Magna Carta
In 1215 King John agreed to Magna Carta after conflict with leading nobles. It established the important principle that the monarch was subject to the law and became a landmark in the development of constitutional government.
Magna Carta did not create modern democracy, but its legacy became important to later ideas about limits on government and legal rights.
Parliament develops
During the medieval period, councils involving nobles, clergy and later representatives of towns and counties contributed to the development of Parliament. In 1265 Simon de Montfort called a parliament that included representatives from towns as well as nobles.
By the end of the 13th century, representatives of counties and towns were increasingly involved. Over time Parliament developed into two houses: the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
War and disease
The Hundred Years’ War was fought between England and France during the 14th and 15th centuries. One famous English victory was the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, associated with Henry V.
The Black Death reached Britain in 1348 and killed a large proportion of the population. The resulting labour shortages contributed to social and economic change.
Scotland and Wales in the Middle Ages
Edward I of England fought campaigns in Wales and Scotland. In Scotland, figures including William Wallace and Robert the Bruce resisted English rule. Robert the Bruce defeated an English army at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
In Wales, Owain Glyndŵr led a rebellion against English rule in the early 15th century.
Wars of the Roses
The Wars of the Roses were fought between supporters of the houses of Lancaster and York. The conflict ended after Henry Tudor defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. Henry became Henry VII and founded the Tudor dynasty.
Key medieval dates
These dates provide useful anchors for the main events of medieval Britain.
- ✓1215 — Magna Carta
- ✓1314 — Battle of Bannockburn
- ✓1348 — Black Death reaches Britain
- ✓1415 — Battle of Agincourt
- ✓1485 — Battle of Bosworth Field