Rebellion in Wales led by Owain Glyndŵr against English rule begins with a surprise attack on the English-held town of Ruthin.
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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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Battle of Bryn Glas: Forces loyal to Owain Glyndŵr of Wales defeat the English at Pumlumon in Powys.
James I of Scotland is captured by English pirates in the North Sea and imprisoned in the Tower of London.
Louis, Duke of Orléans, is assassinated on the orders of his cousin John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy, sparking a civil war in France.
Frederick II, Elector of Saxony, is born.
Joan of Arc arrives in the city of Orléans during the Hundred Years' War, entering unopposed through the eastern gate while a French sortie distracted the English forces. Her presence boosted French morale and ultimately contributed to lifting the siege.
Christopher of Bavaria is appointed King of Denmark.
The Battle of Anghiari occurs between the Milanese and the Florentine troops.
Leonardo da Vinci, Italian polymath and painter of the Mona Lisa, is born in Vinci, Italy. More
Mehmed II begins his siege of Constantinople, eventually leading to the fall of the Byzantine Empire.
The siege of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire led by Sultan Mehmed II begins. After a nearly two-month siege, the Ottomans captured the city on May 29, 1453, bringing about the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of the Ottoman Empire's rule over the city, which was renamed Istanbul.
The Treaty of Lodi is signed, bringing an end to the conflict between the Italian city-states of Milan, Florence, and Naples, establishing peace in the region.
The University of Basel is founded in Switzerland. It is the oldest university in Switzerland. Once a center of European humanism, it is now a highly research-oriented, internationally accessible institution that emphasizes life sciences and medicine.
The University of Basel is founded in Switzerland.
The Battle of Towton takes place during the Wars of the Roses in England, resulting in a decisive Yorkist victory.
Fra Mauro, Venetian cartographer, completes his world map.
King Edward IV of England defeats the Lancastrian forces at the Battle of Barnet during the Wars of the Roses.
The Pazzi conspiracy: A failed attempt by the Pazzi family to overthrow the Medici family in Florenceto by assassinating Lorenzo de Medici and his brother Giulianoto. Lorenzo survived the plot but Giulianoto de' Medici was killed. More
The Treaty of Olomouc is signed, bringing an end to the Bohemian-Hungarian War (1468–1478).