Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV arrives at the fortress of Canossa, on January 25, 1077 beginning the famous Walk to Canossa to seek forgiveness from Pope Gregory VII after being excommunicated.
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On This Day in History: January 25
Explore the historical events that shaped our world on January 25th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
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King Edward II of England and Isabella of France are married on January 25, 1308, in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. The marriage was arranged years earlier by Edward I and Philip IV of France to secure peace between England and France.
The couple was jointly crowned King and Queen of England at Westminster Abbey one month later, on February 25, 1308,The marriage became famously tumultuous and politically significant leading to Isabella's rebellion and eventual deposition of her husband, earning the nickname: She-Wolf. The marriage deteriorated quickly due to Edward's favoritism towards men like Piers Gaveston, Isabella grew alienated, particularly by the powerful Despenser family, who seized her lands and power. In 1325, Isabella traveled to France and refused to return, forming a political and romantic alliance with exiled nobleman Roger Mortimer. In 1326, Isabella and Mortimer invaded England with mercenaries, gaining swift support from barons and the public. Edward II was captured and forced to abdicate, becoming the first English king ever deposed. He abdicated in favor of his son Edward III. Isabella and Mortimer ruled as regents until Edward III took power in 1330, and ordered the execution of Mortimer; Isabella went on to live on in relative comfort.
King Henry VIII marries Anne Boleyn in a formal wedding. It is believed that he had previously married her secretly on November 14,1532, shortly after their return from Calais, possibly to legitimize their relationship as Anne was already pregnant.
The wedding lead to the English Reformation and the separation of the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church. Catherine of Aragon was stripped of her titles, exiled, and confined to Kimbolton Castle, where she died on January 7, 1536, at the age of 50 potentially from cancer. Her grave in Peterborough Cathedral was initially marked with her lesser title of Princess Dowager of Wales, but was later changed to "Queen of England" in the 20th century.
The City of São Paulo is founded in Brazil. The city’s name derives from its having been founded by Jesuit missionaries on the anniversary of the conversion of St. Paul.
Elizabeth I of England signs the death warrant for Mary, Queen of Scots, who is executed three days later.
A document detailing the Gunpowder Plot is anonymously delivered to English authorities, leading to the plot's exposure.
The Bank of England is chartered by the English Parliament, becoming the first national bank in the world.
The Principality of Liechtenstein is created within the Holy Roman Empire.
The Mexican War of Independence concludes as Spain recognizes Mexican independence with the signing of the Treaty of Córdoba.
The British East India Company captures Aden, establishing a strategic foothold in Yemen.
The Cullinan Diamond, the largest diamond ever found is discovered near Pretoria in modern-day South Africa. It was named after the chairman of the mining company, Thomas Cullinan.
In its uncut state, it weighed 3,106 metric carats with a size of 10.1 x 6.35 x 5.9 cm. with extraordinary blue-white color and exceptional clarity. The rough stone was gifted to King Edward VII in 1907 and cut into nine major diamonds named Cullinan I through IX, ranked from largest to smallest. More
A viral outbreak of the coronavirus begins in Wuhan, China, which later leads to a global pandemic.