1051 Facts for Kids

Millennium:	2nd millennium
Centuries:	10th century – 11th century – 12th century
Decades:	1020s 1030s 1040s – 1050s – 1060s 1070s 1080s
Years:	1048 1049 1050 – 1051 – 1052 1053 1054

The year 1051 was a common year that started on a Tuesday in the Julian calendar. It is also known as MLI in Roman numerals. This year saw important events in England, France, and Eastern Europe.

Key Events of 1051

Political Changes in England

Godwin, Earl of Wessex, was a very powerful noble in England. In 1051, King Edward the Confessor forced him to leave the country. This happened because Godwin refused to punish the people of Dover. They had been involved in a fight with some visitors from France. Godwin returned to England the next year.
The Danegeld was a tax in England. It was originally paid to stop Viking invaders. King Edward the Confessor finally ended this tax in 1051. This showed that the threat from Vikings was no longer as strong.

Church Leadership in Kievan Rus

Hilarion of Kiev became a very important church leader in 1051. He was the first native metropolitan of the Eastern Orthodox Church in Kievan Rus. A metropolitan is a high-ranking bishop who leads a large church area. This was a big step for the church in that region.

Royal Wedding in France

On May 19, King Henry I of France married Anne of Kiev at the cathedral in Reims. Anne was a princess from Kievan Rus. This marriage was an important event for the royal families of Europe.

William of Normandy's Struggles

In 1051, William of Normandy was fighting hard to keep his power. He was the Duke of Normandy, a region in France. He faced many challenges and battles to protect his land and title during this time.

Notable Births in 1051

Edgar the Atheling: He was a grandson of King Edmund Ironside of England. Edgar was briefly named King of England in 1066 after the Battle of Hastings. However, he was never crowned.
Mi Fu: A famous Chinese artist, poet, and calligrapher. He lived during the Song Dynasty and is known for his unique painting style.

Notable Deaths in 1051

January 22 – Ælfric Puttoc: He was an important church leader who served as the archbishop of York in England.
Bi Sheng: A Chinese inventor who lived during the Song Dynasty. He is famous for inventing movable type printing. This invention made it much easier to print books and documents.

Images for kids

Henry I of France marries Anne of Kiev.

1051 facts for kids