Time line:
1337:
The Hundred Years’ War began between King Edward III of England and
Philip VI of France which resulted, on and off, in a series of wars with
France about the possessions in France of the English kings.
1339:
King Edward III invaded France and won a number of battles.
1346:
The English army defeat the French at the Battle of Crecy.
1348-1351:
The Black Death ravaged Europe. It got its name from the black tumors
it caused on the body. In England alone, this bubonic plague wiped out
close to one third of the population. It is said the plague was spread
by blood-sucking fleas that lived on rats. The fleas then transferred to
humans when the rats died. Infected houses were marked with a cross and
doctors were forced to wear leather masks to protect themselves.
1356:
King Edward III captured the French King at Poitiers and forced him
to concede large areas of France by a treaty signed in 1360.
1360:
Edward III and his son, The Black Prince, won a famous battle at Crecy,
seized the town of Calais and captured the French King at Poitiers.
1377:
Edward III died at Sheen Palace, Richmond, Surrey on 21st June after
reigning for 50 years and was buried at Westminster Abbey, Middlesex. He
was 64 years of age and his 10 year old grandson Richard II succeeded him
and was crowned King of England on 16th July at Westminster Abbey, Middlesex.
1381:
The peasants revolted in England against their landlords and their
14-year-old King Richard II. The people were heavily taxed to pay for wars
in France. Rioting took place in many towns throughout England. They marched
to London, led by Wat Tiler and rioted in the streets, broke into the Tower
of London, stole from merchant's houses and set houses on fire. King Richard
met the rebels and promised to help them, but later he punished them.