Browse Historical Events by Month: What Happened in February?

The death of Edward the Confessor triggers the struggle for the English throne, eventually leading to the Battle of Hastings.

The first stone of the Tower of London is thought to have been laid.

Battle of Manzikert: Seljuk Turks defeat the Byzantine Empire, leading to the loss of Anatolia.

Pope Gregory VII excommunicates Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV during the Investiture Controversy.

Construction of Rochester Castle in England begins.

Alexios I Komnenos becomes Byzantine Emperor after the death of Nikephoros III.

Alfonso VI of Castile captures the city of Toledo, Spain, from the Moors.

The compilation of the Domesday Book, a survey of England initiated by William the Conqueror, begins.

Death of William the Conqueror, King of England.

The Barbary Crusade: Norman forces under Roger I of Sicily capture the city of Palermo.

Pope Urban II preaches the First Crusade at the Council of Clermont.

Crusaders under Bohemond I of Antioch defeat the Fatimid Egyptians at Antioch.

Death of King William II of England in a hunting accident, leading to the accession of Henry I.

Anselm of Canterbury becomes Archbishop of Canterbury.

First known reference to the village of Potten End, England.

Henry I of England marries Matilda of Scotland, securing a crucial alliance.

Duke Welf I is assassinated, possibly on orders from Emperor Henry IV.

King Baldwin I of Jerusalem captures Acre from the Fatimids.

Magnus III of Norway becomes King of Norway.

Death of Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor.