1217

Events

### Politics and World Affairs

#### England

The war of the barons continued in 1217, but since a large part of the barons rebelled only against the last year deceased King John as a person, the young King Henry III began to win their sympathies over the French Prince Louis. Although the French still conquered Portchester Castle in the spring, Prince Louis had to return to France to recruit reinforcements. With his reinforcements, he again besieged Dover Castle, which was still defended by Hubert de Burgh.

#### Battle of Lincoln

On May 20, loyal English barons under William Marshal and William Longespée defeated a band of rebellious barons and French allies under Prince Louis of France in the Battle of Lincoln. Several rebellious barons were captured by Marshal, including the leader of the 1215 rebellion, Robert FitzWalter.

#### Battle of Sandwich

On August 24, the English fleet defeated the French fleet at the Battle of Sandwich (or Battle of South-Foreland), near Dover. This victory was a significant blow to Prince Louis's plans and marked a turning point in the war.

### Norway

In March, Haakon IV Haakonarsson, also known as the Old, began his reign as king of Norway, elected by the Birkebeiner faction to the detriment of his half-brothers. He would go on to rule until 1263.

### Castile

On June 6th, Berengère de Castille began her reign as Queen of Castilla, which would last until 1230.

### Hungary and Austria

On August 27, King Andrew II of Hungary and Leopold VI of Austria embarked with their troops at Spalato (now Split, Croatia) to join the war effort in Italy.

Dates

* March 26: Easter
* April 23: Haakon IV Haakonarsson begins his reign as king of Norway
* May 14: Pentecost and general chapter of the order of the minor brothers
* May 20: Battle of Lincoln
* June 6th: Berengère de Castille begins her reign as Queen of Castilla
* August 24: Battle of Sandwich (or Battle of South-Foreland)
* August 27: King Andrew II of Hungary and Leopold VI of Austria embark with their troops at Spalato