What Happened This Year 1404

Born in 1404

Sir Philip Courtenay

English noble and landowner
Born
January 18th, 1404 621 years ago
Died
1463 562 years ago — 59 years old

Born in 1404, a prominent English noble and landowner arose during the 15th century. Served as a Member of Parliament and held various influential positions within local governance. Established a legacy of estate management in the southwest of England. Besides political duties, contributed to the territorial and economic landscape of the region through strategic marriages and alliances.

Continue Reading

Leon Battista Alberti

Italian architect and Renaissance thinker
Born
February 14th, 1404 621 years ago
Died
April 25th, 1472 552 years ago — 68 years old

Born in 1404, played a significant role in the development of Renaissance architecture and humanist thought. Worked on multiple architectural projects, including the facade of Santa Maria Novella in Florence. Authored influential texts, notably the theoretical treatise "De re aedificatoria," which set forth principles of architecture and design. Contributed to the fields of painting and literature through writings and creative works.

Continue Reading

John Beaufort

English military leader and noble
Born
March 25th, 1404 620 years ago
Died
May 27th, 1444 580 years ago — 40 years old

The 1st Duke of Somerset served as a military leader during the Lancastrian phase of the Hundred Years' War. Born in 1404, Beaufort held significant titles including Earl of Somerset. He played a pivotal role in various military campaigns, particularly in defense of English territories in France. His leadership was noted in the Battle of Agincourt and the subsequent struggles for dominance in Normandy. The duke's military endeavors spanned several decades, contributing to the ongoing conflicts of the era until his death in 1444.

Continue Reading

Marie of Anjou

Queen consort of England, wife of Henry VI
Born
October 14th, 1404 620 years ago
Died
1463 562 years ago — 59 years old

Born in 1404, served as queen consort of England by marriage to Henry VI. Played a central role during the early years of the Wars of the Roses. Areas of influence included supporting Lancastrian claims to the throne and actively engaging in political intrigues. Also noted for her efforts to maintain loyalty among the nobility and control power on behalf of her husband. Key moments included her involvement in significant battles and her ability to rally supporters during tumultuous times.

Continue Reading

Anne of Burgundy

Duchess of Bedford, wife of John of Lancaster
Born
1404 621 years ago
Died
November 13th, 1432 592 years ago — 28 years old

Born into nobility, a strategic marriage united the Valois and Plantagenet houses. As Duchess of Bedford, played a crucial role in English and French politics during the early 15th century. Actively involved in court affairs and patronage, including supporting cultural endeavors. Following the marriage to John of Lancaster, asserted influence in negotiating political alliances and managing territorial claims. Her life intersected with the significant events of the Hundred Years' War, shaping the political landscape of the time.

Continue Reading

Murad II

Ottoman Sultan during the 15th century
Born
1404 621 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 1451 574 years ago — 47 years old

Ruled as the Ottoman Sultan from 1421 to 1444 and again from 1446 until 1451. His reign was marked by significant military campaigns and consolidating power. Led the Ottomans in the Battle of Varna in 1444 against the Kingdom of Poland and the Kingdom of Hungary. Focused on centralizing authority and enhancing the administrative structure of the empire. Oversaw cultural developments and the establishment of strong military forces to expand territorial control.

Continue Reading

Thomas Bourchier

English cardinal and Archbishop of Canterbury
Born
1404 621 years ago
Died
March 30th, 1486 538 years ago — 82 years old

Served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1454 to 1486. Played a significant role in the political and ecclesiastical affairs of England during the Wars of the Roses. Participated in the coronation of Edward IV and Richard III. Convoked the Council of London in 1485, addressing critical issues facing the Church. Active in diplomacy and the governance of the Church, Bourchier's tenure coincided with significant changes in religious practices and the political landscape of England.

Continue Reading

Gilles de Rais

French knight and military leader
Born
1404 621 years ago
Died
October 26th, 1440 584 years ago — 36 years old

A prominent military captain and nobleman in the service of Charles VII of France, this individual gained recognition for heroic contributions during the Hundred Years' War. Instrumental in the Siege of Orléans, played a crucial role in the lifting of the siege, significantly aiding in the French victory against the English. After the war, involvement in various political and military affairs defined his later years, but legacy became overshadowed by criminal activity and trials that led to execution for grave offenses. The life transitioned from valor on the battlefield to notoriety in later years.

Continue Reading