The Early Middle AgesThe Early Middle Ages

The Norman ConquestThe Norman Conquest

England under the Norman and Plantagenet KingsEngland under the Norman and Plantagenet Kings

14th century14th century

Battle of HastingsBattle of Hastings

William William II..

Domesday BookDomesday Book

Economic Prosperity and Baronial RevoltEconomic Prosperity and Baronial Revolt

Reforms and English ParliamentReforms and English Parliament

The Lancastrian and Yorkist KingsThe Lancastrian and Yorkist Kings

The War of RosesThe War of Roses

The Norman ConquestThe Norman Conquest About 1064, the powerful English noble, Harold, earl of Wessex, was shipwrecked on About 1064, the powerful English noble, Harold, earl of Wessex, was shipwrecked on

the Norman coast and taken prisoner by William. He secured his release by swearing to the Norman coast and taken prisoner by William. He secured his release by swearing to support William’s claim to the English throne. When King Edward died, however, the support William’s claim to the English throne. When King Edward died, however, the royal council elected Harold king. royal council elected Harold king.

William secured the sanction of Pope Alexander II for a Norman invasion of England. William secured the sanction of Pope Alexander II for a Norman invasion of England. The duke and his army landed at Pevensey on September 28, 1066. On October 14, the The duke and his army landed at Pevensey on September 28, 1066. On October 14, the Normans defeated the English forces at the celebrated Battle of Hastings, in which Normans defeated the English forces at the celebrated Battle of Hastings, in which Harold was slain. William then proceeded to London, crushing the resistance he Harold was slain. William then proceeded to London, crushing the resistance he encountered on the way. On Christmas Day he was crowned king of England in encountered on the way. On Christmas Day he was crowned king of England in Westminster Abbey.Westminster Abbey.

The English did not accept foreign rule without a struggle. William met the opposition, The English did not accept foreign rule without a struggle. William met the opposition, which was particularly violent in the north and west, with strong measures; he was which was particularly violent in the north and west, with strong measures; he was responsible for the devastation of great areas of the country, particularly in Yorkshire, responsible for the devastation of great areas of the country, particularly in Yorkshire, where Danish forces had arrived to aid the Saxon rebels. By 1070 the Norman conquest where Danish forces had arrived to aid the Saxon rebels. By 1070 the Norman conquest of England was complete.of England was complete.

William invaded Scotland in 1072 and forced the Scottish king Malcolm III William invaded Scotland in 1072 and forced the Scottish king Malcolm III MacDuncan to pay him homage. During the succeeding years the Conqueror put down MacDuncan to pay him homage. During the succeeding years the Conqueror put down series of uprisings in Normandy led by his eldest son Robert, who later became Robert series of uprisings in Normandy led by his eldest son Robert, who later became Robert II, duke of Normandy.II, duke of Normandy.

•Normans, Viking invaders from Scandinavia who began to settle in Normandy in northern France before the middle of the 9th century AD. The Normans then went on to conquer England, southern Italy, and Sicily.

.

•During the Middle Ages, the Belgian heavy draft horse was known as the Flanders Great Horse and the Great War Horse. William the Conqueror, who invaded England in 1066, led his army mounted on a Belgian heavy draft horse. William and his horse each wore about 440 kg of armour.

.

William I The Conqueror (1027-1087), first Norman king of England (1066-1087).

Born in Falaise, France, William was the illegitimate son of Robert I, duke of Normandy, and Arletta, a tanner’s daughter, and is therefore sometimes called William the Bastard. Upon the death of his father, the Norman nobles, honouring their promise to Robert, accepted William as his successor.

•Rebellion against the young duke broke out almost immediately, however, and his position did not become secure until 1047 when, with the aid of Henry I, king of France, he won a decisive victory over a rebel force near Caen.

During a visit in 1051 to his childless cousin, Edward the Confessor, king of England, William is said to have obtained Edward’s agreement that he should succeed to the English throne. In 1053, defying a papal ban, William married Matilda of Flanders, daughter of Baldwin V, count of Flanders and a descendant of King Alfred the Great, thereby strengthening his claim to the crown of England.

•Henry I, fearing the strong bond between Normandy (Normandie) and Flanders resulting from the marriage, attempted in 1054 and again in 1058 to crush the powerful duke, but on both occasions William defeated the French king’s forces.

The year 1066 was a turning point in English history. William I, the Conqueror, and his sons gave England vigorous new leadership. Norman feudalism The year 1066 was a turning point in English history. William I, the Conqueror, and his sons gave England vigorous new leadership. Norman feudalism became the basis for redistributing the land among the conquerors, giving England a new French aristocracy and a new social and political structure. became the basis for redistributing the land among the conquerors, giving England a new French aristocracy and a new social and political structure. England turned away from Scandinavia toward France, an orientation that was to last for 400 years.England turned away from Scandinavia toward France, an orientation that was to last for 400 years.

William was a hard ruler, punishing England, especially the north, when it disputed his authority. His power and efficiency can be seen in the Domesday William was a hard ruler, punishing England, especially the north, when it disputed his authority. His power and efficiency can be seen in the Domesday Survey, a census for tax purposes, and in the Salisbury Oath of allegiance, which he demanded of all tenants. He appointed Lanfranc, an Italian Survey, a census for tax purposes, and in the Salisbury Oath of allegiance, which he demanded of all tenants. He appointed Lanfranc, an Italian clergyman, as archbishop of Canterbury. He also promoted church reform, especially by the creation of separate church courts, but retained royal control.clergyman, as archbishop of Canterbury. He also promoted church reform, especially by the creation of separate church courts, but retained royal control.

When William died in 1087, he gave England to his second son, William II (Rufus), and Normandy to his eldest son, Robert. Henry, his third son, in due When William died in 1087, he gave England to his second son, William II (Rufus), and Normandy to his eldest son, Robert. Henry, his third son, in due time got both—England in 1100, when William II died in a hunting accident, and Normandy in 1106 by conquest. Henry I used his feudal court and time got both—England in 1100, when William II died in a hunting accident, and Normandy in 1106 by conquest. Henry I used his feudal court and household to organize the government. The exchequer (the royal treasury) was established at this time.household to organize the government. The exchequer (the royal treasury) was established at this time.

Henry wanted his daughter, Matilda, to succeed him, but in 1135 his nephew, Stephen of Blois, seized the throne. The years from 1135 to 1154 were Henry wanted his daughter, Matilda, to succeed him, but in 1135 his nephew, Stephen of Blois, seized the throne. The years from 1135 to 1154 were marked by civil war and strife. The royal government Henry had built fell apart, and the feudal barons asserted their independence. The church, playing marked by civil war and strife. The royal government Henry had built fell apart, and the feudal barons asserted their independence. The church, playing one side against the other, extended its authorityone side against the other, extended its authority..

Battle of Hastings, Battle of Hastings, waswas fought on October 14, 1066, between a national army led by Harold II, Saxon king of England, and an invasion fought on October 14, 1066, between a national army led by Harold II, Saxon king of England, and an invasion force led by William, Duke of Normandy, afterward William I (the Conqueror). Harold’s brother, Tostig, earl of Northumbria, force led by William, Duke of Normandy, afterward William I (the Conqueror). Harold’s brother, Tostig, earl of Northumbria, supported William’s claim, and at the Battle of Stamford Bridge on September 25 in Yorkshire, was slain by Harold. The English army supported William’s claim, and at the Battle of Stamford Bridge on September 25 in Yorkshire, was slain by Harold. The English army of about 7000 soldiers then marched from Yorkshire and occupied a height (later called Senlac Hill) on the Hastings-London highway of about 7000 soldiers then marched from Yorkshire and occupied a height (later called Senlac Hill) on the Hastings-London highway about 10.5 km northwest of Hastings. The royal force was composed exclusively of infantry, armed with spears, swords, and battle-about 10.5 km northwest of Hastings. The royal force was composed exclusively of infantry, armed with spears, swords, and battle-axes. Meanwhile, William’s seaborne forces, which included infantry armed with crossbows and contingents of heavily armed cavalry, axes. Meanwhile, William’s seaborne forces, which included infantry armed with crossbows and contingents of heavily armed cavalry, landed on the English coast near Hastings on September 28, 1066. landed on the English coast near Hastings on September 28, 1066.

The initial Norman attack, launched in the morning of October 14, failed.The English axmen turned back a Norman cavalry chargeThe initial Norman attack, launched in the morning of October 14, failed.The English axmen turned back a Norman cavalry charge and and several units of the English army broke ranks, contrary to Harold's orders, and several units of the English army broke ranks, contrary to Harold's orders, and followedfollowed the retreating Normans. Other Norman troops the retreating Normans. Other Norman troops quickly surrounded and annihilated these units. Taking advantage of the lack of discipline among the English soldiers, William ordered quickly surrounded and annihilated these units. Taking advantage of the lack of discipline among the English soldiers, William ordered a retreat. Severely weakened by these reverses and demoralized by the mortal wounding of Harold by an arrow, the English were a retreat. Severely weakened by these reverses and demoralized by the mortal wounding of Harold by an arrow, the English were forced to abandon their strategic position on the crest of Senlac Hill. Only small remnants of the defending army survived the forced to abandon their strategic position on the crest of Senlac Hill. Only small remnants of the defending army survived the subsequent onslaughts of the Norman cavalry. William's victory at Hastings paved the way for Norman subjugation of all England.subsequent onslaughts of the Norman cavalry. William's victory at Hastings paved the way for Norman subjugation of all England.

DDomesday Book, omesday Book, sometimes called just Domesday, written record of asometimes called just Domesday, written record of a statistical statistical survey of survey of England ordered by William the Conqueror. The survey, made in 1086, England ordered by William the Conqueror. The survey, made in 1086, was an attempt to register the landed wealth of the country in a systematic fashion, was an attempt to register the landed wealth of the country in a systematic fashion, to determine the revenues due to the king. The previous system of taxation was of to determine the revenues due to the king. The previous system of taxation was of ancient origin and had become obsolete. By listing all feudal estates, both lay and ancient origin and had become obsolete. By listing all feudal estates, both lay and ecclesiastical, the Domesday Book enabled William to strengthen his authority by ecclesiastical, the Domesday Book enabled William to strengthen his authority by exacting oaths of allegiance from all tenants on the land, as well as from the nobles exacting oaths of allegiance from all tenants on the land, as well as from the nobles and churchmen on whose land the tenants lived. The survey was executed by groups and churchmen on whose land the tenants lived. The survey was executed by groups of officers called of officers called legati,legati, who visited each county and conducted a public inquiry. who visited each county and conducted a public inquiry. The set of questions that these officers asked of the town and county representatives The set of questions that these officers asked of the town and county representatives constituted the constituted the Inquisitio Eliensis;Inquisitio Eliensis; the answers supplied the information from which the answers supplied the information from which the Domesday Book was compiled. Domesday is a corruption of Doomsday (the the Domesday Book was compiled. Domesday is a corruption of Doomsday (the day of the final judgment); the work was so named because its judgments in terms day of the final judgment); the work was so named because its judgments in terms of levies and assessments were irrevocable.of levies and assessments were irrevocable.

1.Henry II1.Henry II Matilda's son, Henry Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, succeeded, as Matilda's son, Henry Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, succeeded, as

Henry II, in 1154. Henry II and his sons, Richard and John, expanded Henry II, in 1154. Henry II and his sons, Richard and John, expanded royal authority. Henry ended the anarchy of Stephen's reign, royal authority. Henry ended the anarchy of Stephen's reign, banishing mercenaries and destroying private castles. He strengthened banishing mercenaries and destroying private castles. He strengthened the government created by Henry I. Most important, he developed the the government created by Henry I. Most important, he developed the common law, administered by royal courts and applicable to all of common law, administered by royal courts and applicable to all of England.England.

Henry attempted to reduce the jurisdiction of church courts, especially Henry attempted to reduce the jurisdiction of church courts, especially over clergy accused of crimes, but was opposed by Saint Thomas à over clergy accused of crimes, but was opposed by Saint Thomas à Becket, his former chancellor, whom he had made archbishop of Becket, his former chancellor, whom he had made archbishop of Canterbury. His anger at Becket's inflexibility led ultimately to Canterbury. His anger at Becket's inflexibility led ultimately to Becket's martyrdom in 1170.Becket's martyrdom in 1170.

Henry's empire included more than half of France and lordship over Henry's empire included more than half of France and lordship over Ireland and Scotland. His skill at governing, however, did not include Ireland and Scotland. His skill at governing, however, did not include the ability to placate his sons, who rebelled against him several times, the ability to placate his sons, who rebelled against him several times, backed by the kings of France and by their mother, Eleanor of backed by the kings of France and by their mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine.Aquitaine.

England Under the Norman and England Under the Norman and Plantagenet Kings.Plantagenet Kings.

born 1133, Le Mans, Main, died July 6, 1189, near ToursBy name Henry Of Anjou, Henry Plantagenet, Henry Fitzempress, or Henry Curtmantle (Short Mantle)duke of Normandy (from 1150), count of Anjou (from 1151), duke of Aquitaine (from 1152), and king of England (from 1154), who greatly expanded his Anglo-French domains and strengthened the royal administration in England. His quarrels with Thomas Becket, archbishop of Canterbury, and with members of his family (his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and such sons as Richard the Lion-Heart (1157-1199) and John Lackland) ultimately brought about his defeat.

This map shows the extent of the English and French possessions of king Henry II. Significant amounts of modern France were under the control of (or at least claimed by) Henry.France itself was very limited in size. Disputes over land led to frequent warfare, something Pope Gregory VIII hoped to stop by calling the Third Crusade. These disputes also kept Richard the Lionheart and Philip Augustus of France from uniting completely when they went on the Crusade.

2.Richard and John2.Richard and John Richard I, the Lion-Hearted, was in England only briefly. He was Richard I, the Lion-Hearted, was in England only briefly. He was

busy fighting in the Crusades and later for the land lost in France busy fighting in the Crusades and later for the land lost in France during his absence, especially while he was a captive in Germany. during his absence, especially while he was a captive in Germany. Even during Richard's absence, however, the government built by Even during Richard's absence, however, the government built by Henry II continued to function, collecting taxes to support his wars Henry II continued to function, collecting taxes to support his wars and to pay his ransom.and to pay his ransom.

John lost Normandy in 1204, and in 1213, after a long fight with Pope John lost Normandy in 1204, and in 1213, after a long fight with Pope Innocent III over the naming of Stephen Langton as archbishop of Innocent III over the naming of Stephen Langton as archbishop of Canterbury, John capitulated and acknowledged England to be a papal Canterbury, John capitulated and acknowledged England to be a papal fief. All this caused a quarrel with his barons over his general fief. All this caused a quarrel with his barons over his general leadership and their refusal to follow him into war in Normandy. The leadership and their refusal to follow him into war in Normandy. The barons, led by Langton, forced John in 1215 to accept the Magna barons, led by Langton, forced John in 1215 to accept the Magna Carta, or Great Charter, by which he admitted his errors and promised Carta, or Great Charter, by which he admitted his errors and promised to respect English law and feudal custom. He died the next year, still to respect English law and feudal custom. He died the next year, still at war with the barons. Although the loss of Normandy seemed a at war with the barons. Although the loss of Normandy seemed a disgrace at the time, it left England free to develop its unique disgrace at the time, it left England free to develop its unique institutions without outside interferenceinstitutions without outside interference..

Think no more of it, John; you are only a child who has had evil counsellors.

Richard I (1157 - 1199)Said at his reconciliation, at Lisieux in May 1194, with his brother

John, who had attempted to overthrow him while he was held prisoner in Germany (1193-1194).

the Magna Carta

3.Economic Prosperity and Baronial Revolt3.Economic Prosperity and Baronial Revolt

When John died in 1216, the barons accepted his nine-year-When John died in 1216, the barons accepted his nine-year-old son as King Henry III. They assumed control of the old son as King Henry III. They assumed control of the government and confirmed the Magna Carta in 1225, as did government and confirmed the Magna Carta in 1225, as did Henry when he came of age two years later. Thus began the Henry when he came of age two years later. Thus began the tradition of royal confirmation of the Magna Carta and the tradition of royal confirmation of the Magna Carta and the idea that it was the fundamental statement of English law idea that it was the fundamental statement of English law and of limited government.and of limited government.

England prospered in the 12th and 13th centuries. Land England prospered in the 12th and 13th centuries. Land under cultivation increased; sheep raising and the sale of under cultivation increased; sheep raising and the sale of wool became extremely important. London and other towns wool became extremely important. London and other towns became vital centres of trade and wealth, and by royal became vital centres of trade and wealth, and by royal charters they acquired the right to local self-government. charters they acquired the right to local self-government. The universities of Oxford and Cambridge were established. The universities of Oxford and Cambridge were established. The population probably doubled from about 1.5 million to The population probably doubled from about 1.5 million to more than 3 million.more than 3 million.

Henry III

Oxford University

Cambridge University

The monasteries, especially those of the Cistercians, led The monasteries, especially those of the Cistercians, led the rural expansion and became wealthy in the process. the rural expansion and became wealthy in the process. More than a dozen cathedrals were built, as well as scores More than a dozen cathedrals were built, as well as scores of abbeys and parish churches, all attesting to the wealth of of abbeys and parish churches, all attesting to the wealth of England and of its church. In the 1220s the friars, England and of its church. In the 1220s the friars, Franciscans and Dominicans, arrived in England, Franciscans and Dominicans, arrived in England, improving the quality of preaching and becoming the improving the quality of preaching and becoming the leading scholars in the universities.leading scholars in the universities.

Henry III was not an able king, however. He quarrelled Henry III was not an able king, however. He quarrelled with the barons, who thought that they, rather than his with the barons, who thought that they, rather than his favourites, should have the major offices. In 1258 the favourites, should have the major offices. In 1258 the Provisions of Oxford attempted to give control of the Provisions of Oxford attempted to give control of the government to a committee of barons. Civil war broke out government to a committee of barons. Civil war broke out in 1264, and the baronial leader Simon de Montfort came in 1264, and the baronial leader Simon de Montfort came briefly to power. Montfort, however, was killed in the briefly to power. Montfort, however, was killed in the Battle of Evesham in 1265, and power returned to Henry Battle of Evesham in 1265, and power returned to Henry and his able son, Edward.and his able son, Edward.

4.Reforms and the English Parliament4.Reforms and the English Parliament

Edward I restored royal control and made several reforms: Edward I restored royal control and made several reforms: He limited the barons' right to hold their own courts of law; He limited the barons' right to hold their own courts of law; he gave English common law he gave English common law andand mmost important, he used ost important, he used and developed Parliament, which was essentially the king's and developed Parliament, which was essentially the king's feudal council with a new name and an enlarged feudal council with a new name and an enlarged membership.membership.

The Model Parliament of 1295, following Montfort's The Model Parliament of 1295, following Montfort's pattern of 1265, consisted of great barons, bishops, abbots, pattern of 1265, consisted of great barons, bishops, abbots, and representatives of counties and towns. In 1297, to get and representatives of counties and towns. In 1297, to get money for his wars, Edward accepted the Confirmation of money for his wars, Edward accepted the Confirmation of Charters, agreeing that taxes must Charters, agreeing that taxes must be agreed by the be agreed by the ParliamentParliament. In the following century, Parliament divided . In the following century, Parliament divided into two houses, Lords and Commons, and made good its into two houses, Lords and Commons, and made good its claim to control taxation and to participate in the making of claim to control taxation and to participate in the making of statutes.statutes.

Edward I, called Longshanks, king of

England (1272-1307), of the house of Plantagenet

Sir WilliamWallace: “It’s all for nothing if you don’t have

freedom.”

THE WELSH / ENGLISH LONGBOW

Edward conquered northwest Wales, ending the rule Edward conquered northwest Wales, ending the rule of its native princes. He built stone castles, adopted of its native princes. He built stone castles, adopted the Welsh longbow as an English weapon, and the Welsh longbow as an English weapon, and named his oldest son the Prince of Wales. named his oldest son the Prince of Wales.

He intervened in Scottish affairs, even claiming the He intervened in Scottish affairs, even claiming the Scottish throne. Having fought the Scots often but Scottish throne. Having fought the Scots often but with little effect, Edward died in 1307 without with little effect, Edward died in 1307 without having subdued the northern kingdom. having subdued the northern kingdom.

On Edward´s grave was written:“Edward, the On Edward´s grave was written:“Edward, the Hammer of the Scots“ He intended to hammer them Hammer of the Scots“ He intended to hammer them into the ground, but in fact he had hammered them into the ground, but in fact he had hammered them into a nation.into a nation.

His son, Edward II, gave up the campaign. In His son, Edward II, gave up the campaign. In 1314, at the Battle of Bannockburn, King Robert 1314, at the Battle of Bannockburn, King Robert Bruce made good Scotland's claim to Bruce made good Scotland's claim to independence. One cost of the war was the long-independence. One cost of the war was the long-lasting lasting hostilityhostility of Scotland, backed by its of Scotland, backed by its alliance with France.alliance with France.

Edward II was a weak king, partly influenced by Edward II was a weak king, partly influenced by favourites and partly dominated by the favourites and partly dominated by the ordinances of 1311 that gave the barons the ordinances of 1311 that gave the barons the ruling power. Although he freed himself of ruling power. Although he freed himself of baronial rule in 1322, he was forced to abdicate baronial rule in 1322, he was forced to abdicate in 1327.in 1327.

Edward II (1284 - 1327)

Robert I, the Bruce (1274-1329) is surely the greatest of all the great Scottish heroes

The 14th centuryThe 14th century His son, Edward III, got on well with the His son, Edward III, got on well with the

barons by keeping them busy in France, where barons by keeping them busy in France, where England continued to hold extensive territory.England continued to hold extensive territory.

In 1337 he initiated the Hundred Years' War In 1337 he initiated the Hundred Years' War to to proveprove his claim to the French throne. his claim to the French throne.

The English had some initial success at Crécy The English had some initial success at Crécy (1346) and Poitiers (1356), where they used the (1346) and Poitiers (1356), where they used the English longbow with deadly effect against the English longbow with deadly effect against the French. By 1396, however, England had lost all French. By 1396, however, England had lost all its previous gains. The expense of the war its previous gains. The expense of the war repeatedly forced Edward to go to Parliament repeatedly forced Edward to go to Parliament for taxes, enabling it to bargain for concessions for taxes, enabling it to bargain for concessions and to establish its rights and privileges.and to establish its rights and privileges.

Battle of Crécy between the English and French in the Hundred Years' War. From a 15th-century illuminated manuscript of Jean Froissart's Chronicles

Edward was born on 13 November 1312, possibly at Edward was born on 13 November 1312, possibly at WindsorWindsor,, the son of Edward II and Isabella of France. the son of Edward II and Isabella of France. Edward himself became king in 1327 after his father was Edward himself became king in 1327 after his father was deposed by his mother and her lover, Roger Mortimer. A deposed by his mother and her lover, Roger Mortimer. A year later Edward married Philippa of Hainault - they were year later Edward married Philippa of Hainault - they were to have 13 children. Isabella and Roger ruled in Edward's to have 13 children. Isabella and Roger ruled in Edward's name until 1330, when he executed Mortimer and banished name until 1330, when he executed Mortimer and banished his mother. his mother.

Edward's primary focus was now war with France. Ongoing Edward's primary focus was now war with France. Ongoing territorial disputes were intensified in 1340 when Edward territorial disputes were intensified in 1340 when Edward assumed the title of king of France, starting a war that assumed the title of king of France, starting a war that would last intermittently for over a century. In July 1346, would last intermittently for over a century. In July 1346, Edward landed in Normandy, accompanied by his son Edward landed in Normandy, accompanied by his son Edward, the Black Prince. His decisive victory at Crécy in Edward, the Black Prince. His decisive victory at Crécy in August scattered the French army. Edward then captured August scattered the French army. Edward then captured Calais, establishing it as a base for future campaigns. In Calais, establishing it as a base for future campaigns. In 1348, he created the Order of the Garter.1348, he created the Order of the Garter.

War restarted in 1355. The following year, the Black Prince won a War restarted in 1355. The following year, the Black Prince won a significant victory at Poitiers, capturing the French king, John II. significant victory at Poitiers, capturing the French king, John II. The resulting Treaty of Bretigny in 1360 marked the end of the first The resulting Treaty of Bretigny in 1360 marked the end of the first phase of the Hundred Years War and the high point of English phase of the Hundred Years War and the high point of English influence in France. Edward renounced his claim to the French influence in France. Edward renounced his claim to the French crown in return for the whole of Aquitaine.crown in return for the whole of Aquitaine.

In 1369, the French declared war again. EdwardIn 1369, the French declared war again. Edward left the fighting to left the fighting to his sons. They enjoyed little success and the English lost much of his sons. They enjoyed little success and the English lost much of the territory they had gained in 1360. the territory they had gained in 1360.

After the death of his queen, Philippa, in 1369, Edward fell under After the death of his queen, Philippa, in 1369, Edward fell under the influence of Alice Perrers, his mistress, who was regarded as the influence of Alice Perrers, his mistress, who was regarded as corrupt and grasping. Against a backdrop of military failure in corrupt and grasping. Against a backdrop of military failure in France and outbreaks of the plague, the 'Good Parliament' of 1376 France and outbreaks of the plague, the 'Good Parliament' of 1376 was summoned. Perrers and other members of the court were was summoned. Perrers and other members of the court were severely criticised and heavy taxation attacked. New councillors severely criticised and heavy taxation attacked. New councillors were imposed on the king. The death of the Black Prince, Edward's were imposed on the king. The death of the Black Prince, Edward's heir, interrupted the crisis and the king's younger son, John of heir, interrupted the crisis and the king's younger son, John of Gaunt, who had ruled the country during Edward's frequent absence Gaunt, who had ruled the country during Edward's frequent absence in France, later reversed the Good Parliament's reforming efforts. in France, later reversed the Good Parliament's reforming efforts.

Edward died on 21 June 1377, leaving his young grandson Richard Edward died on 21 June 1377, leaving his young grandson Richard as kinas kingg

Hundred Years' War 1337-1453Hundred Years' War 1337-1453

Although Edward never became king - he died before his father, Although Edward never became king - he died before his father, Edward III - he is remembered as a great medieval military hero, withEdward III - he is remembered as a great medieval military hero, with

notable victories against the French in the Hundred Years War.notable victories against the French in the Hundred Years War.

During his lifetime he During his lifetime he was known as Edward was known as Edward of Woodstock; the title of Woodstock; the title of Black Prince of Black Prince developed after his developed after his death and may refer to death and may refer to black armour that he black armour that he wore. wore.

Edward the Black Prince (1330 - 1376)

The Black Death struck England in 1349, The Black Death struck England in 1349, reducing the population by as much as a thirreducing the population by as much as a thirdd..

The Peasants' RevoltThe Peasants' Revolt The Peasants' Revolt in 1381 reflected The Peasants' Revolt in 1381 reflected

the continuing unrest the continuing unrest Tyler's RebellionTyler's Rebellion There were outbreaks of violence among There were outbreaks of violence among

the peasantry throughout England. In the peasantry throughout England. In London, Tyler, Ball and Straw targeted London, Tyler, Ball and Straw targeted the two people most responsible for the the two people most responsible for the poll tax: Archbishop Sudbury, the poll tax: Archbishop Sudbury, the chancellor; and Sir Robert Hailes, the chancellor; and Sir Robert Hailes, the treasurer. These two they found hiding treasurer. These two they found hiding in the Tower of London and that is in the Tower of London and that is where they were beheaded. But the where they were beheaded. But the rebels, still in the grip of the myth of the rebels, still in the grip of the myth of the "divine right" of kings, believed Richard "divine right" of kings, believed Richard a natural ally of the poora natural ally of the poor..

It was a time of economic and social It was a time of economic and social change—manorial service was being change—manorial service was being commuted to cash payments, and commuted to cash payments, and serfdom was on the way to its serfdom was on the way to its endend in the in the following century.following century.

The move of the popes from Rome to Avignon in France The move of the popes from Rome to Avignon in France (1309-1376) and the Great Schism (1378-1417), in which (1309-1376) and the Great Schism (1378-1417), in which rival popes opposed one another, caused a loss of English rival popes opposed one another, caused a loss of English respect for the papacy. respect for the papacy. John WycliffeJohn Wycliffe, an Oxford professor, , an Oxford professor, criticized corruption in the church and criticized corruption in the church and had ideas similar tohad ideas similar to those of those of the later Protestant reformersthe later Protestant reformers. In 1382 he was . In 1382 he was removed by an ecclesiastical court to the country parish at removed by an ecclesiastical court to the country parish at Lutterworth, and his ideas were declared heretical. His Lutterworth, and his ideas were declared heretical. His followers, the Lollards, were persecuted but not stamped outfollowers, the Lollards, were persecuted but not stamped out

Richard II, the grandson of Edward III, began his reign Richard II, the grandson of Edward III, began his reign when he was ten years old, with rival factions fighting for when he was ten years old, with rival factions fighting for control of his government. As an adult he governed control of his government. As an adult he governed moderately until 1397, when he became involved in a moderately until 1397, when he became involved in a struggle with the leading nobles. In 1399 his cousin, Henry struggle with the leading nobles. In 1399 his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Lancaster, forced him to abdicate and Bolingbroke, Duke of Lancaster, forced him to abdicate and became king in his place as Henrbecame king in his place as Henry IV.y IV.

Richard II watches Wat Tyler's death and addresses the peasants in the background

Richard II Richard II January 6, 1367 – February 14, 1400) was King of England from 1377 until he was deposed in 1399

The Lancastrian and Yorkist KingsThe Lancastrian and Yorkist Kings Since 1216 the royal succession had always gone to the king's eldest Since 1216 the royal succession had always gone to the king's eldest

son. By this rule, Henry IV, the son of John of Gaunt, Edward III's son. By this rule, Henry IV, the son of John of Gaunt, Edward III's fourth son, had no claim to the throne. The rightful heir was Edmund, fourth son, had no claim to the throne. The rightful heir was Edmund, earl of March, who was descended from Edward's third son. Because earl of March, who was descended from Edward's third son. Because of the irregularity, Henry and his Lancastrian successors were not of the irregularity, Henry and his Lancastrian successors were not secure in their claim to the throne. This weakness was manifest in his secure in their claim to the throne. This weakness was manifest in his concessions to Parliament and to the church as well as in his wars concessions to Parliament and to the church as well as in his wars with powerful and rebellious families in Wales and the north.with powerful and rebellious families in Wales and the north.

Henry V, who succeeded his father, had one ambition: to duplicate Henry V, who succeeded his father, had one ambition: to duplicate Edward III's military exploits in France. He won a brilliant victory at Edward III's military exploits in France. He won a brilliant victory at Agincourt in 1415 and had his success confirmed in the Treaty of Agincourt in 1415 and had his success confirmed in the Treaty of Troyes (1420). He married the daughter of the mad French king, Troyes (1420). He married the daughter of the mad French king, Charles VI, assumed control of the French government, although not Charles VI, assumed control of the French government, although not the entire country, and could expect a son of this marriage to inherit the entire country, and could expect a son of this marriage to inherit both kingdoms.both kingdoms.

Henry IV (of England) (1367-1413)

Henry V of England(16 September 1387 – 31 August 1422)

During his reign Henry IV persecuted the religious sect known as the Lollards.

He was the most influential ruler in western Europe at the time of his death in Vincennes, France, August 31, 1422

In 1422 both Henry and Charles VI died, bringing In 1422 both Henry and Charles VI died, bringing the nine-month-old Henry VI to the throne of both the nine-month-old Henry VI to the throne of both countries. For a time, Henry's able uncles, John of countries. For a time, Henry's able uncles, John of Lancaster, Duke of Bedford, and Humphrey of Lancaster, Duke of Bedford, and Humphrey of Gloucester held things together, the former in Gloucester held things together, the former in France, the latter in England. France, the latter in England.

In 1429, however, Joan of Arc appeared, inspiring In 1429, however, Joan of Arc appeared, inspiring French resistance to English rule. Although Joan French resistance to English rule. Although Joan was captured and burned as a heretic in 1431, the was captured and burned as a heretic in 1431, the English position in France became increasingly English position in France became increasingly unstable.unstable.

Henry VI (of England) (1421-1471)

He had suffered attacks of insanity all his life and was often completely incapacitated. Henry, who founded Eton College and King's College,

University of Cambridge, was venerated by many as a saint

because of his piety

Joan of Arc, (c. 1412 – May 30, 1431) was a 15th century national heroine of France. She was tried and executed for heresy when she was only 19 years old. The judgment was broken by the Pope and she was declared innocent and a martyr 24 years later. She was beatified in 1909 and canonized as a saint in 1920.

The Wars of the RosesThe Wars of the Roses Henry VI was not capable of ruling; during his reign, control Henry VI was not capable of ruling; during his reign, control

of the kingdom passed from one noble faction to another. The of the kingdom passed from one noble faction to another. The war in France only emphasized Henry's inability at home. The war in France only emphasized Henry's inability at home. The loss of Normandy in 1450 and the corruption of the loss of Normandy in 1450 and the corruption of the governmentgovernment,, tthe loss of everything in France, except Calais, in he loss of everything in France, except Calais, in 1453, was a prelude to the dynastic conflict called the Wars of 1453, was a prelude to the dynastic conflict called the Wars of the Roses (1455-1485).the Roses (1455-1485).

The wars were fought between two branches of the royal The wars were fought between two branches of the royal family, family, the Lancastriansthe Lancastrians, who in the person of Henry VI , who in the person of Henry VI possessed the throne but lacked the ability to rule, and possessed the throne but lacked the ability to rule, and the the YorkistsYorkists, led by Richard, Duke of York, who had a valid claim , led by Richard, Duke of York, who had a valid claim to the throne and greater ability. The issue was complicated in to the throne and greater ability. The issue was complicated in 1453, when the king's wife, Margaret of Anjou, gave birth to a 1453, when the king's wife, Margaret of Anjou, gave birth to a son, destroying Richard's status as heir apparent.son, destroying Richard's status as heir apparent.

Lancashire rose

Yorkshire rose

The turning point in the wars came in 1460. That year Richard was The turning point in the wars came in 1460. That year Richard was killed in battle, and his cause was taken up by his son, Edward. killed in battle, and his cause was taken up by his son, Edward. Assisted by Richard Neville, earl of Warwick, he defeated the Assisted by Richard Neville, earl of Warwick, he defeated the Lancastrians in 1461, took Henry captive, and so overawed Lancastrians in 1461, took Henry captive, and so overawed Parliament that it acclaimed him king as Edward IV.Parliament that it acclaimed him king as Edward IV.

Henry, however, escaped, and Edward's subsequent marriage (1464) Henry, however, escaped, and Edward's subsequent marriage (1464) to Elizabeth Woodville and his alliance with Burgundy alienated to Elizabeth Woodville and his alliance with Burgundy alienated Warwick, who then joined forces with Margaret of Anjou to depose Warwick, who then joined forces with Margaret of Anjou to depose Edward and restore Henry to the throne (1470). Edward and restore Henry to the throne (1470).

Edward returned the following year, supported by his brother-in-law, Edward returned the following year, supported by his brother-in-law, Charles the Bold of Burgundy, and decisively defeated the Charles the Bold of Burgundy, and decisively defeated the Lancastrians. Thereafter, he was secure on the throne and restored Lancastrians. Thereafter, he was secure on the throne and restored some degree of sound government. When Edward died in 1483, the some degree of sound government. When Edward died in 1483, the throne went to his 12-year-old son, Edward V, but it was usurped throne went to his 12-year-old son, Edward V, but it was usurped three months later by the boy's uncle, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, three months later by the boy's uncle, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who became king as Richard III. Two years later, Henry Tudor, who became king as Richard III. Two years later, Henry Tudor, asserting a weak Lancastrian claim, defeated Richard at Bosworth and asserting a weak Lancastrian claim, defeated Richard at Bosworth and became Henry VII.became Henry VII.

Although Richard, the last king of the house of York, did usurp the throne, little

doubt exists that his unscrupulousness has been overemphasized by his enemies

and by Tudor historians seeking to strengthen the Lancastrian position. His

immorality is strongly exaggerated in Shakespeare's play Richard III.

Richard III (1452-1485), king of England (1483-1485)

King Richard's Field

Richard made a last attempt to win victory by directly attacking Henry with is personal guard, and almost succeeded, having cut down Henry's standard bearer. Richard's gamble failed, and he was struck down. The battle ended because his followers had no other definite leader. Richard was the last king of England to die on the battlefield. His death effectively ended the Wars of the Roses, and Henry VII started a new dynasty, the Tudors.