England 300AD to 1500AD History Timeline and Biographies

300

Roman Britain and its Decline

By 300AD, Roman Britain was a province of the Roman Empire, experiencing urbanization and trade. However, as Rome's influence waned, local uprisings and economic decline became evident, foreshadowing the end of Roman control over England.

410

End of Roman Rule in Britain

In 410AD, the Romans withdrew their legions from Britain, leaving behind power vacuums that led to the rise of local leaders and the eventual establishment of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, dramatically altering the political landscape of England.

597

Christianization of England

Pope Gregory I sent Augustine to England in 597AD, marking the beginning of widespread Christian influence in England. This mission led to the establishment of important churches and laid the foundation for Christianity to become the dominant religion.

650

Formation of Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms

By 650AD, several Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, including Wessex, Mercia, and Northumbria, had emerged in England, establishing a complex political landscape characterized by warfare and shifting allegiances among kings and rival factions.

793

Viking Raids Begin

The Viking Age began in 793AD with the brutal raid on Lindisfarne, a monastery in England. This marked the start of extensive Viking incursions, profoundly impacting the economy, culture, and political structure of England.

866

Danish Conquest of York

By 866AD, the Danes established control over York, further entrenching Viking influence in England. This led to the establishment of Danelaw, areas of England under Viking control, and ongoing conflicts with Anglo-Saxon rulers.

1066

The Norman Conquest

The Norman Conquest in 1066AD, initiated by Duke William of Normandy, resulted in the defeat of King Harold and the takeover of England. This marked a significant turning point, leading to a feudal system and cultural shifts in England.

1086

Domesday Book Created

Commissioned by William the Conqueror, the Domesday Book was completed in 1086AD. It was a comprehensive survey of landholdings in England, reflecting the socio-economic landscape post-conquest and aiding in taxation and governance.

1154

Foundation of the Plantagenet Dynasty

The ascension of Henry II in 1154AD marked the beginning of the Plantagenet dynasty, which established a more centralized monarchy and laid the groundwork for the development of common law in England.

1215

Magna Carta Signed

In 1215AD, King John signed the Magna Carta, which limited royal power and established the principle that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law. This document is seen as a cornerstone of constitutional governance in England.

1348

The Black Death Strikes England

The arrival of the Black Death in 1348AD devastated England, causing massive population decline and significant social and economic changes. This pivotal event led to labor shortages, altering the balance of power between workers and landowners.

1399

Rise of Henry IV and the Lancastrian Rule

In 1399AD, Henry Bolingbroke overthrew Richard II and became Henry IV, marking the beginning of Lancastrian rule. This period marked ongoing conflicts that would eventually contribute to the Wars of the Roses in England.

1455

Start of the Wars of the Roses

The Wars of the Roses began in 1455AD between the houses of Lancaster and York, leading to decades of conflict over the English throne. This civil war significantly affected the political landscape of England and culminated in the rise of the Tudor dynasty.

1485

Tudor Dynasty Established

The end of the Wars of the Roses came with the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485AD, where Henry Tudor defeated Richard III. Henry VII's ascendancy marked the start of the Tudor dynasty, bringing stability and significant changes to England's governance and society.

1500

Transition to the Early Modern Period

By 1500AD, England had transitioned from the medieval period into the early modern era, characterized by greater centralized power, emerging national identity, and the seeds of the Renaissance influencing England’s culture and politics.