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May 14, 1016
The Danish King, Canute
He conquered England and molded Vikings and Anglo-Saxons into one people -
May 14, 1066
King Edward dies bringing about a struggle for the throne
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Oct 14, 1066
The Norman Conquest
The Norman king William the Conqueror claimed the throne and invaded England against his rival Harold Godwinson, the Anglo-Saxon leader. The two parties fought in the Battle of Hastings in which Harold was killed and the Norman won. After the victory William took England and divided it up amongst Norman Lords. -
Period: May 15, 1154 to May 15, 1189
King Henry's reign
Henry strengthened the royal courts by sending judges to different parts of the land and he developed the jury. Over the centuries a unified body of law came about known as common law -
Period: May 16, 1199 to May 16, 1216
King John
King John was a very bad leader of England who lost much land militarily and was a harsh ruler -
Jun 15, 1215
The Magna Carta
As a result of John's actions, his nobles forced him to agree on the most celebrated document in English history, The Magna Carta. This guaranteed political rights for feudal lords so they could keep the king's power in check. It also guaranteed rights for every citizen which were no taxation without representation, the protection of the law, and a jury trial. -
May 16, 1295
The Model Parliament
This was the next step towards democracy in England. It started with King Edward who needed to raise taxes for a war and to do so he summoned Nobles to meet as a legislative group, or parliament. -
Period: May 16, 1300 to May 16, 1400
The growth of Parliament
Parliament would be called to assemble every time a new tax was needed. The Bishops and Nobles met as the House of Lords and the knights and burgesses met as the House of commons. Over time Parliament grew stronger and was a check on royal power. -
Period: to
Early Invasions
England was battered by danish Viking raids -
Period: to
Alfred the Great
Managed to turn back the assault and made it possible to unite the kingdom under one rule called England
