| | | 1250 | Qtr 4 - Earthquake shakes St. Albans Abbey
Matthew Paris, the medieval historian, reported that an earthquake shook and damaged the church at St. Albans. Earthquakes are unusual in this area.1
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| | 1251 | Nov 5 - Dedication of Hailes Abbey
The King and Queen, with Richard, Earl of Cornwall (the King's brother) were at Hailes Abbey for its dedication ceremony.
See AlsoDec 26 - Margaret marries Alexander III
Henry III's daughter Margaret married Alexander III, king of the Scots, at York Minster. Both bride and groom were under the age of eleven at the time of the wedding. The festivities were huge as many members of the English and Scottish courts attended the wedding.
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| | 1252 | Events occurring at some time during this year Shrine to St. Ethelreda installed at Ely A shrine to St. Ethelreda was installed in the retrochoir of the cathedral. The ceremony was attended by Henry III and many other dignitaries. See Also | |
| | 1254 | Events occurring at some time during this year Henry gives Edward his own lands Henry III granted Edward (I) areas of land including Crown lands in Wales, Ireland, the Channel Islands and Gascony. He was also given cities such as Bristol, Stamford and Grantham. These areas were on the edge of Henry's lands and the idea was to give Edward experience of governing lands of his own before becoming king.2
See Also Edward marries Edward (I) at the age of fifteen travels from Portsmouth with his mother and the Archbishop of Canterbury to marry Eleanor of Castile the half-sister of the King Alfonso X of Castile. Both Edward and Eleanor are descended from Henry II. 2See Also | |
| | 1255 | Events occurring at some time during this year Llewelyn rules North Wales Llewelyn ap Gruffudd declared himself ruler of North Wales. See AlsoAngel Choir at Lincoln Work began on the construction of the Angel Choir at Lincoln Cathedral in order to house the body of St. Hugh. Work was completed in 1280. The celebration of the movement of the body was attended by Edward I, the Queen and many important figures of the time. See AlsoAbundant Harvest The harvest for this year was so good that some of it was sold off cheaply. The next three years would be very different. 3
After the marriage at a Cistercian convent in Castile, Edward and Eleanor returned via Dover to England. Eleanor lived initially at Windsor Castle.
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| | 1256 | Events occurring at some time during this year Harvest lost Hay and corn crops were lost this year. 3
Under their leader, Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, the welsh invaded the northern coastal areas that had agreed to English rule. Edward (I), who had been given the areas to administer himself by his father Henry III asked his father for help but Henry refused.
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| | 1257 | Events occurring at some time during this year Building work at St. Albans Sections of the Norman apses at the eastern end of the church were damaged during the earthquake of 1250. It was decided to knock these down and replace them with a plan based on work that had been carried out at Westminster Abbey. The work took over sixty years to complete due to periods when funds were lacking. 1See AlsoFloods and famine Rainy weather in the early part of this year and serious flooding destroyed crops and caused a famine. 3Henry and Edward reclaim the Lost Territories Henry III relents to his son's demands for assistance to fight the Welsh and joins him on a campaign to retake the territories lost to the Welsh under Llewelyn. See Also | |
| | 1258 | Events occurring at some time during this year Exeter rebuilding work Major rebuilding work began from 1258 under the control of Bishop Bronescombe who had been impressed by a visit to the new cathedral at Salisbury. See AlsoThe West Front of Salisbury Cathedral Work on the excellent West Front of Salisbury Cathedral began around 1258 and took until 1266. 4See Also
The seven were joined by many more Barons and Knights and they confronted Henry III at Westminster. Although armed, the Barons did leave their weapons outside the hall. Henry and his son Edward were forced to take the oath to join the commune of Barons and to accept their wished. Henry agreed to meet again with the Barons at Oxford in June.5
See AlsoQtr 1 - The year starts badly 
Because of a series of bad harvests, a wet winter and a late frost, crops were destroyed and cattle starved. People were hungry and dying.6
See AlsoMar - Llewelyn becomes 'Prince of Wales'
Llewelyn received the support of the native lords in Wales and declared himself the 'Prince of Wales'. Under him, a united Welsh nation was ready to defend itself from the English.
See AlsoApr - Henry asks for money
The Pope offered the Sicilian crown for Henry's youngest son Edmund. The Pope wanted to add Sicily to the papal dominions. To raise the money required for such an expedition Henry met Parliament at Westminster. The barons who were not involved in the meeting forced Henry to meet again in June where they wanted Henry to reform the way the country was being run.7
See AlsoApr 12 - Henry is opposed by the Barons
For many years, Henry had been living beyond the means of the country and with the failure of both harvests and Henry's will to amend his ways, a group of Barons rose up against him. Seven Barons first signed an oath and formed a commune in which they swore to look after each others interests. The seven were Richard de Clare (Earl of Gloucester), John Fitz Geoffrey, Roger Bigod (Earl of Norfolk), Hugh Bigod (Roger's brother), Peter of Savoy, Peter de Montfort (not a relation of Simon), and finally Simon de Montfort.5
See AlsoJun - Odiham and Kenilworth handed over to the King
As an act of faith, Simon de Montfort handed over his castles at Odiham and Kenilworth as part of the proposals put forward in the Provisions of Oxford.
See AlsoJun - Provisions of Oxford
The barons and Henry III met at Oxford where fully armed, the barons showed Henry that he had no choice but to reform the way the country was being run. A council of fifteen members was set to advise the king. The fifteen were selected by a committee of four, two from the barons and two from the king. The new council was not to last long as the members could not agree amongst themselves on courses of action and by 1260 it had broken up. The reformers and royalists were to take up arms and meet in civil war.7
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| | 1259 | Oct 13 - Provisions of Westminster
These were a series of reforms made by the council of fifteen created in 1258 at the Provisions of Oxford.
See AlsoDec 4 - Treaty of Paris
Also known as the treaty of Albeville/Abbeville. A treaty between Louis IX of France and Henry III in which Henry agreed to the loss of Normandy, Maine, Anjou and Poitou. These areas had been lost under the reign of King John. Henry was able to keep the lands of Gascony and parts of Aquitaine. This won Henry the support of Louis IX of France against the rebelious Barons back in England.
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| | 1260 | Events occurring at some time during this year Tenby Castle attacked Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, the 'Prince of Wales' attacked the castle at Tenby. See AlsoWarwick castle construction work Around this time building work at Warwick replaced the wooden motte and bailey fort with a stronger stone castle. See Also | |
| | 1261 | Qtr 1 - Absolved from the Provisions of Oxford
Pope Alexander IV agreed to absolve Henry from the Provisions of Oxford.8
See AlsoMay - Henry back in control
Having obtained a papal bull (a formal proclamation issued by the pope) to absolve himself from the Provision of Oxford, Henry hired an army of 300 French knights as bodyguards and took up position in the Tower of London. His objective was to regain the absolute power that the Barons had taken away.
See AlsoMay 25 - Death of Pope Alexander IV
Urban IV was elected Pope after the death of Pope Alexander IV.
See AlsoAug 16 - Henry appoints new ministers
Henry had deposed ministers that had been appointed at the Provisions of Oxford and appointed new ones. His new proclamation gave the new ministers full power.8
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| | 1263 | Events occurring at some time during this year First Oxford University college founded The first college was founded at Oxford University. 9Salisbury Cathedral Cloisters The cloisters at Salisbury Cathedral were started around 1263 and the work on them continued until around 1284. 4See AlsoEdward joins Simon de Montfort At this time, Edward (to become Edward I), met up with Simon de Montfort and came under his influence. Edward, knights Simon's two eldest sons. This friendship was not to last. See AlsoEdward raids the Temple in London On the pretence of removing his mother's jewels, Edward (I) entered the Knights Templar's Temple in London and ransacked the treasurery, taking the proceeds to the Tower of London. See Also
Edward and his wife returned to England10
See AlsoJun - Simon's forces do much damage
Moving firstly westward from the stonghold of one of Henry's supporters to another, Simon de Montfort's forces did much damage, even though Simon had ordered that no sacred place should be attacked. Simon then moved towards the south east coast ports to secure them. By the end of June he had reached Dover, its inhabitants welcoming him.7
See AlsoOct 1 - The Battle of Largs
Alexander III of Scotland attacked the Viking army led by King Haakon IV of Norway and took the islands of the Hebrides. Haakon died on Orkney.
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| | 1264 | Events occurring at some time during this year Siege of Rochester Castle A force led by Simon de Montfort besieged Rochester Castle for several days but the castle did not fall. He left a small number of men to continue the siege but they were attacked and fled. 11See AlsoPossible comet sighting From the Chronicles of Meaux Abbey came the report of the siting of a comet which was said to return every three hundred years. Rising from the east with more brightness than had ever been seen by a living person. 11See AlsoArmy at Barham Down At a camp near Canterbury, called Barham Down, the supporters of Simon de Montfort gather an army and hold it there to fend off a possible invasion from Henry III's supporters. See AlsoPevensey Castle siege Following the defeat at the Battle of Lewes, Henry III's supporters fled and took refuge in Pevensey Castle. Simon de Montfort's son, laid siege to the castle, but could not take it. See Also
Louis IX held a court at Amiens to decide if Henry should be freed from the obligations forced upon him by the Provisions of Oxford in 1258 by the Barons. Louis agreed that Henry should be freed and ruled against the Barons.
See AlsoApr - Northampton captured by the King
Henry and Edward captured the castle at Northampton where the sons of Simon de Montfort and their group of rebels were stationed. The sons (Henry and Simon the younger) were taken prisoner.10
See AlsoMay - Henry's war with the Barons
The civil war between Henry III and the barons. The barons wanted to limit Henry's power and to sort out his finances which were a drain of the barons' resources. The cause was led by Simon de Montfort.
See AlsoMay 14 - Battle of Lewes
Simon de Montfort surprises Henry III and Edward (I), with early movements of his troops on the hills above the castle. Henry and Richard of Cornwall defend the centre and left of the castle, but Edward attacks the lighter armed Londoners to the right and forcing them to flee, follows them off the battle site. When he returns, he finds that Henry is trapped in the priory and gives himself up in exchange for his father's release.
See AlsoJun - Simon summons Parliament
From a provisional administration consisting of Simon himself, the Earl of Gloucester and the Bishop of Chichester, a council of 9 were chosen to advise the king. From these 9, 3 were to be with the king at all times.7
See AlsoJun - Haco of Norway attacks Scotland
Haco of Norway and his troops landed at the mouth of the Clyde after taking a battering from storms. Three days of fighting resulted in a victory for Alexander III. Escaping to Orkney, Haco died (from injuries ?).
See AlsoSummer - Edward moved to Kenilworth
Edward (I) was held captive at Wallingford Castle but after an escape attempt he was moved to Kenilworth Castle.7
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| | 1265 | Events occurring at some time during this year Work begins on the Lady Chapel at Chester. Work is begun on the Lady Chapel at Chester Cathedral.
Simon calls a Parliament where for the first time ordinary people were brought to represent the country.7
See AlsoFeb - The Barons split
The Earl of Gloucester, Gilbert de Clare organised a tournament where Simon's sons were invited to attend. Angry that de Clare could put his sons in a position of danger where a murderer could take advantage, he stopped the games. Simon and Gilbert fall out and Gilbert moves his allegiance to the king causing a split in the Barons loyalties.7
See AlsoMay 28 - Edward escapes
Left in custody at Hereford, Edward (I) was rescued and joined Roger Mortimer and Gilbert de Clare at Wigmore castle.7
See AlsoSummer - Armies march
Simon's son was sent to London to raise money and troops. He diverted back through Winchester which was loyal to the king and then moved through Oxford and Northampton. Edward (I) moved from Worcester to Bridgnorth destroying bridges and means of allowing Simon who was on the Welsh side of the Avon from crossing back. The people of Bristol, friendly to Simon's cause sent ships to Newport to help Simon cross, but they were intercepted and destroyed by Edward.7
See AlsoAug 1 - Younger Simon attacked at Kenilworth
Simon's son was attacked at Kenilworth during the night being taken completely by surprise and having no chance to defend himself. They had decided to stay in the village rather than in the castle. The younger Simon managed to reach the safety of the castle.
See AlsoAug 4 - Battle of Evesham
Using the banners of Simon's son captured at Kenilworth, Edward (I) approached Simon's position at Evesham. Simon was hemmed in the bend of the river Avon and forced to fight. Simon was defeated and killed. Simon's youngest son took refuge in Kenilworth castle , where prepared for a long siege, managed to hold out until December 1267.7
See AlsoSep 16 - Peace with the Barons
After the defeat of Simon de Montfort at Evesham, a limited agreement of peace was declared between Henry and the barons. Some resistance remained at Kenilworth and the Isle of Ely until 1267.
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| | 1266 | Events occurring at some time during this year Alexander III aquires the Hebrides Alexander, the King of the Scots exchanged his daughter in marriage to Eric, the King of Norway for the Hebrides. 12See Also
The Herbrides and Isle of Man were given to the Scots by the Magnus IV of Norway. The Scots had mainly captured the islands anyway.
Oct - Mise of Kenilworth
The rebel barons were given the option by Edward to buy back their properties. Edward was careful not to cause friction between the king and the barons that may have restarted a war.6
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| | 1267 | Events occurring at some time during this year Treaty of Shrewsbury Agreement between Henry III and Llewelyn, Prince of Wales. Henry recognised Llewelyn's position as Prince of Wales in return for a regular payment. Also known as the Treaty of Montgomery. See Also | |
| | 1268 | Events occurring at some time during this year Caerphilly Castle construction Construction of the castle at Caerphilly was begun in 1268 under the control of Gilbert de Clare. See Also
Edward (I) took the cross in preparation for a Crusade from Ottobuono Fieschi, the papal legate. Ottobuono Fieschi had been sent to help both Henry and Edward sort out troubles at home and was an important factor in the country's rule from 1265 to 1268.
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| | 1269 | Events occurring at some time during this year Magnetism Experiments Pierre de Maricourt performed a series of experiments with magnets and proposed that a machine could be run forever in perpetual motion using the properties of magnets.
Henry had Edward the Confessor's remains moved from behind the alter to a newly built golden shrine within Westminster Abbey.2
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| | 1270 | Events occurring at some time during this year Caerphilly Castle attacked The Welsh attacked the castle during its construction and set it alight. It appears that the conflict could have become out of control but Henry III intervened and Llewelyn withdrew to leave de Clare to restart the building work. See AlsoTintern Abbey begun Building work begins on Tintern Abbey.
Prince Edward (I), his wife Eleanor, his cousin Henry (son of the King of the Romans) and many knights left for the Holy Land.
See AlsoJul 20 - The Eighth Crusade
Louis IX once again set out on Crusade, not to the east but towards Tunis. Charles, the brother of Louis, influenced the direction as Charles had plans in the East (?). At Cathage in July, the plague broke out and in August Louis died. 13
See AlsoSep 14 - Relic given to Hailes Abbey
A phial containing the blood of Jesus was presented to abbey of Hailes by the son of Richard, Earl of Cornwall. The phial had been guaranteed by the Patriarch of Jerusalem and had been bought from the Count of Flanders in 1267. A section of the abbey was rebuilt to hold the relic, and it was held in a purpose built shrine. A similar relic had been presented to the King, Henry III several years before in 1247.
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| | 1271 | Events occurring at some time during this year Edward's Crusade The Crusade of Edward, King of England. 14Marco Polo leaves Venice at the age of eighteen Marco Polo left Venice on a trading adventure with his father Nicolo and uncle Matteo. Not seeing Venice again for 23 years. 15See Also
The Sultan of Babylon abandoned plans to attack Acre at the arrival of Edward (I). Edward moved on to Nazarus where large numbers of Muslims were killed. Becoming ill, Edward returned to Acre where he stayed for 18 months. The fortifications of Acre being too strong for any attackers, an assassination attempt is made on Edward by a messenger from the Emir of Jaffa. The messengers had become a regular occurrence and one managed to approach Edward while he was alone and unarmed. The assassin attempted to stab Edward with a poisoned knife, but Edward saved himself and killed the assassin instead. Edward did suffer a cut and the poison took hold. Luckily, a skilful doctor cut away the poisoned area and, with drugs sent by the master of the Knights Templar, Edward survived.
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| | 1272 | Events occurring at some time during this year Peterborough Cathedral's Lady Chapel The Lady Chapel of the Cathedral at Peterborough was constructed between 1272 and 1286. 4See Also
Henry was buried in the church of St. Peter's at Westminster (which he had rebuilt) in the former grave of Edward the Confessor whose remains Henry had moved to a golden shrine.
See AlsoNov 23 - Edward chosen as King
The Council met at the Temple in London and drafted a letter to Prince Edward informing him of his accession to the throne. There was no opposition.16
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| | 1273 | Events occurring at some time during this year Foundation of Sweetheart Abbey This Cistercian abbey was founded by Lady Devorgilla, the wife of John Balliol of Barnard Castle. Monks from Dundrennan Abbey colonised Sweetheart Abbey.
Edward met the Pope in Rome.
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| | 1274 | Events occurring at some time during this year Investigation into land ownership Edward ordered an investigation into the rights of ownership of the land owners in England. Land owners who had obtained land after the start of the reign of Richard I had to provide proof. The information gained from this investigation allowed Edward to plan his taxation more effectively. See AlsoVale Royal Abbey founded The foundation of this abbey in Cheshire was a result of an almost disastrous sea crossing by Edward I. His fulfilment of a vow taken during the voyage resulted in a new abbey called Vale Royal. 10See Also
While staying in Guienne in France, Edward (I) was challenged to a duel by the Count of Chalons. Fearing a trap Edward took a thousand men with him and was faced by a force of double that. In the battle that ensued Edward's forces overcame the enemy and won.
See AlsoAug 2 - Edward arrives home
Edward (I) landed at Dover to be crowned king. (Why did it take him so long to return home after the death of his father?)
See AlsoAug 19 - Edward I crowned at Westminster
Seventeen days after returning from the Crusade, Edward was crowned King of England at Westminster.
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Selection of references used:
1. G H Cook,English Cathedrals through the centuries,
2. John Chancellor,The Life and Times of Edward I,1981
3. G.W.S Barrow,Feudal Britain,1967
4. John Harvey,English Cathedrals,1961
5. M.T. Clancy,England and its Rulers 1066-1272,
6. Bonamy Dobree,English Revolts,1937
7. Elizabeth Luckock and Caroline Gundy,Simon de Montfort,1969
8. H.W.C.Davis,England under the Normans and Angevins,1949
9. J.D.Griffith Davies,England in the Medieval Ages,1928
10. Jean Powie,Eleanor of Castile,
11. John Timbs & Alexander Gunn,Abbeys, Castles and Ancient Halls of England & Wales (North),1872
12. Susan Ross,The Castles of Scotland,
13. BBC Publication,Background to the Crusades,
14. T. Wise & G.A. Embleton,Armies of the Crusades,
15. Mike Rosen,The Travels of Marco Polo,
16. Kenneth H.Vickers,England in the Later Middle Ages,1921
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