Medieval Times

William the Conqueror invades England

Sep 28, 1066

William argued that Edward had previously promised the throne to him, and that Harold had sworn to support William's claim. William built a large fleet and invaded England in September 1066

Paper is First Massed Produced In Spain

Sep 27, 1150

The Muslim conquest of Spain brought paper-making into Europe. The English word "ream" (meaning 500 sheets) is derived through Spanish and French from the Arabic word rizmah that translates as "a bundle". Both Spain and Italy claim to be the first to manufacture paper in Europe.

Magna Carta

Sep 28, 1215

While the Magna Carta, signed in 1215, primarily secured liberties for England’s elite classes, The Magna Carta brought an end to the absolute power of English sovereigns as they, too, were required to be held accountable by the law.

End of the Crusades

Sep 28, 1270

The Crusades were predominantly a series of religious wars undertaken by the Latin Church between the 11th and 15th centuries.

The Plague

Sep 28, 1348

The bubonic plague is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. It can spread through contact with infected fleas.
Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, which can be as large as chicken eggs, in the groin, armpit, or neck. They may be tender and warm. Others include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches.

First Appearance of Robin Hood in Literature

Sep 27, 1378

Robin Hood is a heroic outlaw in English folklore who, according to legend, was a highly skilled archer and swordsman. Traditionally depicted as being dressed in Lincoln green, he is often portrayed as "robbing from the rich and giving to the poor" alongside his band of Merry Men. Robin Hood became a popular folk figure in the late-medieval period, and continues to be widely represented in literature, films and television.

Chaucer writes The Canterbury Tales

Sep 27, 1387

The Canterbury Tales is a collection of 24 stories written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer. The tales are presented as part of a story-telling contest by a group of pilgrims as they travel together on a journey from London to Canterbury in order to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. The prize for this contest is a free meal at the Tabard Inn at Southwark on their return.

War of Roses 1455-1485

Sep 28, 1455

The Wars of the Roses were a series of wars for control of the throne of England. They were fought between supporters of two rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet, those of Lancaster and York.

First Printing of Le Morte d’Arthur

Sep 27, 1485

Le Morte d'Arthur is a reworking of traditional tales by Sir Thomas Malory about the legendary King Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table. Le Morte d'Arthur was first published in 1485 by William Caxton.

First Tudor King, Henry VII, is Crowned

Sep 28, 1485

Henry VII, known before accession as Henry Tudor, 2nd Earl of Richmond was King of England after seizing the crown on 22 August 1485 until his death, the first monarch of the House of Tudor.