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Westminster Palace is in Westminster [Map].
1376 Death of the Black Prince
1453 Birth of Edward of Westminster
1472 Marriage of Richard Duke of Gloucester and Anne Neville
1478 Marriage of Richard Duke of York and Anne Mowbray
1485 Queen Consort Anne Neville Dies
1490 Arthur Tudor created Prince of Wales
In Dec 1101 King Henry I "Beauclerc" England (age 33) hosted his at Christmas Court at Westminster Palace [Map]. Gilbert de Clare (age 35) attended.
On 01 May 1118 Edith aka Matilda Dunkeld Queen Consort England (age 38) died at Westminster Palace [Map]. She was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map].
Chronica Majora. 10 Feb 1236. About the same time, for two months and more, namely, in January, February, and part of March, such deluges of rain fell as had never been seen before in the memory of any one. About the feast of St. Scholastica, when the moon was new, the sea became so swollen by the river torrents which fell into it, that all the rivers, especially those which fell into the sea, rendered the fords impassable, overflowing their banks, hiding the bridges from sight, carrying away mills and dams, and overwhelming the cultivated lands, crops, meadows, and marshes. Amongst other unusual occurrences, the River Thames overflowed its usual bounds, and entered the grand palace at Westminster [Map], where it spread and covered the whole area, so that small boats could float there, and people went to their apartments on horseback. The water also forcing its way into the cellars could with difficulty be drained off. The signs of this storm which preceded it, then gave proofs of their threats; for on the day of St. Damasus, thunder was heard, and on the Friday next after the conception of St. Mary, a spurious sun was seen by the side of the true sun.
In 1238 Simon de Montfort 6th Earl of Leicester 1st Earl Chester (age 30) and Eleanor Plantagenet Countess Pembroke and Leicester (age 23) were married at Westminster Palace [Map]. She by marriage Countess of Leicester. She the daughter of King John of England and Isabella of Angoulême Queen Consort England (age 50). He the son of Simon "Elder" Montfort 5th Earl of Leicester and Alix Montmorency. They were half third cousins. He a great x 2 grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.
On 17 Jun 1239 King Edward I of England was born to King Henry III of England (age 31) and Eleanor of Provence Queen Consort England (age 16) at Westminster Palace [Map].
On 25 Nov 1253 Katherine Plantagenet was born to King Henry III of England (age 46) and Eleanor of Provence Queen Consort England (age 30) at Westminster Palace [Map].
Letters. 14 May 1354. Letter XXIV. Philippa of Hainault Queen of Edward III (age 39) to Sir John de Edington her Attorney.
Philippa, by the grace of God queen of England, lady of Ireland, and duchess of Aquitaine, to our dear clerk Sir John de Edington, our attorney in the exchequer of our very dear lord the king, sends greeting.
We command you, that you cause all the writs which have been filed from the search lately made by Sir Richard de Cressevill to be postponed until the octaves of Easter next ensuing; to the end that, in the meantime, we and our council may be able to be advised which of the said writs are to be put in execution for our profit, and which of them are to cease to the relief of our people, to save our conscience. And we will that this letter be your warrant therefore.
Given under our privy seal, at Westminster [Map], the 14th day of May, in the year of the reign of our very dear lord the king of England the twenty-eighth.
On 08 Jun 1376 Edward "Black Prince" (age 45) died of dysentery at Westminster Palace [Map]. He was buried in Canterbury Cathedral [Map]. His son Richard (age 9) succeeded Heir to the Throne of England. His niece Philippa (age 20) succeeded Heir to the Throne of England.
In 1409 Margaret Beaufort Countess Devon was born to John Beaufort 1st Marquess Somerset and Dorset (age 36) and Margaret Holland Duchess Clarence (age 24) at Westminster Palace [Map]. She a great granddaughter of King Edward III of England.
On 13 Oct 1453 Edward of Westminster Prince of Wales was born to Henry VI (age 31) and Margaret of Anjou (age 23) at Westminster Palace [Map]. King Henry had suffered his first bout of mental illness three months before. When presented with Prince in January 1454 he made no response - see Paston Letters Volume 2 235. A letter from Prospero di Camulio, Milanese Ambassador to the Court of France, etc., to Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan makes reference to Henry having said that the child "must be the son of the Holy Spirit". Various online sources suggest the child was fathered by either Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset (age 47) or his son-in-law James Butler 1st Earl Wiltshire 5th Earl Ormonde (age 32) without referring to contemporarty sources. In 1459 the English Chronicle makes reference to Edward being illegitimate eight years after his birth ... "The quene was defamed and desclaundered, that he that was called Prince, was nat hir sone, but a bastard goten in avoutry [adultery]"
On 11 Feb 1466 Elizabeth York Queen Consort England was born to King Edward IV of England (age 23) and Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England (age 29) at Westminster Palace [Map].
On 20 Mar 1469 Cecily York Viscountess Welles was born to King Edward IV of England (age 26) and Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England (age 32) at Westminster Palace [Map]. Named after her father's mother Cecily "Rose of Raby" Neville Duchess York (age 53).
On 17 Aug 1473 Richard of Shrewsbury 1st Duke of York was born to King Edward IV of England (age 31) and Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England (age 36) at Westminster Palace [Map].
On 02 Nov 1475 Anne York was born to King Edward IV of England (age 33) and Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England (age 38) at Westminster Palace [Map].
On 16 Mar 1485 Anne Neville Queen Consort England (age 28) died at Westminster Palace [Map]. Probably of tuberculosis. The day she died there was an eclipse of the sun; a bad omen to some. There were rumours of foul play.
Edward "Last Plantagenet" York 17th Earl Warwick (age 10) abeyance terminated 6th Baron Montagu, 9th Baron Montagu.
On 28 Nov 1489 Margaret Tudor Queen Scotland was born to King Henry VII of England and Ireland (age 32) and Elizabeth York Queen Consort England (age 23) at Westminster Palace [Map].
On 27 Feb 1490 Prince Arthur Tudor (age 3) was created Prince of Wales at Westminster Palace [Map].
Thomas West 8th Baron De La Warr 5th Baron West (age 33) was appointed Knight of the Bath.
Wriothesley's Chronicle. 11 Feb 1503. This yeare, in Februarie, died Queene Elizabeth (age 37) at the Towre of London [Map], lyeinge in childebedd of a daughter named Katherine (the 8th day after her birth), and was buried at Westminster [Map];c
Note c. Elizabeth, the eldest child of Edward IV by Elizabeth Woodville his wife, was heiress of the house of York. She was born at Westminster [Map] on the 11th February, 1466, and died on her thirty-seventh birthday in the Tower of London [Map], having been delivered of a daughter on the second of the same month, who died soon after its mother.
On 12 Nov 1549 Walter Mildmay (age 28) was ordered by the Privy Council to examine the Westminster Palace [Map] which had been in the custody of Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset (age 49).
In Oct 1605 Thomas Knyvet 1st Baron Knyvet (age 60) searched and arrested Guy Fawkes whilst leaving the cellar shortly after midnight at Westminster Palace [Map].
On 04 Nov 1605 William Parker 4th Baron Monteagle 14th Baron Marshal 13th Baron Morley (age 30) searched the basement with Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 44) and discovered the gunpowder and explosives at Westminster Palace [Map].
The History of King Richard the Third by Thomas More. This noble prince died at his palace of Westminster [Map] and, with great funeral honor and heaviness of his people from thence conveyed, was interred at Windsor [Map]. He was a king of such governance and behavior in time of peace (for in war each part must needs be another's enemy) that there was never any prince of this land attaining the crown by battle so heartily beloved by the substance of the people, nor he himself so specially in any part of his life as at the time of his death.
Exchequer, Westminster Palace, London, England, British Isles
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 02 Jan 1660. Thence I went to the Temple [Map] to speak with Mr. Calthropp (age 36) about the 60l. due to my Lord, but missed of him, he being abroad. Then I went to Mr. Crew's (age 62) and borrowed 10l. of Mr. Andrewes (NOTE. Possibly John Andrews Timber Merchant) for my own use, and so went to my office, where there was nothing to do. Then I walked a great while in Westminster Hall [Map], where I heard that Lambert (age 40) was coming up to London; that my Lord Fairfax (age 47) was in the head of the Irish brigade, but it was not certain what he would declare for. The House was to-day upon finishing the act for the Council of State, which they did; and for the indemnity to the soldiers; and were to sit again thereupon in the afternoon. Great talk that many places have declared for a free Parliament; and it is believed that they will be forced to fill up the House with the old members. From the Hall [Map] I called at home, and so went to Mr. Crew's (my wife (age 19) she was to go to her father's), thinking to have dined, but I came too late, so Mr. Moore and I and another gentleman went out and drank a cup of ale together in the new market, and there I eat some bread and cheese for my dinner. After that Mr. Moore and I went as far as Fleet-street [Map] together and parted, he going into the City, I to find Mr. Calthrop, but failed again of finding him, so returned to Mr. Crew's again, and from thence went along with Mrs. Jemimah home, and there she taught me how to play at cribbage. Then I went home, and finding my wife gone to see Mrs. Hunt, I went to Will's, and there sat with Mr. Ashwell talking and singing till nine o'clock, and so home, there, having not eaten anything but bread and cheese, my wife cut me a slice of brawn which I received from my Lady; which proves as good as ever I had any. So to bed, and my wife had a very bad night of it through wind and cold.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 03 Jan 1660. Tuesday. I went out in the morning, it being a great frost, and walked to Mrs. Turner's (age 8) to stop her from coming to see me to-day, because of Mrs. Jem's coming, thence I went to the Temple to speak with Mr. Calthrop (age 36), and walked in his chamber an hour, but could not see him, so went to Westminster, where I found soldiers in my office to receive money, and paid it them. At noon went home, where Mrs. Jem, her maid, Mr. Sheply, Hawly, and Moore dined with me on a piece of beef and cabbage, and a collar of brawn. We then fell to cards till dark, and then I went home with Mrs. Jem, and meeting Mr. Hawly got him to bear me company to Chancery Lane [Map], where I spoke with Mr. Calthrop, he told me that Sir James Calthrop was lately dead, but that he would write to his Lady, that the money may be speedily paid. Thence back to White Hall, where I understood that the Parliament had passed the act for indemnity to the soldiers and officers that would come in, in so many days, and that my Lord Lambert (age 40) should have benefit of the said act. They had also voted that all vacancies in the House, by the death of any of the old members, shall be filled up; but those that are living shall not be called in. Thence I went home, and there found Mr. Hunt and his wife, and Mr. Hawly, who sat with me till ten at night at cards, and so broke up and to bed.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 04 Jan 1660. Wednesday Early came Mr. Vanly to me for his half-year's rent, which I had not in the house, but took his man to the office and there paid him. Then I went down into the Hall [Map] and to Will's, where Hawly brought a piece of his Cheshire cheese, and we were merry with it. Then into the Hall [Map] again, where I met with the Clerk and Quarter Master of my Lord's (age 34) troop, and took them to the Swan [Map] and gave them their morning's draft, they being just come to town. Mr. Jenkins shewed me two bills of exchange for money to receive upon my Lord's and my pay. It snowed hard all this morning, and was very cold, and my nose was much swelled with cold. Strange the difference of men's talk! Some say that Lambert must of necessity yield up; others, that he is very strong, and that the Fifth-monarchy-men [will] stick to him, if he declares for a free Parliament. Chillington was sent yesterday to him with the vote of pardon and indemnity from the Parliament.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 05 Jan 1660. Thursday. I went to my office, where the money was again expected from the Excise office, but none brought, but was promised to be sent this afternoon. I dined with Mr. Sheply, at my Lord's lodgings, upon his turkey pie. And so to my office again; where the Excise money was brought, and some of it told to soldiers till it was dark.
House of Commons, Westminster Palace, London, England, British Isles
On 11 May 1812 Spencer Perceval (age 49) was assassinated at House of Commons. Robert Jenkinson 2nd Earl Liverpool (age 41) was appointed Prime Minister.
At 5:15 pm, on the evening of 11 May 1812, Perceval was on his way to attend the inquiry into the Orders in Council. As he entered the lobby of the House of Commons, a man stepped forward, drew a pistol and shot him in the chest. The assassin, John Bellingham, was a merchant who believed he had been unjustly imprisoned in Russia and was entitled to compensation from the government, but all his petitions had been rejected.
Perceval left a widow and twelve children aged between three and twenty. Parliament voted to settle £50,000 on Perceval's children, with additional annuities for his widow and eldest son.
On 18 May 1812 John Bellingham was hanged at Newgate Prison, London [Map]. René Martin Pillet says ...
This unfortunate man had presented several memorials, and had repeatedly demanded audience, but they had given him no answer. Driven to despair, he presented himself at the door of the house of commons, waited for the prime minister, Mr. Percival, and shot him. He was seized, confessed the crime, was tried, condemned to be hung, and executed a few days after. At the time of execution an immense crowd filled the public square, and these expressions were heard on every side: Farewell poor man, you owe satisfaction to the offended laws of your country, but God bless you! you have rendered an important service to your country, you have tdugllt ministers that they should do justice, and grant audience when it is asked of them.
A subscription was opened for the widow and children, and a handsome sum was raised. Their fortune was ten times greater than they could ever have expected in any other situation.
Old Palace Yard, Westminster Palace, London, England, British Isles
On 31 Jan 1606 Ambrose Rookwood (age 28), Thomas Wintour (age 35) and Robert Keyes (age 41) were hanged, drawn and quartered at the Old Palace Yard, Westminster Palace for their involvement in the Gunpowder Plot.
Guy Fawkes (age 35) avoided the full punishment when he jumped, or fell, climbing the ladder to the scaffold, fatally breaking his neck. His body was subsequently quartered.,
Ambrose Rookwood: Around 1578 he was born. On 27 Jan 1606 Everard Digby, Robert Wintour, John Grant, Thomas Bates, Ambrose Rookwood, Thomas Wintour, Robert Keyes and Guy Fawkes were tried at Westminster Hall pleaded guilty. All were found guilty
Thomas Wintour: In 1571 (possibly 1572) he was born.
Guy Fawkes: On 13 Apr 1570 he was born in Stonegate York. He was baptised on 16 Apr 1570 at St Michael le Belfrey Church, York [Map].
On 29 Oct 1618 Walter Raleigh (age 64) was beheaded at Old Palace Yard, Westminster Palace. He was buried in St Margaret's Church, Westminster [Map].
There are numerous quotes attributed to Raleigh at his execution although none quote an original source. Many quote his last words as being "What dost thou fear? Strike, man, strike!"
Raleigh's head was embalmed and presented to his wife [Elizabeth Throckmorton (age 53)]. His body was to be buried in the local church in Beddington, Surrey, the home of Lady Raleigh, but was finally laid to rest in St Margaret's Church, Westminster [Map], where his tomb is located.
Letters of the Court of James I 1618. 31 Oct 1618. London. John Chamberlain (age 65), Esq., to Sir Dudley Carleton (age 45).
I remember, that in my last letter, I said that Sir Walter Raleigh (age 64) was not secure. But now he is past all peradventure; for, upon Thursday morning [29 Oct 1618], he was be-headed, in the old Palace at Westminster, 'twixt the Parliament House and the church. On Wednesday, he was brought from the Tower to the King's Bench bar, as they say, the manner is when a man lives above a year and a day after he is condemned; and there demanded what he could say for himself, why the sentence pronounced against him at Winchester should not be put in execution. The sum of his answer was, that the king had employed him in his service, and given him a commission, wherein he styled him "his loyal subject;" and withal given him potestatem vitæ et mortis; which did amount to a pardon. For in all reason he must be master of his own life, that hath power over other men's. The judges replied, that there is no pardon for treason by implication. Wherefore, he must find a better plea, or undergo the sentence. Thus he spoke of his trial at Winchester, and avowed that all, or the far greater part of those that were present, did acquit him in their consciences; and that the king's gracious forbearing him so long, and, but for this late accident, longer would have done, even to a hundred years, if nature could have drawn out his life so long, did show that his majesty approved his innocence. But, in conclusion, he was willed to prepare himself, and so was delivered to the sheriffs of London, and conveyed to the Gatehouse, where he spent the rest of that day in writing letters to the king, and others, and in prayer with the Dean of Westminster, who came the next morning at five o'clock, and ministered to him the communion; and, when he had broken his fast, about eight o'clock, came to the scaffold, where he found the Earls of Arundel, Oxford, Northampton, the Lord of Doncaster, and divers others. He made a speech of more than half an hour, wherein he cleared himself of having any intelligence with France, which had been objected to him, more than to save his life, and hide himself from the king's indignation. Then, that he never said any ill intent words towards his majesty, not so much as in thought. That he had no other pretence, nor end in his last voyage, than the enriching of the king, the realm, himself, and his followers. That he never had any undutiful speech concerning his majesty with the runagate French physician, nor ever offered to Sir Lewis Stukely £ 10,000 to go with him into France, nor told him that the Lord Arran had given him advice to be gone; and that he and the Lord of Doncaster would maintain him in France, of which points he had been accused by them. And, though he protested not only to forgive them, but to pray God to forgive them, yet he thought fit to give men warning of such persons. To all this, and much more, he took God, so often, and so solemnly to witness, that he was believed of all that heard him.
On 09 Mar 1649 at the Old Palace Yard, Westminster Palace three Royalist Lords were beheaded ...
Arthur Capell 1st Baron Capell Hadham (age 41) was beheaded. His son Arthur (age 17) succeeded 2nd Baron Capell Hadham.
Henry Rich 1st Earl Holland (age 58) was beheaded. His son Robert (age 30) succeeded 2nd Earl Holland. Elizabeth Ingram Countess Holland (age 26) by marriage Countess Holland.
James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton (age 42) was beheaded. His brother William (age 32) succeeded 2nd Duke Hamilton, 3rd Earl Cambridge by special remainder.
John Owen (age 49) had been sentenced to death but was subsequently pardoned.
On 07 Dec 1661 Bishop Nicholas Monck (age 51) died at Old Palace Yard, Westminster Palace.
St Stephen's Chapel, Westminster Palace, London, England, British Isles [Map]
In 1431 Thomas Southwell was appointed Prebendary of the 10th stall in St Stephen's Chapel, Westminster Palace [Map].
In 1461 Bishop John Alcock (age 31) was appointed Dean of St Stephen's Chapel, Westminster Palace [Map].
On 12 Jul 1472 Richard Duke of Gloucester (age 19) and Anne Neville (age 16) were married at St Stephen's Chapel, Westminster Palace [Map]. She by marriage Duchess Gloucester. She the daughter of Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury and Anne Beauchamp 16th Countess Warwick (age 45). He the son of Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York and Cecily "Rose of Raby" Neville Duchess York (age 57). They were first cousin once removed. He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.
On 15 Jan 1478 Edward IV's youngest son Richard of Shrewsbury (age 4) and Anne Mowbray (age 5) were married at St Stephen's Chapel in Westminster [Map]. She by marriage Duchess Norfolk. She the daughter of John Mowbray 4th Duke of Norfolk and Elizabeth Talbot Duchess Norfolk (age 35). He the son of King Edward IV of England (age 35) and Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England (age 41). They were second cousin once removed. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.
The ceremony was attended by Edward's daughters Elizabeth (age 11), Mary (age 10) and Cecily (age 8).
The day before Thomas Howard (age 35) was knighted.
In 1483 Parliament changed the succession so Richard of Shrewsbury 1st Duke of York would continue to enjoy her inheritance (she died in 1481) effectively dis-inheriting William Berkeley 1st Marquess Berkeley (age 52) (who was subsequently created Earl and Marquess), and who accepted a payment of £34,000, and John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk (age 53), who was subsequently created Duke of Norfolk, possibly in compensation.
Thomas Frowyk (age 55) was created Knight of the Bath.
See Woodville Marriages.
After 09 Apr 1483 King Edward IV of England (deceased) lay in state at St Stephen's Chapel, Westminster Palace [Map].
On 10 Apr 1483, in the morning, the coffin of King Edward IV of England (deceased) was moved to St Stephen's Chapel, Westminster Palace [Map]. Bishop Edward Story sang the masses. Richard Fiennes 7th Baron Dacre Gilsland (age 68), Chamberlain to Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England (age 46), offered on the Queen's behalf.
Gilbert Debenham (age 51) played a prominent part in organizing the funeral
On 30 Mar 1553 Archbishop Thomas Cranmer (age 63) was consecrated as Archbishop of Canterbury at St Stephen's Chapel, Westminster Palace [Map] by Bishop John Longland, Bishop John Vesey aka Harman (age 91) and Bishop Henry Standish.
Star Chamber, Westminster Palace, London, England, British Isles
On 28 Nov 1449 William Tailboys 7th Baron Kyme (age 34) attacked Ralph Cromwell 3rd Baron Cromwell (age 46) at Star Chamber.
John Evelyn's Diary. 04 Jul 1666. The solemn Fast-day. Dr. Meggot preached an excellent discourse before the King (age 36) on the terrors of God's judgments. After sermon, I waited on my Lord Archbishop of Canterbury (age 49) and Bishop of Winchester (age 47), where the Dean of Westminster (age 31) spoke to me about putting into my hands the disposal of fifty pounds, which the charitable people of Oxford had sent to be distributed among the sick and wounded seamen since the battle. Hence, I went to the Lord Chancellor's (age 57) to joy him of his Royal Highness's (age 32) second son, now born at St. James's [Map]; and to desire the use of the Star-chamber for our Commissioners to meet in, Painters' Hall, Queenhithe not being so convenient.
John Evelyn's Diary. 12 Jul 1666. We sat the first time in the Star-chamber. There was now added to our commission Sir George Downing (age 41) (one that had been a great ... against his Majesty (age 36), but now insinuated into his favor; and, from a pedagogue and fanatic preacher, not worth a groat, had become excessively rich), to inspect the hospitals and treat about prisons.
John Evelyn's Diary. 28 Aug 1666. Sat at the Star-chamber. Next day, to the Royal Society, where one Mercator, an excellent mathematician, produced his rare clock and new motion to perform the equations, and Mr. Rooke, his new pendulum.
John Evelyn's Diary. 29 Aug 1667. We met at the Star Chamber about exchange and release of prisoners.
John Evelyn's Diary. 17 Apr 1672. Sat on business in the Star Chamber.
Westminster Bridge, Westminster Palace, London, England, British Isles [Map]
Watling Street. From Durobrivae [Map] the road continues through Park Pale, Kent [Map], Vagniacis [Map], Dartford, Kent [Map], Noviomagus [Map], Bexley, Kent [Map], down Shooter's Hill, Greenwich [Map] past Eltham Common, Kent [Map] to Greenwich Park [Map] where the road either (or both):
1. went along the Old Kent Road [Map] and crossed the River Thames at either the London Bridge [Map] or a ford near Westminster Bridge [Map] after which it continued north past St Mary-le-Bow Church, Cheapside [Map], Newgate Gate [Map], Ludgate Hill [Map] and over the River Fleet at Fleet Bridge [Map] to Marble Arch [Map].
2. continued north-west through Camberwell, Surrey [Map] crossing the River Thames near Vauxhall Bridge [Map] after which it continued north to Marble Arch [Map].
Around 1746. Canaletto (age 48). The City of Westminster from River Thames near the York Water Gate [Map] with Westminster Bridge [Map] under construction.
Around 1750. Canaletto (age 52). Westminster from near the Terrace of Somerset House [Map] In the distance the Banqueting House, Whitehall Palace [Map], Westminster Abbey [Map] and Westminster Bridge [Map].
Westminster Palace Yard, London, England, British Isles
On 29 Jun 1612 Robert Crichton 8th Lord Sanquhar was hanged in Westminster Palace Yard for having arranged the murder of his fencing Master John Painter Turner who had previously disfigured him during practice. At his trial Francis Bacon 1st Viscount St Alban (age 51) read the charges.
Westminster Stairs, Westminster Palace, London, England, British Isles
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 03 Feb 1661. So up to my Lady, and sat and talked with her long, and so to Westminster Stairs, and there took boat to the bridge, and so home, where I met with letters to call us all up to-morrow morning to Whitehall about office business.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 04 Dec 1661. To Whitehall with both Sir Williams, thence by water, where I saw a man lie dead upon Westminster Stairs that had been drowned yesterday.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 14 Sep 1662. Lord's Day. Up very early, and Mr. Moore taking leave of me the barber came and trimmed me (I having him now to come to me again after I have used a pumice-stone a good while, not but what I like this where I cannot conveniently have a barber, but here I cannot keep my hair dry without one), and so by water to White Hall, by the way hearing that the Bishop of London (age 64) had given a very strict order against boats going on Sundays, and as I come back again, we were examined by the masters of the company in another boat; but I told them who I was. But the door not being open to Westminster Stairs there, called in at the Legg and drank a cup of ale and a toast, which I have not done many a month before, but it served me for my two glasses of wine to-day.
John Evelyn's Diary. 09 Jan 1684. I went crosse the Thames on the ice, now become so thick as to beare not onely streetes of boothes, in which they roasted meate, and had divers shops of wares, quite acrosse as in a towne, but coaches, carts, and horses, passed over. So I went from Westminster Stayres to Lambeth [Map], and din'd with the Archbishop (age 66): where I met my Lord Bruce, Sir Geo. Wheeler (age 32), Coll. Cooke, and severall divines. After dinner and discourse with his Grace till evening prayers, Sir Geo. Wheeler and I walked over the ice from Lambeth Stayres to the horse ferry.