1217
Spring
The Fifth Crusade begins against Jerusalem, with Andrew II of Hungary sailing to Acre with a huge fleet of Venetian ships. Fearing what had happened to them before, the Muslims flee Jerusalem, first tearing down its defences so that the Crusaders cannot hold it. Andrew defeats the sultan Al-Adil who is forced to retreat to his cities. The Crusaders lack suitable siege engines however, and are unable to take the cities.
Prince Louis of France sails again to England with a much reduced force, this time with success, and marches on Winchester. He takes that city and leaves it in the charge of the Count of Nevers. He marches on Dover, and besieges that port until William Marshal arrives with the King’s army. Louis does not receive as much support from the English Barons as he wished, and is forced to retreat, and sails back to France.
Peter of Courtenay is crowned emperor of the Latin Empire of Constantinople.
Summer
King Henry III of England issues the Charter of the Forest, to give greater access to Forest lands to the nobility and common folk. This was one of the charters that was demanded of his father by the Barons, and was given now in order to appease some of those that were discontent.
An army led by many Barons loyal to Henry marches on Winchester, which surrendered immediately. Nevers is taken hostage, and held in the Tower.
Battle of St Matthew’s Day in Vijandi, which sees the defeat of Estonians by the crusading order the Brothers of the Sword made up of Livonian and Latgalian knights.
A decree is made declaring that only Englishmen can be clergy of Ireland.
Autumn
The Kingdom of Serbia is founded by Stefan Nemanjic, with the grace of the Pope who wishes to see the greatness of the Church spread in that land.
The magi of Ungulus covenant in Stonehenge defeat a dragon that has been plaguing them for many years. They harvest much vis from it, and gift some of its bones to the Redcaps.
Winter
An agreement is made between England and France, and Nevers is returned for a sum. In order to absolve King John of his sins, King Henry III agrees to leave Cherbourg, and Louis and Phillip give up their claims to English soil. The Holy Church recognises Henry III as the rightful King of England, and Phillip agrees to fund a new monastery at Cherbourg.
Andrew II of Hungary, unable to take the cities of the sultan, returns to Hungary with his army.