Pre-Renaissance History in England

Magna Carta signed

Mar 28, 1215

King John is forced to signing the Magna Carta, reducing a great deal of power as King and establishing a parliament. The Magna Carta went on to become the start of rights for English citizens.

Edward I rules

Mar 28, 1272

Edward I ascended to the throne after Henry III. During his reign, Edward focused a lot on military conquests and helped in subjecting Wales to rule of the English. He reformed much of the criminal and property law.

Wales annexed

Mar 28, 1277

The death of Llywelyn the Great allowed England to annex This lasted for a short period of time.

Statutes of Mortmain

Mar 28, 1279

Enactments by Edward I to prevent land from becoming property of the Church. This was done so that for taxation purposes, revenue could still be coming in. The Statute disallowed granting of an estate without the assent of the royals.

Edward II is a disaster

Mar 28, 1307

Edward II married Isabella, fought the Barons, and was defeated in Scotland in one of the worst defeats sustained by the English at Bannockburn. He was later beaten, imprisoned, and murdered by his inmates.

Famine of 1315-1316

Mar 28, 1315

Food prices skyrocketed, not allowing many people to obtain food. Breads and meat were contaminated. People were struck by many diseases such as bronchitis. Grains were very lmited, even for the monarchs, and most peasants went hungry--this led to the resort of cannibalism.

Hundred Years' War

Mar 28, 1337

A war that commenced between England and France to fight for the throne. The war lasted almost until the 1450s. Because of conflict originating in feudal homage, three different eras of war (Edwardian, Caroline, Lancastrian) commenced and signified this period.

Black Death

Mar 28, 1348

A ship crossing from France had a seamen who was infected with the first case of the Black Death. When the plague reached urban areas, it was devastating. More than a third of English people fell to it. Despite the calamity, the Government was steadfast and halted some campaigns in the Hundred Years' War.

Poll Tax

Mar 28, 1377

A poll tax was levied to help pay for the war against France. Anyone above the age of 14 (excl. beggars) was to pay a groat to the Crown. This event was critical because it angered many and led to the Peasants' Revolt. The tax was levied three times starting in 1377 and two and four years after, respectively.

Peasants' Revolt

Mar 28, 1381

With the poll tax levying almost a shilling on younger ages and above, peasants were infuriated. Taxes were seperately levied on women, too. Under the leadership of Wat Tyler and Jack Straw, the peasants marched in London, 60,000 strong asking for the abolition of serfdom.