Explore the White Tower
Explore all four floors of the White Tower at the Tower of London using the Unity 3d game engine.
A Medieval Mystery
There appear to be some strange connections between the fourteenth century Old Wardour Castle and ancient stone circle Stonehenge.
1: Location
Old Wardour Castle appears to be aligned to ancient sites in the Stonehenge landscape.
2: Alignment
Stonehenge is aligned to the Summer Solstice. Old Wardour has a very similar alignment.
3: Size
Could the builders of Old Wardour used mesaurements from Stonehenge to layout the geometrical keep?
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1476 .. 1500
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Timeline Navigation
Fifteenth Century
163 Historical events occurring between 1476 and 1500
Deaths
Neville, George (Archbishop of York) ( - d.1476)
Neville, Isabel (Duchess of Clarence) (b.1451 - d.1476)
...
Caxton at Westminster
William Caxton rented rooms near Westminster Abbey and set up the first printing press in England. The location for this first printing press may have depended on who he thought would be interested in purchasing the books.
Aug
Columbus and the pirates
Aug
Columbus was sailing on a small fleet of merchant ships from Genoa when they were attacked by pirates led by the pirate Coullon the Elder. The Genoese were able to protect themselves by trying to set fire to the pirates' ships. The ship the Columbus was on became attached to a pirate ship and both were set alight. Rather than being burnt to death many of the sailors jumped into the sea. Many died as they were weighed down with armour or simply because they could not swim. Columbus was able to swim and he found an oar onto which he clung. He was able to swim the six miles back to the Portugese shore.
Episode: The Great Explorers [highlight all]
Dec
Edward prevents marriage
Dec
Isabel, the wife of George, Duke of Clarence died a few months after giving birth to her second child. Clarence chose Mary of Burgundy as his next wife. Mary was the heir to the Duchy of Burgundy and had a good claim to the English throne. Edward saw the danger of his brother marrying Mary and claiming the throne and prevented the marriage going ahead. ¹
...
Work starts on St. George's Chapel
The construction of the massive church of St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle was begun by Edward IV. The church was not completed until 1528 in the reign of King Henry VIII some fifty years later.
...
Edward buys Beaudesert Castle
King Edward IV bought Beaudesert Castle. ¹
...
Caxton prints the first book in England
William Caxton set up a printing press near Westminster and printed the first book in England. It was called 'The Dictes and Sayenges of the Phylosophers' and was a translation by Earl Rivers, the Queens brother.
Jun
Clarence arrested
Jun
George Duke of Clarence was accused of being involved in a plot to kill Edward and the Prince of Wales by means of 'black magic'. He was taken to the Tower of London. ¹
Deaths
George (Duke of Clarence) (b.1449 - d.1478)
...
London Plague
In London, Hull, Newcastle, Southwell and Norwich a great number of people die from the plague. The effects of the plague last into 1479. ¹
Jan 15
Marriage of Richard, duke of York
Jan 15
Richard, duke of York, married Anne Mowbray, daughter of the Duke of Norfolk, at Westminster. The two were only children. Anne died in 1481 at the age of 8 or 9.
Feb 7
Clarence sentenced to death
Feb 7
Clarence was found guilty of high treason and sentenced to death. The trial was attended by the King who took a big part in the procedures. ¹
Feb 18
Clarence executed
Feb 18
The Duke of Clarence was privately put to death within the walls of the Tower of London. ¹
Births
Joanna (of Castile, The Mad) (b.1479 - d.1555)
...
Bishopsgate rebuilt
Bishopsgate, one of the gates of the city walls of London, was rebuilt in this year at the expense of the Hanse merchants. The Hanse merchants were steel workers. The road that started at Bishopsgate was Ermine Street, an old Roman road. ¹
Sep
Treaty of Alcacovas
Sep
This treaty signed between Portugal and Castile marked the end of the war over the succession to the throne of Castile. Alphonso of Portugal gave up his claim of the throne of Castile and not to marry Joanna of Castile. Joanna agreed to become a nun and remain in Portugal. In return Isabella of Castile gave up claims to some territories that Portugal had claims to. Isabella also pardoned those nobles in Castile that had supported Joanna and Alphonso.
...
Birth of Ferdinand Magellan
Magellan, the explorer, was born in northern Portugal in this year. The exact location is known. His father was Ruy de Magalhaes, and his mother was Alda de Mezquita. His parents may have held some position of importance and so Ferdinard attended the Court at Lisbon as a page. ¹
Episode: The Great Explorers [highlight all]
See Also
3D Virtual Reconstructions
Click to explore
...
Dartmouth Castle construction
Work began on the castle guarding the Dartmouth harbour in Devon. A chain was employed that stretched across the entrance to prevent attacks. ¹
...
Caxton publishes first illustrated book in England
William Caxton published the first illustrated book in England. The Myrrour of the World was an encyclopedia and was a translation of an earlier work by Vinvent of Beauvais.
Jul
Reims Cathedral damaged by fire
Jul
The roof and tower of Reims Cathedral were badly damaged by fire after workmen left a lit brasier unattended overnight in the roof space. ¹
Jun
Treaty of Fotheringay
Jun
This treaty was signed by Edward IV of England and Alexander Stuart, Duke of Albany, the brother of James III, King of Scotland. Alexander agreed that if the English king assisted in deposing James and making him king instead he would swear loyalty to England.
Aug 25
Death of Margaret of Anjou
Aug 25
Dec 23
Treaty of Arras
Dec 23
The Treaty of Arras of 1482 is not to be confused with a treaty of the same name in 1435. This treaty was signed by King Louis XI of France and Maximillian of Austria. It was agreed that Charles , the son of Louis, would marry Margaret, the daughter of Maximillian. Margaret's intended dowry, the gift to her husband was to include the counties of Artois and Burgundy. The marriage though would not take place. ¹
1483
Regnal years: 22 Edward IV - 1 Richard III
Births
Raphael (b.1483 - d.1529)
Deaths
Edward (IV, Earl of March and King of England 1461-1470, 1471-1483) (b.1442 - d.1483)
Edward (V, King of England 1483) (b.1470 - m.1483)
Neville, George (Duke of Bedford) (b.1461 - d.1483)
Richard (Duke of York, Prince in the Tower) ( - m.1483)
Stafford, Henry (Duke of Buckingham) (b.1455 - ex.1483)
William (Lord Hastings) (b.1430 - d.1483)
Woodville, Anthony (Earl Rivers) (b.1442 - d.1483)
Apr
Richard of Gloucester made Protector
Apr
The health of King Edward IV was in decline and he declared that his brother Richard, Earl of Gloucester should be made Protector of England as the Prince of Wales was only twelve and too young to rule. Edward did not want the Queen and the Woodville family to have complete control of the country and by making Richard Protector of England, the King hoped to prevent a civil war.
Episode: Wars of the Roses Phase Four [highlight all]
Apr 9
Edward IV dies, Edward V becomes king
Apr 9
Upon the death of the King Edward IV, his son Edward V became King of England. The nature of Edward IV's death is not known, but could have been caused by catching malaria in France or more likely due to excessive eating which he was known to often do according to a chronicler of the time. He died on April the 9th at the age of 41. Edward was buried at Windsor Castle in the new chapel of St. George.
Episode: Wars of the Roses Phase Four [highlight all]
Apr 29
Woodvilles escort Edward V
Apr 29
The 4th of May had been set as the coronation date for Edward V, the new king. The Woodvilles wanted Edward crowned as soon as possible and they wanted The Duke of Gloucester's role as Protector changed so that he didn't command so much power. The Woodvilles were concerned that with the death of Edward IV who had been their protector, old rivalries would resurface and their grip on power may fail. The King was at Ludlow and the Woodvilles escorted him to London via Northampton where it was agreed that they should meet Richard, the Duke of Gloucester. When Richard reached Northampton, he discovered that the Woodvilles had already left and were at Stony Stratford.
Apr 30
Richard captures the young prince
Apr 30
Richard of Gloucester, assisted by the Duke of Buckingham rode to Stony Stratford where they met with the young Prince Edward under the pretence of offering their condolences for the death of his father. Instead, they captured Edward and took him directly to London and safe keeping in the Tower. Anthony Woodville, Earl Rivers was arrested and imprisoned at Sherriff Hutton Castle, near York. ¹
Episode: Wars of the Roses Phase Four [highlight all]
Jun 13
Hastings executed
Jun 13
Lord Hastings had supported Richard against the Woodvilles and had hoped to gain some reward for his loyalty, but the Duke of Buckingham seemed more likely to be rewarded at his expense. Hastings' loyalties swayed towards the Woodvilles and when Richard found out, Hastings was arrested and executed. ¹
Episode: Wars of the Roses Phase Four [highlight all]
Jun 22
Edward V declared illegitimate
Jun 22
To become king Richard Earl of Gloucester had to remove the young Edward V. Richard declared that his father Edward IV was already married when he married Elizabeth Woodville which meant that the marriage to Elizabeth was invalid. This also meant that Edward V was born out of wedlock and not able to become king. At this time Richard also arranged that the King's brother was moved to the Tower of London from Westminster Abbey where he had been looked after by his mother Elizabeth.
Episode: Wars of the Roses Phase Four [highlight all]
Jun 25
Duke of Gloucester nominated as King of England
Jun 25
After the children of Edward IV were declared illegitimate, Richard, the Duke of Gloucester was nominated as the next King of England. He became King Richard III.
Episode: Wars of the Roses Phase Four [highlight all]
Jun 25
Earl Rivers is executed
Jun 25
To secure his position, Richard Duke of Gloucester had several members of Elizabeth Woodville's family arrested, including Anthony Woodville, her brother and Richard Grey, a son from her previous marriage to Sir John Grey. Both were taken to Pontefract Castle where they were executed.
Episode: Wars of the Roses Phase Four [highlight all]
Jul
Murder of Princes in the Tower
Jul
At some point the young King Edward V and his brother Richard disappeared. Whether they were murdered in the Tower of London and by whom is not known, but they were not seen of again. Later, in 1491, a man called Perkin Warbeck appeared in Ireland and claims were made that he was really Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York, one of the princes in the Tower.
Episode: Wars of the Roses Phase Four [highlight all]
Jul 6
Richard III is crowned King
Jul 6
Richard, Duke of Gloucester, was declared the true heir to the English throne after the marriage of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville was deemed unlawful and their sons illegitimate. Richard III and Anne Neville, his wife, were crowned at Westminster Abbey.
Episode: Wars of the Roses Phase Four [highlight all]
Aug
Richard goes on tour
Aug
By the end of July, Richard was travelling around the country meeting his new subjects. ¹
Aug 30
Death of Louis XI
Aug 30
King Louis XI of France had suffered from a series of strokes that had left him partially paralysed since 1480 and a further stroke in August of 1483 was the final one. He died a few days later. Louis had two daughters and a son. Before his death, Louis had declared that Charles, his son, should be the next King of France but because Charles was in poor health and had been given a poor education Louis specified that Anne, his eldest daughter, should act a regent until Charles was able to rule unaided. ¹
Sep 7
Richard's son becomes Prince of Wales
Sep 7
A week of festivities preceded the investiture of Richard's son Edward. ¹
Oct
Buckingham's rebellion
Oct
Henry, the second Duke of Buckingham, took part in a rebellion called Buckingham's rebellion against King Richard III. Involved also in the plot was John Morton, the Bishop of Ely at the time. Morton was an enemy of the King and was held captive in Buckingham's castle at Brecknock. The plan was to remove Richard and place Henry Tudor on the throne. An army was raised in Wales but due to bad weather the plot ended in failure. Buckingham was captured and executed on November 2nd. Many of the other rebels were later pardoned. ¹
See Also
- Edward (IV, Earl of March and King of England 1461-1470, 1471-1483)
- Edward (V, King of England 1483)
- Richard (III, King of England 1483-1485)
- Woodville, Elizabeth
- Woodville, Anthony (Earl Rivers)
- Stafford, Henry (Duke of Buckingham)
- William (Lord Hastings)
- Richard (Duke of York, Prince in the Tower)
- Warbeck, Perkin
- Neville, Anne (Duchess of Gloucester, Queen of England)
- Charles (VIII, King of France 1483-1498)
- Louis (XI, King of France 1461-1483)
- Edward (of Middleham, Prince of Wales)
- Henry (VII, King of England 1485-1509)
- Welles, John (Viscount Welles)
- Ludlow Castle
- Tower of London
- Pontefract Castle
- Westminster Abbey
1484
Regnal years: 1 Richard III - 2 Richard III
Deaths
Edward (of Middleham, Prince of Wales) (b.1473 - d.1484)
Isabel (of Cambridge, Countess of Wessex) (b.1409 - d.1484)
Apr
Prince Edward dies
Apr
Richard's only son died at Middleham Castle aged only ten or eleven. Anne was unable to have any more children and she would die in the following year. This left Richard with the problem of who should succeed him after his death.
Aug
Innocent VIII becomes Pope
Aug
Sep
Truce signed with the Scots
Sep
A three year truce was signed at Nottingham Castle by Richard and the Scottish king James III. ¹
Dec
Richard returns to London
Dec
Richard was welcomed into London by the Mayor and a procession led him to Blackfriars. Christmas was spent celebrating. ¹
1485
Regnal years: 2 Richard III - 1 Henry VII
Births
Brandon, Charles (Duke of Suffolk) (b.1485 - d.1545)
Catherine (of Aragon, Queen of England) (b.1485 - d.1536)
Deaths
Neville, Anne (Duchess of Gloucester, Queen of England) (b.1456 - d.1485)
Richard (III, King of England 1483-1485) (b.1452 - d.1485)
Stewart, Alexander (Duke of Albany) (b.1454 - d.1485)
...
Caxton publishes 'Morte d'Arthur'
Caxton published 'Morte d'Arthur'. ¹
Mar
Death of Queen Anne
Mar
Anne Neville, the queen of England died at the age of 29. There were rumours that Richard, her husband, had poisoned her so that he could marry his niece, Elizabeth of York.
Mar 16
Eclipse
Mar 16
A total eclipse of the sun occurred on the same day as the death of Queen Anne. This was seen as a bad omen for King Richard. The track of total eclipse being in Scoctland and the north of England.
Jun
Siege of Vienna
Jun
Vienna was besieged and captured by King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary.
Aug 7
Henry Tudor arrives in England
Aug 7
Henry Tudor, the future king of England Henry VII, landed at Milford Haven in Wales avoiding the south coast which was more heavily defended and made his way north. He was given money by Charles VIII of France to pay for soldiers and ships for the invasion. His claim to the throne of England was through his mother whose great-grandfather was John of Gaunt, the son of King Edward III. He was accompanied by his uncle Japser Tudor. ¹
Episode: Wars of the Roses Phase Four [highlight all]
Aug 15
Henry Tudor at Shrewsbury
Aug 15
By August 15th, Henry Tudor had reached the town of Shrewsbury. He had gained the support of some Welsh as he marched north. ¹
Episode: Wars of the Roses Phase Four [highlight all]
Aug 22
Battle of Bosworth
Aug 22
King Richard III was killed at the Battle of Bosworth and Henry Tudor was proclaimed King of England. ¹
Episode: Wars of the Roses Phase Four [highlight all]
Sep
Earl of Warwick arrested
Sep
The 10 year old Earl of Warwick was arrested and sent to the Tower of London. His claim to the English throne was strong and Henry VII wanted him out of the way.
Oct 30
Henry Tudor is crowned.
Oct 30
Henry Tudor is crowned as Henry VII at Westminster Abbey. ¹
Episode: Wars of the Roses Phase Four [highlight all]
Dec 15
Birth of Catherine of Aragon
Dec 15
Catherine of Aragon is born at Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain. Her father and mother were Ferdinand and Isabella of Aragon.
See Also
- Neville, Anne (Duchess of Gloucester, Queen of England)
- Richard (III, King of England 1483-1485)
- Elizabeth (of York)
- Henry (VII, King of England 1485-1509)
- Charles (VIII, King of France 1483-1498)
- Tudor, Jasper (Earl of Pembroke)
- Plantagenet, Edward (Earl of Warwick)
- Catherine (of Aragon, Queen of England)
- Bosworth (Aug 22 1485)
- Westminster Abbey
Births
Arthur (Prince of Wales) (b.1486 - d.1502)
Deaths
Margaret (of Denmark) (b.1456 - d.1486)
Jan 18
Henry VII marries Elizabeth of York
Jan 18
Henry married Elizabeth of York, the daughter of Edward IV, at Westminster Abbey.
Apr
Lovell revolt in England.
Apr
King Henry was confiscating the possessions of the House of York, and Lord Lovell, a Yorkist supporter, led a revolt in the north of England, but the rebellion was quickly put down. The rebellion took place while King Henry was touring the country. ¹
Sep
Birth of Prince Arthur
Sep
Elizabeth of York gave birth to a son which was named Arthur and was heir to the English throne. The child was born several weeks early.
Deaths
Pole, John de la (Earl of Lincoln) (b.1464 - d.1487)
May 24
Lambert Simnel crowned in Dublin
May 24
Lambert Simnel arrived in Ireland claiming to be Edward Plantagenet, Earl of Warwick, one of the young boys who had been locked up in the Tower of London by Richard III because they were rivals to the English Crown. John de la Pole, Earl of Lincoln who himself had a claim to the throne backed Simnel's claim and raised funds and an army. When they landed in Ireland Simnel was crowned by the Irish at Dublin as Edward VI. ¹
Episode: Rebellions to the rule of Henry VII [highlight all]
Jun 10
Battle of Bramham Moor
Jun 10
Lambert Simnel and the Earl of Lincoln landed on the Lancashire coast in early June and with some support from the locals were able to win a battle at Bramham Moor.
Episode: Rebellions to the rule of Henry VII [highlight all]
Jun 16
Battle of Stoke
Jun 16
Henry VII fought the Earl of Lincoln and Lambert Simnel at the Battle of Stoke. The English throne was at stake. Simnel was captured and Lincoln was killed. This battle ended the Wars of the Roses. The king realised Simnel was just a puppet in Lincoln's scheme and pardoned the young boy. ¹
Episode: Rebellions to the rule of Henry VII [highlight all]
Nov 25
Coronation of Elizabeth of York
Nov 25
Elizabeth of York was crowned at Westminster Abbey.
...
Rounding of the Cape of Good Hope
Bartholomew Dias, a Portuguese explorer was the first European to navigate around the southern tip of the African continent, the Cape of Good Hope. ¹
Episode: The Great Explorers [highlight all]
Jun 11
Death of James III of Scotland
Jun 11
James III king of Scotland was killed at or shortly after the battle of Sauchieburn. Several of his nobles had risen up against the king and James was forced to fight. The king's army was defeated. James fled the battle field but was killed or even murdered shortly afterwards.
Jun 24
James IV crowned King of Scotland
Jun 24
Shortly after the death of his father, James IV was crowned King of Scotland at Scone Abbey.
Jul 28
Battle of St. Aubin
Jul 28
The Battle of St. Aubin was fought between the French and an English army commanded by Sir Edward Woodville, consisting also of a group of Bretons who had joined his company. It was in support of Brittany which was at war with France. The Bretons apparently abandoned the fight and the French soldiers killed Sir Edward and all his men, apart from one.
Aug 20
Treaty of Sable
Aug 20
A treaty signed by Francis, Duke of Brittany and Charles VIII of France. Charles' elder sister Anne was acting regent at the time as the French kling was too young to rule.
Sep
Death of the Duke of Brittany
Sep
Francis, duke of Brittany died leaving his daughter Anne heir to the important Brittany region.
Births
Cranmer, Thomas (Archbishop of Canterbury) (b.1489 - d.1556)
Tudor, Margaret (Queen of Scotland) (b.1489 - d.1541)
...
The Annunciation by Botticelli (painting)
.
Mar
Venice Buys control of Cyprus
Mar
Catherine Cornano, a Venetian and widow of James II of Cyprus was the last of the Lusignan dynasty of Cyprus. Her son James III died at the age of one . Several years after his death Catherine was pursuaded by Venice to sell control of the island. ¹
Apr 28
Murder of Henry Percy
Apr 28
Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, was murdered by a mob opposed to the collection of taxes. Parliament had granted King Henry VII permission to raise taxes to help defend Brittany. In Yorkshire a rebellion started in protest against the taxes. ¹
Nov
Birth of Margaret
Nov
Margaret, Henry VII's and Elizabeth of York's second child was born. ¹
...
Winchester Cathedral Lady Chapel
Work was carried out on the Lady Chapel of Winchester Cathedral. ¹
...
Wool exported to Italy
King Henry VII signed a trade agreement making Pisa on the Italian coast the staple town for importing English wool. English traders were given special privilages in the town in return for this special arrangement.
...
Madonna and Child with Ignudi by Signorelli (painting)
.
3D Virtual Reconstructions
Click to explore
Births
Henry (VIII, King of England 1509-1547) (b.1491 - d.1547)
Deaths
Pole, John de la (Duke of Suffolk) ( - d.1491)
...
Charles VIII assumes control of France
Charles VIII became old enough to take control in his own right after France had been governed by his his elder sister Anne.
...
Henry asks for Benevolences
Benevolences is the term to describe the giving of money by the people to the Crown voluntarily when the country was in need of finance at times of war. Unfortunately several kings abused this making the payments compulsory, including King Richard III, and the practice was made illegal. King Henry VII overturned the ban and used Benevolences to raise money for a war with France.
Jun 28
Henry (VIII) born
Jun 28
The future king of England Henry was born at Greenwich Palace. He was the third child of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York.
Qtr 4
Perkin Warbeck arrives in Cork
Qtr 4
Perkin Warbeck, the pretender to the English throne landed at Cork.
Nov 25
The Treaty of Granada
Nov 25
The end of the siege of Granada was marked by the signing of the Treaty of Granada by Ferdinand and Isabella of Castile and Boabdil the sultan of Granada. This treaty ended the Moorish rule of Granada and its transfer to Spanish rule. The actual transfer was delayed until early 1492.
Dec 6
Charles marries Anne of Brittany
Dec 6
Charles VIII of France married Anne, the duchess of Brittany. Anne had been duchess since the death of her father in 1488. Both Charles and Anne had been part of arranged marriages, but as those marriages were not consummated they were declared void. The marriage between Charles and Anne ended the independence of Brittany from France.
...
Alexander VI becomes Pope
...
Introduction of diseases
An unintended consequence of exploring the New World was the introduction of European diseases into a population that had no natural immunity. Simple diseases such as influenza may have been mild to a European but deadly to those in the Caribbean islands. The diseases quickly spread from island to island killing many natives. The introduction of European animal caused a similar problem for native animals. The introduction of smallpox killed thousands and with reduced numbers of natives to repel them, the invading Europeans found it easier to make gains in land and resources.
Episode: The Great Explorers [highlight all]
Jan 2
Spanish conquest of Granada
Jan 2
Ferdinand of Spain abolishes the empire of the Moors in Spain when he enters Granada. The Treaty of Granada granted the Muslims in Granada the rights to exercise their own religion and have their own laws.
Mar
Jews expelled from Spain
Mar
Ferdinand of Spain demanded that al the Jews in Spain either convert to Christianity or leave the county. This created a huge exodus of people from Spain taking their wealth and skills with them.
Apr 17
Columbus signs agreement
Apr 17
Christopher Columbus signed an agreement with Ferdinand and Isabella, the King and Queen of Spain, He specified that he should be given ten percent of any materials that he found on his explorations, for example spices, gems, gold and silver. He also specified that he would fund one eighth of the expedition if in return he received an eighth of the profits. He also wanted to be made Viceroy of all lands that he discovered. ¹
Episode: The Great Explorers [highlight all]
Jun
Death of Elizabeth Woodville
Jun
Elizabeth Woodville had retired to Bermondsey Abbey and it was here that she died at the age of round 55.
Aug 3
Columbus sets sail
Aug 3
It was not easy to recruit men to sail with Columbus into the unknown so the King of Spain appealed to criminals by assuring them that their property and possessions would be safe even though they may have committed a crime in the past. This also applied to any crimes they committed during the voyage and for two months after their return. Three ships were prepared in the port of Palos in southern Spain. The three ships, the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria set sail west across the Atlantic in search of a route to the Far East. Columbus hoped to find the island of Chipangu in the Far East that Marco Polo had written about. Marco Polo had commented that the island of Chipangu had unlimited supplies of gold.
Episode: The Great Explorers [highlight all]
Sep
Columbus reaches the Canary Islands
Sep
The first port of call were the Canary Islands where Columbus took on more supplies. The Pinta's rudder was damaged on this early section of the voyage so the expedition waited several weeks while repairs were made. In early September the ships were ready to leave. ¹
Episode: The Great Explorers [highlight all]
Sep (to Oct)
Columbus sails across the Atlantic
Sep (to Oct)
For several weeks the three ships sailed across the Atlantic. At times Columbus sailed north west and others south west but most of the time it was due west. The crews became restless and threatened to turn back but finally small branches and what looked like a carved piece of wood were seen in the water. More signs of land were spotted and so the ships carried on. ¹
Episode: The Great Explorers [highlight all]
Oct 2
Henry VII lands at Calais
Oct 2
The Tudor king Henry VII landed in Calais leading a large army against the French King Charles VIII. They captured the town of Boulogne.
Oct 11
Land is spotted
Oct 11
The first person to see land was Rodrigo de Triana. His reward should have been a pension for life promised by the King of Spain. But on their return Columbus claimed the pension for himself and gave the money to his mistress. ¹
Episode: The Great Explorers [highlight all]
Oct 12
Christopher Columbus 'discovers' America
Oct 12
Christopher Columbus landed on what he thought was the east coast of Asia believing that there was no land between it and Europe but he had landed in the Caribbean and had discovered the 'Americas'. They named this first island that they had landed on San Salvador and declared it to be the property of the King of Spain.
Episode: The Great Explorers [highlight all]
Nov 3
Treaty of Etaples
Nov 3
Treaty of Etaples was the peace treaty signed by Charles VIII of France and Henry VII of England. Charles agreed not to support Perkin Warbeck and Henry agreed not pursue his claim to the French throne. Charles also had to pay Henry a large sum of money to be paid over several years.
Dec
Columbus lands at Santo Domingo
Dec
Christopher Columbus landed at Santo Domingo on the island of Hispaniola, now known as Haiti and the Dominican Republic. ¹
Episode: The Great Explorers [highlight all]
Dec 24
Santa Maria runs aground
Dec 24
In the middle of the night Columbus' flag ship was being steered by one of the ship's boys, something that Columbus had tried to prevent from happening. All alone at the wheel the boy steered the ship onto a sand bank or a reef on the north shore of the present day Haiti. In the panic many of the sailors chose to abandon the ship and get to the Pinta or the Nina rather than stay aboard and rescue the ship. By the morning the Santa Maria was stuck and Columbus gave orders for everything on board to be removed. One of the local chiefs sent his people to help and put a guard on the items removed so they were not stolen. ¹
Episode: The Great Explorers [highlight all]
...
Canterbury central tower building work
At Canterbury Cathedral building work was undertaken on the central tower including strainer arches in the crossing. ¹
...
Henry becomes Constable of Dover Castle
Prince Henry, the future King of England, received his first official title before he was 2 years old. It was the Constable of Dover Castle.
Jan
The first Spanish New World settlement
Jan
With only two ships it was not possible to get all his crew back to Spain so Columbus decided to build a fort using the timber from the grounded Santa Maria in La Navidad, now north Haiti. Several sailors were chosen to stay on the island. ¹
Episode: The Great Explorers [highlight all]
Mar 4
Columbus returns
Mar 4
The Nina and Pinta returned from the exploration of the New World. Because they came back with the help of the trade winds they found themselves to the north and on a line with Portugal. The nearest port they found was Lisbon. ¹
Episode: The Great Explorers [highlight all]
Apr
Henry becomes Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports
Apr
Although less than two years old Prince Henry was given the title of Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. The Cinque ports are five south coast ports (Hastings, Sandwich, Dover, New Romney and Hythe) that were to provide ships to assist keep the English Channel safe from enemy vessels. The last Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports was H.M. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Sep 25
Columbus embarks on his second voyage
Sep 25
The second voyage undertaken by Columbus was much better organised than the first. This time seventeen ships were involved and the thousand sailors did not have the bribed out of the local prisons. The ships also transported craftsmen and animals of all types. The plan was to set up a colony and everything that was needed to do this was placed on board. Even cats and dogs were taken. The fleet was assembled and prepared in the Spanish port of Cadiz. ¹
Episode: The Great Explorers [highlight all]
Oct 13
Columbus leaves the Canary Islands
Oct 13
After increasing his supplies on board ship from the island of El Heirro or Ferro in the Canary Islands Columbus set sail. ¹
Episode: The Great Explorers [highlight all]
Nov 3
Christopher Columbus discovers Dominica
Nov 3
The first island Christopher Columbus discovered on his second voyage he called Dominica. It was a Sunday. and the name is Latin for Sunday. The island should not be confused with the Dominican Republic which is a separate part of the Caribbean. Just to the north was a smaller island and he named it Maria Galante which was the name of his flagship. ¹
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Nov 4
Columbus finds cannibals
Nov 4
Unable to land at Dominica Columbus sailed north and found an island he named Guadeloupe. On his first voyage Columbus had heard stories of natives called Caribs that captured and ate other natives. On Guadeloupe he found evidence including human bones that had been gnawed. He also found many captives which they freed. The Caribs had fled when they saw the Spanish ships approaching. ¹
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Nov 11
More new islands named by Columbus
Nov 11
Columbus sailed past the islands now known as Nevis, St. Kitts and St. Eustatius after leaving Guadeloupe. The names originally given to the islands by Columbus to these islands have changed. ¹
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Nov 14
Columbus discovers Santa Cruz
Nov 14
The island now called Saint Croix was visited and named Santa Cruz by Columbus. The original native name for the island was Ay Ay but Columbus renamed it anyway. When Columbus sent some men ashore to investigate and capture some natives they came under attack and one of the crew were killed. ¹
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Nov 19
Columbus discovers Puerto Rico
Nov 19
Columbus sailed along the southern coast of the island known as Borinquen to the natives. On the western side of the island is Boqueron Bay where Columbus anchored his fleet for a couple of days. ¹
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Nov 27
Back to Navidad
Nov 27
When the fleet reached Navidad they did not get the welcome that they expected. Columbus was given the bad news that all of the Spanish sailors that had been left behind during the first voyage were all dead. They had been killed because of their greed for gold and the fort had been burnt down. ¹
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Births
Francis (I, King of France 1515-1547) (b.1494 - d.1547)
Deaths
Isabella (Stewart) ( - d.1494)
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Aberdeen University founded
Aberdeen University was found in 1495 by William Elphinstone, the bishop of Aberdeen. ¹
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Treaty of Tordesillas
The Treaty of Tordesillas, arranged by Pope Alexander VI and signed by Spain and Portugal, agreed what areas of the World they could claim when they discovered them. The line, known as the Line of Demarcation, was 370 leagues to the west of the Cape Verde Islands. This was the Portuguese's western limit but it was far enough west to include Brazil. ¹
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Jan 2
Columbus creates a new settlement
Jan 2
Columbus left Navidad and sailed along the north coast of Hispaniola (now Haiti) looking for a suitable location to found a Spanish settlement, The location he found he called Ysabella after the Spanish Queen. From this location he sent expeditions into the heart of the island looking for gold mines. ¹
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Feb
Partial return to Spain
Feb
Columbus decided to send the larger part of his fleet back to Spain. Several men were ill and he wanted supplies for his new settlement., Five ships remained behind. Columbus began an exploration of the island for the gold he was desperate to find. ¹
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Mar 12
Search for gold
Mar 12
Columbus set off with a small army to search for gold. They headed for the region of Cibao in the north of what is now the Dominican Republic. Here Columbus built a fort as a base from where the search for a gold mine was conducted. ¹
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Apr 24
Columbus heads for Cuba
Apr 24
The native guides had told Columbus of a large landmass to the west of Hispniola and so with three ships the Spaniards set sail to explore what they thought was the mainland. In fact it was the island of Cuba. It was still believed that the coast of China was not far away as the size of the Earth was not known. ¹
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May
Jamaica Explored
May
Columbus did a detour to the northern coast of Jamaica in the first couple of weeks in May again searching for any signs of gold. ¹
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Jun (to Aug)
Southern coast of Cuba explored
Jun (to Aug)
Columbus sailed along the southern coast of Cuba. He did not reach its western end so was unaware that it was an island. He turned back and headed back to Jamaica exploring the Jamaican southern coast. ¹
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Sep
Henry becomes Lieutenant of Ireland
Sep
Henry was given the title of Lieutenant of Ireland, but his duties were carried out by (Sir Edward Poynings ?)
Oct
Henry enters the Order of the Bath
Oct
Henry was also entered as a knight into the Order of the Bath and the Duke of York.
Dec
Henry enters the Order of the Garter
Dec
Henry (VIII) was given the title of Warden of the Scottish Marches and entered into the Order of the Garter.
Births
Mary (Tudor, Queen of France) (b.1495 - d.1533)
Deaths
Neville, Cecily (Duchess of York) (b.1415 - d.1495)
Feb
Charles crowned King of Naples
Feb
In 1494 Charles VIII of France had taken an army into Italy to claim the throne of Naples which he believed was his right to have. As his army met no resistance he entered Naples and had himself crowned King. ¹
Feb 14
Foundation of Aberdeen University
Feb 14
The Univesity at Aberdeen was founded by William Elphinston Bishop of Aberdeen and Chancellor of Scotland under James III. The Bishop sent the request for a foundation on behalf of King James IV to the Pope for permission which was granted by a Papal Bull that was issued on February 14th.
Mar 27
The Battle of Vega Real
Mar 27
To put an end to the opposition to his presence, Columbus with a large army of Spaniards attacked an army of the local Ararwak tribe on Hispaniola and defeated them, The leader of the Ararwaks was captured.
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Mar 31
Holy League (League of Venice)
Mar 31
At Venice it was decided to put a force together to remove King Charles of France from Italy. It was signed by the Pope, Ferdinand of Aragon, Maximilian the Holy Roman Emperor, the Ruler of Milan and also had the backing of Venice itself. ¹
Jul 3
Perkin Warbeck's attempted invasion
Jul 3
Perkin Warbeck and an invasion force of around 200 to 300 men approached England at Deal on the south coast. Warbeck did not get off his ship but his small army did. The local people did not accept Warbeck's claims to the English throne and turned on his army killing many and taking the rest prisoner. The invasion had been financed by Maximilian, the Holy Roman Emporer. Warbeck then turned his attention to Ireland. ¹
Nov
Perkin Warbeck in Scotland
Nov
Perkin Warbeck arrived in Scotland near the end of November and was greeted by the Scottish king James IV. The king gave the pretender money and arranged a marriage to Lady Catherine Gordon, daughter of the earl of Huntley. ¹
Deaths
Tudor, Jasper (Earl of Pembroke) (b.1431 - d.1496)
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A new Spanish colony at Santo Domingo
Before he left for Spain Columbus told his brother Bartholomew to build a new Spanish colony on the southern shore of Hispaniola. This city is now the capital of the Dominican Republic. ¹
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Intercusus Magnus
England was exporting large amounts of wool to Flanders and so the Flemings took advantage of this and levied large import duties. King Henry understood that the Flemings needed the wool as much as the English needed to export it, so stopped wool exports going direct to Flanders and sent it through Calais instead. The Ruler of Flanders, Duke Philip needed the support of Henry because of tensions in northern Europe so signed an agreement known as the Intercursus Magnus. This ensured free trade between the two nations.
Mar
Columbus returns to Spain
Mar
After three years exploring the New World, slaughtering its native inhabitants and failing to find a route to Asia, Columbus set sail for Spain to face an inquest into his actions by the King and Queen. ¹
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Mar 5
Henry VII and John Cabot
Mar 5
Henry VII granted John Cabot, his sons and heirs the power to explore unknown areas under the English flag. They were allowed to conquer these new lands. Although the Cabots had to fund the explorations themselves, they only had to pay the Crown one fifth of the money they made by selling the goods they found.
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Jun
The foundation of Jesus College, Cambridge
Jun
Bishop John Alcock of Ely was granted permission by both King Henry VII and Pope Alexander VI to convert Cambridge's derelict Benedictine nunnery of St Radegund's priory into a college of graduate priests studying for degrees in theology.
Jun 11
Columbus lands at Cadiz
Jun 11
Columbus arrived back in Spain at the port of Cadiz. ¹
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Oct
James IV invades England
Oct
In support of Perkin Warbeck, who had taken refuge in Scotland, King James invaded England in an attempt to remove king Henry VII. The invasion quickly failed and the Scots returned home.
Jan
Henry VII demands money for a Scottish invasion
Jan
After the previous year's invasion by the Scottish king, James IV, King Henry demanded money be collected in the form of taxes to pay for an invasion of his own into Scotland.
May
Cornish Rebellion
May
Due to the demands of high taxation to pay for a Scottish invasion, a rebellion broke out in Cornwall. The rebels were led by Michael Joseph, a blacksmith, and Thomas Flamank (Flammock) the son of a gentleman. They advanced to Exeter then on to Taunton. At Wells they were joined by James Tuchet, Lord Audley, the only noble to oppose the King in this rebellion.
May 2
John Cabot sets sail for Asia
May 2
Under the English flag, John Cabot left Bristol on his voyage of exploration across the Atlantic to find a route to Asia and to open new trade routes.
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Jun
Cabot discovers Newfoundland
Jun
Expecting to find the east coast of Asia Cabot and his fleet of explorers landed on what we now know as Newfoundland or Nova Scotia.
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Jun 17
Batlle of Blackheath
Jun 17
The Cornish rebels advanced as far as London. Henry VII had assembled a large army, much larger than the rebels own army and the two met in battle at Deptford Bridge (also know as the Battle of Blackheath). The rebels' army was no match for the King's troops and tactics and were heavily defeated.
Aug 6
Cabot returns from voyage
Aug 6
John Cabot returned to Bristol after his voyage of discovery.
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Sep 7
Warbeck lands in Cornwall
Sep 7
One of the conditions of a seven-year peace treaty between England and the Scots had meant Perkin Warbeck had to leave Scotland. With a small army Warbeck landed on the south coast on England at Whitsand Bay, Cornwall. It was a favourable location as Cornwall was home to a good number of rebels.
Oct 5
Perkin Warbeck captured at Beaulieu
Oct 5
Perkin Warbeck was hiding in Beaulieu Abbey where he was found by Henry VII's army and captured. He was taken to Taunton Castle where the king was staying. Warbck confessed that he was not Richard, the son of King Edward and that he had been used by others to try and remove Henry from the throne. ¹
Dec
Sheen Palace burns down
Dec
Henry VII had plans to spend Christmas at his royal palace of Sheen but it was destroyed by fire. Henry had the palace rebuilt and renamed the building Richmond Palace in honour of the Earl of Richmond title that he held. ¹
Dec
Vasco de Gama rounds Cape of Good Hope
Dec
Vasco de Gama rounded the Cape of Good Hope to reach East Asia. ¹
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Deaths
Charles (VIII, King of France 1483-1498) (b.1470 - d.1498)
Isabella (Queen of Portugal) (b.1470 - d.1498)
Welles, John (Viscount Welles) (b.1450 - d.1498)
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Outbreak of the plague
Possibly 10,000 died from the plague in London this year.
Apr 7
Death of Charles VIII of France
Apr 7
Charles VIII of France died due to complications that occurred after banging his head on a low doorway as he walked through a dimly lit Amboise Castle. He was succeeded by Louis XII.
May
Cabot disappears on voyage
May
Cabot and a fleet of five ships sailed for America but were not heard from again.
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May 30
Columbus begins his third voyage
May 30
This time with six ships Christopher Columbus left the harbour at Sanlucar de Barrameda in southern Spain and headed for the New World. ¹
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Jun
The doldrums
Jun
Columbus sailed to Madeira and then to the Canary Islands. Here he divided his fleet into two. Three ships were to sail directly westward, while he took the other three ships further south to the Cape Verde islands and then in a south westerly direction to explore new areas. His ships were caught in the doldrums, an area with no winds, for several days until strong winds took him westwards again. ¹
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Jun
Warbeck escapes
Jun
Perkin Warbeck was able to escape from captivity but was recaptured at Shene, Richmond. He gave himself up on condition of being spared and confessing that he was an imposter. After a public disgrace he was taken to the Tower of London.
Jul 31
The island of Trinidad is discovered
Jul 31
Christopher Columbus found and named the island of Trinidad. ¹
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Aug
The Gulf of Paria
Aug
For the first two of weeks of August Columbus sailed around the coastline of the Gulf of Paria, the body of sea between the island of Trinidad and the coast of Venezuela. Columbus originally called the area the Golfo de la Ballena or the Gulf of the Whale after seeing a whale break the surface, Within the gulf the currents are very strong and the ships were at risk of slipping their anchors. Columbus managed to navigate his way between the rocks at the northern entrance to the gulf and into the open sea. ¹
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Aug
Columbus finds a continent
Aug
While sailing in the Gulf of Paria Columbus had found a lot of fresh water. This led him to believe that the coastline belonged to a continent rather than an island as a large river would be needed to produce such amounts of fresh water. After leaving the gulf the fleet sailed along the northern coast of the continent, now the coast of Venezuela. He passed the island of Margarita and then turned north west and headed for Haiti to see his brother. ¹
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Qtr 3
Rebellion of Roldan
Qtr 3
When the Columbus brothers returned to Santo Domingo they had to face a rebellion lead by Francisco Roldan. Roldan was a man of some importance, possibly a mayor. He was opposed to the way that Christopher and Bartholomew Columbus were using their position to fill their own pockets as he saw it. Roldan led several hundred Spaniards out of Santo Domingo into the heart of the island. Roldan also had the support of the local people as he had promised them that they could stop making offerings of gold. ¹
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Aug 31
Columbus lands at Santo Domingo
Aug 31
Columbus met his brother Bartholomew at the small island called Beata on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic. From there they sailed along the coast to Santo Domingo. ¹
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Sep
Agreement with Roldan
Sep
Rather than put down the rebellion by force Columbus met with Roldan and began negotiations. It was agreed that Roldan and his supporters would be cleared of all charges and given free passage back to Spain with their native wives and slaves if they wanted to return or land if they wanted to stay. Roldan would also be given the position of Chief Justice. ¹
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Sep 20
Japan earthquake
Sep 20
A large earthquake possibly 8.6 in strength that caused a large tsunami occurred off the southern coast of Honshu. The disaster resulted in the estimated loss of over 30,000 people.
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Construction at Bath Abbey
Building work of a new church in the Perpendicular style began at Bath Abbey. ¹
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Alonso de Ojeda names Venezuela
The Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda sailed along the north coast of Southern America and finds the Gulf of Maracaibo. He names the country Venezuela after Venice because the natives built their huts on stilts in the water. ¹
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...
Marriage of Louis XII and Anne of Brittany
After the death of King Charles VIII of France, his successor Louis XII had the marriage to his first wife Joan annulled so that he could marry Anne, the widow of Charles.
Summer
Escape plot
Summer
Plans were formed to free the Earl of Warwick from the Tower of London and put him on the throne of England. The plans could have also included or been assisted by Perkin Warbeck. The plot was uncovered and both Warbeck and Warwick were accused of treason.
Nov
Perkin Warbeck executed
Nov
Perkin Warbeck executed at the Tower of London. ¹
Nov
Execution of Perkin Warbeck and Edward, Earl of Warwick
Nov
Both Perkin Warbeck and Edward, Earl of Warwick were executed at the Tower of London, found guilty of treason. Edward had been held captive in the Tower since the age of ten when Henry VII became King of England after defeating Edward's uncle Richard III at the battle of Bosworth. Perkin Warbeck had claimned to be one of the two Princes in the Tower who had mysteriously disappeared during the reign of Richard III.
Births
Aske, Robert (b.1500 - d.1537)
Charles (V, Holy Roman Emperor (1519-58) and I, King of Spain (1516-56)) (b.1500 - d.1558)
Seymour, Edward (Duke of Somerset, Protector) (b.1500 - d.1552)
Deaths
Cabot, John (b.1450 - d.1500)
Jan
Pinzon leaves Spain
Jan
After fitting out several ships at his own expense, Vicente Pinzon set sail from Spain on a voyage of discovery.
Episode: The Great Explorers [highlight all]
Apr 17
Louis XII enters Milan
Apr 17
After his success at the battle of Novara Louis XII was able to take control of the city of Milan and it's surrounding area. ¹
Summer
Pinzon sails coast of Brazil
Summer
The Spanish explorer Vicente Pinzon sailed along the coast of what is now the country of Brazil. He also sailed into the Amazon River estuary. ¹
Episode: The Great Explorers [highlight all]
Summer
Plague in England
Summer
The plague arrived in England and affected London. The king escaped to Calais while the pestilence was at its worse.
Aug
Francisco de Bobadilla
Aug
Francisco de Bobadilla was chosen by the King and Queen of Spain to go to Hispaniola and investigate the conduct of Christopher Columbus and his brothers. When Bobadilla landed at Santo Domingo the first thing he saw were the bodies of several rebels who had been hung a couple of days before. Christopher and Bartholomew Columbus were not at the settlement but Diego Columbus was. Bobadilla ordered Diago to hand over the other rebels in custody who were scheduled to be executed shortly. Diago refused and so Bobadilla arrested him and took over the city. When Christopher Columbus returned he also was arrested. Bartholomew, who could have caused problems because he had many armed men with him, was persuaded to return to Santo Domingo peacefully. ¹
Episode: The Great Explorers [highlight all]
Aug 10
Island of Madagascar
Aug 10
Diogo Dias, a Portuguese explorer is the first documented European to visit the island of Madagascar.
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Oct
Columbus returns in chains
Oct
Francisco de Bobadilla accused the Columbus brothers of crimes against the native people, taking slaves and women and extracting large amounts of gold. Christopher and Diago were put in irons and shipped back to Spain. Christopher Columbus was given the option of having his chains removed while on board the ship but he refused the offer. ¹
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Nov 11
Treaty of Granada
Nov 11
The secret treaty signed by Loius XIII of France and Ferdinand II of Aragon who agreed to both invade Naples and remove King Frederick from power. Once it had been captured it was agreed that Italy was to divided between France and Spain.
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