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The Middle Ages: A Time of Change and Conflict

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The Middle Ages (1066-1485) marked a transformative period in British history, defined by constant warfare, the development of legal and political systems, and cultural achievements. This era saw the rise of feudalism, the establishment of Parliament, significant military conflicts like the Hundred Years' War, and social upheaval caused by events such as the Black Death.

SN Period/Events Key Points
1 The Middle Ages (1066-1485) The period after the Norman Conquest (1066) up until about 1485 is called the Middle Ages (or the medieval period).
2 War at Home and Abroad Constant warfare involving the English, Welsh, Scottish, and Irish.
3 Wales
  • Annexed by England in 1284; English rule established with castles built for power.
  • Edward I of England introduced the Statute of Rhuddlan.
4 Scotland Remained unconquered; notable victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
5 Ireland English involvement began as support for an Irish king; by 1200, ruled area known as the Pale.
6 Crusades and Hundred Years War
  • English knights fought in the Crusades.
  • Hundred Years War (1337-1453) with France included the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.
7 The Black Death (1348) Plague killed one-third of the population; led to social and economic changes, including higher wages and new social classes.
8 Feudalism Land ownership system; serfs worked for lords in exchange for land to grow food.
9 Legal and Political Changes Development of Parliament and legal system.
10 Magna Carta (1215) Established that even the king was subject to the law.
11 Parliament Developed into two Houses: House of Lords and House of Commons.
12 Judicial Independence Judges began to be independent from the government.
13 Development of National Identity Gradual merging of Norman French and Anglo-Saxon languages into English; by 1400, English used in official documents.
14 Cultural Developments
  • Geoffrey Chaucer's *The Canterbury Tales*.
  • William Caxton's introduction of the printing press.
15 Scottish Language Continued use of Gaelic and development of the Scots language.
16 Architecture Castles and cathedrals built, many still in use or in ruins.
17 Trade England became a significant trading nation, especially in wool; skilled workers from abroad contributed to various industries.
18 Wars of the Roses (1455-1485)
  • Civil war between the Houses of Lancaster and York.
  • Ended with Henry VII becoming king, uniting both houses.
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