What Happened This Year 1439

Historical Events from This Year 1439

Politics & Government

Plymouth Receives Incorporation from Parliament

November 12th, 1439 585 years ago

Plymouth became the first town in England to be incorporated by the English Parliament, marking a significant change in the governance of towns. This transition allowed Plymouth to have more autonomy and self-governance, directly impacting its administration and local laws. The incorporation process was an authoritative move by Parliament, establishing a model for other towns to follow and enhancing the local political landscape.

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Born in 1439

Anne of York

Duchess of York and Exeter
Born
August 10th, 1439 585 years ago
Died
1476 549 years ago — 37 years old

Born on August 10, 1439, became Duke's consort through marriage to Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York. Held significant roles during the Wars of the Roses, influencing the political landscape of England. Faced challenges in a period marked by territorial conflict and dynastic struggles. Played a key part in the Yorkist faction's rise and fall, establishing familial alliances that would shape English history. After Richard's death, lived through turbulent times defined by power shifts and unrest, navigating the complexities of royal lineage and marriage during the late medieval period.

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Pope Pius III

Pope with a brief papacy
Born
1439 586 years ago
Died
October 18th, 1503 521 years ago — 64 years old

Served as Pope for only 26 days in 1503, following the death of Pope Alexander VI. His pontificate was marked by efforts to address corruption within the church. Despite his short reign, he issued several decrees intended to reform the church's financial practices and its moral integrity. His death occurred before substantial initiatives could take hold, leading to a subsequent conclave and the election of Pope Julius II. The brief duration of his administration left a minimal but notable imprint on the papacy's approach to reform.

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Sigismund of Bavaria

Holy Roman Emperor, Council of Constance
Born
1439 586 years ago
Died
February 1st, 1501 524 years ago — 62 years old

Held the title of Holy Roman Emperor from 1433 until death in 1437. Maintained significant influence over European politics during the late Middle Ages. Presided over the Council of Constance from 1414 to 1418, addressing issues of church reform and heresy, including the resolution of the Western Schism. Served as King of Hungary and Croatia, fostering alliances and territorial claims in Central Europe.

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People Who Died in 1439

Richard de Beauchamp

English commander and 13th Earl of Warwick
Born
1382 643 years ago
Died
April 30th, 1439 585 years ago — 57 years old

Held the title of 13th Earl of Warwick and served as a prominent military commander during the tumultuous period of the Hundred Years' War. Participated in various military campaigns including the Agincourt and Normandy conflicts. Played a significant role in the defense of England and the maintenance of the Earl's territories. Entered into alliances through marriage and enhanced the family's political standing through military service.

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Sidi El Houari

Algerian imam and religious leader
Born
1350 675 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1439 585 years ago — 89 years old

Served as a prominent imam in Algeria during the 15th century, contributing to the spiritual and religious landscape of the region. Played a significant role in promoting Islamic teachings and practices among followers. His teachings focused on peace, community cohesion, and adherence to Islamic principles. His legacy is honored through various religious traditions and practices in Algeria.

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Ambrose the Camaldulian

Italian theologian and writer
Died
October 20th, 1439 585 years ago — None years old

A prominent theologian and writer, contributed significantly to the Catholic Church's understanding of monasticism and spirituality. Established a reform in monastic life through the Camaldolese order, which emphasized eremitical and communal living. Authored several works focusing on the spiritual life, the nature of God, and the importance of ascetic practices. His teachings and writings influenced later Christian thought and monastic practices.

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Albert II of Germany

Holy Roman Emperor and king
Born
August 10th, 1397 627 years ago
Died
October 27th, 1439 585 years ago — 42 years old

Born in 1397, this figure served as Holy Roman Emperor and king, leading the empire during a critical period of political turmoil. Ascending to power in 1438, he faced challenges from rival factions and secured his reign amidst ongoing conflicts. His leadership was marked by efforts to centralize authority and navigate the complexities of feudal allegiances. Engaging in military campaigns, he sought to assert imperial power and influence across Europe, while juggling the interests of various noble houses. His reign laid the groundwork for the subsequent Habsburg dominance in the empire, influencing future political landscapes.

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Margaret Holland

Noblewoman and English royal
Born
1385 640 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1439 585 years ago — 54 years old

Born into English nobility, this individual became a prominent figure in the 15th century. Marriage to Thomas of Woodstock, the Duke of Gloucester, established strong ties to the royal family, contributing to her influence in English politics. Following the death of her first husband, marital alliances continued with John Plantagenet, linking her further to royal lineage. Her life occurred during a time of political strife, marked by the conflict between the houses of Lancaster and York, which played a significant role in shaping the future of the English crown. Engagement in court life and familial connections positioned her within the intricate dynamics of nobility in medieval England.

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Isabel le Despenser

English noble and Countess of Worcester
Born
July 26th, 1400 624 years ago
Died
1439 586 years ago — 39 years old

Born into the English nobility, held the title of Countess of Worcester through marriage. Engaged in the political landscape of 15th century England, aligned with influential families. Played a significant role in the dynastic struggles of the time, notably during the Wars of the Roses. The marriage connected her to prominent figures, strengthening alliances among the English aristocracy. Her life details reflect the complexities of noble status during a turbulent period.

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