr 6 - Theobald refuses to crown Eustace Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
King Stephen had several lords swear to have Eustace, his son, as the next king of England. Theobald the Archbishop of Canterbury, who had to accept as well, refused to crown Eustace favouring Henry II's claim to the throne instead.

See AlsoMay - Henry marries Eleanor 
Only two months after Eleanor of Aquitaine's marriage to Louis VII, king of France was annulled, she married Henry of Anjou - future king of England - Henry II.8

See AlsoQtr 3 - Henry defends his position 
After marrying Eleanor Henry came under attack by Louis, Eleanor's previous husband, who did not recognise Henry as the new Duke of Aquitaine. Stephen sent troops and his son Eustace to help Louis against Henry. Henry's younger brother, Geoffrey, was also not happy with the situation and joined the quarrels. Henry moved quickly attacking Louis and capturing Geoffrey to secure his position as Duke.

See Also
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1153

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Nottingham Castle attacked 
Henry attacked Nottingham where a fire resulted in damage to the town.6

See AlsoRichard de Lucy becomes Constable of the Tower 
Richard de Lucy was appointed the title of Constable at the Tower of London, an extremely important position, by King Stephen.

See AlsoReading Castle destroyed Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Reading Castle destroyed by Henry II.6

See Also
Jan - Henry invades England Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Henry and a fleet of 30 to 40 ships landed on the south coast of England. Henry chose to attack Malmesbury, one of Stephen's out posts. The Winter weather took its toll on Stephen's troops and a truce was agreed. In the Midlands, the Earl of Leicester took Henry's side and this gave Henry control of large number of castles in the area.

See AlsoJun - Malcolm IV becomes King of the Scots 
After the death of David I Malcolm became king. He was crowned at Scone.9

See AlsoAug 17 - Stephen's son Eustace dies Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Eustace wanted to continue the fight against Henry and had started attacking areas around Cambridge and East Anglia. He ransacked the Abbey at Bury St. Edmunds but died very shortly afterwards from a sudden illness.

See AlsoNov 6 - Treaty of Wallingford Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Henry had besieged a fort that Stephen had built at Crowmarsh on the banks of the Thames opposite Wallingford Castle. An agreement of succession of Henry II after Stephen was concluded and witnessed by the English Knights Templars. King Stephen accepted Henry of Normandy, Anjou and Aquitaine as heir to the throne and in turn Henry recognised Stephen as king. Stephen made his barons do homage to Henry (Jan.1154).10

See Also
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1154

 A-S C

Events occurring at some time during this year 
Ripon Cathedral rebuilt 
Under the direction of Archbishop Roger of York, Ripon Cathedral was rebuilt. Building work continued until 1180.

See AlsoChapter House at Bristol 
Building of the Chapter House at Bristol started in 1154 and continued to 1164.4

Berkeley Castle changes hands 
Henry II granted the castle at Berkeley to Robert Fitz Harding, a wealthy merchant who had helped Henry with financial aid during the conflict with Stephen.

See Also
Jan - Meeting at Oxford Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
At a meeting at Oxford the barons accepted Henry as the rightful heir to the English throne and paid homage to him. Henry was displeased because in the terms of the treaty of Wallingford many of the castles that had been built during the civil war were supposed to have been destroyed but were still standing.1

See AlsoSpring - Henry returns to Normandy Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
A triumphant Henry returned to Rouen in Normandy to a warm reception from his family including Eleanor and his eight month old son William.11

See AlsoOct 25 - Stephen dies Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Stephen had agreed that Henry should become King on his death. Henry was in Normandy at the time.

See AlsoDec - Henry II succeeds Stephen Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Under Henry II, the Grand Master of Knights Templars superintended the Masons. 1155 - Built their Temple in Fleet Street.12

See AlsoDec 8 - Henry lands in England Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Although the English Channel was stormy, Henry needed to get to England as it had been without a King since the end of October. His ship landed somewhere near Southampton and he went straight to Winchester where he received the Royal treasures and the homage of the English barons.11

See AlsoDec 19 - Henry crowned at Westminster Abbey Episode: Civil War Stephen and Matilda, click to view
Henry of Normandy crowned Henry II of England, and Eleanor of Aquitaine crowned Queen, at Westminster.
13

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1155
Events occurring at some time during this year 
Farnham Castle demolished 
Orders were given to destroy the central tower at Farnham Castle. The castle belonged to Henry, Bishop of Winchester who was the brother of King Stephen.

See AlsoBridgnorth castle surrendered to Henry 
Henry II captures the castle at Bridgnorth.14

See AlsoPeterborough Cathedral Nave 
The nave of Peterborough cathedral was the next phase of rebuilding work after the choir and transept. Work continued until 1175.4

See AlsoHenry takes Scarborough Castle and Bridgnorth 
As part of his attempt to subdue the Barons who had become too powerful during the civil war, Henry took the castle at Scarborough from William of Aumale and Bridgnorth from Hugh Mortimer.15

See AlsoPlan for the conquest of Ireland approved 
A plan to conquer Ireland was approved by Pope Adrian IV in a Papal Bull (a formal proclamation issued by the Pope) called Laudabiliter.

See AlsoKnights Templar build Temple in Fleet Street 
Being the superintendents of the Masons, the Knights Templars build their Temple in Fleet Street in London.12

See Also
Feb 28 - Henry the Young King is born 
Eleanor gave birth to Henry at Bermondsey Palace in London.16

See AlsoSpring - Repairs to Westminster Palace 
The Palace at Westminster had been badly damaged by Stephen's supporters at the time of the Anarchy and it had become unfit as a Royal residence. Thomas Becket was given the task of repairing the buildings and by the summer of the same year Eleanor was able to move in.16

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1156
Events occurring at some time during this year 
Kremlin built at Moscow 
The Kremlin started as a wooden stockade.13

Henry captures Anjou 
Anjou was captured by Henry II in this year. It was regained by the French in 1205 from king John.

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1157
Events occurring at some time during this year 
Wark Castle refortified 
The castle at Wark-on-Tweed was refortified. Henry II ordered a new stone castle be built on the site of the older wooden fort.17

See AlsoConstruction of Harbottle Castle 
Henry II ordered a new castle to be built in Northumberland.17

See AlsoDevizes Castle passed to the Crown 
The castle at Devizes passed into King Henry II's control.14

See AlsoBasingwerk Castle is built 
Henry II builds a castle at Basingwerk.14

See AlsoMalcolm IV surrenders land to Henry 
The areas of Northumberland, Cumberland and Westmoreland are surrendered by Malcolm IV, King of Scotland to Henry. The lands had been acquired by David I.15

See Also
Sep 9 - Richard (I) born at Oxford 
Richard may have been born at the Palace of Beaumont in Oxford.18

See Also
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1158
Events occurring at some time during this year 
Cardiff Castle attack 
Welsh leader Ifor Bach attacked the castle and kidnapped William Fitzcount, the Lord of Glamorgan, along with his family.6

See AlsoDieulacres Abbey founded 
Monks from Combermere founded this daughter house in 1158 at Poulton in Cheshire, but it would later be moved.

Knights Templars present in Italy 
Knights Templars were known to be present in the Italian port of Lucca home of silk trading. They may have been present since the 1130's. Also present in the Adriatic ports of Barletta, Bari, Brindisi, Siponto and Messina.10

Spring - Henry visits Wulfstan's Shrine 
At Easter Henry II and his wife Eleanor visited Worcester Cathedral and placed their crowns on the shrine of Wulfstan, vowing not to wear them again.8

See AlsoSep 23 - Birth of Geoffrey Plantaganet 
Birth of Geoffrey Plantaganet.13

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1159
Events occurring at some time during this year 
Alexander III becomes Pope 
Alexander III was elected to the position of Pope after the death of Adrian IV. Alexander was supported by the English and the French, but the Germans supported and elected a second Pope known as Octavian.

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1160
Events occurring at some time during this year 
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France 
Under the direction of the new Bishop of Paris, Maurice de Sulley, a new church was planned. The major construction work would last until around 1235 while minor construction would continue for another 100 years after that. The existing church was pulled down and construction work began in 1163.19

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1161
Events occurring at some time during this year 
Coupar Angus Abbey founded 
This Scottish Cistercian abbey was founded by Malcolm IV, King of Scotland. The monks that colonised it came from the abbey at Melrose.3

See AlsoKnights Templars move London Temple 
The Knights Templars moved their London temple to the new site between Fleet Street and the Thames.10

See Also
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1162
Events occurring at some time during this year 
Eleanor gives birth in Rouen 
Eleanor of Aquitaine gave birth to a daughter at Rouen. The girl was named Eleanor after he mother.1

See AlsoThomas Becket becomes Archbishop of Canterbury Episode: Henry II and Thomas Becket, click to view
Thomas Becket becomes Archbishop of Canterbury.

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1163
Events occurring at some time during this year 
Trial by combat 
Henry II judged a trial by combat between Robert de Montfort and Henry of Essex. Henry of Essex was accused of cowardice being the flag bearer of the Henry II who had dropped the flag and fled a battle, he said, when he heard incorrectly that the king had been killed. Montfort won the combat when it appeared that Essex had been killed. When the monks from Reading Abbey took the body for burial they found that he was still alive and nursed him back to health. Essex became a monk at Reading Abbey.16

See AlsoNotre Dame in Paris  
Bishop Maurice de Sulley united the two Cathedrals of Paris, St. Stephen's and the Blessed Virgin with the construction of Notre Dame Cathedral and laid the foundations of the new building that was designed by Eudes de Montreuil.

Jan - Henry II returns to England Episode: Henry II and Thomas Becket, click to view
Henry returned from Normandy to England coming ashore at Southampton where he was met by Thomas Becket. 1

See AlsoJul - Council at Woodstock 
The council held at the Royal Palace of Woodstock near Oxford was the scene for a clash between Henry II and Thomas Becket over the control of payments to Sheriffs. Becket opposed the plan and was going to oppose more of Henry's reforms in the near future.11

See AlsoOct - Henry II puts plans of reform to Council of Westminster Episode: Henry II and Thomas Becket, click to view
Henry II put his plans before the Council of Westminster to reform the judicial system allowing the courts power over members of the Church which had the luxury of their own courts. Thomas Becket stood against the plans starting a rift between him and Henry that would led to Becket's death.20

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1164
Events occurring at some time during this year 
Foundation of Strata Florida Abbey 
This Cistercian abbey was founded by Robert fitz Stephen, a Norman. Monks were sent from the Cistercian abbey at Whitland to populate the new monastery.2

See AlsoA meteor ? 
From the Chronicles of Meaux Abbey came the report saying 'In the tenth year of Henry II, about the first hour there appeared in the sky three circles and two suns; and a dragon of immense size was seen in St. Osyth (Osey Island, co. Essex), sailing the air so close to the earth that divers houses were burnt by the heat.' Is this a report of an airburst meteor? An airburst meteor is meteor that explodes in the air before it reaches the ground and doesn't create an impact crator. A more recent example of an airburst meteor occurred in Russia at a place called Tunguska. This event, known and the great Siberian explosion, happened in 1908 and resulted in the felling of millions of trees.16

See AlsoTemplars attempt a reconciliation 
Richard de Hastings, Master of the Templars, attempted to reconcile the differences between Henry II and Thomas Becket.21

See Also
Jan 30 - William of Paitin dies 
William of Paitin, Henry II’s brother, died at Rouen.13

See AlsoJan 30 - Constitutions of Clarendon Episode: Henry II and Thomas Becket, click to view
A series of statements laid down by Henry II regarding the relationship between the church and the state. One statement was the cause for the rift between Henry and Thomas Becket, that said that a member of the church who committed a crime should be available to be tried in a state court and not just a church one. Clarendon is near Salisbury.

See AlsoApr 19 - Reading Abbey consecrated 
Thomas Becket consecrated the abbey at Reading on its completion in this year.13

See AlsoOct 6 - Council of Northampton Episode: Henry II and Thomas Becket, click to view
Council of Northampton held to discuss the Welsh rebellion and the Constitution of Clarendon; the Council tried Thomas Becket (8.10) and found him guilty of perjury (failure to appear at Council) and heresy; he was sentenced to forfeiture of his possessions; the sentence was quashed by Alexander III and Becket fled to Lincoln (14.10) and then France (2.11).13

See AlsoNov 2 - Becket flees to France Episode: Henry II and Thomas Becket, click to view
Becket fled to France and sought the propection of Pope Alexander III, who himself was in exile.13

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1165
Events occurring at some time during this year 
Hugh Bigod buys back Framlingham 
Henry II had confiscated the castle from the rebellious Earl. But Hugh raised the money required to buy back the castle. Henry built the castle at Orford to keep Hugh under control.

See AlsoEleanor moves back to Aquitaine 
Henry II and Eleanor's marriage is effectively ended when she moves back to Aquitaine leaving Henry to rebuild England after the civil war in Stephen's reign.8

See Also
Dec - William I 'the Lion' becomes king of the Scots 
On the death of Malcolm IV his brother, William, became the king of the Scots. William was crowned at Scone.

See Also
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1166
Events occurring at some time during this year 
Dermot exiled from Ireland Episode: Conquest of Ireland, click to view
Dermot, the King of Leinster in eastern Ireland, was defeated in battle by Tighernan O Ruairc, another ruler in the region. Dermot was exiled and went to Normandy and the court of Henry II of England to ask for assistance in retaking his lands. Henry gave Dermot permission to find a willing army from either England or Wales and so Dermot approached Richard de Clare, the Earl of Pembroke who agreed to help in return for several demands. These demands were Dermot's daughter's hand in marriage and to rule Leinster after Dermot died.22

See AlsoBecket excommunicates his enemies Episode: Henry II and Thomas Becket, click to view
Richard de Lucy, joint Chief Justiciar in England, excommunicated by Thomas Becket.13

See AlsoBuilding work at Bridgnorth Castle 
Work on the tower at the castle of Bridgnorth progressed between 1166 and 1174.14

See AlsoAssize of Clarendon 
A series of legislative statements made by Henry II with the aim of improving the justice process, including the jury system.

See AlsoBuilding of Orford Castle 
Henry II, had the castle at Orford, in Norfolk built between 1166 and 1172, to counter the threats of Hugh Bigod and to confront his castle fortress at Framlingham. 23

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1167
Events occurring at some time during this year 
University of Paris ban 
Due to a dispute with France Henry II banned all English scholars from attending the University of Paris. The scholars returned to England and boosted the numbers attending the English universities such as Oxford.

Construction of Wallingford Castle 
Robert D'Oyley of Liseux built the castle at a strategic site of Wallingford where it was possible to cross the river Thames. Originally the castle would have been a motte and bailey type castle.

See Also
Aug - Dermot returns to Ireland Episode: Conquest of Ireland, click to view
Dermot returned to Ireland but without an army. He was unable to retake Leinster and had to wait until the forces he had been promised arrived from Wales.22

See AlsoDec 24 - John, the future king of England is born 
John is born at Oxford.24

See Also
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1168
Events occurring at some time during this year 
Reconstruction of Dover Castle 
Henry II began the reconstruction of Dover Castle. The work would continue for twenty years and at the end of it, a brand new keep had been built, along with the outer walls of the inner bailey and sections of the outer wall.

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1169Jan 6 - Becket submits to Henry Episode: Henry II and Thomas Becket, click to view
Henry II of England, Louis VII of France and Becket met at Montmirail; Becket submitted to Henry excepting only on point, and negotiations failed (7.1); a second meeting took place (7.2) at St. Leger-en-Yvelines, and a papal ultimatum served on Henry..13

See AlsoMay - Dermot retakes Leinster Episode: Conquest of Ireland, click to view
Some the men promised to assist Dermot in Ireland landed at Bannow with the sons of Nesta. The poorly protected Irish warriors were no match for the armoured knights and archers that arrived from Wales. By the end of the year Leinster fell and Dermot once again became the King. After his victory Dermot was not satisfied with just ruling Leinster but wanted to become High King of Ireland. To fulfil his ambitions he had to wait for the arrival of Strongbow, the Earl of Pembroke, for that to be a possibility.22

See Also
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1170
Events occurring at some time during this year 
Fire damages Norwich Cathedral 
Some repair work was carried out at the Cathedral after the fire in 1170 (or 1171).25

See AlsoConstruction of Middleham Castle 
Middleham Castle in Yorkshire could have been built at this time.26

See AlsoThe Galilee porch at Durham is built 
The Galilee porch on the West front of Durham Cathedral was built between 1170 and 1175.4

See Also
May - Raymond de Gros lands in Ireland Episode: Conquest of Ireland, click to view
Raymond de Gros arrived in Ireland in support of Dermot a few months ahead of Strongbow. He landed at Waterford and constructed a fort in which he and his men prepared for the arrival of the Earl.

See AlsoJun 14 - Henry II coronation of Prince Henry Episode: Henry II and Thomas Becket, click to view
To insult Thomas Becket, Henry II used the Archbishop of York in the coronation of his son Henry. This was an act that infringed the rights of the Archbishop of Canterbury.27

See AlsoJul 22 - Becket and Henry at Freteval Episode: Henry II and Thomas Becket, click to view
Henry II and Thomas Becket met near Freteval in France where they came to an agreement to end their differences. This resulted in Becket’s partial restoration.13

See AlsoAug - Ireland attacked by Earl of Pembroke Episode: Conquest of Ireland, click to view
Richard de Clare, the Earl of Pembroke, invaded Ireland with 200 knights in armour and up to a 1,000 foot-soldiers capturing Waterford easily and then Dublin on behalf of Dermot, the King of Leinster.

See AlsoDec 1 - Thomas Becket returns to England Episode: Henry II and Thomas Becket, click to view
Henry II sent word to England saying that the conflict with Thomas Becket was at an end and his lands should be restored. Hearing this Becket returned to England landing on the south coast at Sandwich.

See AlsoDec 25 - Becket excommunicates his enemies 
On Chritmas Day Thomas Becket took to the pulpit at Canterbury Cathedral and gave his sermon. At the end of the sermon he excommunicated several of his enemies who had taken part in his earlier troubles with the King.

See AlsoDec 29 - Thomas Becket is murdered Episode: Henry II and Thomas Becket, click to view
When Henry II heard that Thomas Becket had returned to England and was threatening to excommunicate his opponents, his outrage was such that four knights overhearing the King travelled to England and killed Becket inside Canterbury Cathedral.

See AlsoWinter - The Earl at Dublin Episode: Conquest of Ireland, click to view
After letting the population of Dublin leave, the Earl of Pembroke and his men spent the Winter in the city.22

See Also
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1171
Events occurring at some time during this year 
Cardiganshire granted to Lord Rhys 
Henry II granted territories of south Wales including Cardiganshire to Rhys, the Prince of Wales.16

See AlsoYork Minster construction work 
Archbishop Roger began reconstruction work of a new chrurch after the previous one had been destroyed by fire.16

See AlsoConstruction of Bowes Castle 
Henry II financed the construction of an improved castle on an old site in County Durham.17

See AlsoBindon Abbey founded 
A group of Cistercian monks from Forde Abbey colonised a new abbey at Bindon near Wareham on the south coast of England.3

See Also
Jan 1 - Henry II told of the murder of Becket Episode: Henry II and Thomas Becket, click to view
Henry II told of the murder of Becket.13

See AlsoSpring - Death of Dermot, King of Leinster Episode: Conquest of Ireland, click to view
The agreement between the Earl of Pembroke and Dermot, the King of Leinster, was that if the Earl helped the King retake Leinster the Earl would become the ruler of Leinster when Dermot died. When the king died in the spring of 1171 the agreement fell apart due to the lack of support from Dermot's tribesmen. The tribesmen elected a nephew of Dermot's as the new king instead.22

See AlsoJul - Henry plans invasion of Ireland Episode: Conquest of Ireland, click to view
King Henry II had become concerned that Strongbow was building a strong base in Ireland, strong enough to become an independent state separate from England. Henry planned to take an army to Ireland to deal with Strongbow but Strongbow travelled to England and in September met Henry and promised his loyalty to the King.22

See AlsoAug 6 - Henry II returns to England 
Henry II returned to England and visits Henry of Blois, the bishop of Winchester who was dying.1

See AlsoAug 8 - Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester, dies 
Henry of Blois died.13

See AlsoOct 17 - Henry lands at Waterford in Ireland Episode: Conquest of Ireland, click to view
Henry II travelled to Ireland to receive the homage of the Irish leaders. Traders were invited to Dublin where a colony of English was set up. Henry stayed in Ireland over the winter months returning to England in the spring of 1172.28

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1172May 21 - Compromise of Avranches 
Even though Henry II was cleared of involvement in Thomas Becket's murder, he did penance before the Cathedral at Avranches in Normandy. The compromise was a deal struck between Henry and the church over the matter of Becket's death. (More detail required).

See AlsoAug - The Young King is crowned 
At a ceremony at Winchester Cathedral Henry, the Young King, and his wife Margaret were both crowned.1

See Also
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1173
Events occurring at some time during this year 
Murder of Sitsyllt ap Dwfnwal 
Abergavenny Castle was captured from William de Braose by Sitsyllt ap Dwfnwal, a Welsh Chieftain. The castle was restored to Broase by Sitsyllt and the Chieftain was invited to a feast to celebrate its return. Instead of a friendly meeting Broase had Sitsyllt ap Dwfnwal and his guests murdered.5

See AlsoHenry takes control of Kenilworth 
With the threat of attack from the Barons and his own sons, Henry II took control of Kenilworth Castle and defended it with a small army of men. 11

See AlsoRemodelling of Windsor Castle 
Henry II carried out major rebuilding work at Windsor Castle, including raising the height of the keep and improved the walls around the bailey. He added towers to the walls and built himself a house, the basement of which survives.

See AlsoWallingford Castle repairs 
Repairs to the castle at Wallingford.14

See AlsoHenry called as arbitrator 
Henry II's knowledge of law was extensive and he was called in as arbitrator in a conflict between Toulouse and Aragon.8

See AlsoBaronial rebellion Episode: Rebellion against Henry II, click to view
The baronial rebellion against Henry II. One of it leaders was Hugh Bigod. (Need to investigate)23

See Also
Feb 21 - Becket canonised Episode: Henry II and Thomas Becket, click to view
Becket was canonized by Pope Alexander III. His shrine at Canterbury Cathedral became extemely wealthy due to the number of pilgrims visiting it and donating money.16

See Also
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1174
Events occurring at some time during this year 
William of Scotland held prisoner 
King William of Scotland was held captive at Richmond Castle.17

See Also
  • Richmond Castle
  • Unfinished link (0)[William I 'the Lion' becomes king of the Scots]
Construction of Bolebec Castle 
Bolebec Castle near Whitchurch was built around this time by Hugh de Bolebec.6

Canterbury Cathedral fire 
Canterbury Cathedral suffered another disastrous fire and was damaged so badly that it needed almost completely rebuilding. William of Sens was given the task of constructing a new Cathedral. William was injured by a fall from scaffolding and the work was continued by William the Englishman.

See Also
May - Richard (I) seizes the town of Saintes from his father, Henry II Episode: Rebellion against Henry II, click to view
Richard seized the town of Saintes from his father but soon lost it again as Henry's tactics and forces were more superior.18

See AlsoJun 13 - The Battle of Alnwick Episode: Rebellion against Henry II, click to view
William I, king of Scotland invades England to help fight in the baronial rebellion against Henry II. William is captured at the battle of Alnwick and the rebellion comes to an end.

See AlsoJul 7 - Whipping of Henry II Episode: Henry II and Thomas Becket, click to view
Henry II accepted his part, even though indirect, in the killing of Thomas Becket. He was whipped by the monks of Canterbury as punishment.

See AlsoAug - Siege of Rouen Episode: Rebellion against Henry II, click to view
From the middle of July King Louis of France, Henry the Young King and Philip the count of Flanders had surrounded the city of Rouen. The city had held out against the war engines. Henry II arrived at Rouen in the middle of August to rescue the city. The besiegers were fearful that Henry II would invade France and the siege was lifted.1

See AlsoOct 11 - Henry II reaches a peace agreement Episode: Rebellion against Henry II, click to view
After a year and a half of rebellion against him, Henry II achieved peace agreements with Louis the French king and his own three sons. (Treaty of Falaise?)1

See AlsoNov 4 - An aurora is seen across Europe 
At about midnight, for the space of an hour or more, the whole face of the sky towards the north part was seen to be suffused with a red color like blood.1

See AlsoDec 8 - William I of Scotland signs Treaty of Falaise Episode: Rebellion against Henry II, click to view
Captured by the English, William of Scotland was forced to sign the Treaty of Falaise. The treaty made Scotland a feudal possession of England and William and his nobles swore fealty to Henry II. This treaty was overruled by Richard I in return for funds paid by Scotland that Richard needed for his crusade in 1189.29

See Also

Selection of references used:

  1. The Plantagenet Chronicles,
  2. Jasper Ridley,The History of England,1981
  3. Various,The Cistercian Abbeys of Britain,1998
  4. John Harvey,English Cathedrals,1961
  5. Timbs & Gunn,Abbeys, Castles & Ancient Halls of England & Wales,
  6. John Kinross,Discovering Castles in England and Wales,
  7. M.T. Clancy,England and its Rulers 1066-1272,
  8. John Harvey,The Plantagenets,
  9. Susan Ross,The Castles of Scotland,
  10. Edward Burman,The Templars, Knights of God,
  11. Mike Salter,Castles and Moated Castles of Warwickshire,
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