Middle Ages

William the conquer or invades England.

Sep 9, 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, decisively defeating and killing Harold at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066.

Paper if first mass-produced in Spain

Aug 28, 1150

Paper was invented in China during the Han Dynasty & spread 2 the west via the Silk Road. Making & manufacturing was started by Muslims in today's Spain & Sicily in the 10th century & spread 2 Italy, Southern France, etc. Other paper-like items made from raw materials were expensive, in short supply, or required extensive hand-processing 2 make a pleasing product. Paper made from wood/rags could be produced anywhere. Once better production methods were developed it could be made cheap & @ large.

Magna Carta

Jun 15, 1215

An Angevin charter originally issued in Latin. It was sealed under oath by King John at Runnymede, on the bank of the River Thames near Windsor, England, on 15 June 1215. Magna Carta was the first document imposed upon a King of England by a group of his subjects in an attempt 2 limit his powers by law & protect their rights. It is widely known throughout the English speaking world as an important part of the long historical process that led 2 the rule of constitutional law in England & beyond.

The Plague

Aug 28, 1348

One of the most devastating pandemics in human history, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 75 to 200 million people & peaking in Europe in the years 1346–53. Thought to have originated in the arid plains of central Asia, where it then travelled along the Silk Road, reaching the Crimea by 1343. From there, it was most likely carried by Oriental rat fleas living on the black rats that were regular passengers on merchant ships. Spreading throughout the Mediterranean & Europe.

First appearance of Robin Hood in Literature

Aug 28, 1378

A heroic outlaw in English folklore, and, according to legend, was also a highly skilled archer and swordsman. The outlaw has derived a reputation for performing humanitarian deeds, and in particular for "robbing from the rich and giving to the poor", assisted by a group of fellow outlaws.

Chaucer writes the Centerbury Tales

Aug 28, 1387

A collection of over 20 stories written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer at the end of the 14th century, during the time of the Hundred Years' War. The tales are presented as part of a story-telling contest by a group of pilgrims as they travel together on a journey from Southwark to 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.

1455-1485 War of the Roses

Aug 28, 1455

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

First Tudor king, Henry VII, is crowned

Aug 22, 1485

Henry VII was King of England and Lord of Ireland from his seizing the crown on 22 August 1485 until his death on 21 April 1509, as the first monarch of the House of Tudor.

First printing of Le Morte d'Arthr

Aug 28, 1485

A compilation by Sir Thomas Malory of romance-era tales about the legendary King Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table. Malory interprets existing French and English stories about these figures and adds original material.

The end of the Crusades

Aug 28, 1720

The Crusades were military campaigns sanctioned by the Latin Roman Catholic Church during the High Middle Ages and Late Middle Ages. Many historians and some of those involved at the time, like Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, give equal precedence to other papal-sanctioned military campaigns undertaken for a variety of religious, economic, and political reasons.