The Wars of the Roses was a civil war fought between the House of Lancaster (Red Rose of Lancaster) and the House of York (White Rose of York) for the English throne from 1455 to 1487. Defeat in the Hundred Years’ War which resulted in loss of all English territories on the Continent and weak […]
First Barons’ War (1215 – 1217)
The First Barons’ War was fought between King John of England and the rebellious barons from 1215 until his death in 1216. John’s extravagant and luxurious life, and unsuccessful foreign policy made him very unpopular. He tried to recapture the English territories on the Continent that were captured by Philip II of France and allied […]
Second Barons’ War (1264 – 1267)
The Second Barons’ War was fought between the royalist forces of Henry III and rebellious barons led by Simon de Montfort from 1264 to 1267. Strong baronial opposition and the need for additional financial sources forced Henry III to accept a radical reform program, the Provisions of Oxford in 1258 which greatly limited the monarchical […]
Battle of Stamford Bridge 1066
The Battle of Stamford Bridge took place on September 25, 1066. Harold Godwinson who succeeded Edward the Confessor as Harold II managed to defeat the Norwegian King Harald III who claimed the English throne and his brother Tostig who allied himself with Harald. Both Harald III and Tostig perished in the battle, while the surviving […]
Medieval Knights and Knighthood
Knights in the Middle Ages were mounted soldiers who held land in exchange for military service. Originally, the title of knight could only be obtained through military achievements, and some knights came from the lower classes of mediaeval society. However, knights would eventually become only male descendants of knighted men, while knightly families were regarded […]
Medieval Castles
The Medieval Period, or Middle Ages, is a period in European history which lasted from the 5th to the 15th centuries. This period came to an end with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance. It is also known as the Dark Ages because it was a time of […]
The Magna Carta – A Historic Symbol of Liberty
The origin of Magna Carta was as a tool for peace, bridging hostilities between royalists and a populist rebellion. Lord Denning, celebrated English judge called this document: “the greatest constitutional document of all times – the foundation of the freedom of the individual against the arbitrary authority of the despot”. Magna Carta – The Original […]
Battle of Hastings 1066
The Reason and People Behind the Battle In 1051, it is believed that Edward the Confessor, the childless English king, met with his cousin, William, the duke of Normandy, and Harold Godwinson. William claimed that Edward promised to make him his heir and that Harold swore a sacred oath to relinquish the crown to William […]
Medieval Buildings & Architecture
England has a long history visible in its architecture. From magnificent cathedrals to large fortresses, the country has hundreds of amazing medieval buildings that offer a look back in time to what it was like to live and worship in the region from the 11th to 15th century. Romanesque Period of Architecture Medieval architecture in […]
William the Conqueror
William I or William the Conqueror became the first reigning Norman King of England in 1066. He ruled until his death 21 years later. William was a direct descendant of the Viking warrior Rollo. He served as the Duke of Normandy from 1035. By 1060, he began a conquest of England. In the autumn of […]
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