60 Second Histories
People in a Medieval castle; the constable's wife
This video describes some of the staff who work within the castle such as the house steward and the chamberlain and the duties they carry out
Curated Video
Empress Matilda part 16: Henry II, King of England
Matilda returned to Normandy, where her husband had become the Duke and she the Duchess, taking the lands from Stephen. As Stephen grew older and support for him was waning, Henry of Anjou's claim to the throne grew stronger. Henry was...
60 Second Histories
Lightweight crossbow
A medieval bowman describes his lightweight crossbow, an accurate weapon that could shoot over three hundred metres and be carried into battle, and even used from the back of a horse.
History Hub
What is Magna Carta? Clauses 39 and 40
An introduction to clauses 39 and 40 of Magna Carta
Curated Video
Empress Matilda part 5: Unmarried Heir to the Throne
Upon returning to England, her father King Henry I made the unprecedented act of naming Matilda as his heir. Some nobles initially announced their support for her, but, because she was a female, there were some duties Matilda wouldn't be...
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Who was the real Sheriff of Nottingham?
Who was the real historical Sheriff of Nottingham in the Robin Hood legend and what role did he play in the crisis that led to Magna Carta?
Curated Video
Empress Matilda part 10: King Stephen vs. Empress Matilda
Empress Matilda finally makes it back to England and soon begins gaining support in England, both from King Henry I's second wife and from nobles who were loyal to King Henry I. Meanwhile, Stephen's trusted advisor and younger brother,...
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Empress Matilda part 8: Stephen, King of England
Although Stephen of Blois had a weak claim to the throne, he was able to make his way to England quickly and shore up support from Londoners and key members of nobility and the church, including the Archbishop of Centebury. Those who had...
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Should the Peasants' Revolt be called the Great Revolt?
What's in a name? An introduction to why it is more appropriate to call the Peasants' Revolt of 1381 the Great Revolt
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Empress Matilda part 13: Matilda, Lady of England
With Stephen, King of England locked in chains in Bristol, Matilda once again gained support with important English nobles, including Stephen's brother, Bishop Henry. Henry helped her to win the support of the church and she was given...
Curated Video
Mansa Musa part 3: Legacy of the Ruler and Medieval Mali
Mansa Musa likely died around 1337, leaving behind an opulent legacy. His reign is known as the Golden Age of Mali, a time marked by an abundance of wealth and great strides in trade and education. But was Mansa Musa really the richest...
Curated Video
Empress Matilda part 12: Capture of Lincoln Castle
The capture of Lincoln Castle and the subsequent battle for it were key events in the fight for the throne. The castle was taken by Ranulf de Gernon, Earl of Chester and son-in-law of Robert, Earl of Gloucester. King Stephen attempted to...
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Empress Matilda part 9: King Stephen's Loses Control
Stephen's time as King of England got off to a rough start, as rebels defied him and he lost control of French territories. Robert, Earl of Gloucester and half-brother to Matilda, renounced his allegiance to the King and gave his public...
Curated Video
Mansa Musa part 1: Rise to Power
Mansa Musa is remembered as one of the wealthiest rulers in history. He was of the Mandinka people and a ruler of the Mali Empire. Musa rose to power in 1312, at the height of the Mali empire and a time when the vast gold supply of...
Curated Video
Empress Matilda part 15: Matilda vs. Mathilda
Mathilda, Queen Consort, resorted to warfare in an effort to retain control of the throne for Stephen. Londoners had been promised trade routes and prosperity under King Stephen, so they did Mathilda's bidding. This led to Robert of...
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Empress Matilda part 7: A Fight for the Throne
King Henry I died suddenly. Because he and Matilda were estranged at the time, she was not at her father's bedside on his last days, which caused many to question her right to the throne. Her cousin, Stephen of Blois and Duke of...
Curated Video
Empress Matilda part 4: The Young Queen Copes with Loss
Matilda began settling into her role as a ruler in Italy during her husband's absence. But she soon had to deal with the deaths of her mother, younger brother, husband, and the loss of her role as Queen of Germany. Because she never had...
Curated Video
Empress Matilda part 3: "Coronation" of Holy Roman Empress
Though Matilda and Heinrich received warm welcomes from some as they worked to gain control of Italy, not all, including Pope Pascat II in Rome, were quite as happy. This led to Matilda being crowned as Holy Roman Empress in symbol only.