Great Crown of England used as surety against a loan
On 27 February 1339, Thomas Hatfield, the bishop of Durham, paid a John de Lentele 2400l for the return of the Great Crown of England. To do this, he had secured a loan from Italian…
William Sawtrey: the first to be burnt at the stake for heresy in England. 1401
On 26 February 1401 William Sawtrey was condemned to death by being burnt at the stake. William Sawtrey was a Lollard, an adherent of the views of John Wycliff. These views had been condemned by the Pope…
John the Fearless arrived at St. Denis at the head of an armed force 25 February 1408
On 25 February 1408 John the Fearless arrived at St. Denis at the head of an armed force. At a time of high tension, he was met by the Dukes of Berry, Anjou and Brittany, who presented…
Charles VII of France
Charles VII of France was born on 22nd February 1403. As the eleventh child, and fifth born son of King Charles VI and Queen Isabeau, there was little expectation that the infant Charles would ever…
City of Paris arms itself amid tension between Parlement and the Dauphin
On 21 February 1358 City Guild members summoned to attend St Eloy church, Paris, fully armed. This was a response to the Dauphin moving forces as tensions mounted over a potential treaty with England. A treaty with…
Thomas of Lancaster appointed Admiral of the Kings Fleet
On 20 February 1405 Thomas of Lancaster was appointed as Admiral of the Kings Fleet. This allowed John Beaufort Earl of Somerset to concentrate his efforts on land based operations around Calais. Thomas of Lancaster Thomas of…
French Garrison at Montpon agreed to surrender
On 19 February 1371 the French Garrison at Montpon agreed to surrender. Montpon lay in the Dordogne Valley, in the Duchy of Aquitaine. The Castle had been captured by Bertrand du Guesclin in 1370 which was a…
Richard IIs body began its journey from Pontefract to London
On 17 February 1400 Richard IIs body began its journey from Pontefract to London. King Richard II had died in captivity at Pontefract Castle on 14th February 1400. He had been deposed in 1399 by Henry Bolingbroke, Henry…
Ball of the Burning Men (Bal de Ardents)
The Ball of the Burning Men (Bal des Ardents) took place on 29 January 1393. A masquerade ball was held involving men dressed in ‘wild’ costumes coated in pitch and flax. One of these men…
Impeachment of William de la Pole Duke of Suffolk
William de la Pole duke of Suffolk was impeached by the Commons on 28 January 1450. He was accused of abusing his position, found guilty, and sent into exile. He was murdered whilst making his…