1210 - The Discovery of the Southern Route

Here is that story!
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Map 12

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In 1210 Vinland is still served by the northern route. From London to Vinland it is 5000 km with at least 3 stopovers and a minimum of 42 days at sea.The introduction of the compass at the end of the 12th century as well as the stern rudder improved the safety of the voyage. But these are cold seas navigable only in summer and icebergs are sometimes found there.

Although some have thought about it, no one has yet dared to make a direct crossing before 1210. This year an Icelandic ship – the Icelanders are the specialists of the northern route – is pushed by a storm from Vinland towards the southeast and discovers the Middle Islands. The captain then takes the risk of continuing east and arrives on the Spanish peninsula. He then sells his cargo of fish destined for Iceland with a good profit in La Coruña (Kingdom of Leon). The southern route has just opened: it is shorter (4000 km to Spain), less dangerous and more lucrative.

The Icelandic sailors will keep their new route a secret, but the increase in traffic and their prosperity ends up attracting attention. But in 1216 a drunk Icelandic sailor in a tavern in Hartoft finally revealed his secret. Robert de Longue's successor, Abbé Henri de Caen (1169-1211-1226) was then informed. The King of England is informed but the state of civil war then reigning there means that nothing happens. However, it reached the ears of Henry III Crewkerne (1165-1182-1224) in 1217.