| | | 1125  A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Hugh of Champagne joins the Templars Hugh of Champagne joins the Templars. See Also | |
| | 1126 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Shrewsbury Castle granted to Adeliza The castle at Shrewsbury was granted by Henry to his second wife Adeliza. The command of the castle was given to Fitz-Alan. See AlsoConstruction of Rochester Castle The tower-keep at Rochester was built soon after 1126 by the Archbishop of Canterbury with the permission of Henry I. See AlsoHugues de Payen travels West Hugues de Payen travels west to obtain more authority of the Order. See Also
King Henry held a council at Woodstock.
See Also | |
| | 1127 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Charter for Glastonbury fair Henry I granted a charter for an annual fair to be held at Glastonbury known as the Tor Fair. The reaffirmed the right for the existing fair to be held there. See Also
With Matlida the rightful heir to the English throne, Henry I had the barons swear allegiance to her to ensure she became Queen of England when he died.
See AlsoQtr 4 - Templars are donated land near Troyes
The first donation of land was given to the Templars in 1127 by Count Thybaud of Champagne at Barbonne-Fayel, some fify kilometres north-west of Troyes. The farm called La Commanderie still exists.
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| | 1128 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Construction of new church at Dunfermline Abbey The construction of new church buildings was begun in 1128 at Dunfermline Abbey. The outline of this earlier church can be seen on the floor of the current nave. Lichfield regains Bishop's seat Lichfield had lost the status to allow it a cathedral during the eleventh century, but in 1128 Lichfield was restored to its ancient status. See AlsoMatilda marries Geoffrey Henry I arranged a marriage between his daughter Matilda and the son of Fulk V of Anjou, Geoffrey. He had previously arranged a marriage between his son William Adelin to Fulk's daughter also called Matilda, but William had died in a shipwreck. See AlsoThe nave at Durham is vaulted Work on the nave vaulting lasted from 1128 until 1133. See AlsoFirst Cistercian Abbey in Britain Waverley Abbey, the first Cistercian abbey was founded. See AlsoTemplar Church in London Hugh de Payens may have been granted the land for the first Temple Church in London at this time. Consisting of an orchard, a cemetery, a round church. The position was possibly at the end of Chancery Lane. The temple was moved in 1161. See AlsoHugues de Payen visits Scotland and England During late 1128 and early 1129, Hugues de Payen visited both Scotland (David I ?) and England where he was apparently donated both land and money. At this time, the original Temple in Holborn (London) outside Holborn bars was built. It consisted of gardens, orchard, boundary ditch and cemetery, and was the first round church. In 1161 the site was moved to the New Temple between Fleet street and the Thames. See Also
The Council of Troyes took place. Its aim was to consider the claim of the Knights Templars represented by Hugues de Payen and Andre de Montbard and was brought about by Bernard of Clairvaux. The Council provided papal approval for the Templars and resulted in many new recruits joining the order. The Order was provided it with its first rule, the Latin Rule.
See AlsoApr - Hugh de Payen visits Fulk of Anjou
Hugh de Payen's travels around France started with a visit to Fulk of Anjou who had become an associate member of the order in 1120. The visit lasted from April to May.
See Also | |
| | 1129 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Arundel Castle building work New construction work was done at Arundel between 1129 and 1130. See Also | |
| | 1130 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Fire at Rochester On the same day that Henry I attended the consecration of Rochester Cathedral, a fire took hold in the city and damaged the newly finished building. See Also
Henry spent Christmas at Woodstock.
See Also | |
| | 1131 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Fulk of Anjou becomes King of Jerusalem Fulk V, the count of Anjou became the King of Jerusalem. See AlsoBasingwerk Abbey founded The North Welsh Cistercian Abbey was colonised by monks from the Norman house called Savigny and was possibly founded by the Earl of Chester at the time, Ranulf de Gernon. See AlsoGilbertines founded A minor order of monks and nuns was founded in this year by St. Gilbert. Most of the foundations were set up in the east of England as Gilbert came from Lincolnshire. Rievaulx Abbey founded The Cistercian abbey of Rievaulx was founded. See AlsoKnights Templars in Spain The Knights Templars appear in the North East of Spain (possibly as early as 1130) and were receiving privileges from Alfonso I. The Templars may have helped the rules of Catalonia and Aragon regain land from the Moors. Alfonso I granted the Templars exemption of tax on a fifth of the wealth taken from the Moors and on his death he left a third of his kingdom to them. This was later successfully contested but the Templars were given land in Aragon, Catalonia, Valencia, Mallorca and Andalucia. | |
| | 1132 A-S C
| Winter - Monks visit Ripon
A Group of monks from St. Mary's in York Arrive at Ripon. They go on to found Fountains Abbey
See Also | |
| | 1133 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Augustinians at Porchester A small priory was built by Augustinian monks within the confines of Porchester Castle. See AlsoCombermere Abbey founded Ranulf, the Earl of Chester witnessed the foundation of the new Savigny abbey in the Midlands. See AlsoDurham Cathedral Chapter house The Chapter house at Durham Cathedral was begun in 1133 and took until 1140. See AlsoFoundation of Garendon Abbey A Cistercian abbey founded by monks from Waverley Abbey. See Also
Henry II was born on the first day of the traditional new year at Le Mans.
See AlsoAug 2 - Eclipse
There was an eclipse of the Sun over Scotland and the north of England on this day.
Aug 4 - Earthquake
An eye-witness account (William of Malmesbury) tells of an earthquake affecting many parts of England. (Symeon of Durham’s Historia Regum, by John of Hexham.) This is interesting as it occurred just after an eclipse. See year 1185 when another eclipse and earthquake occurred.
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| | 1134 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Calder Abbey first founded Colonising a new abbey at Calder was first attempted by monks from the Savigny order, but they were driven out by the Scots a few years later. Fountains Abbey Founded Fountains abbey was founded. See AlsoDeath of Robert Curthose Robert Curthose, William the Conqueror's eldest son, died in captivity in Cardiff Castle where he had been locked up since being defeated by his brother in 1106. Robert was buried in Gloucester Cathedral where there is an effigy of him still. See Also | |
| | 1135 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Buildwas Abbey founded Founded in 1135 by Roger de Clinton. It was populated by monks from Furness Abbey. See AlsoStephen at Hereford Stephen visits Hereford Cathedral for his royal proclamation on Whit-Sunday. The chair reputed to have been used by Stephen still exists at Hereford. See Also
Death of Henry I.
See AlsoDec 22 - Stephen succeeds Henry I
Stephen becomes king of England. (Builds a chapel at Westminster, now the House of Commons. Finished under the direction of Gilbert De Clare, Marquis of Pembrokeshire)
See AlsoDec 26 - Coronation of Stephen of Blois
Stephen of Blois was crowned King Stephen of England at Westminster Abbey.
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Buildwas Abbey was founded in 1135 by Roger de Clinton, the Bishop of Coventry. The founding order of the abbey was the Savignic order from Furness, but in 1147 the order merged with the much bigger Cistercian order. Much of the church still remains and over time parts have been incorporated for other uses. | |
| | 1136 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Battle of Crug Mawr The Normans were defeated in battle at Crug Mawr, south west Wales, by a Welsh army. Cilgerran Castle then fell to the Welsh. See AlsoKing Stephen captures Bampton Bampton Castle in Devon captured by King Stephen. See AlsoConstruction of a castle at Scarborough William le Gros built a castle on the headland at Scarborough. See AlsoLondon Bridge damaged by fire The old wooden London Bridge across the Thames was destroyed by fire this year or in 1135. Note that St. Paul's was also damaged so the fire must have affected a large area of the city. See AlsoForde Abbey founded Initially the abbey was situated at Brightly in Devon, but the site proved too difficult and in 1141 moved. The founding monks came from Waverly Abbey in Surrey. See AlsoBuckfast Abbey founded The site of an early Benedictine abbey was taken over by the Cistercians with the permission of King Stephen. Monks from Savigny colonised the abbey. See AlsoCastle at Banbury is built The Bishop of Lincoln built a castle at Banbury. Baldwin de Redvers flees to Carisbrooke The Earl of Devon, Baldwin de Redvers takes refuge in Carisbrooke castle on the Isle of Wight after a defeat at the hands of King Stephen. See AlsoHugues de Payen dies Hugues de Payen died and was succeeded by Robert de Craon as Master of the Temple. See Also
Reconstruction work on the Cathedral at St. Paul's had been going on since the last major fire of 1087, and this fire again did much damage to the building.
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| | 1137 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Bath Abbey fire A fire badly damages the church at Bath Abbey. See AlsoLouis VII becomes King of France Louis VII became king of France, upon the death of his father Louis VI. See AlsoYork Minster damaged by fire York Minster was partially damaged by fire in this year. The near-by church of St. Mary's and some other 37 churches were also damaged. (Need to find out what was happening here.) See Also | |
| | 1138 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Gilbert de Clare becomes Earl of Pembroke Gilbert de Clare was made the first Earl of Pembroke. He took control of the castle of the same name. See AlsoLudlow castle siege Ludlow Castle was captured on behalf of Matilda in 1138 and King Stephen besieged the castle in an attempt to regain it. During the siege the King bravely saved Prince Henry of Scotland from being injured by a grappling hook thrown from the castle. See AlsoDudley castle attacked by Stephen The Castle and lands around Dudley were attacked by King Stephen during the early part of his war against Matilda. See AlsoShrewsbury Castle captured by Stephen Stephen captured the castle at Shrewsbury. Henry (II) would capture back the castle before the end of Stephen's reign. See AlsoCalder Abbey attacked by the Scots Monks of the Savigny order were attacked by the Scots under the control of David I, and were forced to return to Furness Abbey. See AlsoExeter castle building work Work on the curtain wall at Exeter castle progressed from 1169 and 1177. Arundel Castle siege Matilda was given refuge by William de Albini at Arundel Castle. Stephen built siege works around the castle in response. See AlsoStart of Civil War Robert, the Earl of Gloucester and half brother to Matilda (daughter of Henry I) rebels against King Stephen, supporting Matilda's claim to the throne of England. See AlsoFoundation of Bordesley Abbey Waleran, the earl of Worcester founds a new Cistercian abbey with help from monks from Garendon. See AlsoTheobald becomes Archbishop Theobald is elected as Archbishop of Canterbury. See AlsoCressing Temple Site This wealthy manor was given to the Knights Templar by Matilda, wife of King Stephen for their help getting Stephen to the throne. Later, the site was given to the Hospitallers when the Templars were suppressed. See Also
Led by their king, David I, the Scots invade and destroy Northumberland. The Scots moved south into Lancashire and North Yorkshire. This prompted Steven to mobilize an army to counter the invasion.
See AlsoMay - Robert sides with Matilda
Robert, the Earl of Gloucester announces that he will assist Matilda, his step-sister in her claim for the English throne.
See AlsoAug 22 - Battle of 'the Standard'
David I of Scotland was defeated at the battle of 'the Standard' in Yorkshire. The name for the battle came from the banners that were carried into battle by the English.
See Also | |
| | 1139 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Corfe Castle siege In 1139 Baldwin de Redvers took the castle for Matilda. King Stephen besieged the castle but was unable to take it back. See AlsoRobert, Bishop of Salisbury is arrested Stephen arrested Robert, the Bishop of Salisbury. Robert was powerful and could not be trusted. Stephen took control of Robert's castles including Sherborne. See AlsoKirkstead Abbey founded A daughter house of Fountains Abbey. The initial location of the abbey proved unsuitable and the a new site was chosen near Horncastle in Lincolnshire. See AlsoKingswood Abbey founded A Cistercian abbey was founded by monks from Tintern Abbey. The location of the abbey altered several times in the first few years, but finally settled at Kingswood in Gloucestershire. A sixteenth-century gatehouse is all that remains. See AlsoWallingford Castle siege After Brian fitz Count the owner of the castle at Wallingford sided with Matilda, king Stephen built two siege castles to force him out. See AlsoMatilda arrives in England Matilda arrives in England to further her attempts to take the throne from king Stephen. See AlsoPapal Bull by Pope Innocent II A Papal Bull issued by Pope Innocent II, a former Cistercian monk and protégé of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, stated that the Knight Templars should owe allegiance to no one other than the Pope himself. This meant that the Templars answered to no one not even Kings or other political or religious authorities. See Also | |
| | 1140 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Woodstock held by Matilda The Palace of Woodstock was held by Matilda's supporters during the conflict with Stephen. Henry (II) spent much of his time there. See AlsoCastle Rising Construction The Norman Lord William D'Albini built a new stone keep at Castle Rising. See AlsoConstruction of Hedingham Castle Built by the de Vere family, land owners in Essex. See AlsoWhitland Abbey foundation This Cistercian abbey in Wales was colonised by monks from Clairvaux. Construction of Framlingham Castle A motte with a wooden tower was probably the first type of castle built by the Normans on the site. Hugh Bigod owned Framlingham at the time. See AlsoCoggeshall Abbey founded King Stephen and Matilda his wife founded Coggeshall Abbey. This was to be the last of the Savigny abbeys to be founded before the order merged with the Cistercians in 1147. See AlsoCastle at Sherriff Hutton A castle at Sherriff Hutton may have belonged to Bertram de Bulmer . Building of original Bristol church Building of original Bristol church. Foundation of Augustinian canons at Bristol Robert Fitzharding founded a monastery of Augustinian canons in Bristol. See AlsoAbbey Church of St Denis begun The construction of the abbey church of St Denis in Paris, the first Gothic Cathedral was begun in 1140. Combining stained glass windows, flying buttresses, choir vaulting and rib vaults, it was a daring innovation in architecture. The specifications were set by the abbot of St Denis, Suger. See Also
The Anglo Saxon Chronicles reported that an eclipse of the sun occurred on this day.
| Castle Rising consists of a square keep built in around 1140 in the middle of large earthworks. This is an excellent example of a twelfth century castle and its defences. The castle was built on an earlier wooden structure, probably a large hall.
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| | 1141 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Winchester Castle burns down The castle was destroyed during the civil war. See AlsoLincoln Cathedral damaged by fire The roof of the Cathedral burnt down. Bishop Alexander the Magnificent started rebuilding work. See Also
Matilda's forces defeated and captured King Stephen at the battle of Lincoln. Stephen was held captive until September when Matilda's forces were defeated at Winchester.
See AlsoApr - Matilda is elected Queen
After Stephen had been captured at Lincoln, Matilda was elected as Queen of England at Winchester. Her new position as ruler of England was not to last for long
See AlsoJun - Matilda enters London
Matilda and her supporters entered London for her coronation. Her supporters included David I, king of the Scots. Geoffrey de Mandeville who controlled the Tower of London, abandoned his king as he saw Matilda had the upper hand. He joined her side and offered her the Tower of London. He did this to ensure he kept the Earldom of Essex which made him one of the most powerful barons of the time.
See AlsoSep 14 - Rout of Winchester
Matilda's forces were besieging a royalist held castle at Wolvesey near Winchester and were attacked and defeated by a royalist relief army. King Stephen who was being held captive at the time was exchanged for Robert, earl of Gloucester one of Matilda's supporters who was captured in the defeat.
See AlsoNov - Exchange of King Stephen and Gloucester
Robert, Earl of Gloucester was held captive at Rochester Castle before being exchanged for King Stephen who had been captured earlier in the year at Lincoln.
See Also | |
| | 1142 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Cistercians in Ireland The first Cistercians arrived in Ireland invited by St. Malachy. Their Abbey of Mellifont was the first of many. Mandeville and Matilda Secret negotiations between Matilda and Mandeville take place. See AlsoDundrennan Abbey founded David I, King of the Scots may have been involved in the foundation of this Cistercian abbey in Scotland. The founding monks probably came from Rievaulx. See AlsoCalder Abbey founded The Savigny order of monks colonised the a new abbey at Calder in this year. The earlier attempt at colonising the location had failed after being attacked by the Scots. Henry (II) spends a year in England Henry spent a year in England at Bristol being taught by Master Matthew. He came across the channel with Earl Robert of Gloucester. See Also | |
| | 1143 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Boxley Abbey founded This Cistercian Abbey was founded in 1143 or 1146 by William of Ypres and was colonised by monks from Clairvaux. The Abbey is situated near Maidstone in Kent. Revesby Abbey founded A new Cistercian abbey was founded by monks from Rievaulx in this year. The abbey was founded by William de Roumare I, earl of Lincoln and the first abbot was Ailred, who moved back to Rievaulx in 1146 to become the head of that abbey. See AlsoWhitland Abbey founded Cistercians found Whitland Abbey.
King Stephen arrested Geoffrey de Mandeville at a meeting of the Royal Court. Mandeville had tried Stephen's patience with his disloyalty and the king did not want the Tower of London (which Mandeville controlled) fall into the hands of Matilda. Mandevilles castles and title of Earl of Essex were taken from him, and he became an outlaw.
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| | 1144 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Construction of Faringdon Castle Built by Robert, Earl of Gloucester. The castle soon came under siege by King Stephen who after four days took the castle and destroyed it. See Also
The county of Edessa, a Crusader state, was captured by Zengi, ruler of Mosul. This triggered the Second Crusade in 1148.
See Also | |
| | 1145 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Construction of Brightwell Castle Built by King Stephen (or the Earl of Chester). The castle had a moat and was situated on the site of current manor house. See AlsoJervaulx Abbey founded Initially a Savignic foundation, the abbey was taken over by the Cistercian order and responsibility for it was taken by Byland. See AlsoWoburn Abbey founded A colony of monks from Fountains Abbey move to set up a new Cistercian abbey at Woburn. See AlsoStephen takes Farringdon Castle King Stephen captures the castle at Farringdon from Matilda. See Also
First formal Papal Bull of Crusade (‘Bulla cruciata’ - calling on France to restore the Holy Land to Christendom) issued by Eugenius III, together with ‘Quantum prædecessors’ (reissued 1.3.1146).
See Also | |
| | 1146 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Llansteffan Castle captured Llansteffan Castle was captured by the Welsh. See AlsoKnights Templars adopt cross pattee The Knights Templars adopted cross pattee; a splayed red cross. See Also
Pope Eugenius III reissued an amended Bull (a formal proclamation issued by the pope) proclaiming the Second Crusade.
See AlsoMar 31 - Sermon at Vézelay
St. Bernard's sermon at Vézelay so moved Eleanor of Aquitaine that she vowed to go on Crusade.
See AlsoDec 25 - Diet of Spires
Diet of Spires; the emperor Conrad III took the cross and secured the election of his son Henry as his successor in Germany.
See AlsoChristmas - Stephen's Crown Wearing
King Stephen's 'crown wearing' ceremony was held in Lincoln at Christmas.
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| | 1147 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Kirkstall Abbey founded A daughter house of Fountains Abbey, the abbey at Kirkstall was first located at Barnoldswick , but was moved a few years later to its current location near Leeds in West Yorkshire. See AlsoDore Abbey founded The Cistercian abbey of Dore, south-west of Hereford was founded in 1147 by monks from Morimond See AlsoThe Savigny order joins the Cistercians The order of Savigny became part of the larger Cistercian movement in this year. The Savigny order was having trouble running its abbeys and it was decided that a merger with the more prosperous Cistercian order was advantageous for both sides. Bruern Abbey founded A Cistercian abbey in Lincolnshire founded by Nicholas Basset and colonised by monks from Waverley. Henry arrives in England Henry landed in England with a small army intent on attacking Stephen. Unfortunately, Henry's army of mercenaries was small and they were not being paid enough. Stephen gave Henry money to pay the mercenaries and for Henry to return to Normandy. Henry left England. See AlsoFoundation of Biddlesden Abbey A new Cistercian abbey was founded in 1147 by Ernald de Bosco and monks from Garendon. See AlsoPevensey Castle siege King Stephen leys siege to Pevensey castle and has to wait for the castle's reserves to run out before the castle falls. See Also
The crusaders left Regensburg to march across land to Constantinople.
See AlsoJun - Louis VII joins the Crusade
Declaring Abbot Suger regent of France, Louis VII and Eleanor began their Crusade.
See AlsoOct 31 - Robert, Earl of Gloucester dies
The death of Robert was a blow to Matilda's attempts to fight for the English throne. Matilda was to leave England shortly afterwards.
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| | 1148 A-S C
| Events occurring at some time during this year Consectration at Bristol The Augustinian Abbey at Bristol founded by Robert Fitzharding was consecrated on Easter day in the presence of the Bishops of Worcester, Exeter, St. Asaph and Llandaff. See Also
Without the support of the Earl of Gloucester, who died the previous year, Matilda left England for Normandy.
See AlsoJun 24 - Damascus attacked
The decision was made to attack Damascus. The armies were assembled in Acre. Present were Baldwin, the Patriarch Fulcher, Kings Louis and Conrad, Archbishops of Caesarea and Nazareth, Masters of the Knights Temple and Hospital.
See AlsoSep - Conrad III leaves the Holy Land
Hostilities between the French and German leaders of the Second Crusade became such a problem that the German Emperor, Conrad III, abandoned the crusade and returned to Constantinople. The Second Crusade ended in failure.
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| | 1149 A-S C
| May 22 - Henry (II) knighted by David
Henry the future king of England (Henry II) was knighted at Carlisle by David, King of the Scots.
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Selection of references used:
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- John Timbs & Alexander Gunn,Abbeys, Castles and Ancient Halls of England & Wales (North),1872
- Derek Renn,Norman Castles,1968
- Timbs & Gunn,Abbeys, Castles & Ancient Halls of England & Wales,
- Many,Glastonbury,
- Richard Barber,The Devil's Crown,
- Stephen Howarth,The Knights Templar,
- John Harvey,English Cathedrals,1961
- Various,The Cistercian Abbeys of Britain,1998
- T. Wise,The Wars of the Crusades,
- Colin Platt,Medieval England,
- John Harvey,The Plantagenets,
- H.R.Burrows M.A.,Pictorial History of Hereford Cathedral,
- Preston Williams,Illustrations of Masonry,
- Christopher Hibbert,Tower Of London,1971
- Roy Midmer,English Medieaval Monasteries 1066-1540,1979
- Duc de Castries,The lives of the Kings and Queens of France,
- John Kinross,Discovering Castles in England and Wales,
- John J. Robinson,Born in Blood,
- G.W.S Barrow,Feudal Britain,1967
- J.D. Mackie,A History of Scotland,1978
- Jasper Ridley,The History of England,1981
- Micheal Baigent, Richard Leigh and Henry Lincoln,The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail,
- A.T. Mann,Sacred Architecture,
- G.A.Cambell,The Knights Templar. Their rise and fall,
- Derek Wilson,The Tower (1078 - 1978),
- Peter Potter,Data Donation,
- T. Wise & G.A. Embleton,Armies of the Crusades,
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