January 1st, 1515: King Francis I of France succeeds to the French throne. Early in his reign, he began construction of the magnificent Château de Chambord, inspired by the styles of the Italian renaissance, and perhaps even designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
January 1st, 1651: Charles II is crowned King of Scotland.
January 5th, 1066: King Edward the Confessor of England dies with no heir. This begins the power struggle between Harold II and the Duke of Normandy over the throne which culminates later that year at the Battle of Hastings.
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