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Parr, Catherine Payens, Hugh de
Percy, Henry (Earl of Northumberland) Percy, Henry (Harry Hotspur)
Peter (The Hermit) Philip (II, King of Spain 1556-1598)
Philippa (of Hainault) Philippe (I, King of France 1060-1108)
Philippe (II Augustus, King of France 1180-1223) Philippe (III, King of France 1270-1285)
Philippe (IV, The Fair, King of France 1285-1314) Philippe (V, the Tall, King of France 1316-1322)
Philippe (VI, King of France 1328-1350) Plantagenet, Edward (Earl of Warwick)
Plantagenet, Geoffrey (Archbishop of York) Plantagenet, Henry (I, King of England 1100-1135)
Pole, Edmund de la (Earl of Suffolk) Pole, John de la (Duke of Suffolk)
Pole, John de la (Earl of Lincoln) Pole, William de la (Duke of Suffolk)
Polo, Marco


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       Parr, Catherine  
atherine Parr was the sixth and final wife of Henry VIII. She had been made a widow twice by former marriages and was in her early thirties. Henry proposed to Catherine and she accepted although she was in love with Thomas Seymour (brother of Jane Seymour?). Henry and Catherine were married on the 12th of July, 1543. Henry's health was poor due to the leg injury he had suffered when he fell from his horse and Catherine took on the role of his nurse. Catherine also became step-mother to his three children Edward, Mary and Elizabeth who she brought together as family. Catherine and Henry had a dispute over religion and Henry ordered Catherine's arrest. The dispute was settled and the arrest order was cancelled. After Henry died Catherine married Thomas Seymour. She died in 1548.
 See Also

Family Tree Details
Parr, Catherine
     +HENRY (VIII, King of England 1509-1547) (b.1491 - d.1547)
     +Seymour, Thomas (Lord High Admiral, Lord Sudeley) ( - d.1549)
Mini Timeline (Ages are approximate)

YearMonthDetailsEvent Location
1543  Jul 12  Marriage of Henry and Catherine Parr Hampton Court Palace
   Henry married Catherine Parr, his sixth and final wife at Hampton Court Palace. 
1547  Apr  Catherine Parr marries Thomas Seymour
   Jealous of his elder brother's power Thomas Seymour married Catherine Parr to enter the household of the young King Edward and the Princesses Mary and Elizabeth.1 
       Payens, Hugh de Died: 1136 
ugh de Payens, a knight from Burgundy, is regarded as the founding member of the Knights Templar. He and his fellow knights were granted dwellings in Jerusalem near the Dome of the Rock which was believed to be the site of the Temple of Solomon.
 See Also
Mini Timeline (Ages are approximate)

YearMonthDetailsEvent Location
1119    Knights Templar order founded in Jerusalem
   Knights Templar order founded in Jerusalem, by Hughes de Payen.2 
1119 - 1136 Hughes de Payen: Master of the Temple
  Hughes de Payen became the Master of the Temple.2 
1126    Hughes de Payen travels West
   Hughes de Payen travels west to obtain more authority of the Order.2 
1128 - 1129 Hughes de Payen visits Scotland and England
  During late 1128 and early 1129, Hughes 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.2 
    Templar 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 1161.3 
  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 Hughes 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.2 
  Apr  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.3 
1136    Hughes de Payen dies
   Hughes de Payen died and was succeeded by Robert de Craon as Master of the Temple.2 
       Percy, Henry (Earl of Northumberland) Died: Feb 1408 
enry Percy was created the Earl of Northumberland at the coronation of King Richard II in 1377. This was in recognition of his services as a soldier who led English troops against the French. Along with his son Henry 'Hotspur' Percy the Earl rebelled against King Henry IV and supported Edmund Mortimer's claim to the English throne. The revolt ended in failure and the death of both Hotspur and the Earl..
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Mini Timeline (Ages are approximate)

YearMonthDetailsEvent Location
1377  Jul 16  Richard II is crowned Westminster Abbey
   The 10 year old Richard II was crowned king of England. Ceremonies were overseen by his uncle John of Gaunt. Henry Percy was created Earl of Northumberland at the ceremony in recognition for his services as a soldier leading troops against the French. 
1401    Hotspur takes control in North Wales
   Henry IV gave his son Prince Henry, the future Henry V, the task of defeating Glendower in North Wales. As the boy was only 13 years old, Hotspur a knight and jouster of importance was given the role of guardian over the Prince. Hotspur was the son of Henry Percy the Earl of Northumberland.4 
1402  Sep 14  Battle of Homildon Hill
   The armies of the Percies and the Scots met at Homildon Hill near Wooler in Northumberland. The Scots were defeated and the Scots' leader the Earl of Douglas was captured. Henry IV wanted Douglas handed over but Hotspur refused. Hotspur was angry with the English king who had refused to pay a ransom for Edmund Mortimer who had been captured by Owen Glendower and who was a friend of Hotspur's. 
1403    Revolt of the Percies
   The Percies, led by the Earl of Northumberland and Hotspur announced their intent to revolt against Henry IV. They even promised to free the Scots they had captured at the battle of Homildon if the Scots assisted in the revolt. The plan was to join forces with Owen Glendower and support the claim of the young Edmund Mortimer 5th Earl of March to the English throne. 
  Aug  Earl of Northumberland surrenders Shrewsbury Castle
   Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland (Hotspur's father) had not managed to reach Shrewsbury in time to save his son. The Earl surrendered to the King, who accepted and showed the Earl mercy. 
1405  Feb  Glendower's agreement
   Owen Glendower, Edmund Mortimer and the Earl of Northumberland combine forces and share the same goal of removing Henry IV. They agreed to divide England and Wales in three, Owen taking Wales and the west of England, the Earl to take the north of England and the north Midlands. Mortimer could have the rest. 
1408  Feb  Battle of Bramham Moor
   The end of the Percy's revolt came at the battle of Bramham Moor where the Earl of Northumberland was killed by the Sheriff of Yorkshire. 
       Percy, Henry (Harry Hotspur) Died: 21 Jul 1403 
enry 'Harry Hotspur' was the son of Henry Percy the first Earl of Northumberland. The Percies were a powerful family in the north of England who assisted Henry Bollingbroke in the overthrowing of Richard II and his accession to the English throne as Henry IV. Hotspur was given the role of guardian to Prince Henry (the future Henry V) and in 1401 he accompanied the young Prince to North Wales where they were to subdue the revolt started by Glendower. A disagreement erupted between Hotspur and the King when the King failed to pay Hotspur's men. Hotspur then refused to assist Prince Henry in Wales and went to Scotland to fight the Scots. Hotspur, along with his father, rebelled against the King and supported the claim of Edmund Mortimer's claim to the English throne. Hotpsur was killed in 1403 at the battle of Shrewsbury.
 See Also
Mini Timeline (Ages are approximate)

YearMonthDetailsEvent Location
1401    Hotspur takes control in North Wales
   Henry IV gave his son Prince Henry, the future Henry V, the task of defeating Glendower in North Wales. As the boy was only 13 years old, Hotspur a knight and jouster of importance was given the role of guardian over the Prince. Hotspur was the son of Henry Percy the Earl of Northumberland.4 
  Jun  Hotspur resigns
   After accusing the king of not paying his army, Hotspur resigned his guardianship of the king's son in North Wales and he left to resume fighting the Scots.4 
1402  Sep 14  Battle of Homildon Hill
   The armies of the Percies and the Scots met at Homildon Hill near Wooler in Northumberland. The Scots were defeated and the Scots' leader the Earl of Douglas was captured. Henry IV wanted Douglas handed over but Hotspur refused. Hotspur was angry with the English king who had refused to pay a ransom for Edmund Mortimer who had been captured by Owen Glendower and who was a friend of Hotspur's. 
1403    Revolt of the Percies
   The Percies, led by the Earl of Northumberland and Hotspur announced their intent to revolt against Henry IV. They even promised to free the Scots they had captured at the battle of Homildon if the Scots assisted in the revolt. The plan was to join forces with Owen Glendower and support the claim of the young Edmund Mortimer 5th Earl of March to the English throne. 
  Jul 21  Battle of Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Castle
   Henry IV managed to reach Shrewsbury just before Hotspur arrived and the rebel army had to camp outside the town to the north. The battle lasted all day but it ended when Hotspur was killed. 
       Peter (The Hermit)  
ollowing Pope Urban's speech at Clermont, Peter the Hermit, a simple man with a powerful ability to move people by his words, started his own Crusade. His army of followers were eager to go to Jerusalem with promises of absolution and freedom from a life of hunger and deprivation.

The army's journey across land was not without its problems, due to the huge number of people travelling at the same time. Nearing Byzantine, the army was attacked by professional soldiers after a dispute and almost a quarter of Peter's men were killed. At Constantinople, the Emperor Alexius welcomed the army, but soon ordered them to move on due to their lack of discipline and repeated attacks and thefts from surrounding villages. Alexius warned Peter to wait for better trained troops to arrive before attacking the Turks, but was ignored.

The army camped at Cibotos where it was decided to wait for the Turks to attack. But a group led by Geoffrey Burel, tired of waiting spurred the army into action and went in search of the Turks instead. The undisciplined army soon fell into an ambush and turned an ran. The Turks had the advantage and chased the Crusaders back to their camp killing many of them. A couple of thousand managed to escape back to a castle near the sea-shore, where after a brief siege were rescued by Alexius' warships once he had received news of their disaster. Peter's Crusade was over.

 See Also
Mini Timeline (Ages are approximate)

YearMonthDetailsEvent Location
1096  Qtr 1  Peter the Hermit's (or People's) Crusade
   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. 
  Qtr 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 Hungary 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 Constantinople. The guard ensured that the Crusaders didn't cause any more trouble.5 
  Jul  Peter reaches Byzantium Constantinople
   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. 
       Philip (II, King of Spain 1556-1598) Born: 21 May 1527 Died: 13 Sep 1598 
hilip of Spain was the son of Emperor Charles V. In 1554 Philip married Queen Mary I, Queen of England. The English nobles were concerned by the marriage and there were restrictions placed on Philip as part of the marriage agreement whereby Philip had no rights to the English throne if Mary died without having any children, and in that case Elizabeth, Mary's half-sister, would become Queen of England. Philip also had no control of English armies.
 See Also

Family Tree Details
Philip (II, King of Spain 1556-1598) (b.1527 - d.1598)
     +Mary (I, Queen of England 1553-1558, Bloody Mary, Mary Tudor) (b.1516 - d.1558)
Mini Timeline (Ages are approximate)

YearMonthAgeDetailsEvent Location
1527  May 21  Birth of Philip of Spain
   Birth of Philip of Spain. 
1554  Jul 25  27 Marriage of Queen Mary and Philip of Spain Winchester Cathedral
   The marriage of Queen Mary and Philip of Spain took place. The marriage was conducted at Winchester Cathedral. 
1556  Jan 16  29 Philip of Spain becomes King
   Philip of Spain became King of Spain upon the death of his father Charles. 
       Philippa (of Hainault) Died: 1369 
arried Edward III.
 See Also

Family Tree Details
Philippa (of Hainault) ( - d.1369)
     +EDWARD (III, King of England 1327-1377) (b.1312 - d.1377)
          =Edward (The Black Prince) (b.1330 - d.1376)
          |    +Joan (of Kent) ( - d.1385)
          |         =RICHARD (II, King of England 1377-1399) (b.1367 - d.1400)
          |              +Anne (of Bohemia) ( - d.1394)
          |              +Isabella (of France, Wife of Richard II)
          =Isabella (Daughter of Edward III) ( - d.1382)
          =Joan (Daughter of Edward III) ( - d.1348)
          =William (Son of Edward III)
          =Lionel (of Antwerp, Duke of Clarence) ( - d.1368)
          |    +Elizabeth (de Burgh) ( - d.1363)
          |         =Philippa (daughter of Lionel Duke of Clarence)
          |              +Mortimer, Edmund (3rd Earl of March) ( - d.1381)
          |                   =Mortimer, Roger (4th Earl of March) (b.1374 - d.1398)
          |                   =Mortimer, Edmund ( - d.1409)
          =John (of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster) ( - d.1399)
          |    +Blanche (of Lancaster) ( - d.1369)
          |    |    =HENRY (IV, King of England 1399-1413) (b.1367 - d.1413)
          |    |    |    +Bohun, Mary
          |    |    |         =Henry (V, King of England 1413-1422) (b.1387 - d.1422)
          |    |    |         =Thomas (Duke of Clarence) ( - d.1421)
          |    |    |         =John (Duke of Bedford) ( - d.1435)
          |    |    |         =Humphrey (Duke of Gloucester) ( - d.1447)
          |    |    =Philippa, (daughter of John of Gaunt)
          |    |    |    +John (I, of Portugal)
          |    |    =Elizabeth (daughter of John of Gaunt)
          |    |         +John (Earl of Pembroke - 1389)
          |    +Constance (of Castile) ( - d.1394)
          |    |    =Katherine (of Lancaster) (b.1372 - d.1418)
          |    +Swynford, Catherine
          |         =Beaufort, John (1st Earl of Somerset) ( - d.1410)
          |         |    +Holland, Margaret
          |         |         =Beaufort, Henry (Duke of Somerset) ( - d.1418)
          |         |         =Beaufort, John (1st Duke of Somerset) ( - d.1444)
          |         |         =Beaufort, Edmund (2nd Duke of Somerset) ( - d.1455)
          |         |         =Beaufort, Joan
          |         =Beaufort, Henry (Bishop of Winchester) ( - d.1447)
          |         =Beaufort, Thomas (Duke of Exeter) ( - d.1426)
          |         =Beaufort, Joan (daughter of John of Gaunt) (b.1379 - d.1440)
          |              +Neville, Ralph (Earl of Westmorland, Earl Marshal) (b.1364 - d.1425)
          |                   =Neville, Cecily (Duchess of York) ( - d.1495)
          |                   =Neville, Richard (Earl of Salisbury) ( - d.1460)
          =Edmund (of Langley, Duke of York) ( - d.1402)
          |    +Isabella (of Castile)
          |         =Edward (Duke of York) ( - d.1415)
          |         =Richard (Earl of Cambridge) ( - d.1415)
          |              +Mortimer, Anne (daughter of Roger, Earl of March)
          |                   =Richard (Duke of York) (b.1411 - d.1460)
          =Mary (Daughter of Edward III) ( - d.1362)
          =Margaret (Daughter of Edward III) ( - d.1361)
          =Thomas (of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester) ( - d.1397)
Mini Timeline (Ages are approximate)

YearMonthDetailsEvent Location
1326  Spring  Marriage arranged between Edward and Philippa
   Isabella arranged the future marriage between her son Edward and Philippa the daughter of William count of Hainault. Isabella claimed part of Philippa's dowry in advance so that she could finance her invasion of England.6 
1332  Jun 16  Isabella born
   Isabella, the daughter of Edward III and Philippa of Hainault, was born on this day. 
1338  Nov 29  Lionel born to Queen Philippa Antwerp, Belgium
   Queen Philippa gave birth to another son. The child was born in Antwerp.6 
1340  Jan 25  Edward declares himself King
   In Ghent (Flanders) Edward declared himself as the true King of France. When he left Flanders for England Philippa remained as assurance that money Edward owed would be paid.6 
1346  Sep 4  Siege of Calais Calais, France
   Edward III began the siege of Calais that would last for almost a year. The governor of the town was man called Jean de Vienne. Edward demanded that the town should surrender but de Vienne refused, hoping that the town walls would hold the English out until Philippe VI could come to their rescue. The English set up camp around the town and arranged for supplies to be brought from England. Wooden houses were also built to house the soldiers while they waited. Philippa, the Queen even joined her husband at the camp. 
1355  Jan 7  Birth of Thomas of Woodstock Woodstock
   Thomas of Woodstock was born to Philippa and Edward III. 
1369  Aug  Queen Philippa dies
   Queen Philippa, Edward's wife, died. Edward's affections turned to Alice Perrers who became his mistress and had several illegitimate children.6 
       Philippe (I, King of France 1060-1108) Born: 1052 Died: 29 Jul 1108 
he son of Henry I, King of France, Philippe became king at the age of seven or eight and, because he was too young to rule, was overseen by regent Baldwin the Count of Flanders one of Philippe's uncles. Philippe's first wife was Bertha, daughter of the Count of Holland. They had several children including a boy, Louis, who would become the next king of France. But Philippe fell in love with Bertrada de Montfort and stated that his marriage to Bertha was invalid. This angered the Church and Philippe was excommunicated. This excluded him from taking part in the First Crusade.
 See Also

Family Tree Details
Father:  Henry (I, King of France 1031-1060) ( - d.1060)
Mother:  Anne (of Kiev) 
Philippe (I, King of France 1060-1108) (b.1052 - d.1108)
     +Bertha (of Frisia, Holland)
     |    =Louis (VI, The Fat, King of France 1108-1137) (b.1108 - d.1137)
     |         +Adelaide (of Savoy) ( - d.1154)
     |              =Louis (VII, The Young, King of France, 1137-1180) (b.1121 - d.1180)
     |              |    +Eleanor (of Aquitaine) (b.1122 - d.1204)
     |              |    |    =Mary (of Champagne) (b.1145 - )
     |              |    |    =Alice (Daughter of Eleanor of Aquitaine) (b.1150 - )
     |              |    +Constance (of Castile)
     |              |    |    =Alys (Daughter of Louis VII)
     |              |    |    =Margaret (Young Queen of England) (b.1158 - d.1197)
     |              |    +Adela (of Champagne) (b.1145 - d.1206)
     |              |         =Philippe (II Augustus, King of France 1180-1223) (b.1165 - d.1223)
     |              =Philip (of France) (b.1116 - d.1131)
     +Bertrada (of Montfort)
Mini Timeline (Ages are approximate)

YearMonthAgeDetailsEvent Location
1060    8 Henry, King of France, dies to be followed by Philippe
   Henry I King of France died. His son, Philippe, became King although he was only eight years old. France was administered by Baldwin one of Philippe's uncles. 
1108    56 Louis VI becomes King of France
   Louis VI, the Fat, became king of France, upon the death of his father Philippe I.7 
       Philippe (II Augustus, King of France 1180-1223) Born: Aug 1165 Died: 1223 
hilippe Augustus, nicknamed because he was born in August, came to the throne after the death of his father Louis VII in 1180. He took the throne on 18th of September of 1180 at the age of just fourteen. At the age to twenty-five Philippe joined Richard I, the King of England, in the Holy Land during the Third Crusade.
 See Also

Family Tree Details
Father:  Louis (VII, The Young, King of France, 1137-1180) (b.1121 - d.1180)
Mother:  Adela (of Champagne) (b.1145 - d.1206) 
Philippe (II Augustus, King of France 1180-1223) (b.1165 - d.1223)
     +Isabella (of Hainault) ( - d.1190)
     |    =Louis (VIII, The Lion, King of France 1223-1226)
     |         +Blanche (of Castile) (b.1188 - d.1252)
     |              =LOUIS (IX, King of France, St. Louis) ( - d.1270)
     |                   +Margaret (of Provence)
     |                        =Philippe (III, King of France 1270-1285) ( - d.1285)
     +Ingeborg (of Denmark)
     +Agnes (of Meran) ( - d.1201)
          =Philip (of Boulogne) ( - d.1235)
Mini Timeline (Ages are approximate)

YearMonthAgeDetailsEvent Location
1165  Aug 21  Birth of Philip Augustus
   The future king of France was born.8 
1179  Nov 1  14 Philip II of France crowned Rheims Cathedral
   Following the Capetian tradition of the French Kings, King Louis VII of France had his eldest son Philip crowned at Rheims Cathedral. Philip then became joint ruler of France.8 
1180  Jun 28  15 Treaty of Gisors
   A non-aggression treaty signed between Philippe Augustus and Henry II.7 
  Sep 18  Philippe Augustus takes the French throne
   Philippe II, Augustus succeeds to the French throne after the death of his father.7 
1185  Jul  20 Treaty of Boves
   Signed by Philippe Augustus to ensure his authority over his vassals.7 
1187    22 Henry signs a peace treaty Ch�teauroux, France
   To avoid war with Philippe Augustus, after Philippe had taken Issousun, Henry II signed a peace treaty at Chateauroux.7 
1190  Jul 3  25 Meeting at Vézelay
   Richard I and Philippe II, Augustus, met at Vézelay and agreed to divide the spoils of the Crusade equally between themselves. They planned to take different routes, Richard via Marseilles and Philippe via Genoa. Richard has around 100 ships at his disposal. Several were from the Cinque Ports, others from Shoreham and Southampton and others donated by private persons. Other ships were hired from ports in Normandy. Richard could have had a force of around 8000 men half of which could have had horses.9 
  Oct  Richard captured Messina Messina
   The people of Messina, supporting Tancred, shut the gates on Richard and attacked his soldiers. In the harbour French ships turned against Richard as the friendship between Richard and Philippe had broken down because Philippe believed Richard was about to refuse to go through with his marriage to Alais, Philippe's half-sister. This was true as Richard had arranged a marriage to Berengaria of Navarre who was travelling to meet him. Richard's men stormed Messina and captured the town. Richard was lenient on the people of Messina and decided to build a fort overlooking the town. Tancred agreed to pay the money owed, freed Joan from prison and paid Richard a large amount of gold. Friendly relations were restored between Richard and Philippe when Richard agreed to split the gold with the French king.9 
  Christmas  Crusaders in Sicily Sicily
   Richard and Philippe stayed in Sicily over the winter months waiting for the weather to improve before continuing their journeys to the Holy Land.9 
1191  Mar 30  26 Philippe leaves Sicily
   The King of France set sail for the Holy Land a few days before Richard.9 
  Apr 20  Philippe Augustus arrives in Acre
   Philippe Augustus landed in Acre in an attempt to remove Guy of Lusignan as the King of Jerusalem, and replace him with Conrad of Montferrat.10 
  May 11  Meeting in Limassol Limassol, Cyprus
   Richard met Guy of Lusignan (King of Jerusalem), Geoffrey (Richard's brother), Bohemund (Prince of Antioch), Raymond (Count of Tripoli), Humphrey of Toron and other knights to discuss the attempt by Philippe II of France to replace Guy of Lusignan with Conrad of Montferrat as the King of Jerusalem.10 
1194  Jul 3  29 Richard defeats Philippe
   On his return from imprisonment, Richard declares war on Philippe Augustus and defeats him at Fretevel. All the French archives were destroyed in the battle which were being transported in a wagon behind the army.7 
1200  May 22  35 Philippe and John sign a treaty Le Goulet, France
   At le Goulet on the River Seine Philippe II signed a peace treaty with John providing two years of peace. The agreement recognised John as overlord of most of the English owned lands in France, but John had to give Philippe the lands of Norman Vexin and Evreux and a large sum of money.11 
1201  Jun  36 Philippe entertains John in Paris Paris
   Even though Philippe was hearing complaints from the Lusignans about John's treatment towards them, he was not willing to go against John at this time and entertained him in Paris.11 
1202  Spring  37 Philippe sides with the Lusignans
   John charged the Lusignans with treason. The Lusignans went to Philippe for help and Philippe demanded to see John in Paris and for John to surrender several castles in good faith. 
  Apr 28  John fails to attend a summons to Philippe's court
   Failing to attend the court of Philippe II, John was declared to be a rebel and to have forfeited the areas of Aquitaine, Poitou and Anjou. Philippe tried to mediate in the problems between John and the Lusignans but was ignored by John. The lands were given to Arthur of Brittany. Philippe kept Normandy for himself.11 
  Jul  Arthur knighted
   Philippe of France knights Arthur of Britanny. 
1204  Spring  39 Peace negotiations with France
   After losing Normandy to the French, John sent an embassy to France to negotiate with Philippe. In the party that went from England were Hubert Walter and William Marshal. The negotiations failed due to Philippe's demands.12 
  Jun  Normandy is taken by Philippe Rouen, France
   Philippe II, King of France won control of Rouen, the capital of Normandy and Normandy itself. John still had control of Aquitaine.13 
1205  Feb  40 Philippe plans invasion
   Philippe II of France held a meeting in Normandy to discuss invading England. This forced John to abandon his own plans of invading Normandy as he could not risk moving his army abroad when the French were about to attack. The planned French invasion never materialised.12 
  Summer  More castles fall to the French
   The castles at Chinon and Loches both fell to the French as Philippe strengthened his position. Again William Marshall travelled to see Philippe to agree peace terms, but his attempts were destroyed by Hubert Walter who sent a secret letter to Philippe telling him not to accept William Marshal's promise that John would do homage to Philippe. (What's going on here?)12 
1206  Jun  41 John defends Aquitaine La Rochelle
   After Philippe failed to invade England the year earlier, John took to opportunity to land an army at La Rochelle to defend his interests in Aquitaine which was his from his inheritance from Eleanor of Aquitaine, John's mother. John moved his army north and took back some of the lands he had lost to Philippe.12 
  Oct 26  Philippe and John reach a truce
   A two year truce is agreed between the Kings of England and France. 12 
1213  Spring  48 French plan invasion
   Because King John had been excommunicated by the Pope the French king, Philippe, had the right to invade England and remove John from the throne. Philippe wanted to put his son Louis in John's place.12 
1214  Feb 2  49 John sails for France Portsmouth
   John's conflict with Philippe of France started again with John's departure from Portsmouth. With him sailed his wife and second son, Richard. He also took a large amount of treasure.12 
  Jul 27  Battle of Bouvines
   English forces under the control of Emperor Otto IV were defeated by Philip II of France. 
1215    50 Colchester Castle occupied by the French
   An invasion force from France under direction of Philippe II, the king of France captured Colchester Castle. Their objective was to help the cause of the Baron's against king John. 
1223    58 Louis VIII becomes King of France
   Louis VIII became king of France, upon the death of his father Philippe Augustus.7 
       Philippe (III, King of France 1270-1285) Died: 1285 
etails.
 See Also

Family Tree Details
Father:  LOUIS (IX, King of France, St. Louis) ( - d.1270)
Mother:  Margaret (of Provence) 
Philippe (III, King of France 1270-1285) ( - d.1285)
     +Isabella (of Aragon)
          =Philippe (IV, The Fair, King of France 1285-1314) ( - d.1314)
          |    +Joan (of Champagne)
          |         =Isabella (of France, Wife of Edward II, she-wolf of France) ( - d.1358)
          |         |    +EDWARD (II, King of England 1307-1327) (b.1284 - d.1327)
          |         |         =EDWARD (III, King of England 1327-1377) (b.1312 - d.1377)
          |         |         =John (Earl of Cornwall) ( - d.1336)
          |         |         =Joan (Daughter of Edward II)
          |         |         =Eleanor (Daughter of Edward II)
          |         =Louis (X, The Headstrong, King of France 1314-1316) ( - d.1316)
          |         |    +Margaret (of Burgundy) (b.1290 - d.1315)
          |         |    |    =Joan (II, of Navarre) ( - d.1349)
          |         |    +Clemence (of Hungary)
          |         |         =John (I, King of France 1316) (b.1316 - d.1316)
          |         =Philippe (V, the Tall, King of France 1316-1322) ( - d.1322)
          |         =Charles (IV, the Fair, King of France 1322-1328) ( - d.1328)
          =Charles (Count of Valois, Anjou and Maine)
               +Margaret (of Anjou, m. Charles Valois)
                    =Philippe (VI, King of France 1328-1350) ( - d.1350)
                         +Joan (of Burgundy)
                              =John (II, King of France 1350-1364) (b.1319 - d.1364)
Mini Timeline (Ages are approximate)

YearMonthDetailsEvent Location
1258  Oct 5  The death of Philippe III Perpignan, France
   Philippe III, the king of France died at Perpignan at the end of a disastrous attempt to capture Aragon.8 
       Philippe (IV, The Fair, King of France 1285-1314) Died: 29 Nov 1314 
ing of France, from 1285 to 1314, Philippe was ruling when the orders to crush the Knights Templars were given. Philippe's financial difficulties which may have led to the downfall of the Templars as Philippr owed them money, was caused by huge expenditure trying to expand his territory. Money was spent on rents, civil servants and military operations. To get some of the money back, Philippe first picked on the Jews and money lenders, whose assets he confiscated and paid to the crown. He then confiscated the assets of the Lombards, Italian bankers within France. The Templars, as the King's bankers were a good target, as by removing them, Philippe effectively removed his debt to them.

Philippe died in 1314, of a hunting accident, a strange coincidence, as at the burning of the Templar's leaders at the stake, Jacques de Molay was to say that Pope Clement V would die within forty days and King Philippe would not see in the end of the year. Pope Clement V died on 20 April 1314.

Philippe IV was succeeded by three of his sons, Louis X (1314-16), Philippe V (1316-22) and Charles IV (1322-28), but they all died young without sons of their own. They were succeeded by Philippe VI, the start of the Valois line which extended to the end of the sixteenth century.

 See Also

Family Tree Details
Father:  Philippe (III, King of France 1270-1285) ( - d.1285)
Mother:  Isabella (of Aragon) 
Philippe (IV, The Fair, King of France 1285-1314) ( - d.1314)
     +Joan (of Champagne)
          =Isabella (of France, Wife of Edward II, she-wolf of France) ( - d.1358)
          |    +EDWARD (II, King of England 1307-1327) (b.1284 - d.1327)
          |         =EDWARD (III, King of England 1327-1377) (b.1312 - d.1377)
          |         |    +Philippa (of Hainault) ( - d.1369)
          |         |         =Edward (The Black Prince) (b.1330 - d.1376)
          |         |         =Isabella (Daughter of Edward III) ( - d.1382)
          |         |         =Joan (Daughter of Edward III) ( - d.1348)
          |         |         =William (Son of Edward III)
          |         |         =Lionel (of Antwerp, Duke of Clarence) ( - d.1368)
          |         |         =John (of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster) ( - d.1399)
          |         |         =Edmund (of Langley, Duke of York) ( - d.1402)
          |         |         =Mary (Daughter of Edward III) ( - d.1362)
          |         |         =Margaret (Daughter of Edward III) ( - d.1361)
          |         |         =Thomas (of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester) ( - d.1397)
          |         =John (Earl of Cornwall) ( - d.1336)
          |         =Joan (Daughter of Edward II)
          |         |    +David (II, King of the Scots 1329-1371) ( - d.1371)
          |         =Eleanor (Daughter of Edward II)
          |              +Reginald (Duke of Guelderland)
          =Louis (X, The Headstrong, King of France 1314-1316) ( - d.1316)
          |    +Margaret (of Burgundy) (b.1290 - d.1315)
          |    |    =Joan (II, of Navarre) ( - d.1349)
          |    +Clemence (of Hungary)
          |         =John (I, King of France 1316) (b.1316 - d.1316)
          =Philippe (V, the Tall, King of France 1316-1322) ( - d.1322)
          =Charles (IV, the Fair, King of France 1322-1328) ( - d.1328)
Mini Timeline (Ages are approximate)

YearMonthDetailsEvent Location
1286    Edward and Eleanor go to France
   Edward I and his wife Eleanor of Castile travelled to France and were away from England for three years. They went to pay homage to King Philippe IV of France and to attend to other matters. 
1289    Philippe obtained the area of Quercy
   Expanding his territories, Philippe obtained Quercy in exchange for a yearly sum.7 
1291    Beaugency is bought by Philippe
   Expanding lands once again, Philippe buys Beaugency.7 
1293    Philippe obtains Maguellone and Montpellier
   Philippe added the bishopric of Maguellone and the east side of Montpellier to his domains.7 
1294    Outrage at Philippe's actions
   Edward I concluded a marriage agreement between his son Edward (II) and Philippa, the daughter of Guy, Count of Flanders. Aware of possible dangers of this alliance, Philippe, king of France invited Guy and his wife to Paris where he kidnapped and imprisoned them. Because of the general outrage at this action, Philippe was forced to free Guy and his wife, but to prevent the marriage, Philippa was brought to Paris where she was held as a hostage. She was twelve years old at the time. 
  May  Philippe IV confiscates Gascony
   Philippe IV, king of France confiscated Gascony. 
1296  Summer  Philippe IV threatens Edward
   Philippe the King of France took the opportunity of Edward's troubles in England to threaten the lands that Edward held from in France.  
1297  Jan  Marriage proposal
   In response to the fear that the King of France would try to take back some of the lands Edward held in France, Edward I arranged a marriage between his son Edward and Philippa, the daughter of the Count of Flanders, an enemy of the King of France. 
1299  Sep  Edward marries
   Edward I married Philippe's sister Margaret and his son, Edward (II), married Philippe's daughter Isabella. 
1303    Treaty of Paris
   After his defeat at Courtrai Philippe IV called on Edward I for a peace treaty. Part to this involved Edward regained some French land and Philippe's daughter marrying Edward's son, the future Edward II, king of England. 
  Oct 11  Death of Boniface VIII
   Boniface, the Pope, died a few weeks after being held captive by supporters of the French King over taxation disputes.8 
1306    Philippe confiscates Italian bankers' goods
   To regain money spent on expanding his domains, Philippe turns his attentions to Italian bankers and Jews within the country from whom he can confiscate goods.7 
1307    Philippe adds Bigorre to his territories
   By paying rent to the Bishop of Puy, Philippe added the county of Bigorre to his lands.7 
1308  Jan 25  Edward marries
   Edward II married Isabella of France, the daughter of King Philippe IV of France. The marriage took place at Boulogne and Edward left Gaveston as Regent in his absence. Edward alienated the Lords by placing Gaveston in such a powerful position.14 
1313    Montagne and Tournai fall to Philippe
   More lands were added to Philippe's domain.7 
1314  Apr 20  Pope Clement V dies
   When the Knight Templar leader Jacques de Molay was burnt at the stake on 12 March 1314 he vowed that the Pope would soon die. Pope Clement V was dead within 40 days.7 
  Nov 29  Philippe IV, the Fair dies, and is succeeded by Louis X
   Philippe, King of France, died of a hunting accident within the same year as the deaths of the Knight Templar leaders at the stake. His was succeeded by his eldest son Louis X.7 
       Philippe (V, the Tall, King of France 1316-1322) Died: 3 Jan 1322 
hilippe, acting as regent after the death of his brother Louis, took the throne in 1316 after the death of Louis' only son John. Louis had a daughter Joan by an earlier marriage but Philippe ensured that Joan would not become Queen by reinvoking an old law called the Salic Law that stated a woman should not succeed to the throne. During his short reign Philippe brought about many administrative reforms and attempted to impose income taxes of twenty percent. He died of tuberculosis in 1322 and was succeeded by his brother Charles.
 See Also

Family Tree Details
Father:  Philippe (IV, The Fair, King of France 1285-1314) ( - d.1314)
Mother:  Joan (of Champagne) 
Philippe (V, the Tall, King of France 1316-1322) ( - d.1322)
Mini Timeline (Ages are approximate)

YearMonthDetailsEvent Location
1316    Philippe V becomes King of France
   Philippe, the brother of the previous King of France, became regent and then King of France.7 
1322    Charles IV becomes King of France
   Charles succeeds his brother Philippe as King of France.7 
       Philippe (VI, King of France 1328-1350) Died: 1350 
ing of France from 1328 until 1350. Philippe was the first of the Valois line of kings that reigned until the end of the sixteenth century. Philippe's succession to the throne was not uncontested. The three previous monarchs were the sons of Philippe IV (the Fair) who had died in 1314 and none of them had produced a male heir.

Charles, the previous king, had nominated Philippe as regent and to take the throne. Philippe was Charles' first cousin. The succession was contested by Joan (daughter of Louis X) and more importantly by Philippe IV's daughter Isabella of France who had married Edward II, the king of England.

 See Also

Family Tree Details
Father:  Charles (Count of Valois, Anjou and Maine)
Mother:  Margaret (of Anjou, m. Charles Valois) 
Philippe (VI, King of France 1328-1350) ( - d.1350)
     +Joan (of Burgundy)
          =John (II, King of France 1350-1364) (b.1319 - d.1364)
               +Bonne (of Luxembourg)
                    =Charles (V, King of France 1364 - 1380) (b.1338 - d.1380)
                         +Joan (of Bourbon)
                              =Charles (VI, King of France 1380-1422) (b.1338 - d.1422)
Mini Timeline (Ages are approximate)

YearMonthDetailsEvent Location
1328  Feb 1  Charles IV of France Dies, followed by Philippe VI
   After the death of Charles IV the next rightful claimant to the French throne was not clear-cut as there was no male heir. Isabella, the sister of Charles, had married Edward II and their son Edward III had just taken on the rule of England. Isabella put in a claim for her son but in France the first cousin of Charles was chosen. He was Philippe of Valois the grandson of Philippe III of France.15 
1331  Apr 4  Meeting between Edward III and Philippe VI
   In disguise Edward travelled to France to meet Philippe VI. At the meeting it was agreed that Edward did not have to do homage for Aquitaine. 
1335  Qtr 2  Edward attacks the Scots
   Edward III, assisted by Balliol, moved up through Scotland. There was a chance that the French would invade while the King was in the North as Philippe VI had sent ships to help the Scottish cause.6 
1337  Qtr 2  Cardinals sent to Europe
   Two cardinals, Peter Gomez and Bertrand of Montfavence, were sent by Pope Benedict XII to Europe to try and prevent the two kings from going to war.16 
  Oct  Start of the Hundred Years' War
   Relations between England and France were not good. Philippe VI the French King had sent ships to help the Scots who were attacking English merchant shipping and ports. There was the threat that the French would invade England. Edward III then laid a claim to the French throne. The claim centred on the fact that Isabella, his mother, was the daughter of Philippe IV. All of Philippe IV's sons (John I, Philippe V and Charles IV) had died without passing the French throne onto a son. On his death-bed Charles IV designated Philippe of Valois, his first cousin, as regent. Charles' wife was expecting a child and it was hoped that the child would be a boy. The child was a girl and Philippe of Valois claimed the throne for himself. Edward's claim to the throne was disputed because in French law it was stated that the line of succession could not pass through a female line. Philippe VI then declared that all of the English held lands in France were forfeit. These events were the start of conflict between England and France that would last (on and off) for more than one hundred years.17 
1338  Qtr 1  French attack English ports Southampton
Plymouth
Hastings
Rye
   Philippe used Genoese troops to attack ports on the south coast of England including Southampton, Plymouth, Hastings and Rye. The attacks reached right around the coast as far as Bristol.6 
  Oct  French attacks continue on the south coast Dover Castle
Hastings
Portsmouth
Rye
Isle of Wight
   Towns at Dover, Folkestone, Harwich, Hastings, Portsmouth, Rye, and the Isle of Wight were attacked and many merchant ships were destroyed. The attackers even sailed into Portsmouth harbour pretending to be English by raising English flags and sacked the town. 
1339  Mar 23  French plan invasion
   Philippe of France and the Normandy elite planned an invasion of England. Their invasion force consisted of around 20,000 to 25,000 men. 
  Jul  French attack Dover Dover Castle
Sandwich Bay
Folkstone
   A French fleet attacked Dover, Folkestone and Sandwich but they were driven back to France. Boulogne was attacked in revenge.6 
  Sep  Edward in Northern France
   With the promised help of the counts of Hainault and Namur Edward took his army into Northern France. The counts changed their minds as they had lands to lose if they fought against Philippe. Edward continued without their help and the English confronted the French at La Fremengerie. The French refused to fight and English, short of supplies, turned back.6 
1340  Jul  Siege of Tournai
   Edward besieged the important French town of Tournai. The town proved impossible to break and when Philippe arrived nearby with an army a truce was agreed. The truce with mediated by Philippe's sister who was also Edward's mother-in-law. The truce lasted until June of 1341.6 
  Sep 25  Treaty of Esplechin
   A peace treaty between Edward III and Philippe VI of France. Edward had large debts and further campaigning was not possible so he accepted that the truce between the two kings was the best course of action. This treaty marks the end of the first section of the Hundred Years War. 
1342  Oct  Edward and Brittany
   Edward sailed to Brittany to assist English troops already there. They were supporting Jean de Montfort's claim to be the Duke of Brittany. Philippe, king of France, disputed this claim and supported his own contender to the title. Edward left his eldest son in charge of England while he was away.6 
1346  Aug  Edward III crosses the Seine
   Philippe VI had ordered bridges across the Seine to be destroyed so that Edward could not cross the river. Edward marched south towards Paris but at Poissy his engineers managed to repair the bridge. His army crossed the river and turned north. 
  Sep 4  Siege of Calais Calais, France
   Edward III began the siege of Calais that would last for almost a year. The governor of the town was man called Jean de Vienne. Edward demanded that the town should surrender but de Vienne refused, hoping that the town walls would hold the English out until Philippe VI could come to their rescue. The English set up camp around the town and arranged for supplies to be brought from England. Wooden houses were also built to house the soldiers while they waited. Philippa, the Queen even joined her husband at the camp. 
  Oct 17  Scots defeated at Neville's Cross
   During Edward III's absence on the campaign of Crecy the Scottish king David II was approached by the French King Philippe VI of Valois to invade England. David II did so and advanced south but at Neville's Cross they met a band of monks, priests and land workers who managed to defeat the Scottish army. The band were led by the archbishop of York William Zouche. David II was captured and sent to London to be held at the Tower.15 
1350    John II becomes King of France
   John became king of France after the death of his father Philippe.7 
       Plantagenet, Edward (Earl of Warwick) Died: 1499 
on of George, Duke of Clarence and Isabel Neville. Edward was nephew of Richard III and his title was the Earl of Warwick and potential heir to the English throne. At the age of ten, after Richard III's defeat at Bosworth and Henry VII becoming king, Edward was arrested and taken to the Tower of London. A man called Lambert Simnel appeared in Ireland in 1499 and claims were made that he was Edward, Earl of Warwick.
 See Also

Family Tree Details
Father:  George (Duke of Clarence) (b.1449 - d.1478)
Mother:  Neville, Isabel ( - d.1476) 
Plantagenet, Edward (Earl of Warwick) ( - d.1499)
Mini Timeline (Ages are approximate)

YearMonthDetailsEvent Location
1485  Sep  Earl of Warwick arrested Westminster Abbey
   The 10 year old Earl of Warwick was arrested and sent to the Tower of London. His claim to the English throne was strong and Henry VII wanted him out of the way. 
       Plantagenet, Geoffrey (Archbishop of York)  
llegitimate son of Henry II.

Family Tree Details
Father:  Henry (II, King of England 1154-1189) (b.1133 - d.1189)
Mother:  Illegitimate 
Plantagenet, Geoffrey (Archbishop of York)
       Pole, Edmund de la (Earl of Suffolk) Died: 1513 
etails to follow.

Family Tree Details
Father:  Pole, John de la (Duke of Suffolk) ( - d.1491)
Mother:  Elizabeth (Daughter of Richard, Duke of York) 
Pole, Edmund de la (Earl of Suffolk) ( - d.1513)
       Pole, John de la (Duke of Suffolk) Died: 1491 
arried Elizabeth the sister of Edward IV.

Family Tree Details
Pole, John de la (Duke of Suffolk) ( - d.1491)
     +Elizabeth (Daughter of Richard, Duke of York)
          =Pole, John de la (Earl of Lincoln) ( - d.1487)
          =Pole, Edmund de la (Earl of Suffolk) ( - d.1513)
          =Pole, Richard de la ( - d.1525)
       Pole, John de la (Earl of Lincoln) Died: 1487 
ohn de la Pole, Earl of Lincoln, was the son of Elizabeth, sister to Edward IV. He assisted Lambert Simnel's false claim to be Edward the Earl of Warwick. The real Earl of Warwick had been imprisoned by Henry VII in the Tower of London because he was the nephew of Edward IV and a rightful heir to the English throne. John de la Pole landed in Ireland in May of 1487 with some German mercenaries. The Irish crowned Simnel as Edward VI in Dublin and supported an invasion force. They landed on the Lancashire coast, but Henry was prepared and the two armies met at Stoke on 16th of June. The fight could have gone either way but Henry's army won the battle. Lincoln was killed and Lambert Simnel was captured.
 See Also

Family Tree Details
Father:  Pole, John de la (Duke of Suffolk) ( - d.1491)
Mother:  Elizabeth (Daughter of Richard, Duke of York) 
Pole, John de la (Earl of Lincoln) ( - d.1487)
Mini Timeline (Ages are approximate)

YearMonthDetailsEvent Location
1487  Jun 16  Battle of Stoke
   Henry VII fought the Earl of Lincoln and Lambert Simnel at Stoke. The English throne was at stake. Simnel was captured and Lincoln was killed. This battle ended the War of the Roses.18 
       Pole, William de la (Duke of Suffolk) Died: 1450 
illiam de la Pole was a powerful member of the inner circle of advisers of Henry VI. His dominance came to an end in 1450 when he was accused by Parliament of being the cause of the country's problems and was imprisoned. Henry VI allowed him to be banished rather than executed but as William left the country he was attacked and killed.
 See Also
Mini Timeline (Ages are approximate)

YearMonthDetailsEvent Location
1447  Feb 23  Death of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester Bury St. Edmunds Abbey
   A parliament was held at Bury St. Edmunds where the Duke of Gloucester was accused of treason and arrested. It was said that he was planning an uprising against the king. The accusations were made falsely by the Duke of Suffolk. Gloucester died only days after his arrest. 
1450  May  Revolt in Kent
   Jack Cade was the leader of a rebellion that began in Kent and elsewhere in the south east of England. The rebels' grievances were directed at the king's councillors who were using their influence on the king for their own gains. 
  May  Death of William de la Pole
   William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk was accused by Parliament of being the cause of the country's problems. Suffolk was arrested and imprisoned. The King allowed the Duke to be banished rather than executed but as he left the country he was attacked and killed. 
       Polo, Marco Born: 1253 Died: 1324 
arco was supposed to have published a book called 'A Description of the World', telling the stories of his travels overland from Italy to China and by boat along the coast of South-East Asia and India. Marco was born in Venice, at the time one of the most powerful states in Italy. Merchants would travel to the Black Sea where they would exchange jewels, silver and gold for precious goods. Buying silks from China and spices like pepper and ginger. Carpets were also bought from Persia. These were sold back in Venice for a large profit. Marco's father Nicolo and his uncle Matteo were traders and were away when Marco was born. They travelled to China and spent time at the Court of the Great Khan. Marco was fifteen years old when they returned. They told him of the things they had seen and when they left again in 1271, Marco went with them. They left in the summer of 1271 and headed straight to Acre on the Mediterranean coast. While in China, Nicolo and Matteo had met the Great Khan, Kubilai. Impressed by the two men, Kubilai wanted to know more about Christianity and asked Nicolo to go to the Pope to ask for 100 Christian Priests and oil from the Holy Sepulchre. Since the death of Pope Clement IV in 1269 there was no Pope, so it was hoped that the Papal Legate at Acre, called Tedaldo would agree. He only agreed to the oil. The Polos started on their journey, but only got to Ayas, 300 kms north of Acre when Tedaldo was elected Pope and sent word that if they returned, he would send two priests with them. The priests joined the Polos but soon turned back at news of fighting between the Christians and the Saracens ahead. The Polos continued north, passing Mount Ararat, the legendary resting place of Noah's Ark. Continuing on to the foothills of Kurdistan, winter drew in and they waited for spring. In the spring they travelled on to northern Persia passing through Tabriz. Turning south, they headed for the port of Hormus, planning to take a ship to China. Heading across barren plains of Persia they were attacked by bandits and luckily escaped with their lives. Once in Hormus, they discovered that the quality of boat building was not up to their standards and worried about their own safety, decided to travel overland. Travelling almost a month north-east, they reached the plain of the Dry Tree, a famous landmark. Here they turned east and travelled through the north-east of Afghanistan. By the winter of 1272 they had reached Badakshan and stayed they when Marco became ill. In the spring of 1273, Marco was well again to continue. Finally, the Polos reached the city of Kanchow on the border with China. Messengers were sent to the Great Khan to tell of their arrival, and an escort was sent to take them safely to the Great Khan's court. Marco became very useful to Kubilai and travelled as an emissary, gaining information that other emissaries could not. He became a mixture of spy and diplomat and was sent to Ceylon and India. In 1292, the Khan or Persia, Arghun, asked that he could marry a Mongol princess, Princess Kokachin. The Persians envoy, frightened by news of war on their proposed path back home, were told by the Polos of the safer journey by sea. This was fortunate, as the Polos were looking for a good reason to leave Kubilai's court as he was becoming old and rival barons were becoming jealous of the Polo's influence and power and could easily murder Marco. The Persians agreed to the sea trip and asked the Polos to guide them. The journey was not so safe, and several ships were lost to pirates. Once in Hormus, they found that Arghum had died and Princess Kokachin decided to marry his nephew Ghazan. The Polos travelled north to Trebizond on the Black Sea but were captured and had to pay a large ransom to be freed. Back in Venice, they found that Venice was at war with Genoa and Marco was made the commander of a war galley. At the battle of Curzola, Marco was captured and imprisoned. It was here that he met a writer, Rustichello of Pisa who after hearing Marco's stories, convinces him to write an account of the travels. In 1298, when Marco was released, the book was finished.
 See Also
Mini Timeline (Ages are approximate)

YearMonthAgeDetailsEvent Location
1245    Carpini, the Christian envoy, travels to the Mongol Empire
   Carpini, a Christian envoy travelled to the seat of the Mongol Emperor at Karakoram and another, Roubrouck followed in 1253.19 
1271    18 Marco 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. 19 
Selection of references used:

1. J.E.Neale, Queen Elizabeth, 1934
2. Edward Burman, The Templars, Knights of God, 0-85030-396-6
3. Stephen Howarth, The Knights Templar, 0 00 216452 3
4. Peter Earle, The Life and Times of Henry V
5. Alfred Duggan, The Story of the Crusades
6. Hubert Cole, The Black Prince, 1976, 0 246 10778 2
7. Duc de Castries, The lives of the Kings and Queens of France, 0 297 77676 2
8. Robert Fawtier (translation by Lionel Butler and R J Adam), The Capetian Kings of France, 1966
9. H.W.C.Davis, England under the Normans and Angevins, 1949
10. John Gillingham, The Life and Times of Richard I, 1974
11. Richard Barber, The Devil's Crown
12. Maurice Ashley, The Life and Times of King John
13. M.T.Clanchy, England and its Rulers
14. Caroline Bingham, The Life and Times of Edward II
15. John Harvey, The Black Prince and his age, 0 7134 3148 2
16. T.F. Tout, The History of England
17. John J. Robinson, Born in Blood, 0-87131-602-1
18. Neville Williams, Henry VII
19. Mike Rosen, The Travels of Marco Polo, 1-85210-324-8

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