The death of Mongol ruler Kublai Khan is kept secret until February 5, 1294, to prevent unrest in the empire.
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What Happened in April?
Sieges, raids, and monumental deaths. Discover key historical events from April that influenced the world. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
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The English capture the town of Dunbar in Scotland on April 27, 1296 during the Second War of Scottish Independence, after the English forces under John de Warenne, Earl of Surrey, crushed King John Balliol's Scottish army, capturing the castle's the next day and beginning English occupation.
King Albert I of Germany is assassinated by his nephew John Parricida.
The Battle of the Golden Spurs occurs in Flanders, resulting in a victory for the Flemish militia against the French army.
The Battle of Montecatini takes place between the forces of Florence and Siena, ending in a Florentine victory.
Louis X becomes King of France after the death of his father, Philip IV.
The Declaration of Arbroath, a Scottish declaration of independence, is sent to Pope John XXII, asserting Scotland's sovereignty and independence from England on April 6, 1320.
The letter, written in Latin, asked the Pope to recognize Robert the Bruce as the rightful king and to use his influence to persuade England to make peace, while also emphasizing Scotland's long history of freedom. The request did not lead to the Pope recognizing Robert as King of Scots, and the following year the Pope was persuaded by the English to take their side, issuing six bulls in support of the English. More
The Scots reaffirm their independence by signing the Declaration of Arbroath, asserting their right to self-determination.
King Casimir III of Poland is crowned on April 25, 1333, focusing on domestic reforms and strengthening the kingdom through domestic reforms, legal codification, economic growth, and peaceful diplomacy. Poland was a major European power by his death in 1370.
Francesco Petrarca, commonly known as Petrarch, is crowned poet laureate in Rome, marking the revival of the Roman tradition.
William of Ockham, the influential Roman Catholic, Franciscan philosopher and theologian known for "Ockham's razor," died in Munich, Bavaria, circa April 9, 1347, likely due to the plague. He was in exile under the protection of Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV after fleeing papal custody in Avignon.
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.
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.
The Order of the Garter, the most prestigious chivalric order in England, is founded by King Edward III.
The Battle of Saintes takes place on April 1, 1351 during the Hundred Years' War between England and France. French forces were besieging the town of Saint-Jean-d'Angély when an English relief force arrived. resulting in an English victory bur they were unable to resupply the besieged town.
Saint John of Capistrano, a Franciscan friar and Catholic saint, is born in Italy.
John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III of England, becomes the Duke of Lancaster.
Battle of Nájera: English forces under Edward the Black Prince defeat a Franco-Castilian army of Trastamarans and their French allies at the battle of Nájera on April 3, 1367, during the Hundred Years' War.
The English forces led by Edward, the Black Prince, the eldest son of King Edward II( also known as Edward of Woodstock) , defeat the Franco-Castilian forces of Henry of Trastámara (Henry II of Castile) on April 3, 1367, at the Battle of Nájera (also known as the Battle of Navarrete) during the Hundred Years' War.
King Charles IV of France issues the Ordonnance Cabochienne, which aims to restrict the powers of the French monarchy.