1051

Political Events

England's Edward the Confessor dismisses his wife, Edith, and outlaws her father, Harold, earl of Wessex, and the entire Godwine family for refusing to punish the leaders of Dover, who have defied one of the king's Norman courtiers. Wessex has been virtually running the government, but Edward has alienated much of the nobility by giving high positions to foreigners, notably Normans.

William, duke of Normandy, 23, marries Matilda, 17, daughter of Baldwin V, count of Flanders, and granddaughter of France's late king Robert II (year approximate). Baldwin's wife, Adela, is a daughter of France's Henri I. The Council of Reims 2 years ago forbade the marriage, possibly for reasons of slight consanguinity, but Baldwin brings his daughter to Eu, the wedding vows are exchanged, and William takes his bride to Rouen. Standing only four foot two (he is five foot ten), she will bear him four sons and at least five daughters (see 1059).

Humphrey de Hauteville becomes count of Apulia following the deaths of his older brothers William and Drogo (see 1041). He marries the sister of the Lombard prince Gaimar V of Salerno (see 1052).

Food Availability

Famine in the Western Hemisphere forces Toltec tribespeople to migrate into what later will be central Mexico (year approximate).

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