The Viking invasion of England under the leadership of Ivar the Boneless results in the capture of Dumbarton.
View Historical Events by Day:
On This Day in History: April 23
Explore the historical events that shaped our world on April 23rd. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
Note: Sources for the historical content shown, include research and reviews of relevant Online History Resources or printed material. When possible, we show a link to a source which provides additional or unique perspective about the event.
We do our best to provide accurate information but would appreciate being notified if any incorrect information is found. You may do so by using our Feedback link.
St. Brice's Day massacre in England: King Æthelred the Unready orders the killing of Danish settlers.
The Battle of Clontarf takes place at Clontarf, near Dublin, Ireland. between an army led by Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, against a Norse-Irish alliance comprising the forces of Sigtrygg Silkbeard, King of Dublin; Máel Mórda mac Murchada, King of Leinster; and a Viking army from abroad led by Sigurd of Orkney and Brodir of Mann. The battle It lasted from sunrise to sunset, and ended in a rout of the Viking and Leinster armies. More
The Battle of Clontarf occurs near Dublin, Ireland, where the forces of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland, defeat the Viking invaders. While Brian Boru's forces were victorious, the battle resulted in significant casualties, including Brian Boru himself. The battle is often seen as a pivotal moment in Irish history, marking a decline in Viking power in Ireland and contributing to the eventual unification of the country.
Battle of Clontarf, oil on canvas painting by Hugh Frazer, 1826
Edmund Ironside succeeds his father Æthelred the Unready as king of England.
Pope Nicholas II succeeds Pope Stephen IX as the 155th pope.
Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, escapes from Northampton and flees to France.
Saladin becomes the emir of Egypt.
King Edward III of England creates the Knights of the Garter, an elite chivalric order., in the aftermath of his victory over the French at the Battle of Crécy on St. George's Day. it is the oldest and most senior order of chivalry in Britain.
King Edward III of England established the Order of the Garter, England's highest chivalric order on April 23, 1348, intended to foster camaraderie among top knights and secure their loyalty for his military campaigns. It is the most senior British order of chivalry, outranked only by the Victoria Cross and George Cross.
William Shakespeare, English playwright, and poet is born in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The first King James Bible is published in London.
William Shakespeare dies in Stratford-upon-Avon on his birthday.
Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov is killed when the Soyuz 1spacecraft became entangled in its main parachute at an altitude of several miles and fell back to Earth.