| | | 1175 | Events occurring at some time during this year Canterbury Choir building work Canterbury Choir building work by William of Sens. 1See Also
Joan, the daughter of Henry II, King of England, travelled to Sicily to marry William II the King of Sicily.2
See AlsoOct 6 - Treaty of Windsor
A treaty signed by Henry II and Rory O'Connor allowing O'Connor control of the areas of Ireland other than Leinster, Meath, Waterford and Dublin which were controlled by the English King. O'Connor agreed to pay Henry an annual sum of money and to provide one hide from each ten animals slaughtered every year.3
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| | 1176 | Events occurring at some time during this year Work begins on new London Bridge Peter de Colechurch began the construction of a new London Bridge across the Thames, replacing the old wooden structure that had been destroyed by fire in 1136. The new bridge was built of stone and took until 1209 to complete. 4See AlsoPeveril Castle Keep A square central keep was constructed at Peveril castle which was under the control of Henry II. 5See AlsoCwmhir Abbey is founded Cistercian monks from Whitland founded the Welsh abbey of Cwmhir in this year. 6Construction work at Arundel More improvements were made to Arundel Castle between 1176 and 1188. 7See AlsoCroxden Abbey founded Monks from the Savigniac abbey Aulnay-sur-Odon in Normandy found a new abbey in England. See Also
Richard 'Strongbow' fitzGilbert de Clare, Earl of Pembroke died in Ireland.3
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| | 1177 | Events occurring at some time during this year Henry II refounds Amesbury Abbey Henry II removed the existing nuns from Amesbury Abbey and replaced them nuns from the abbey of Fontevrault in France. The abbey was originally founded in 979 by Alfrida. See AlsoByland Abbey founded After several years of moving the location of this abbey, the Cistercian monks finally settled at Byland in North Yorkshire. 6See AlsoHenry as arbitrator Again Henry's knowledge of law is used in a conflict between Alfonso IX of Castile and Sancho VI of Navarre held in London. 8See Also
In the city of Palermo on the island of Sicily Joan, the daughter of King Henry II married William II, the king of Sicily.2
See AlsoMay - Council at Oxford
At the council Henry II gave his title of Lord of Ireland to his son Prince John.3
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| | 1179 | Events occurring at some time during this year Rochester fire In 1177 or 1179 another fire took hold in the city of Rochester damaging the Cathedral. See AlsoCanterbury Trinity Chapel and corona building work Canterbury Trinity Chapel and corona building work by William Englishman. 1See AlsoRichard (I) takes the impenetrable fortress town of Taillebourg. Within two weeks Richard broke the defences of the fortress town of Taillebourg. Henry II employed his son Richard to bring the rebellious barons of the Aquitaine area under control. 9See Also | |
| | 1180 | Events occurring at some time during this year Construction of Conisbrough Castle Built by Hamelin Plantagenet, Henry II's brother. 10See AlsoKenilworth Castle keep The massive keep at Kenilworth was under construction during this period. 11See AlsoWells Cathedral building begins Work on Wells Cathedral began in this year. (More Information to follow) See Also
A non-aggression treaty signed between Philippe Augustus and Henry II.12
See AlsoSep 18 - Philippe Augustus takes the French throne
Philippe II, Augustus succeeds to the French throne after the death of his father.12
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| | 1181 | Events occurring at some time during this year Assize of Arms This law was passed to force all freemen to arm themselves with according to their wealth with weapons and equipment. | |
| | 1182 | Events occurring at some time during this year Dedication of Notre Dame Cathedral The high altar was complete enough at Notre Dame in Paris for its dedication ceremony lead by the Papal Legate Henry and Heraclius, the patriarch of Jerusalem. 13Dingstow Castle Dingstow (Dingestow) castle was under construction by 1182, in the form of a motte and bailey. Located near Monmouth in south Wales. 5Abergavenny Castle attacked In 1182 the castle was invaded by sons of Sitsyllt in revenge for the death of their father. 5See AlsoKenilworth Castle becomes the King's property Henry de Clinton exchanged Kenilworth Castle for other land? 11See Also | |
| | 1183 | Jun - The Young King dies
Henry II's son Henry, crowned as the Young King, died of dysentery and Richard became heir to the English throne.9
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| | 1184 | May - Fire destroys Glastonbury Abbey
A serious fire damaged the abbey at Glastonbury resulting in the need for major rebuilding work.14
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| | 1185 | Events occurring at some time during this year Earthquake in Sicily Reports of an earthquake in the Plantagenet Chronicles occurring in Sicily. Need to confirm. See AlsoLincoln Cathedral damaged Earth tremors damaged the Cathedral at Lincoln beyond repair. The earthquake must have been very powerful as it was said that it was felt throughout the country. Only the West front survived in good shape and rest of the building had to be demolished. See Also
John accepted the post of Lord or Ireland and travelled there to take control. He was around eighteen years old and took his friends of the same age with him. They treated the native Irish barons with contempt and the English soldiers were unable to subdue the Irish fighters in unfamiliar conditions and the mission soon became a complete disaster. By the end of the year John returned to England. William Marshal, the Earl of Pembroke was entrusted with the task of controlling Ireland.
See AlsoApr - John is knighted
John is knighted by his father at Windsor Castle before travelling to Ireland.
See AlsoMay 1 - Eclipse
There was an eclipse of the Sun on this day over the north of Europe. Interestingly, there was an earthquake that damaged Lincoln Cathedral in 1185. Did the earthquake happen before or after the eclipse? Are the two events related?
See AlsoJul - Treaty of Boves
Signed by Philippe Augustus to ensure his authority over his vassals.12
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| | 1186 | Events occurring at some time during this year Cleeve Abbey planned Plans for a Cistercian abbey in Somerset were put forward around about this time. 6See AlsoAberconwy Abbey founded A Cistercian Abbey was founded by monks from Strata Florida in Wales in Conwy. 6See Also
Geoffrey, the son of Henry II dies in a tournament.9
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| | 1187 | Events occurring at some time during this year Another fire at Chichester Cathedral Chichester Cathedral suffered another disastrous fire. See AlsoCrusade sermon at Llandaff Cathedral Archbishop Baldwin preached the Crusade, the spot being marked with a cross that was restored in 1897. See AlsoHenry signs a peace treaty To avoid war with Philippe Augustus, after Philippe had taken Issousun, Henry II signed a peace treaty at Chateauroux. 12See Also
The army of Jerusalem was beaten by Turkish forces. Guy of Lusignan was King of Jerusalem at this time. All Knights Templars and Hospitallers who survived the battle were executed afterwards.9
See AlsoSep - Saladin captures Acre
After a short siege Saladin captured the port of Acre from the Christians.
See AlsoOct 2 - Jerusalem falls to the Muslims
The al-Asqu mosque was returned to Islam. The Muslims allowed four Christian Priests to hold services in the Church of the Holy Sepulche. This was opposed to the first Crusaders who since they first captured the city in 1099 had treated Jerusalem as theirs alone. The Muslim leader was Al-Malik al-Nasir Salad ed-Din Yusuf (Saladin).9
See AlsoNov - Richard takes the Cross. The Crusade
Richard took the Cross. Before going on a Crusade a vow was taken and the person was given a piece of cloth in the shape of a cross to be sown onto the surcoat. To go on a Crusade meant a person was granted a plenary indulgence which freed them from the terrors of purgatory and hell if they killed the enemy and gave them the promise of eternal life in heaven.9
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| | 1188 | Events occurring at some time during this year The 'Saladin Tithe' This tax was imposed on the people of England (and France?) to raise funds for the Third Crusade. Called for by Henry II in 1188 it was used by his son Richard I who became king in 1189 and then quickly left England for the Crusades. 15See AlsoCutting of the Elm Odd events surrounding the meeting of Henry II and Philippe II of France in a field at Gisors. Events surround a sacred Oak tree. 16See Also | |
| | 1189 | Events occurring at some time during this year William Marshal and Chepstow Castle In 1189 William Marshal married Isabel (Isabella), the heiress of Earl Richard de Clare. Isabel's castles passed to William including Pembroke Castle. 5See AlsoTeutonic Knights established The Order of the Teutonic Knights established at Acre. 17See AlsoJohn marries Isabella John married Isabella of Gloucester who was the heiress of the Glamorgan lordship. 18See AlsoBuilding work commences at the Tower While Richard I was away on Crusade, William Longchamp, the Bishop of Ely and and Chancellor ordered the enlargement of the bailey surrounding the keep Tower in London. A new ditch and bank were constructed with a new section of curtain wall. See Also
Henry II died at Chinon and was buried in the choir church of Fontevrault. Richard became King of England. William Marshal, who served under Henry II and was favoured by Richard, was sent to England to prepare for Richard's arrival.9
See AlsoAug 3 - Richard returns to England
Richard of Normandy arrived at Portsmouth to claim the crown.17
See AlsoAug 29 - John marries
John ‘Lackland’ married Isabella of Gloucester.17
See AlsoSep 3 - Richard I Crowned King
Richard I was crowned king in Westminster Abbey. He was escorted along a path of woolen cloth. At the head of the procession was the clergy, first the priors next the abbots then the bishops. In the midst of the bishops were four barons holding golden candelabra, followed by Geoffrey de Lucy, John Marshal, William Marshal and William Fitzpatrick holding the Cap of State, golden spurs, golden sceptre and golden verge. The golden crown was carried by William de Mandeville. Richard was anointed with holy oil on his head, chest and hands. During the service a bat was seen to flutter around the throne which was seen to be an evil omen.9
See AlsoDec - William of Scotland gives Richard 10,000 marks
William I of Scotland gives Richard I 10,000 marks for the Crusade. This overturns the Treaty of Falaise which William had to sign when captured in 1174.19
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| | 1190 | Events occurring at some time during this year London adopts the St. George Cross flag London adopted the cross of St. George, the red cross on a white background. This flag was being used by the fleet of Genoa and allowed the ships from London to use the flag for protection when they entered the Mediterranean on trading missions. Kidwelly Castle rebuilt A new castle was built at Kidwelly by Rhys ap Gruffydd, The Lord Rhys. 20See AlsoConstruction on Skenfrith Castle Built by Hubert de Burgh this castle is one of the three he owned in the Welsh Marches. White Castle, and Grosmont Castle being the other two. 10See Also
Even though the Jews were under special protection from Richard I ,because of their wealth that could help pay for the Crusades, the mob attacked 150 Jews hiding in the castle at York. Most committed suicide rather than be attacked by the mob, but the rest believing promises that they would be spared if they came out left the castle and were promptly massacred.9
See AlsoJun 24 - Richard at Tours
Richard was given the pilgrim's scrip (a bag for the journey) and staff by the archbishop of Tours in preparation for his Crusade. These items were traditionally carried by pilgrims.21
See AlsoJul 3 - 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.21
See AlsoJul 4 - Richard's Crusade starts
Richard leaves to begin his crusade.
See AlsoSep - Messina
Richard was in no hurry to reach the Holy Land as he had an issue to resolve in Italy first. William II, the King of Sicily, had recently died. He was married to Richard's sister, Joan, who was bequeathed a large dower, a payment meant to support her if she outlived her husband. William had also bequeathed a large sum of money to Henry II, the king of England. Through force, Tancred of Lecce claimed the throne of Sicily and imprisoned Joan refusing to pay the money to her or the King of England. When Richard arrived in Messina he demanded that his sister should be released and all the money owing should be paid.21
See AlsoOct - Richard captured 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.21
See AlsoChristmas - Crusaders in 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.21
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| | 1191 | Events occurring at some time during this year King Arthur found at Glastonbury From the Chronicles of Meaux Abbey came the report saying 'In the twenty-third year of Henry, the body of Arthur some time king of the Britons were found at Glastonbury, between two stone pyramids formerly erected in the sacred cemetery. Hidden by a hollow oak, lay about fifteen feet deep in the ground. Some confusion with this date as I've also seen the date 1178 from Meaux Abbey chronicles. 22See AlsoJohn opposes William Longchamp John began a campaign opposing William Longchamp who had been appointed administrator of England by Richard I while he was away on Crusade. See AlsoFoundation of Glenluce Abbey Foundation of a Cistercian abbey in south-west Scotland by the lords of Galloway.
The King of France set sail for the Holy Land a few days before Richard.21
See AlsoApr 10 - Richard's fleet leave Sicily
The fleet left Sicily to sail to Rhodes. On route, three ships were separated from the group and landed on Cyprus at the port of Limassol. The governor of Cyprus at the time was Isacc Dacus Comnenus, who had come to power from trickery. He had sided with Saladin, and treated Richard's ships as the enemy.9
See AlsoApr 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.9
See AlsoMay 6 - Richard sails to Cyprus.
Richard located the three lost ships at Limissol, and promptly attacked Comnenus' troops in the town and drove them out. Comnenus was again attacked outside the town, but escaped, leaving behind his standard, embroidered with gold cloth. This was later presented to the abbey of Bury St. Edmunds.9
See AlsoMay 11 - Meeting in Limassol
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 Monferrat as the King of Jerusalem.9
See AlsoMay 12 - Richard marries Berengaria
Richard took time to marry Berengaria at Limassol.9
See AlsoJun 1 - Richard controls Cyprus
By the 1st of June, Richard had control of the whole of Cyprus and imposed a 50% tax in return for letting the Cypriots return to a more traditional way of life. Richard of Camville and Robert of Turnham were left in charge of Cyprus.
See AlsoJun 6 - Richard arrives at Tyre and attacks Acre
Richard landed at Tyre and quickly moved towards Acre, where he needed to help an army that was besieging the town which was being held by a garrison of Saladin's troops. By July 12th, the town fell to Richard. Richard held Saladin's men hostage in exchange for 200,000 dinars and 1500 of Richard's own troops who were being held by Saladin. When no ransom was paid, Richard publicly executed 2700 of the garrison. It was at this point that Richard angered Leopold of Austria, who was to imprison Richard as he tried to return to Normandy. Leopold's banner was ripped down from alongside Richard's and the French. The banners indicated that the spoils of war should be shared, but Richard was not prepared the share with Leopold, who had not contributed that much to the fall of Acre.9
See AlsoJun 23 - Eclipse
Most of Europe would have seen the Sun eclipsed by the moon just before midday.
See AlsoJul - Richard takes Acre
Under Richard's command, the city of Acre is taken back by the Crusaders.
See AlsoOct 6 - Tower of London siege
Bishop William Longchamp held the Tower of London against Prince John's supporters for only three days. The Bishop surrendered the Tower and escaped to continue his support for King Richard.23
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| | 1192 | Events occurring at some time during this year Llansteffan Castle rebuilt William de Camville had been granted Llansteffan Castle by Henry II and rebuilding work started in 1192. See AlsoLincoln Cathedral choir Work on the choir and east transept progressed between 1192 and 1200. 1See AlsoRebuilding of Lincoln Cathedral After the damaging earth tremors of 1185 Bishop Hugh of Lincoln started rebuilding work on the Cathedral at Lincoln. His new scheme was followed even after his death apart from minor alterations up to the completion of the Angel Choir in 1280. See Also
Conrad of Montferrat was killed by two Assassins disguised as monks as he walked home. The Assassins, one of whom had been captured alive and questioned, had been sent by their leader Sinan. The suspected reasons for the murder are varied, some theories suggest Conrad had intercepted a shipment of wealthy goods bound for the Assassin Order while others suggest Saladin had ordered the murder of both Conrad and Richard I. Some also suggest it was Richard himself who had ordered the murder.
See AlsoOct 9 - Richard I leaves the Holy Land
After the agreement of a peace treaty Richard left the Middle East and began the voyage back to England.
See AlsoDec - Richard shipwrecked on the way home
Richard was shipwrecked while returning home from the middle east.
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| | 1193 | Events occurring at some time during this year West Front of Peterborough Cathedral The West front of Peterborough Cathedral was constructed between the years 1193 and 1230. 1See AlsoSaladin dies Saladin died. See AlsoHubert Walter becomes Archbishop of Canterbury Hubert Walter follows Baldwin as Archbishop of Canterbury. See Also
Richard was captured by the Emperor of Germany, Henry IV after being shipwrecked on the way home after his Crusade. The Emperor demanded a large ransom to set Richard free.
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| | 1194 | Events occurring at some time during this year Siege of Nottingham Castle The castle at Nottingham was being held by supporters of John but it fell to Richard I after a siege of several days. 5See AlsoPlans to move Old Sarum cathedral Bishop Herbert Poore presented plans to move the cathedral at Old Sarum to a new site nearer the river to be called New Sarum, or now Salisbury. Richard I approved the plan. See Also
Richard I returned to England after his Crusade and imprisonment in Germany. John had all his castles in England confiscated and the only title left to him was that of Lord of Ireland.
See AlsoApr 17 - The 'Crown Wearing'
Richard took part in a precession to Winchester Cathedral. The king wore a golden crown and was followed by notables from the Church and State. The previous Crown Wearing was in 1158.9
See AlsoMay - Richard leaves England
In Nottingham a council was called to hear the King's request for raising taxes. Although a large amount of money had been raised to free him from Germany even more was raised to fund Richard's expedition to France to deal with the King of France. Once the money was raised Richard left England and was never to return.21
See AlsoJul 3 - 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.12
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| | 1195 | Events occurring at some time during this year Alteration to the West End Modifications to the west end of the church were undertaken under the direction of the abbot John de Cella. The plan was to add an extra three bays to the existing structure. Progress was slow due to mismanagement of the funds and when John de Cella died not much progress had been achieved. The work was completed under the direction of the next abbot, William of Trumpington. 24See Also | |
| | 1196 | Events occurring at some time during this year Arthur proclaimed Duke of Brittany Arthur, the grandson of Henry II, was given the title of Duke of Brittany. See Also | |
| | 1197 | Events occurring at some time during this year Building work at Notre Dame Maurice de Sulley died in 1196 but the building work at Notre Dame continued under the direction of his successor Eudes de Sulley. 13Great Council refuse Richard's request Richard requested that 300 knights should be given to him for a years service in France. The Great Council refused. (Need to link to Great Council details here). 25See Also | |
| | 1198 | Events occurring at some time during this year Cymer Abbey founded This Cistercian abbey in north-west Wales was colonised by monks from Cwmhir. Cleeve Abbey colonised Monks from Revesby in Lincolnshire moved to Somerset and colonised the new abbey at Cleeve. 6See Also | |
| | 1199 | Feb - Teutonic Knights
The Order of the Teutonic Knights is approved by Pope Innocent III.
See AlsoMar - Siege at the castle of Chalus, and Richard dies
Richard besieged the castle at Chalus where some treasure had been unearthed. Richard believed it was his and tried to take the castle. Riding too close to the walls, Richard was shot in the shoulder. The castle then fell and the archer who shot Richard was brought before him. Richard forgave the archer but Richard's second in command had the archer executed. Richard died of his wounds. On his death bed, Richard nominated his brother John as his heir rather than Arthur of Brittany.9
See AlsoApr 25 - John is crowned Duke of Normandy
John is crowned Duke of Normandy at Rouen by Walter the Archbishop of Rouen.26
See AlsoMay - Important Appointments
John chose people to help him run the country. He appointed the Archbishop of Canterbury, Hubert Walter, as Chancellor. Geoffrey fitz Peter was chosen as Justiciar and William, Earl of Pembroke, became Marshal of John's household.26
See AlsoMay - John succeeds Richard I
John succeeded. Peter De Colechurch - Grand Master starts rebuilding London in stone. Finished by William Alemain in 1209. Peter De Rupibus succeeds Peter De Colechurch and Geoffrey Fitz-Peter chief surveyor acted as deputy.27
See AlsoMay 27 - John is crowned King
John is crowned as King of England at Westminster.26
See AlsoJun 20 - King John leaves England
King John, along with many nobles, knights and soldiers, left England from Shoreham and sailed to Normandy.2
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Selection of references used:
1. John Harvey,English Cathedrals,1961
2. The Plantagenet Chronicles,
3. G.A.Cambell,The Knights Templar. Their rise and fall,
4. Christopher Hibbert,Tower Of London,1971
5. John Kinross,Discovering Castles in England and Wales,
6. Various,The Cistercian Abbeys of Britain,1998
7. Derek Renn,Norman Castles,1968
8. John Harvey,The Plantagenets,
9. John Gillingham,The Life and Times of Richard I,1974
10. Sidney Toy,Catles. Their Construction and History,1985
11. Mike Salter,Castles and Moated Castles of Warwickshire,
12. Duc de Castries,The lives of the Kings and Queens of France,
13. T Francis Bumpus,The Cathedtrals of Northern France,
14. M.R.James,Abbeys,1925
15. C.H.Frith,Cromwell,1935
16. Micheal Baigent, Richard Leigh and Henry Lincoln,The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail,
17. Peter Potter,Data Donation,
18. Mike Salter,Castles of Gwent, Glamorgan and Gower,
19. J.D. Mackie,A History of Scotland,1978
20. Mike Salter,Castles of South-West Wales,
21. H.W.C.Davis,England under the Normans and Angevins,1949
22. John Timbs & Alexander Gunn,Abbeys, Castles and Ancient Halls of England & Wales (North),1872
23. Derek Wilson,The Tower (1078 - 1978),
24. G H Cook,English Cathedrals through the centuries,
25. Elizabeth Luckock and Caroline Gundy,Simon de Montfort,1969
26. Maurice Ashley,The Life and Times of King John,
27. Preston Williams,Illustrations of Masonry,
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