1420 facts for kids

The year 1420 was a leap year starting on Monday. This year brought many important events and changes across Europe and Asia. It was a time when kings made big decisions and new lands were explored.

Important Events of 1420

Politics and Power

• May 21 – The Treaty of Troyes was signed. This agreement was very important for France and England. King Charles VI of France agreed that Henry V of England would become his heir. This meant Henry V would rule most of France after Charles VI. This happened because a powerful group in France, called the Burgundian faction, supported Henry V.
• May 25 – Prince Henry the Navigator was given an important job. He became the governor of the Order of Christ. This was a religious and military group in Portugal. Henry the Navigator later became famous for exploring new sea routes.
• The Hussite Wars continued in Bohemia. These were wars fought over religious beliefs. Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor, tried to take control of Bohemia but failed. He was forced to leave after a battle near Vysehrad.
• Catherine of Valois, a French princess, married Henry V of England. This marriage was part of the Treaty of Troyes. It was meant to bring peace between France and England.

Exploration and Building

• The Madeira Islands were discovered by a Portuguese explorer named João Gonçalves Zarco. These islands are in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Africa. This discovery was an important step for Portugal's explorations.
• Henry V of England started building a large ship called the Grace Dieu (ship). It was one of the biggest ships of its time.
• In Beijing, China, construction began on the Temple of Heaven. This was a very important religious building. At the same time, the Forbidden City was finished. The Forbidden City was a huge palace complex where the Chinese emperors lived.

World Population

• In 1420, the world's population reached about 3.75 million people. This number is much smaller than today's population.

People Born in 1420

• November 24 – John Stafford, 1st Earl of Wiltshire was born. He became an important English politician. He passed away in 1473.
• Date unknown
  • Jean Fouquet, a famous French painter, was born. He created many beautiful artworks and died in 1481.
  • Nicolas Jenson, a French engraver, was also born this year. He became known for his work in printing and died in 1480.

People Who Died in 1420

• June 11 – John III, Burgrave of Nuremberg passed away. He was born around 1369.
• August 9 – Pierre d'Ailly, a French theologian and cardinal, died. He was born in 1351.
• September 3 – Robert Stewart, 1st Duke of Albany, who was a regent (a temporary ruler) of Scotland, passed away.
• Date unknown
  • Epiphanius the Wise, a Russian saint, died this year.
  • Andrew of Wyntoun, a Scottish historian who wrote chronicles, also passed away. He was born in 1350.