London in History

Dies after a reign which saw him take over Kent & Hampshire

Succeeds as King of the Catuvellauni, son of King Cunobellinus

Succeeds as co-ruler with Caractacus

Defeated in battle by General Ostorius Scapula

London falls to Boudicca

With his death power falls into the hands of the regional warlords

Crowns Aidan the False

Founds the See of London at St Pauls

Death of Cuthbert

Persuades King Nechtan to adopt the Roman Catholic Church

Appointed Bishop of London

Subdues the East Saxons & captures London in open battle

The Vikings defeat Beorhtwulf at London

The "Great Army" of the Danes lands in East Anglia

The "Great Army" of the Danes lands in East Anglia

The Viking army withdraws from Wessex and winters in London while Mercia makes peace.

Created St Edmund

After restoring London, Alfred gains wider recognition from English peoples not living under Danish rule.

Alfred occupied and restored London, strengthening the frontier facing the Danelaw.

Alfred restores London and entrusts it to Aethelred, Lord of the Mercians, under West Saxon overlordship.

Alfred agreed a frontier and commercial settlement with Guthrum for English and Danish communities.

Crowned at Kingston-on-Thames, Kingston is named after the ancient coronation stone

Edward transfers London and Oxford from Mercia to Wessex

London bishops, reeves, nobles, and commoners organised collective measures for pursuing thieves and protecting property.

Crowned at Kingston-on-Thames

Crowned at Kingston-on-Thames by Archbishop Oda

Edgar dies leaving 2 under age sons, many of the nobles prefer his brother Aethelred

Crowned by Dunstan at Kingston

London is put to the torch

Ethelred buys the Vikings off for œ16,000

Olaf Trygveson & Sweyn sail up the Thames with 94 ships to London

Birth of Canute I, son of King Sweyn & Princess Gunhild

After London surrenders to Sweyn Canute rules over all of England

London surrenders to Sweyn I

London surrenders to Sweyn I

Crowned King of Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria & East Anglia, divided into Earldoms

The Danes lay siege to London after Edmund unites Wessex against them. Edmund tries to raise the Danish siege but is forced back to Wessex

Eldest surviving son of Ethelred. Chosen as King by the people of London

Canute arrives in Scotland & drives the Scottish King's into temporary submission

Succeeds as Duke of Normandy

Arrives in London & throws Harold Is body into a bog

Raises high taxes to pay for his invasion of England to claim the throne

Dies age 23 after overindulging at a wedding feast,. Death of Hardicanute I, without an heir

Visits Edward the Confessor, 1st cousin once removed, claims he is promised the throne. Succeeds as King of England

Marries Matilda of Flanders, daughter of Baldwin V Count of Flanders. Marries a direct descendent of Alfred the Great & niece of King Henry I of France

Has a 2nd son

Succeeds as King of England

Edward becomes seriously ill late in the year, and later tradition records a troubling final vision.

Edward's health deteriorates severely near the end of 1065, preventing him from attending Westminster Abbey's consecration.

Says to Harold on his deathbed, "I commend Edith & all the Kingdom to your protection". Death of Edward the Confessor

Falls into a coma, dreams the Anglo-Saxons will be consumed by fire & sword

Falls into a coma, dreams the Anglo-Saxons will be consumed by fire & sword

Edward tells Harold "I commend Edith & all the Kingdom to your protection"

Edward tells Harold "I commend Edith & all the Kingdom to your protection"

Death of Edward, he nominates Harold his successor on his deathbed

Harold assumes royal authority after Edward's death and the rapid decision of the English political leadership.

Harold orders the English fleet back toward London as the long summer coastal watch comes to an end.

The invasion force heads off for Hastings where there is an unguarded road to London

Gyrth Godwinson is associated with counsel about how to meet the Norman threat

Harold II pauses in London to collect reinforcements before facing William

Stigand is among the English leaders facing the problem of succession after Hastings

Morcar supports Edgar Atheling as a possible successor after Harold's death at Hastings.

Harold pauses briefly in London to collect additional troops before continuing toward the Norman position near Hastings.

Edwin of Mercia considers resistance and negotiation after the defeat at Hastings

Morcar of Northumbria joins English leaders assessing whether to oppose William

Edgar becomes the leading surviving royal candidate considered by English leaders after Harold's death at Hastings.

Edwin supports Edgar Atheling after Harold's death while English leaders consider continued resistance to William.

Edgar Atheling is briefly recognised by some English leaders after Harolds death

Leofwine Godwinson joins the English army preparing to face the Normans

Arrives in London from York in an attempt to head off the Norman invasion

Londoners resist immediate Norman entry after Williams approach

William cannot attack London directly so to decides to isolate it

William cannot attack London directly so to decides to isolate it

Cannot attack London directly so decides to surround it

Edgar, the Earls of Northumbria & Mercia & the Archbishops of Canterbury & York submit to William I the Conqueror

Edgar, the Earls of Northumbria & Mercia & the Archbishops of Canterbury & York submit to William I the Conqueror

Edgar, the Earls of Northumbria & Mercia & the Archbishops of Canterbury & York submit to William I the Conqueror

Edgar, the Earls of Northumbria & Mercia & the Archbishops of Canterbury & York submit to William I the Conqueror. Edgar, the Earls of Northumbria & Mercia & the Archbishops of Canterbury & York submit

Submits to William after William isolates London

Edgar, the Earls of Northumbria & Mercia & the Archbishops of Canterbury & York submit to William I the Conqueror. Edgar, the Earls of Northumbria & Mercia & the Archbishops of Canterbury & York submit

As the Normans closed in on London, Edgars key supporters in the city began negotiating with William

William becomes King of England after his coronation at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day.

Birth of Henry I, Williams 4th son

Eldred Archbishop of York crowns Matilda as Queen of England

Eldred Archbishop of York crowns Matilda as Queen of England

Eldred Archbishop of York crowns Matilda as Queen of England

The Danes sail up the Humber & start a Saxon uprising

Orders the construction of a second castle at York

William rejects the request by Pope Gregory VII for an oath of fealty

Suppresses a rebellion led by his eldest son

To fight off Cnut a tax is raised on landowners & collected by an army of mercenaries

Succeeds as King of England. Canute revives the claim of his father King Swein to the English throne

The Royal commissioners oblige landowners to give information under oath

Commissioned to list assets of landowners for taxation & administration

Edgar agrees to become a vassal of William II & overthrow his uncle Donald III

King Edgar, son of Malcolm III, flees to England after his fathers death

Edgar agrees to become a vassal of William II & overthrow his uncle Donald III

Invites Anselm, the Archbishop of Canterbury, to return from exile

Succeeds as King of England

Marries Matilda, sister of Edgar, daughter of Malcolm III

Marries Henry I

Instegates the construction of Bow Bridge, the 1st stone bridge in England

The Earl of Shrewsbury, is exiled but continues to plot from Normandy. One of Robert Curthoses supporters the Earl of Shrewsbury is exiled

Appointed Justiciar of England

Marries Matilda, daughter of Fulk V of Anjou

Marries Adeliza, daughter of Godfrey I Duke of Lower Lorraine

Marries Matilda, only daughter & heiress of Eustace III & Mary of Scotland

Birth of his 1st son who dies in 1135

Succeeds as Queen of England

Marries off Matilda, his heiress to Geoffrey the 16 year old son of the Count of Anjou

Marries Count Geoffrey Plantagenet of Anjou. Arranged by Henry I to mollify northern France. Arranged by Henry I to improve chances of succeeding him in Normandy & England

Founds Clerkenwell Priory

Succeeds as Queen of England, the Barons support Matilda until Henrys death

Supported for the succession by his brother Henry Bishop of Winchester. Falsely claims his uncle Henry I named him his successor on his deathbed

The Pope confirms Stephens claim to the English throne

Succeeds as Queen of England. Reigns for 6 months as "domina" of the English

Declared "lady of the English" by Henry of Blois as a preliminary to the coronation

Attempts to become the 1st crowned Queen of England but has to leave London

The rebellion is provoked by Matildas arrogance & tax demands. Londoners expel Matilda from Westminster during a banquet. Attempts to become the 1st crowned Queen of England but has to leave London

Succeeds as Earl of Scotland, King Davids son is chosen as the "designated King"

With his death Matildas hopes of winning the throne vanish

Succeeds as King of England

Marries Henry I

Marries Adeliza, 2nd wife

Marries Eleanor of Aquitaine, daughter of the late Duke of Aquitaine

Succeeds as King of England, adopted as successor by Stephen. Succeeds as King of England

Birth of Henry, eldest son of Henry II & Eleanor of Aquitaine

Birth of Geoffrey, 3rd eldest son of Henry II & Eleanor of Aquitaine

Birth of Eleanor of England, daughter of Henry II of England & Eleanor of Aquitaine

Resigns as Lord Chancellor after being consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury

Resigns as Lord Chancellor after being consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury

Claims power to punish criminal clerics after their conviction by Church orders

The Constitutions of Clarendon place limitations on the clergy

Issues the Assize of Clarendon, 22 articles setting au a jury system

Henry & Louis reconcile after betrothal of his son Richard to Louis daughter Alice

Henry & Louis reconcile after betrothal of his son Richard to Louis daughter Alice

Betrothal to Louis VIIs daughter, Alice

Succeeds as King of England. Henry II will inherit England, Normandy & Anjou

Thomas Becket is murdered by four of Henrys knights

Marries Eva, daughter of the King of Leinster

Has his son Prince Henry crowned joint-king to ensure the succession

Never ruled & not counted in the monarchs of England, known as Henry the Young King. Has his son Prince Henry crowned joint-king to ensure the succession

Declares himself Lord of Ireland

John becomes third in line to the throne after the death of his brother Prince Henry

Death of Geoffrey of Brittany, but his son Arthur inherits the dead brothers lands

Succeeds as King of England

Death of Henry II

Appointed Justiciar of England

Richards rebellion kills his father, Richard arrives in England to claim the throne

Renounces claims to Scotland & frees William from agreements made with Henry II

Embarks on the 3rd Crusade, heads for France & does not return for 4 years

Flees to France upon hearing of the release of Richard I & his return to England

Appointed to head the regency after John flees to France

Agrees with Philip II to marry his half-sister Alice

Levies the extra taxes needed to pay Richard Is ransom

Raises the ransom to release Richard I from the German Emperor Henry VI

The Duke of Austria hands Richard over to Emperor Henry VI for a sum of money

The Emperor Henry VI sets Richards ransom at 100,000 pounds

John gains a pardon from Richard I, who blames Johns company for his misdemeanors

The Regents of England buy Richards freedom for pounds 100,000

Appointed Papal Legate

Named by Richard I as his successor just before his death

In Brittany with Richards nephew Arthur of Brittany when he hears of Richards death

Receives the homage of William the Lion, King of Scotland

Institutes the National Customs System

Created Earl of Surrey, 5th

Institutes the National Customs System

Death of Hubert Waller, King John loses a valuable adviser

The Pope forbids the English clergy to administer the sacraments. Opposes innocent IIIs nomination for the Archbishop of Canterbury

Excommunicated by Pope innocent III

Knights Alexander & renews his 1209 agreement with William of Scots

John is absolved by Langton, England & Ireland become papal fiefs

Prepares a fleet for the invasion of France

The papal interdict of 1208 against England is lifted

Demands a high rate of scutage which contributes to the baronial rebellion of 1215

Lands at la rochelle & begins a campaign in western France

The Pope raises the Papal interdict against John

On return to England the Barons demand a charter of liberties

Appointed Commander in Chief

Appeals to the Pope for the abolition of the Magna Carta. Allows London to annually elect a Mayor

Appointed Justiciar of England

Appeals to the Pope for the abolition of the Magna Carta

Succeeds as King of England. Some of the nobles attempt to place the French Dauphin on the English throne

Makes an Oath to the Pope as a Crusader to gain the support of Innocent III

Arbitrates with 4 representitives from each side & the Popes deputy in the chair

Offers a full pardon to the rebellious Barons but the offer is turned down

Orders that the estates of the rebellious barons be seized, starting the civil war

The barons take London before the arrival of Johns mercenaries

Offers the Barons a truce

The Magna Carta remains the basis of English feudal justice

The Magna Carta remains the basis of English feudal justice

The Magna Carta confirms the rights of the Church & Barons. 25 barons are appointed to oversee the working of the Magna Carta

The Magna Carta standardises weights & measures. The Magna Carta confirms the rights of the Church & Barons. 25 barons are appointed to oversee the working of the Magna Carta

The Magna Carta standardises weights & measures

The Barons resent the Justiciar appointed by John to rule during his absence

Barons resent the costs to lift the Papal interdict. Barons resent a scutage on those who did not accompany John to Poitou

The Magana Carter is reissued after Henry IIIs coronation

The Magana Carter is reissued after Henry IIIs coronation

Appointed Warden of the Cinque Ports

The 1216 version of the Magna Carta is reissued

The 1216 version of the Magna Carta is reissued

Preparing to besiege Louis in London when the war is terminated by the naval victory of Hubert de Burgh in the straits of Dover

Buried in the Temple Church in London, where his effigy may still be seen

Succeeds as King of England. Marshal dies & rule passes to 3 men, Hubert de Burgh, Peter des Roches & Pandulf

Dismisses Castellans & Sheriffs who have held their rights since John

Louis VIII lays claim to the English throne & Henrys remaining lands in France

The Magna Carta is re-issued, this version becomes the official text. Men can be exiled, imprisoned & deprived of property only by their peers or the law

Despatched by his brother Henry III to recover lost French territories

The Magna Carta is re-issued, this version becomes the official text

Assumes powers held by the Bishop of Winchester responsible for the King's minority. Appointed Justiciar of England by Henry II

A Papal Bull issued by Gregory IX recognises Henerys competence to govern

Continues to hold influence over Henry III enven though he is declared to be of age

Henry declares himself of age & renounces his dependency on the Bishop of Winchester

Appointed Justiciar for life

Finds there are insufficient ships to convey troops to France

Appointed Warden of England

Appointed Warden of England

Sets sail from Portsmouth at the head of an invasion force

Lands with the invasion force at St Malo & proceeds to Dinan

Buried at New Temple Church, London

Receives a full pardon & restored to office & titles

Henry III marries Eleanor of Provence

A revised version of the Magna Carta is issued

A revised version of the Magna Carta is issued

Marries Eleanor, Henry IIIs sister

Appointed Treasurer of Royal Taxes

Becomes one of the future Edward Is godfathers

Birth of Edward I, eldest son of Henry III & Eleanor of Provence

Invested as the Earl of Leicester

Edward I is baptised

Birth of Edward I, eldest son of Henry III & Eleanor of Provence

Birth of Edward I, eldest son of Henry III & Eleanor of Provence

Flees with Eleanor after Henry III accuses him of seducing her before the wedding

Reconciled with Henry III in his campaign to capture lost territories in France

Sends out commissioners to extend English landholdings in Gaelic Ireland

Marries Sanchia of Provence, daughter of Raimond-Berengar V de Provence

Meets Alexander II of the Scots at Newcastle & renews the truce of 1237

Negotiates a truce between England & Scotland

Miracles occur at his tomb & he is canonized

Appointed Vice Regent of Gascony by Henry III, is given absolute power over revenue

Alexander III of Scotland pays homage to Henry III

Henrys daughter Margaret marries Alexander III of Scotland

A revised version of the Magna Carta is issued. A revised version of the Magna Carta is issued

A revised version of the Magna Carta is issued

Defends Gascony against a rumored invasion by King Alfonso of Castille

Leads Parliament in turning down Henry IIIs request for a subsidy

Pope Alexander III confers the title of King of Sicily on the future Earl of Lancaster

Appointed Abbot of Westminster

Leader of the baronial side in the Model Parliament

Returns to England, is reconciled with Edward & Simon de Montfort

Demands Henry III reform his administration. Demands Henry III free himself from the Popes Sicilian campaign

Accepts the terms of reform

Agrees to support Simon de Montfort & favors he tenants of Baronial lands

The Provisions of Westminster embody the legal system proposed by the Barons. A Council of 15 is imposed on Henry III who cannot rule without its consent

Swears friendship with Simon de Montfort

Appointed Justiciar, 1st term

Appoints Royal Sheriffs & regains control of the Government

Renounces title as King of Sicily because Henry III cannot provide funds & manpower

Appointed Justiciar, 2nd term, Henry III is forced to restore him by the barons

Comes out of retirement in France to become the leader of the 2nd Barons revolt

Re-issues the provisions of Westminster

Montforts Party take arms & subdue south England

Henry accepts de Montforts terms

Henry accepts de Montforts terms, de Montfort then occupies London

Henry accepts de Montforts terms, de Montfort then occupies London

Montfort occupies London

Sends his elder sons Simon & Henry to head the revolt in the midlands & west. Organises resistance in the south

Londoners join Despenser who hold the Tower & burn the manor of the King of the Romans

Joined by Prince Edward, the war against the Barons begins

Montfort and Gilbert organize a new Parliament

Returns to England from France after the restoration of her husband Henry III

Pushes through Parliamentary reform so that borough representatives attend Parliament

Returns to England from France after the restoration of her husband Henry III

Forfeiture pronounced on those who had fought against Edward at Kenilworth & Evesham

Parliament opens with representitives from country gentry & town burgesses. For the 1st time England is represented in a single chamber at Westminster Hall

Convenes the opening of Parliament which includes commoners for the 1st time

For the 1st time England is represented in a single chamber at Westminster Hall

Convenes the opening of Parliament which includes commoners for the 1st time

The acts of the revolutionary Government are denounced. Issues a proclamation announcing he is resuming the exercise of royal power. Baronial ministers & sheriffs are replaced by royalists

All those who had taken arms against the King & Edward are disinherited

All those who had taken arms against the King & Edward are disinherited

Escapes to France & rises high in the service of Charles of Anjou, King of Sicily

Created Earl of Derby after the latters defeat at Chesterfield

Forced by Prince Edward to accept terms but later supports the rebelious cinque ports

Helps Prince Edward capture London

Created Earl of Lancaster by his brother Edward I

Edward concilliates with Gloucester & Eyville during their siege of London

Joined by Eyville & the Ely fugitives to reverse the results of the Battle of Evesham. Edward I offers concilliation to Gloucester who accepts & wins royal favour. Arrives in London while Edward is in the north & Henry is in Cambridge

Appointed First Lord of the Council

A Parliament of magnates & representitives of the Shires & Boroughs swears allegiance

Appointed Captain of the Papal forces after buying his freedom

Edward I opens his 1st Parliament

Ordains that each Jew over 7 will wear a distinguishing mark on his outer garment. 1st Parliament forbids Jews to practise usury

Begins reforms which over a 20 yrs establish the foundation of a formal Parliament. 1st Statute of Westminster deals with administritive abuses

Gains the Homage of Llewelyn

Uses the Statute of Gloucester to define the franchises of the feudal barons

Alexander III of Scotland pays homage to Edward

Jews are arrested for coin-clipping & 280 are hanged

Uses the Statute of Gloucester to define the franchises of the feudal barons

Uses the Statute of Gloucester to define the franchises of the feudal barons

Marries Llywelyn, the Prince of Wales, after his surrender to Edward I

About 300 Jews are hanged in London for clipping the coinage

About 300 Jews are hanged in London for clipping the coinage

Created Earl of Sussex

Appointed Abbot of Westminster

Death of Richard de Ware

David of Wales is surrendered by his own men, then condemned & executed

Commissioners of Array in every town recruit & train men in military arts

Commissioners of Array in every town recruit & train men in military arts

Consulted by the Guardians of Scotland about the succession after Alexander III

Gloucester demands no aid from Parliament be given until the return of the King

Demands Parliament not act against the judiciary until Edward I returns to England

Dismisses judges for corruption & appoints a special commision to investigate

Dismisses judges for corruption & appoints a special commision to investigate

Prevents the creation of new manors by preventing Lords from becoming overlords

Uses the Statute of Quo Warranto to define the franchises of the feudal barons

Gloucesters land is taken by the Crown & held for Joans heirs if Gloucester defaults

Edward expels all Jews, 16,000, & Parliament votes him a substantial grant in aid. 16,000 Jews are banished on a charge of usury, royal protection is withdrawn

Uses the Statute of Quo Warranto to define the franchises of the feudal barons

Edward expels all Jews, 16,000, & Parliament votes him a substantial grant in aid

Scottish nobles make Edward Overlord to avoid civil war & English intervention

Birth of Isabella, daughter of Philip IV of France

Opens Parliament to raise taxes for war in Gascony

Opens Parliament to raise taxes for war in Gascony

Philip pronounces a sentence of forfeiture on Edward I & takes possession of Gascony

Raises enough revenue for 2 armies. Summoned to gain support against Wales, Scotland & France but it refuses extra money

Summoned to gain support against Wales, Scotland & France but it refuses extra money. Parliament is summoned to gain support against Wales, Scotland & France but it refuses extra money

Raises enough revenue for 2 armies

Opens Parliament to rally England against the threat of the French & the Scots

Robert, grandson of the unsuccessful rival claimant to John Balliol, makes peace

Marries Elizabeth the Countess of Holland, widowed daughter of Edward I

Edward II returns to court & is reconcillied with his father

Edward II returns to court & is reconcillied with his father

Death of Walter de Wenlock

Helps secure the exile of Edward IIs favorite Piers Gaveston

The Reform Ordinances are issued by Edward after the Barons threaten civil war. Granted the right to conduct foreign policy. Creates an independent Treasury. Choices of officers of State are granted to the Barons. Abolishes the 1303 customs duties

Surrenders to the Barons after being promised that his life would be safe

Appointed Abbot of Westminster

They are to father the future Robert II & found the Stuart Royal line

Confirms the ordinances & accepts the Earl of Lancaster as Chief Councillor

Excommunicated by Pope John XXII for adultery

Revokes the ordinances

London rebels & Edward II is persued west by the forces of Isabella

London rebels & Edward II is persued west by the forces of Isabella

Joined by Henry, Earl of Lancaster; London rises in support of the Queen, and Edward takes flight to the west, pursued by Mortimer and Isabella

Appointed Member of Council who rule after Edward IIIs forced abdication

Appointed Member of Council who rule after Edward IIIs forced abdication

A group of Bishops take an oath at the Guildhall to support the Queens cause

The Archbishop of Canterbury announces in Westminster hall that Edward II is deposed

Edward II is arrested

Placed under the dual control of a regency Council of Barons led by Henry of Lancaster

Rules under a council dominated by Isabella and Roger Mortimer

Philippa and her retinue arrive in England in December 1327 escorted by her uncle, John of Hainaut. On 23 December she reaches London where a "rousing reception was accorded her"

Isabella remains politically dominant during Edward III's minority

Edward III's claim through his mother Isabella is not accepted in France

English administration prepares to receive Scottish compensation under the treaty

Birth of Edward V

Robert I dies, Edward Is free to support the House of Balliols against the Bruces

Death of Edmund of Woodstock, executed

Implicated in a plot to restore Edward III after & executed

Edward III has Roger Mortimer executed, Isabella retires & joins an order of nuns

Tried before Parliament for usurping royal power & murdering Edward II. Accused of assuming royal power and of various other high misdemeanours, is was condemned without trial and ignominiously hanged

Takes the Government into his own hands & sends out writs summoning a new Parliament

John de St Paul serves in royal administrative circles

John de Stratford serves as chancellor during the Halidon Hill campaign

Death of William de Curltington

Philippa continues as Edward III's queen during the Scottish campaign

Edington serves within the expanding royal administration of Edward III

Robert de Stratford manages royal finance during Edward III's Scottish war

Philippe VI announces that the English invasion of Scotland must stop

Edward Balliol agrees to pay Edward III homage

Invites the Flemings to England who establish a cloth indistry

Raises a scutage to finance a professionally led army not manned by volunteers. Parliament raises taxes to 10th of all "movables" & a 15th of the value of all lands. Abbeys must sell their silver plate & towns must tax their traders & citizens

Appointed Chaplain & Confessor to Edward III

Returns to England after agreeing a truce with France

Invested as Prince of Wales

Appointed Treasurer to Edward III

Appointed Regent after the Capture of David II by the English

Establishes the Knights of the Garter

Appointed Abbot of Westminster

Deems Edward as "patron paramount" of the English Church against control by the Pope

Created Earl of March, 3rd

The daughter of Edward III marries the Earl of Kent

Chaucer serves in royal and aristocratic circles during Edward III's reign

Death of Blanche, of the plague, leaves John of Gaunt the Lancastrian estates

Edward's government prepares to reassert claims as war with France resumes

Marries Philippa, daughter of Edward IIIs son Lionel & inherits the earldom of Ulster

Created Earl of Ulster, 1368-81

Faces a Baronial revolt after 5 years of unpopular hearth tax collection

Faces a Baronial revolt after 5 years of unpopular hearth tax collection

Next in line to the throne after death of fathers wife, the Black Prince & his son

Edmund's marriage brings the Ulster claim into the Mortimer line

Assumes the crown of Leon & Castille by marriage with Constance of Castille

Death of Philippa of Hainault, followed by Edward's decline into premature senility. Had bourne Edward III 12 children, 5 of the 7 sons survived to manhood

Resigns titles in Aquitaine & Gascony which are given to John of Gaunt

Appointed Bishop of London

Appointed Speaker of the House in the Good Parliament, 1st to hold the position

Presides over the "good Parliament", the Treaty of Bruges is renewed for another year

Appointed Speaker of the Commons "to speak" for the Commons in the Good Parliament

Declared heir to the throne

Names Richard II as his successor

Edward III names Richard II as his successor, then aged 10

Tried by the Bishop of London but general street riots put an end to the court session

Stirs up a mob to protest against John of Gaunts behaviour at John Wycliffes trial

Tried by the Bishop of London but general street riots put an end to the court session. John of Gaunt employs 4 doctors of divinity to defend Wycliffe. Ended withou verdict after an arguement between John of Gaunt & the Bishop of London

The trial ends without verdict after a dispute of John of Gaunt & the Bishop of London. Presides over the trial of John Wycliffe for heresy

Stirs up a mob to protest against John of Gaunts behaviour at John Wycliffes trial

Attacks the privileges of the City of London

Londoners riot & attack John of Gaunts Palace of Savoy

Londoners riot & attack John of Gaunts Palace of Savoy

Succeeds as King of England

The introduction of a poll tax for every adult later provokes a peasant rebellion

Graded by rank from 4d to 10 marks

Set at 1 shilling per head, 3x the 1377 level, for the male population

Parliament trebles the rate of Poll tax

Parliament declares that Richard is old enough to rule

Killed by Mayor Walworth while peasant rebels negotiate with Richard II in Mile End

Beheaded by the followers of Jack Straw

Executed by the followers of Jack Cade

Beheaded by the followers of Jack Straw

Negotiates the marriage between Richard II & Anne of Bohemia

Appointed Master of the Scrolls

Tyler then entered the city of London at the head of a peasant army estimated at numbering over 50,000 men. After crossing London Bridge without resistance, the rebels then gained entry to the Tower of London and captured Simon Sudbury, the unpopular Archbishop of Canterbury, before proceeding to behead him

Tries rebels of the Peasants revolt & sentences some of them to death

Killed by the peasants

Had devised the poll tax which provoked rebellion

The revolt is precipitated by the poll tax raised for a war against France. The peasants demand an end to servitude & wish to be able to rent land. Richards council, led by his uncle John of Gaunt, provokes a rebellion. 100.000 from Kent & Essex march on London

Richards council, led by his uncle John of Gaunt, provokes a rebellion. 100.000 men from Essex & Kent march on London

Arrives from Essex at the head of a band of insurgents

The Lord Mayor of London, William Walworth, draws his sword & slashes the unarmed Wat Tyler

The Lord Mayor of London, William Walworth, draws his sword & slashes the unarmed Wat Tyler. The Lord Mayor of London, William Walworth draws his sword slashes the unarmed Wat Tyler. Stabbed by one of the King's esquires, John Cavendish. Death of Wat Tyler

Supports Richard II against Tylers mob in London & is later knighted at Smithfield

Appointed Keeper of the Great Seal, 1st term

Proclaims a general amnesty to rebellious peasants, as suggested by Parliament

Forbids unlicensed preaching. Allows the burning of heretics by the Statute de Heretico Comburendo

Marries Anne of Bohemia, daughter of Charles VI at St Stephens Chapel

Appointed Cardinal by Clement VII, the first Scot to be given the red hat

Appointed Keeper of the Great Seal, 2nd term

Appointed Marshal for England for life

The Government is taken over by the Council of 11 headed by the Gloucester

Impeached on a charge of misappropriation of funds by Thomas of Woodstock

John I of Portugal marries John of Gaunts daughter Philippa

Impeached on a charge of misappropriation of funds by Thomas of Woodstock

Leaves Westminster & sets up a rival Council to the Council of eleven

One of the Lords Appellant who sits on judgement of Richard II

Five Lords meet at Waltham Cross to appeal against Richards tyranny

Helps route the royal favourite, Robert de Vere Eal of Oxford

Accused of treason by the Lords Appellant, opponents of Richard II, & hanged at Tyburn

Accused of treason by the Lords Appellant, opponents of Richard II, & hanged at Tyburn

Appointed Lieutenant of Aquitaine

Henry Bolingbroke enters Parliament to protest against the tyranny of Richard II

One of the 5 appellants in proscribing the King's friends in the Wonderful Parliament

The Merciless Parliament protests against Richards tyranny

1 of 5 Lords who forces Richard II to dismiss or execute some of his court favourites

Accused of treason by the Lords Appellant, opponents of Richard II, & hanged at Tyburn

Birth of John of Bedford, the 3rd son of Henry IV

Agrees to a three year truce with France

At the age of 23 Richard assumes full royal authority & dismisses his protectors

Regains control of the Government

Created Duke of England

Appointed Admiral of England

The Mayor & sheriffs are removed, liberties are restored on payment of 10,000 pounds

Concludes a truce with France

Sent as emissary to arrange Richards marriage with Isabella, daughter of Charles II

Richard II & Charles VI agree peace at the Peace of Paris

Marries Isabella of France, daughter of Charles VI

Appointed Constable after supporting Richard II against the Lords Appellant

Parliament is reduced to a committee of 18. Parliament becomes the "Kings Parliament" as in early days of Edward I

Created Duke of Aumale, 1st

Created Duke of Norfolk, 1st

Supports Richard II against the Duke of Gloucester

Created Duke of Hereford

Rewarded with the Earldom of Westmorland. Defends Richard II before the Lords Appellant

The new Parliament revokes all legislation passed by the "Merciless Parliament"

John of Gaunt dies & Richard confiscates his Lancaster Estate

Exiled by his cousin Richard II to France for 10 years. Accused of treason while trying to warn Richard of Lord Mowbrays treasonable remarks

Henry IV, Bolingbroke, son of John of Gaunt, is banished by Richard II

Accused of treason while trying to warn Richard of Lord Mowbrays treasonable remarks

Appointed Privy Councillor

Richard II declares Henry disinherited from lands left to him by John of Gaunt

Captured by Richard II

Richard II is captured & defeated by Bolingbroke

Parliament accepts Richards abdication & declares Bolingbroke Henry IV

Succeeds as King of England, chosen by Parliament to succeed Richard II

Suppresses the rebellious supporters of Richard II

"De Heretico Comburendo", an Act passed by Parliament to suppress Lollardy

Appointednight of the Garter

Created Duke of York, 2nd

Henry IV does not raise a ransom & Percy decides to change allegiance the Welsh

Parliament opens from January to March

Opens Parliament in order to increase the defence grant

Commands Henry Vs army against the rebels in the North of England

Succeeds as King of England, Son of Henry IV & Mary de Bohun

Appointed Lieutenant of Ireland, 1st term

Leader of the Lolloards plans to kidnap Henry V in Kent but is captured & executed

Death of John Acton, executed

Leader of the Lolloards plans to kidnap Henry V in Kent but is captured & executed

Leader of the Lolloards plans to kidnap Henry V in Kent but is captured & executed

Appointed Regent, during Philip IIs crusade

Created Knight of the Garter

Appointed to rule over England at the head of a council

Birth of Henry VI, son of Henry V & Catherine of Valois

Rules on behalf of Henry VI who is only 9 months old

Succeeds as King of England. His uncle the Duke of Bedford acts as protector of England & Regent in France

Opens the 2nd Parliament of his reign

Appointed Member of Council

Appointed Cardinal

Created Earl Strathearnl, 15th

Parliament forbids anyone close to the sovereign marrying without his permission

Secretly marries Catherine of Valois

Marries Alice daughter of Thomas de Montagu, Earl of Salisbury, & inherits his titles

Permits Joan of arc to be burnt as a witch

Created Earl Caithness, 14th

Executed for assassinating James I. Death of Robert Graham, executed for assassinating James I

Executed for leading a plot which assassinates James I

Executed for assassinating James I

Executed for leading a plot which assassinates James I

Leads a plot to assassinate James I

Leads a plot to assassinate James I

Assumes full power as the King of England, declared to be of age

Appointed Lieutenant of France & Normandy, 2nd term

Negotiates the match between Henry VI & Margaret of Anjou & a 2 year truce

Appointed Lieutenant of Ireland, 2nd term

Succeeds as Queen of England, wife of Henry VI

Marries Margaret of Anjou, daughter of Rene Duke of Anjou

Appointed Lieutenant of France

Withdraws to Caen as the French recapture Anjou, Maine & Normandy

Appointed Privy Councillor

For fraud & mismanaging the war, the King banishes him from England for 5 yrs. Blamed by Parliament for the loss of Maine & Normandy. Accused by Parliament of accepting bribes to release Orleans

For fraud & mismanaging the war, the King banishes him from England for 5 yrs. Blamed by Parliament for the loss of Maine & Normandy. Accused by Parliament of conspiring with France to kill the King & enthrone his son. Accused by Parliament of accepting bribes to release Orleans

Perliament decides Suffolk should stand before Parliament

Henry VI finds Suffolk guilty of non-capital crimes & banishes him for 5 yrs

Henry VI finds Suffolk guilty of non-capital crimes & banishes him for 5 yrs

Henry VI finds Suffolk guilty of non-capital crimes & banishes him for 5 yrs

Tries Suffolk with consulting Parliament. Henry VI finds Suffolk guilty of non-capital crimes & banishes him for 5 yrs

Henry VI finds Suffolk guilty of non-capital crimes & banishes him for 5 yrs

Henry VI finds Suffolk guilty of non-capital crimes & banishes him for 5 yrs

The siege forces Henry VI to send out his emissaries to negotiate with the rebels

Cades forces enter London & Henry VIs adviser Lord Say is executed

The rebels are dispersed after a general amnesty. The rebellion collapses after a Royal Pardon is granted for the rebels. Defeated at London Bridge due to the rebels indiscipline. Cade calls for the appointment of the Duke of York in Government. 3000 rebels are dispersed after a general amnesty. 3,000 are dispersed as Cade calls for inclusion of the Duke of York in Government

Cade is mortally wounded resisting capture at Heathfield

Created Earl of Warrene & Surrey

Makes a temporary peace with Richard 3rd Duke of York at Blackheath

Killed in battle at Castillion

Appointed Protector of the Realm during King Henry VIs illness

Invested as the Prince of Wales

Appointed Protector during Henry VIs illness

Dismissed from power by the Queen & Edmund Beaufort the 2nd Duke of Somerset

Birth of Henry VII, son of Edmund born after his death

Henry VI again dimisses Richard from office

Birth of Henry VII, son of Margaret Beaufort

Appointed Mayor of London, grandfather of Anne Boleyn

Appointed Heir apparent & Protector by Parliament

Appointed Heir apparent & Protector by Parliament

Appointed Heir apparent & Protector by Parliament

Appointed Heir apparent & Protector by Parliament

Warwick besieges London & forces the Lancastrians to retreat to the Tower of London

Henry VI will retain the crown for his lifetime but then York & his heirs will succeed

Appointed Chief Butler of England

Exiled for supporting Henry VI after the accession of Edward IV

Heps successfully besiege the Tower of London for Edward of York, he was part of the latters triumphal entry into London and was elected a Knight of the Garter a few days after

Elected Knight of the Garter. Created Duke of Gloucester on the eve of Edward IVs, his brother, coronation

Appointed Steward of England

Defeated intercepting Queen Margarets troops advancing towards London

Against good advice decides not to take London & marches his Army north instead

Organises a parade in St Johns Fields where the newly crowned King is acclaimed

Organises a parade in St Johns Fields where the newly crowned King is acclaimed

Despatched by Edward to raise forces from the western Midlands

Death of John de Vere, executed

Executed for plotting to assassinate Edward IV

Splits the Yorkist Party & provoking a 2nd War of the Roses. Marries Elizabeth Wydville

Birth of Elizabeth of York, daughter of Edward IV of England & Elizabeth Woodville

Birth of Mary, 2nd daughter

Appointed Treasurer

Appointed Constable of England

Captured by Archbishop George Neville of York, the Earl of Warwicks brother

Birth of Ciceley, 3rd daughter

Appointed Constable of England after the restoration of Edward IV

Warwick cannot keep order, the rebels make peace & Edward returns to London

Edward IV falls into Warwick's custody, temporarily weakening his control of the kingdom.

Surrenders to the Earl of Warwick

Escapes from the captivity of Archbishop George Neville of York

Forced by growing disorder to accompany Edward IV to London to claim his throne back

Appointed Constable of England

The daughter of Richard Neville, "the King maker" marries Edward son of Henry VI

Restored the throne by Richard Neville, "the King maker"

Warwick & Clarence free Henry VI

Birth of Edward IV, sanctuary in Westminster to Elizabeth Woodville & Edward IV

Birth of Edward V, eldest son of Edward IV

Abdicates for a 2nd time

Imprisoned for 2 months after the return of Edward IV from Flanders

Rewarded with the Earl of Warwicks lands by Edward IV

Appointed Warden of the West Marches

Sets sail from The Netherlands to reclaim his throne

Marches Yorkists on London while Warwick is in Coventry

Edward & his brothers enter London & capture Henry VI

Edward IV is restored to the throne

Edward IV has George Neville the Archbishop of York arrested

Death of Edmund Beaufort, beheaded by the Yorkists

Beheaded by the Yorkists

Murdered in the Tower of London, found dead in the oratory

Murdered in the Tower of London, found dead in the oratory

Edward IV is deposed

Appointed Archbishop of St Andrews, 1st Archbishop of St Andrews

Marries Richard 3rd Duke of Gloucester, the future Richard III, Anne becomes Duchess of Gloucester

Marries Richard 3rd Duke of Gloucester, the future Richard III, Anne becomes Duchess of Gloucester

Death of Edward IV

Marries Anne Neville, younger daughter of Warwick & widow of Edward Prince of Wales

Birth of Edward, by theDuchess of Gloucester

Louis XI backs the Earl of Oxfords invasion of England

Birth of Edward IV, 2nd son the future Duke of York

Edwards Army leaves France for England

Birth of a 5th daughter

Sets up the first English printing press in Westminster using Gothic letters

Forbidden by Edward IV to marry Mary of Burgundy

Tried for treason & attainted by Parliament

Tried for treason & attainted by Parliament

Appointed Archbishop of St Andrews

Parliament bans football in order to keep up the standard of archery

Convicted by Parliament for High Treason

Convicted by Parliament for High Treason

Taken to London after his fathers death by Richard of Gloucester. Edward is kept for the rest of his life in the Tower of London

Appointed Earl Marshal of England

Marries Richard III

Marries Anne Nevill

Edward IV dies; Edward V is deposed and the two young princes later disappear from public view.

Appointed Protector for his nephew Edward V

Edward IV names Richard as the Protector for his son Edward V. Death of Edward IV, from a chill caught during a fishing trip

Edward IV names Richard as the Protector for his son Edward V

Appointed Protector over the 12 year old Edward V by the late Edward IV

Richard travels to Stratford & returns with the heir, Edward Prince of Wales

At Buckinghams suggestion Edward is kept in the Tower

Richard III enters London with Edward V for his coronation

Richard III enters London with Edward V for his coronation

Opens Parliament with a speech supporting Richard IIIs confirmation as Protector

Has Rotherham arrested for treason during a meeting of the Council at the Tower. Has Hastings executed for treason during a meeting of the Council at the Tower

Has Hastings executed for treason during a meeting of the Council at the Tower

Has Rotherham arrested for treason during a meeting of the Council at the Tower. Has Hastings executed for treason during a meeting of the Council at the Tower

Forces Elizabeth Woodville to surrender the Duke of York

Parliament deposes Edward V

The Lords & Commons assemble in Parliament & ratify the Protectorate

Parliament declares Edward IV's marriage to Elizabeth invalid. Elizabeth's children are made illegitimate

Elizabeth of York becomes increasingly important to rival dynastic plans after her brothers are declared illegitimate.

Richard's niece Anne de la Pole marries James III's son. A 3-year truce is agreed

Anne de la Pole's planned marriage into the Scottish royal family supports a temporary Anglo-Scottish settlement.

A 3-year truce follows the marriage of Richard's niece Anne de la Pole & James III's son

A 3-year truce follows the marriage of Richard's niece Anne de la Pole & James III's son

Parliament attaints selected supporters of Richard III, allowing the new crown to punish resistance and recover property.

Appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer

Joins forces with Henry Tudor submitting 500 of Lord Shrewsburys retainers

Marches through Cardiff, Shrewsbury, Stafford, Lichfield & Tamworth before Bosworth. Invades England with troops supplied by the Duke of Brittany

Allows Henry Tudor passage across north Wales

Appointed Keeper of the Privy Seal

Henry enters London as the victorious new king and begins establishing the machinery of Tudor government.

Queen Anne & his only legitimate son Edward the Prince of Wales die. Declares his nephew John de la Pole as heir presumptive

Appointed Treasurer of the Household

Henry establishes the Yeomen of the Guard as a permanent personal bodyguard following his seizure of the crown.

Sets sail from Harfleur with Henry Tudor

Sets sail from Harfleur with Henry Tudor

Henry dates his reign from 21 August, enabling the crown to treat men fighting for Richard III at Bosworth as traitors.

The lower house has 296 members representng 37 counties & 111 boroughs

The opening day of the new Parliament

Henry's first Parliament repeals Titulus Regius, removing the statute that had declared Edward IV's children illegitimate.

The right of sanctuary is restricted & later removed by Henry VIII

Taken from the Tower of London to marry Henry VII. Parliament itself, on behalf of the people, petitions Henry VII to carry out his promise to marry Elizabeth of York. Marries Henry VII, unites the Houses of Lancaster & York and unites rival Lancastrian & Yorkist factions. Honours a promise made to the Yorkists who defected from Richard III

Unites the Houses of Lancaster & York. Marries Elizabeth of York, daughter of Edward IV

Appoints a new Chancellor, Bishop Morton of Ely, later Archbishop of Canterbury

John Morton becomes one of Henry VII's most influential councillors and later serves as Archbishop of Canterbury.

Interest in the marriage between Catherine of Aragon, aged 1, & Arthur 1st takes place

Interest in the marriage between Catherine of Aragon & Arthur 1st takes place

Legislation strengthens the king's council in dealing with public disorder and powerful offenders.

English and Spanish diplomacy advances plans to marry Prince Arthur to Catherine of Aragon and bind the dynasties together.

Hopes for "ties of blood" between England & Spain. Congratulates Ferdinand II on his success against the Moors

Parliament grants taxation to finance English intervention in Brittany against France.

Princess Margaret Tudor, Henry VII's eldest surviving daughter, is born.

Henry VII's second surviving son, the future Henry VIII, is born at Greenwich.

A truce is signed between England & Scotland, a 5 yr peace

Appointed Archbishop of Glasgow

Appointed Lieutenant General of Ireland

Appointed Marshal of England

Appointed Master of the Rolls

Appointed Warden of the Cinque Ports

Sir William Stanley is arrested after evidence links the powerful courtier with support for Perkin Warbeck's claim.

The Council Learned develops as a mechanism for enforcing the king's feudal rights and strengthening Crown revenue.

William Stanley is executed for treason, showing Henry's willingness to act against former allies who threatened the succession.

Claims to be the 2nd of Edward IVs sons murdered in the Tower

Negotiations for the actual betrothal of Catherine of Aragon to Prince Arthur begin

Henry VII grants John Cabot and his sons authority to seek unknown lands under the English flag.

Death of Thomas Flamank, executed

A rebel Cornish leader executed after being captured at the Battle of Blackheath

Audley is taken prisoner, brought before the King and council on 19 Jun and condemned

Michael An Gof and Thomas Flamank are executed after the defeat of the Cornish rebellion.

Death of James Touchet, executed

Negotiations advance for Princess Margaret Tudor to marry James IV of Scotland, strengthening a dynastic route to peace.

Ordained as a Priest

Has Baynards Castle rebuilt for state occassions

Goes through a 2nd marriage ceremony with Catherine

Birth of Anne Boleyn, daughter of Thomas Boleyn, Earl of Wiltshire & Ormonde

Appointedhaplain to Archbishop Henry Deane

Henry's court stages elaborate celebrations and tournaments in London for the marriage of Arthur and Catherine of Aragon.

Marries Catherine of Aragon

Marries Prince Arthur at St Pauls Cathedral

Appointed Keeper of the Seals

Asserts that her marriage with Prince Arthur in 1501 was never consumated

Becomes the Princess Dowager of Wales

Death of Prince Arthur, Henry becomes heir to the throne

Prince Arthur dies & Henry becomes heir to the throne

James Tyrrell is executed for treason during Henry's reign and is later associated with claims about the Princes in the Tower.

Appointed Bishop of London

Escorts Margaret on her way to Scotland to marry James IV

Birth of Catherine, dies giving birth to Catherine

Death of Elizabeth of York, Henry VIIs wife, dies giving birth to Catherine

Queen Elizabeth of York dies following childbirth, leaving Henry VII a widower.

The marriage contract to the future Henry VIII is concluded

Papal dispensation is granted from Pope Julius II for Henry & Catherine to marry

A new silver shilling carries a more realistic profile of Henry VII, marking an important development in English royal coinage.

Henry's final Parliament strengthens restrictions on noble livery and maintenance, reinforcing royal control over private followings.

Henry VII's final Parliament strengthens restrictions on unlawful retaining by noble households.

Richard Empson becomes increasingly prominent in enforcing the king's financial and feudal rights during the later reign.

The planned marriage between Prince Henry and Catherine of Aragon is postponed amid disagreement over the unpaid Spanish dowry.

Henry VII secures custody of Yorkist claimant Edmund de la Pole after negotiations with Philip of Burgundy.

Appointedoyal Chaplain to Henry VII

Thomas Wolsey enters Henry VII's royal service as a chaplain, beginning his rise within Tudor government.

Sentenced to death for treason for plotting against Henry VIII

Sentenced to death for treason for plotting against Henry VIII

Appointed Almoner to Henry VIII

Appointed Bencher at Lincolns Inn

Appointed Doctor to Henry VIII

Appointed Privy Councillor

Sentenced to death for for treason but acquitted

Sentenced to death for for treason but acquitted

Succeeds as King of England after the death of Henry VII.

Richard Empson & Edmund Dudley are scapegoats for Henry VIIs ministers extortion

Special assizes to redress grievances are abolished

Appointed Member of Council

Informs Ferdinand that Queen Catherine is pregnant

Appointedl Marshal

Appointed Registrar of the Order of the Garter

Catherine & Henry VIIIs 1st child is prematurely stillborn

Parliament opens for the 1st time during Henrys reign. Opens Parliament, 21 Jaunuary-21 February

Birth of a stillborn daughter

Parliament grants Henry VIII subsidies, tonnage, poundage & wool duties for life

Henry VIIIs 1st Parliament closes

Catherine gives birth to her 1st child but it is born dead

Death of Richard Empson, executed

Executed for "constructive treason". A useful scapegoat for Government financial irregularities

Executed for "constructive treason" & preventing the King removing him from power

Executed for "constructive treason"

Executed for "constructive treason" & preventing the King removing him from power

Appointed Privy Councillor

Sets up a royal armory at Greenwich Palace

Birth of a son who lives just 2 months

Birth of Henry of Richmond, son of Henry VIII

Henry, Duke of Cornwall, the first surviving child of Catherine and Henry, dies after seven weeks.

Act passed ordering wages to be paid in money for the production of woollen cloth

An Act attempts to maintane standards in pulling wollen yarn. Act passed ordering wages to be paid in money for the production of woollen cloth

An Act attempts to maintane standards in pulling wollen yarn. Act passed ordering wages to be paid in money for the production of woollen cloth

Opening of Henry VIIIs 2nd Parliament

Gives birth to a son who dies at birth

Ordered by Surrey to patrol the English border with Scotland with 200 mounted archers

Catherines 3rd pregnancy ends in miscarriage

Catherine's 3rd pregnancy ends in miscarriage

Appointed Regent during the minority of James V, age 2

Appointed Captain General of the home forces while Henry VIII is fighting in France

Appointed Governor of the Realm, while Henry VIII is fighting in France

Suffers from smallpox

Sends letters to Margaret of Austria about Marys wedding to the Prince of Castille. Offers his sister Mary as a bride to Louis XII

Marries Louis XII, daughter of Henry VII & Elizabeth

Charters trinity House in Deptford, site of the new Royal naval dockyard

Sends letters to Margaret of Austria about Marys wedding to the Prince of Castille

Henry VIIIs 2nd Parliament closes

Pope Leo X sends an envoy to Henry to ask him to make peace with France

Louis proposes peace & signs a contract to marry Henrys sister Princess Mary

France & England are officially at peace after a peace Treaty is signed

Reports the Anglo-French peace to the Pope

Leaves London to join her new husband Louis XII in France

Birth of a stillborn son

Gives birth to a son who lives for just a few days

An Act fixes wages for labourers & artifisans. An Act fixes hours for labourers & artificers. An Act converts pasture land to arable use & the rebuilding of decayed houses

Thomas Cromwell marries Elizabeth Wyckes

Thomas Cromwell marries Elizabeth Wyckes

Under the terms of James IVs will is forced to give up the regency. Marries the 6th Earl of Angus, her councillor

An Act fixes wages for labourers & artifisans. An Act fixes hours for labourers & artificers. An Act converts pasture land to arable use & the rebuilding of decayed houses

Opening of Henry VIIIs 3rd Parliament

Elected Cardinal, "Saint Cecilia beyond Tiber of the Holy Church of Rome"

Henry VIIIs 3rd Parliament closes

Gives birth to the future Queen Mary I

Appointed Reader at Lincolns Inn

Mary is recognized as Henry VIII's surviving legitimate child

Birth of Mary I, daughter of Henry VIII & Catherine of Aragon

Delivers his policy for law enforcement before the Council

Henry travels regularly to stay ahead of the plague

Suffers from 2 miscarriages

Appointed Papal Legate in England, a post renewed annually & made permanent in 1524

Conducts negotiations with French representatives that combine a general peace project with a closer Anglo-French settlement.

Grants a Charter to establish the Royal College of Physicians

Encourages other European rulers to accede to the Anglo-French agreement and transform it into a wider peace league.

Uses the universal peace project to increase England's diplomatic influence between France, Spain, the Empire and the papacy.

Adapts the papal call for a European truce into a broader diplomatic plan for lasting peace among Christian powers.

Agrees terms for Tournai to return to French control in return for substantial financial payments.

Takes part in the diplomacy that produces the Anglo-French Treaty of Universal Peace.

Accepts the principle that treaty members should combine against a power that breaks the universal peace.

Promotes provisions requiring signatories to assist any member attacked by another contracting power.

Secures provisions requiring the other signatories to oppose a state that attacks another member of the peace league.

Receives authority from Henry VIII to negotiate and conclude the Anglo-French peace settlement in London.

Includes deadlines intended to bring princes and other participating powers formally into the wider peace agreement.

Designs the Treaty of Universal Peace and places England at the centre of a proposed European collective-security system.

Approves the Anglo-French Treaty of Universal Peace, intended to form a wider European non-aggression and collective-security league.

Approves the Anglo-French treaty that becomes the foundation of Wolsey's wider European peace league.

Designs the Treaty of Universal Peace as a defensive European league intended to discourage aggression between Christian powers.

A "Treaty of Universal & Perpetual Peace" is signed by England, France & the Papacy

A "Treaty of Universal & Perpetual Peace" is signed by England, France & the Papacy

Is betrothed by treaty to the infant French Dauphin Francis as part of the wider Anglo-French settlement.

Approves the separate marriage agreement betrothing Princess Mary to the infant French Dauphin Francis.

Mary's proposed marriage to the French dauphin is used to support Anglo French peace

Agrees in principle to a future personal meeting with Francis I to reinforce the new Anglo-French friendship.

Begins preparing a theological answer to Martin Luther that becomes the basis of the Defence of the Seven Sacraments.

The powers of jurisdiction of the Council & tribunals are given to the Star Chamber

Wolsey purges the Privy Council of his rivals

The powers of jurisdiction of the Council & tribunals are given to the Star Chamber. Delivers his policy for law enforcement before the Council

Appointed Guardian of the Kingdom

Discussions begin about marrying Princess Mary to her cousin Emperor Charles V

Francis I appoints Wolsey as his procter to arrange his meeting with Henry VIII

Arrives in Ardes near Calais to inform Francis I of Henry VIIIs arrival

Holds mass with the French Cardinal de Bourbon prior to the Field of the Cloth of Gold

Meets Francis I, the Feast of Corpus Christi

Says farewell to Francis I

Publishes the Assertio Septem Sacramentorum, defending the seven sacraments against Luther.

Orders the preparation of 6,000 archers for war

Henry VIII begins using Defender of the Faith as part of his royal style.

Wolsey has Buckingham arrested for "compassing" the death of Henry VIII

Wolsey has Buckingham arrested for "compassing" the death of Henry VIII

Presides at the trial of Buckingham

A bill of attainder against Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, proceeds before his execution for treason.

Condemned to death for treason

Stafford is found guilty & condemned to death for treason

Condemned to death for treason

Stafford is found guilty & condemned to death for treason

Death of Edward Stafford, executed

Executed under a trumped up charge of disloyalty to Henry VIII

The title of Buckingham is made forfeit. Execution of Edward Stafford the Duke of Buckingham for high treason

Execution of Edward Stafford the Duke of Buckingham for high treason

1st session to negotiate peace with the French

Henry VIII accepts plans for a major war with France in alliance with Charles V.

Vetoes a plan by Wolsey to attack French ports as too wrisky

Proposes a plan to attack French ports but this is vetoed by Henry VIII

Negotiates the marriage of Princess Mary, later Mary I, to Charles V

Appointed Maid of Honor to Catherine of Aragon

Mary meets Charles V during his visit to England

Mary is betrothed to Emperor Charles V as part of Tudor Habsburg diplomacy

England coordinates with Imperial and Bourbon interests against Francis I.

An Act of Attainder is passed against the Edward, Duke of Buckingham

Thomas More answers Luther in defence of Henry VIII's title and anti-Lutheran position.

Worsteds woven in Norwich must be dyed anywhere except Norwich

Henry VIII prepares for the fuller invasion of France promised under the Anglo-Imperial alliance.

Opening of Henry VIIIs 4th Parliament

Henry VIIIs 4th Parliament closes

Henry VIII and Wolsey continue planning a renewed invasion of France with Imperial support.

Appointed Papal Legate, for life

Appointed Treasurer of the Chamber

The cost of the Great Enterprise forces Wolsey to seek new ways of funding war with France.

Henry VIII and Wolsey revive the Great Enterprise after the French defeat at Pavia.

Henry VIII and Wolsey consider schemes to partition France after the capture of Francis I at Pavia.

Wolsey attempts to raise a forced loan to fund Henry VIII's planned war against France.

Wolsey promotes the Amicable Grant to raise money for Henry VIII's revived Great Enterprise.

Wolsey proposes the Amicable Grant as a forced loan to finance Henry VIII's planned war against France.

Wolsey presses the Amicable Grant as the fiscal basis for the planned French campaign.

Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, stands among the senior military nobles available for a renewed French campaign.

Henry VIII orders renewed planning for the Great Enterprise after the French defeat at Pavia.

Thomas Howard is available as a senior noble commander while Henry VIII and Wolsey consider a renewed invasion of France.

Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, remains one of Henry VIII's principal military magnates during the French war planning.

Wolsey prepares diplomatic and financial measures for Henry VIII's proposed invasion of France.

The government seeks money without parliamentary grant, increasing resentment against Wolsey's fiscal policy.

The Amicable Grant is promoted to fund a planned invasion of France after the capture of Francis I.

The Amicable Grant is promoted to finance Henry VIII's proposed invasion of France.

The Amicable Grant is raised to finance Henry VIII's planned invasion of France.

The Amicable Grant is raised to invade France, 6th of laity & 3rd of clergy income. Commissioners are appointed to collect the Amicable Grant

The Amicable Grant seeks heavy payments from laity and clergy to finance Henry VIII's French war plans.

Henry renounces the Amicable Grant

The Great Enterprise is abandoned after resistance to the Amicable Grant makes the proposed invasion unaffordable.

Henry VIII abandons the proposed invasion after the Amicable Grant fails to produce the necessary war finance.

The failure of the Amicable Grant damages Wolsey's authority and exposes limits on extra-parliamentary taxation.

Henry VIII abandons the Amicable Grant after widespread opposition makes collection impossible.

Henry VIII abandons the Amicable Grant after widespread resistance and the danger of rebellion.

England, the Pope, France, Venice, Milan & Florence form an anti-Habsburg League

Catherine & Henry cease to co-habit

Becomes "protector" of the Holy League of Cognac against Charles V

Stripped of office & wealth, which is taken into the King's hands, & imprisoned

Appointed Fellow of Corpus Christi College Cambridge

Mary is considered in renewed French marriage diplomacy

Henry VIII seeks an annulment from Catherine of Aragon, beginning the crisis that leads to the break with Rome.

Spring, has 1st doubts about his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. Beginning of "the King's Great Matter"

Concludes a Treaty with Francis I

Henry informs Catherine they must separate & he has asked the Pope for an annulment. The Pope is under arrest by Catherine's uncle Charles V & does not grant an annulment

Receives an embassy from Paris to discuss a "Treaty of Eternal Peace"

Arrangements are made for Princess Mary to marry Henry, Duke of Orleans

Asks the Pope for an annulment

An ecclesiastical court hears Henrys requests for an annulment

Wolsey & Warham convene an ecclesiastical court to examine the King's marriage. An ecclesiastical court hears Henry's requests for an annulment

Henry informs Catherine they must separate & he has asked the Pope for an annulment

Earlier plans for Mary's French marriage lapse as Henry VIII pursues annulment

Conveys the King's "moral" scruples to Parliament concerning his marriage with Catherine, and makes himself the instrument of the King in the attack upon the clergy and the preparation of the Act of Supremacy

Has Wolsey arrested & sent to the Tower but he dies en route at Leicester Abbey

Convicted of praemunire & exercising the powers of a papal legate

Speaker of the House of Commons in the "Black Parliament"

Dies en route to the Tower at Leicester Abbey

Has Wolsey dismissed

Dismissed for failing to secure Henrys divorce from Catherine

Conveys the King's "moral" scruples to Parliament concerning his marriage with Catherine, and makes himself the instrument of the King in the attack upon the clergy and the preparation of the Act of Supremacy

The "Long Parliament" of Henrys reign begins its series of encroachments on the Church, Fisher, as a member of the upper house, warns Parliament that such acts could only end in the utter destruction of the Church in England

Appointed Maid to Queen Catherine. Appears at Court for the 1st time when appointed as a maid to Queen Catherine

Pope Clement VII is a prisoner of Catherine's nephew Emperor Charles. Despite a hearing presided over by Wolsey & Campeggio the Pope denies the annulment

Speaker of the House of Commons in the "Black Parliament". Presides over the Reformation Parliament, which abolishes the papal jurisdiction. Conveys the King's "moral" scruples to Parliament concerning his marriage with Catherine, and makes himself the instrument of the King in the attack upon the clergy and the preparation of the Act of Supremacy

Presides over the Reformation Parliament, which abolishes the papal jurisdiction

Presides over the Reformation Parliament, which abolishes the papal jurisdiction

Appointed Member of Henry VIIIs "think tank"

Appointed Member of Henry VIIIs "think tank"

Appointed Member of Henry VIIIs "think tank"

A tribunal opens to deliberate over the divorce of King Henry from Catherine of Aragon

Henry VIII's annulment proceedings threaten Mary's dynastic position

Swears Arthur had not consummated their marriage & was a virgin when she married Henry. Appears at the divorce tribunal

Swears Arthur had not consummated their marriage & was a virgin when she married Henry

Tells the tribunal it cannot preside over the divorce, it should be heard by the Pope

Startles his hearers by the directness of his language and most of all by declaring that, like St. John the Baptist, he was ready to die on behalf of the indissolubility of marriage. Appears at the divorce tribunal on Catherines behalf, she refuses to attend

Attends the divorce tribunal on final day but papal legates refer the divorce to Rome

Fails to persuade Pope Clement VII to grant Henry a divorce from Catherine of Aragon. Charged with treason & dismissed, he dies before his trial

Charged with treason & dismissed, he dies before his trial

Replaces Thomas Wolsey as Lord Chancellor, 1st layman to hold this office

Henry VIII appoints Thomas More Chancellor to unite his Council

Opening of the Reformation Parliament. Opening of Henry VIIIs 5th Parliament

The Reformation Parliament opens and becomes the legislative engine of Henry VIII's break with Rome.

Opening of the Reformation Parliament

Parliament meets to begin a programme of Church reform that lasts until 1536

Parliament meets to begin a programme of Church reform that lasts until 1536

Attacks Wolsey in the House of Lords for arrogance & misrule

Attacked in the House of Lords by John Palsgrave for arrogance & misrule

Royal scholars compile arguments claiming that English kings hold imperial authority within their own realm.

Foxe & Cranmer justify the usurpation of papal jurisdiction. Foxe & Cranmer justify the supremacy of the sovereign

An act fixes the fee for apprenticeship to 2s 6d maximum

Cranmer & Foxe draft the "Collectanea" justifying Henry VIIIs divorce from Catherine

Informs Julius II, approval to marry his brothers widow was against natural law. Cranmer & Foxe draft the "Collectanea" justifying Henry VIII's divorce from Catherine

Cranmer & Foxe draft the "Collectanea" justifying Henry VIIIs divorce from Catherine

An act fixes the fee for apprenticeship to 2s 6d maximum

Gains favour among supporters of evangelical reform.

Given the task by Henry VIII to present the divorce in both House of Parliament

Apppointed Serjeant-at-law and King's Serjeant

Preaches before Henry VIII and gains royal notice.

Revives the Commons anticlerical grievance procedures of 1529

The Convocation of clergy agree to pay extra taxation

The Convocation of clergy agree to pay extra taxation

The clergy accept a heavy fine after being charged with praemunire for recognising Wolsey's legatine authority.

Convocation recognises Henry VIII as supreme head of the English Church so far as the law of Christ allows.

Supporter of Catherine in the Lower House of Convocation. Indicted for praemunire by Cromwell

Supporter of Catherine in the Lower House of Convocation

Supporter of Catherine in the Lower House of Convocation. Indicted for praemunire by Cromwell

Supporter of Catherine in the House of Convocation, indicted for praemunire

Supporter of Catherine in the House of Convocation, indicted for praemutire

Mary is separated from Catherine of Aragon as Henry pressures the royal household

Henry renews the Anglo-French alliance

Henry renews the Anglo-French alliance

Parliament begins restricting payments of annates to Rome as pressure increases on the papacy.

Arranges a marriage with France to a relative of Clement VII to bargain with the Pope

Act in Restraint of Annates, newly appointed Bishops make payments to the crown

The Act of Appeals is passed, the King must exercise authority through Parliament

The Act of Appeals is passed, the King must exercise authority through Parliament. The Act of Appeals is passed, the King is to exercise authority through Parliament. Passes legislation which enables the break with papal authority

Succeeds Sir Thomas More as Lord Keeper of the Great Seal

Attacks clerical corruption in sermons.

The Act of Appeals is passed, the King must exercise authority through Parliament

The offspring of Anne & Henry become heirs to the throne. Men of prominence are required to swear loyalty to Royal supremacy. Mary is made illegitimate. It becomes treasonable to declare the King a heretic or usurper

Mary refuses pressure to accept Anne Boleyn as queen

The Commons present grievances against ecclesiastical courts and clerical lawmaking to Henry VIII.

Thomas Cromwell prevents the Convocation of the Clergy

Prevents the Convocation of the Clergy without the permission of the King

The clergy submit their lawmaking authority to the Crown and agree not to enact canons without royal licence.

Thomas More resigns as Lord Chancellor after refusing to support Henry VIII's break with Rome.

Thomas More resigns as Lord Chancellor after the Submission of the Clergy.

Resigns the day after the convocation of the clergy seeking Royal consent for policies

Becomes pregnant with Henry VIIIs child after a visit to Calais to meet Francis I

Associates with reformers around Anne Boleyn's court.

Mary is placed in the Household of the infant Elizabeth I

The Act in Restraint of Appeals, ends appeals to Rome

The Act in Restraint of Appeals, ends appeals to Rome

Marries Henry VIII & Anne Boleyn

No longer heir presumptive after the birth of Elizabeth I

Anne Boleyn's pregnancy gives urgency to Henry VIII's attempt to secure recognition of the marriage.

Marries Henry VIII, secret wedding while pregnant with the future Elizabeth I

Henry VIII marries Anne Boleyn in a secret ceremony while his marriage to Catherine of Aragon is still disputed.

Marries Anne Boleyn in secret

The Act gives final authority in matrimonial and ecclesiastical causes to courts within the king's realm.

The Act in Restraint of Appeals declares England an empire and forbids appeals from English courts to Rome.

The marriage between Anne & Henry is declared valid by Parliament & the Church

Anne Boleyn processes from the Tower toward Westminster before her coronation.

Thomas More refuses to attend the coronation of Anne Boleyn as Queen of England.

Mary's status is reduced after Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine is declared invalid

Mary is no longer heir presumptive after the birth of Elizabeth

Christened & confirmed in a single ceremony at Greenwich in the Friars Church

Marries Mary Howard, the marriage is never consummated

Marries Henry Fitzroy, illegitimate son of Henry VIII, never consummated

An Act of Parliament is passed making the marriage to Henry VIII "utterly dissolved"

The Treason Act is passed. The 2nd Act of Annates, financial links with Rome are severed. Act for Payment of First Fruits, increases clerical taxation

An Act of Parliament is passed making the marriage to Henry VIII "utterly dissolved"

The Treason Act is passed. The 2nd Act of Annates, financial links with Rome are severed. Act for Payment of First Fruits, increases clerical taxation

Supports the royal supremacy over the English church.

An act of Parliament reinstates the succession of the daughters of Henry VIII

The Succession Act recognises Anne Boleyn as Henry's lawful wife and her children as legitimate heirs.

The Treason Act is passed

Indicted under the Acts of Supremacy & Treason

Indicted under the Acts of Supremacy & Treason

The Pope declares that Henry's marriage to Catherine is valid

The Appointment of Bishops Act transfers control of episcopal appointments from papal provision to royal procedures.

Parliament ends Peter's Pence and other payments formerly made from England to Rome.

Parliament confirms the Submission of the Clergy and limits independent ecclesiastical legislation.

Parliament gives statutory force to Henry VIII's new dynastic settlement after the break with Catherine of Aragon.

Princess Elizabeth is recognised as heir presumptive after the birth of Anne Boleyn's daughter.

Princess Mary is excluded from the succession after the annulment of Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

The Act declares Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon invalid for purposes of the royal succession.

The Act excludes Mary from the succession and recognises Elizabeth as heir presumptive.

The First Succession Act gives statutory force to Henry VIII's marriage settlement and succession through Anne Boleyn.

The First Succession Act receives royal assent, settling the succession on the children of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.

The First Succession Act recognises Anne Boleyn as Henry VIII's lawful wife and her children as legitimate heirs.

Parliament attaints Elizabeth Barton and her supporters after her prophecies against Henry VIII's marriage policy.

Appointed Master of the Jewels to Henry VIII

Appointed Principle Secretary to Henry VIII

Thomas More is arrested after refusing to swear the oath required by the succession settlement.

Parliament recognises Henry VIII as Supreme Head on earth of the Church of England.

The Act of Supremacy makes Henry VIII Supreme Head of the Church of England, changing the political meaning of Defender of the Faith.

The Act of Supremacy recognises Henry VIII as Supreme Head on earth of the Church of England.

The royal supremacy gives the English Crown jurisdiction over the national church.

The First Fruits and Tenths Act diverts clerical revenues formerly linked to Rome to the English Crown.

Refusal to swear the succession oath becomes a grave political and religious offence.

Refusal to swear the succession oath is treated as treason against the king's authority.

The Act requires recognition of Anne Boleyn as Henry VIII's lawful wife and of her children as legitimate heirs.

The Oath to the Succession Act receives royal assent, requiring subjects to swear to the succession settlement.

The Oath to the Succession Act requires subjects to swear obedience to Henry VIII's succession settlement.

The Oath to the Succession Act requires subjects to swear to Henry VIII's succession settlement.

The Treasons Act receives royal assent and makes malicious denial of Henry VIII's supremacy punishable as high treason.

The Act makes it treason to deny maliciously the king's royal supremacy and lawful titles.

The Act makes resistance to the royal supremacy and succession settlement punishable as high treason.

The Treasons Act makes malicious denial of the king's royal supremacy and titles punishable as high treason.

The Treasons Act receives royal assent and creates new statutory offences of high treason.

The Treasons Act receives royal assent, reinforcing the succession settlement by criminalising opposition to Henry's authority.

Appointed Chaplain to Anne Boleyn

The valor ecclesiasticus book is drawn up by Cromwell containing wealth of the Church

Henry VIII commutes Fishers sentence of treason to beheading. Commutes Mores sentence of treason to beheading & permits Mores family to attend

Henry VIII commutes Mores sentence to beheading & permits Mores family to attend

Anne Boleyn remains queen while opposition to the royal marriage and succession settlement is punished.

More had not expressly denied the royal supremacy but refuses to assent to it

Henry VIII commutes Fishers sentence of treason to beheading. Commutes Mores sentence of treason to beheading & permits Mores family to attend

Sanctuary is removed from persons accused of high treason under the expanded Tudor treason law.

The Act makes hostile speech against the king's title, marriage and succession punishable as high treason.

Supports the King's divorce from Catherine and the marriage with Anne Boleyn and presideds at the trial of Fisher and More

More had not expressly denied the royal supremacy but refuses to assent to it

The Crown surveys ecclesiastical wealth in England and Wales to assess church revenues under royal control.

Thomas Cromwell becomes the king's chief minister for enforcing royal supremacy over the Church.

The Treason Act comes into force

The Treason Act comes into force

The Treason Act comes into force

The Treasons Act comes into force and gives legal force to penalties against opponents of royal supremacy.

The Treasons Act comes into force, increasing the danger for those who reject the king's supremacy.

The Treasons Act comes into force, strengthening the legal penalties for opposition to royal supremacy.

Thomas More is indicted for high treason under the legislation enforcing royal supremacy.

Henry VIII commutes Thomas More's sentence from hanging, drawing and quartering to beheading.

Sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered (the usual punishment for traitors) but the King commutes this to execution by beheading

Indicted of High Treason at Westminster Hall & condemned to death

Sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered (the usual punishment for traitors) but the King commutes this to execution by beheading. Indicted of High Treason at Westminster Hall & condemned to death. Before his sentencing, More speaks freely of his belief that "no temporal man may be the head of the spirituality"

Death of Thomas More

While on the scaffold declares that he died "the King's good servant, but Gods first". Executed for refusing to acknowledge the act of supremacy

While on the scaffold declares that he died "the King's good servant, but Gods first". Executed for refusing to acknowledge the act of supremacy

Cromwell convinces Henry Anne had committed incest with her brother

Birth of Edward VI, gives birth to Edward VI but dies 12 days later

The Privy Council replaces the King's Council

Parliament approves the marriage to Anne Boleyn & the break with Rome

Parliament completes the break with Rome

Forced to sign an agreement that her parents marriage was invalid & is illegitimate

Parliament declares Mary and Elizabeth illegitimate and gives Henry VIII wider authority over the succession; Edward is born the following year.

Earl Marshal at the trial of Anne Boleyn

Found guilty of adultery with Anne Boleyn

Presides over the trial of Anne Boleyn

Presides over the trial of his niece, Anne Boleyn

Birth of a stillborn son, Henry believes his marriage to Anne is damned

Henry believes his marriage to Anne is damned. Anne Boleyn & Henry have a stillborn son

News of Henry falling from his horse in a coma causes Anne to miscarry a male child

Anne Boleyn miscarries a male child, weakening her position at court.

Anne Boleyn miscarries a male child, weakening her position at court.

The Court of Augmentations is created to manage monastic property taken into royal hands.

Henry VIIIs 5th Parliament closes

Parliament authorises the dissolution of smaller monasteries and transfers their property to the Crown.

Royal Assent is given to the bill uniting Wales & England

Mark Smeaton is arested for having an affair with Anne Boleyn

Mark Smeaton is arrested during the investigation into allegations against Anne Boleyn.

Cranmer declares Annes marriage void due to Henrys affair with her sister Mary

Anne Boleyn is indicted for high treason

Anne Boleyn is indicted for high treason

Found guilty of treason & condemned to death

Anne believes Henry will not allow her execution & will send her to a nunnery

Accused by Cromwell of adultery with 5 lovers including her brother Lord Rochford

Found guilty of treason & condemned to death. Found guilty of treason

Found guilty of treason. Anne believes Henry will not allow her execution & will send her to a nunnery. Accused by Cromwell of adultery with 5 lovers including her brother Lord Rochford