Sources

The Portuguese colony on the Cape Verde Islands is founded, an important way-station in the slave trade.

The first of the Portuguese trading forts, the castle at Arguin (modern Mauritania), is completed.

Pope Nicholas V issues Romanus Pontifex, a bull granting the Portuguese a perpetual monopoly in trade with Africa.

Spanish traders begin to bring slaves from Africa to Spain.

Sugar is first planted in the Portuguese island of Madeira and, for the first time, African slaves are put to work on the sugar plantations.

Lançarote de Freitas, a tax-collector from the Portuguese town of Lagos, forms a company to trade with Africa and kidnapped and enslaved 235 Africans in Lagos, the first large group of African slaves brought to Europe.

Antam Goncalves sailed back to Cape Bianco, then returned with more gold dust and ten black Africans. The following year, Portuguese explorers returned from Africa with nearly thirty slaves.

The Portuguese captains Antão Gonçalves and Nuno Tristão captured 12 Africans in Cabo Branco (modern Mauritania) and take them to Portugal as slaves.

The Act 11 of Henry IIV (English law) stated that any persons, whosoever he or they be, serve the King in time of war within or without the land shall not be convicted of any crime or forfeit life or possession.

Confirmation of Liberties (English law) confirmed peace and justice for all people in the realm.

Confirmation of Liberties (English law) confirmed peace and justice for all people in the realm.

Confirmation of Liberties (English law) confirmed peace and justice for all people in the realm.