Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke
Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson.
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01 Feb is in February.
1328 Death of Charles IV of France Sucession of Philip VI
1461 Battle of Mortimer's Cross
1514 Creation and Re-creation of Peerages
1587 Execution of Mary Queen of Scots
1908 Deceased Wife's Sister's Marriage Act 1907
1908 Assassination of King Carlos I of Portugal and his heir Prince Luís Filipe
On 1st February 1168 Henry "Lion" Welf XII Duke Saxony III Duke Bavaria (age 39) and Matilda Plantagenet Duchess Saxony (age 12) were married. She by marriage Duchess Bavaria, Duchess Saxony. The difference in their ages was 27 years. She the daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England (age 34) and Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England (age 46). He the son of Henry "Proud" Welf X Duke Bavaria and Gertrude Süpplingenburg Duchess Bavaria. They were half third cousin twice removed.
On 1st February 1248 Henry Reginar II Duke Brabant (age 41) died. His son Henry (age 18) succeeded III Duke Brabant. Adelaide Burgundy Duchess Brabant (age 15) by marriage Duchess Brabant.
On 1st February 1327 King Edward III of England (age 14) was crowned III King of England at Westminster Abbey [Map] by Archbishop Walter Reynolds.
Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke [-1360]. After the glorious King Edward had, as previously stated, resigned the crown of the realm to his firstborn son, Lord Edward of Windsor, and once certain reports of this had spread, the nobles and prelates of the realm gathered in Parliament at London and most eagerly acknowledged this same Edward, son of Edward, then a youth of about fifteen years,1 as successor to the throne, a young man gracious in the sight of God and of all the world. On the first day of February at Westminster, he was crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Walter Reynolds. Many attended this great solemnity, both foreigners and natives, and especially the hired soldiers of Queen Isabella, his mother, whom, as has been said, she had summoned from Hainault and Germany. Thus the new king was adorned with the royal crown, the same which the most blessed confessor Saint Edward, his predecessor, had been accustomed to wear. Though the crown was of great weight and size, he bore it with such manly strength that all who knew the tenderness of his youth, the crown's great size, and its heaviness, were filled with wonder. On the same day, three sons of Roger de Mortimer, along with many others, were honoured with the belt of knighthood.
Postquam gloriosus rex Edwardus regni diadema, ut prescriptum est, suo primogenito, domino Edwardo de Wyndesore, resignaverat, habitis de hoc certis rumouribus, in parliamento Londoniis regni proceres ct prelati ipsum Edwardum Edwardi primogenitum, quindecim circiter annorum adolescentem, Deo et toti mundo graciosum, in patris successorem promtissime admiserunt, atque prima die Februarii, apud Westmonasterium, per archiepiscopum Cantuariensem, Walterum Renald, coronari fecerunt. Tante solemnitati interfuerunt multi tam alienigene quam indigene et precipue stipendiarii Isabelle regine matris sue, quos, ut dictum est, de Hanonia et Germania ipsa invitavit. Novus itaque rex regia corona insignitus, quam beatissimus confessor sanctus Edwardus suus predecessor gestare solebat, quantumcumque gravis ponderis et amplam, tamen ita viriliter ipsam gessit, ut inde mirarentur qui pueri teneritudinem et amplitudinem corone atque ponderositatem experti noverunt. Eodem die IIJ filii Rogeri de Mortuo mari atque multi alii milicie cingulo fuerunt decorati.
Note 1. Edward was just over fourteen years and two months old. The memorandum in the Rymer's Fœdera 2.683, relating to the coronation states that there were present the bishops of Ely, Hereford, Winchester, Chichester, Worcester, Durham, Lincoln, Llandaff, and Norwich; the earls of Norfolk, Kent, Surrey, and Hereford; Roger Mortimer, Henry Beaumont, and others.
Life of Edward II of Carnarvan by a Monk of Bridlington. After King Edward, called of Caernarfon, as is premised, had relinquished the royal dignity, the prelates, earls, barons, and other nobles of the realm came together at London, and they appointed his first-born son Edward king; and on the Lord’s Day, which was the day [1st February 1327] immediately preceding the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the year of the Lord 1326, of his age fourteen, he received the order of knighthood from Lord John, brother of the Count of Hainault. Him, when anointed, Walter, Archbishop of Canterbury, as the custom is, adorned with the diadem of the kingdom. To him all the nobles of the land then rendered fealty and homage. And not long afterwards, the lands seized into the king’s hand in the time of his father as forfeited, the new king himself graciously restored to the rightful heirs. We read that Arthur, king of the Britons, in the fifteenth year of his age, was admitted to the governance of the kingdom. Who, because of a true token of love, bore on his shield a painted image of the glorious Virgin. This king, of youthful age, as is said, raised up on the throne of the kingdom, carries with himself the likeness of the Blessed Virgin, carved in the triclinium of his heart, reverently, on account of a pure affection of devotion; whose honey-sweet name also dwells frequently in his mouth, to be spoken.
Postquam rex Edwardus dictus de Carnarvan, ut præmittitur, cessit regia dignitate, prælati, comites, barones, et alii regni proceres Londonias convenerunt, ejusque primogenitum Edwardum regem constituerunt, et die Dominica, quæ fuit dies proxime præcedens festum Purificationis beatæ Mariæ Virginis, anno Domini MCCCXXVI, ætatis suæ xiiii, de domino Johanne fratre comitis Hanoniæ suscepit ordinem militarem. Quem inunctum Walterus Cantuariensis archiepiscopus, sicuti mos est, regni diademate insignivit. Cui omnes proceres terræ fidelitatem et homagium tune fecerunt. Nec multum post terras, in manum regis seisitas tempore patris sui tanquam forisfactas, ipse novus rex rectis heredibus reddit gratiose. Legimus quod Arthurus rex Britonum anno ætatis suæ xv ad regni regimen est admissus. Qui propter verum dilectionis indicium in scuto depictam gessit ymaginem Virginis gloriosæ. Rex iste junioris ætatis, ut prædicitur, in regni solio sublimatus benedictæ Virginis speciem ob purum devotionis affectum secum defert sculptam in cordis triclinio reverenter, cujus etiam nomen mellifluum in ipsius ore frequenter residet nominandum.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough. Edward, therefore, the third after the Conquest, already aged fourteen years on the feast of Saint Brice before his coronation1, was solemnly crowned on the vigil of the Purification of the Blessed Mary [1st February 13272] at Westminster.
Edwardus igitur post Conquæstum tertius, annos quatuordecim in festo. Sancti Bricii ante coronationem suam jam habens, in vigilia Purificationis beatæ Mariæ apud Westmonasterium solemniter coronatur.
Note 1. Edward III was born at Windsor Castle on Monday, November 13, 1312.
Note 2. Adopted from MS. Harl. 655. The date in the text is supported by the Wardrobe Accounts of the expenses of the coronation in the Augmentation Office, cited in Brayley's History of the Houses of Parliament, p. 141: "Among the Rolls preserved in the Augmentation Office, is one intituled 'Counter-roll of John de Feryby, counter-roller to Thomas de Useflete, clerk of the King's Great Wardrobe, appointed by the King and Council, of various items purchased and expenses incurred for the coronation of the said lord King Edward the Third since the Conquest, in the Church of Blessed Peter at Westminster and in the palace of the same, namely on the first day of February, in the first year of his reign; as appears below.'" Avesbury.
Adam Murimuth Continuation. That response having been received, the whole community of the realm most promptly admitted that same young Edward, the third since the Conquest, as king, and on the first day of February, in the year of the Lord 1327, they caused him to be crowned at Westminster by Archbishop Walter. On which day the three sons of Lord Roger of Mortimer, and many others, were made knights.
Qua responsione accepta, tota communitas regni ipsum Edwardum juvenem, tertium a conquæstu, in regem promptissime admiserunt, et prima die Februarii, anno Domini MCCCXXVJ, coronari fecerunt Coronation apud Westmonasterium per archiepiscopum Walterum. Quo die iij filii domini Rogeri de Mortuo mari, et multi alii, milites facti fuerunt.
Annales Paulini. In the same year, on the first day of the month of February, namely on the Lord’s Day, Lord Edward, son of King Edward and of Queen Isabella, the firstborn, in the fifteenth year of his age, by the common election of the whole realm and with the consent of his father Edward, as it was said, was crowned at Westminster by the Archbishop of Canterbury; with the other bishops, namely those of London and Winchester, ministering in the solemnization of the coronation; and all the magnates of the realm held their offices according to the ancient custom of the kingdom, without any impediment.
Eodem anno, primo die mensis Februarii, videlicet die Dominica, dominus Edwardus filius Edwardi regis et dominæ Isabellæ reginæ primogenitus, anno ætatis suæ quinto decimo, per communem electionem totius regni, et ex consensu Edwardi patris sui, ut dicebatur, apud Westmonasterium per archiepiscopum Cantuariensem fuit coronatus; aliis episcopis, videlicet Londoniensi et Wyntoniensi, ministrantibus circa solempnizationem coronationis; et omnes magnates regni officium suum secundum antiquam regni consuetudinem sine aliquo impedimento habuerunt.
On 1st February 1328 Charles IV King France I King Navarre (age 33) died. On 1st April 1328 His first cousin Philip (age 34) succeeded VI King France: Capet Valois. The succession somewhat complicated by Charles' wife Blanche of Burgundy Queen Consort France being pregnant. The child Blanche Capet was born two months later on 1st April 1328. A girl child therefore excluded from the succession confirming Philip's as King. Charles the last of the House of Capet. Philip the first of the House of Valois. His niece Joan (age 16) succeeded II Queen Navarre. Her husband Philip "Noble" III King Navarre (age 21) by marriage III King Navarre.
Archaeologia Volume 35 1853 XXXIII. From the 30th of January to the 2nd of February, the Comte de Tancarville continues again a visitor at the Castle; and on the 1st of February, the Earl of Richmond, John (age 17), son of Edward III., dined with the Queen (age 63), his grandmother.
Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses
Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.
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On 1st February 1435 Amadeus "Happy" Savoy IX Duke Savoy was born to Louis Savoy I Count Savoy (age 21) and Anne Cyprus Countess Savoy (age 16) at Thonon-les-Bains, Haute-Savoie. He married 1452 his second cousin once removed Yolande Valois Duchess Savoy, daughter of Charles "Victorious" VII King France and Marie Valois Anjou Queen Consort France, and had issue.
Patent Rolls. 1st February 1452. Grant to Edmund, earl of Richemond (age 21), the king's uterine brother, in tail male, of the remainder of the third part of the manor of Ludford, co. Lincoln, which Jacquetta, [dowager]duchess of Bedford (age 37), holds in dower for life of the inheritance of John, duke of Bedford, sometime her husband; grant also to him in tail male of the remaining two parts thereof from Michaelmas last. By K. ete.
Chronicle of William of Worcester [1415-1482]. 1st February 1461. On the eve of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary [2nd February 1461], a battle [Battle of Mortimer's Cross] took place near Wigmore at Mortimer's Cross, where the Earl of March encountered the Earl of Pembroke with fifty thousand troops against eight thousand, where the Earl of Pembroke (age 29), the Earl of Wiltshire (age 40), and many others fled from the same field. Owen Tudor (age 61) (the father of the said Earl of Pembroke) and John Throckmorton, esquire, along with eight other captains, were beheaded at Hereford.
Vigilia Purificationis beatæ Marias factum est bellum prope Wigmore apud Mortimer Crose, ubi comes Marche occurrit cum li. millibus contra comitem Penbrochiæ cum octo mille, ubi fugerunt de eodem campo comes Penbrochiæ, comes Wyltescire, et multi alii. Ac Owenus Tedere (pater dicti comitis Penbrochiæ), et Johannes Throgmertone, armiger, cum viii. aliis capitaneis decollati sunt apud Herforde.
Calendar of State Papers of Milan 1461.62. 1st February 1461. Potenze Estere. Francia. Milan Archives. 62. Prospero de Camulio, Milanese Ambassador to the French Court to Cicho Symoneti, Secretary to the Duke of Milan.
The news from England is that the queen has recently fought Battle of Wakefield with the Duke of York and taken York, which is a fine city. The king and the Earl of Warwick thought that the forces of the duke and of the earl's father and brothers were sufficiently strong, but they were defeated, and there were slain the duke, his son, the Earl of Warwick's father and his two sons and 12,000 to 16,000 men. Many others, the numbers unknown, were slain in other battles subsequently; it is said to amount to thousands. When the king heard this he was much moved, although the Duke of York seems rather to have been slain out of hatred for having claimed the kingdom than anything else. It was decided that the Earl of Warwick should go to avenge the affront, and he has gone with 60,000 combatants; some say more. Things remain in the balance, and so the Dauphin considers that I must not at present think of going to do anything in England, and just the same with the Burgundians.
Ghent (Genepre), 1st. February, 1461.
[Italian; the words in italics deciphered.]
On 1st February 1501 Sigismund Wittelsbach Duke Bavaria (age 62) died. His brother Albert (age 53) succeeded IV Duke Bavaria. Kunigunde Habsburg Duchess Bavaria (age 36) by marriage Duchess Bavaria.
On 1st February 1514 King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 22) created and re-created two peerages....
Charles Somerset 1st Earl of Worcester (age 54) was created 1st Earl Worcester.
Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 71) was restored 2nd Duke Norfolk probably for having secured victory at the Battle of Flodden after which his arms were augmented with an inescutcheon bearing the lion of Scotland pierced through the mouth with an arrow. Some documentation describes this as a creation rather than restoration although he is always referred to as 2nd. Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 37) by marriage Duchess Norfolk
Annales of England by John Stow. The first daie of February the earle of Hertford (age 47) lord protector in the tower of London [Map], endued King Edward (age 9) with the order of knighthod: and then immediatly the king standing up, under the cloth of estate, Henry Hoblethorne lord Major of London was called, who kneeling downe, the king toke the sword of the lord protector and made him knight, which was the first that ever he made. Then the lords called the judges and communed with them, and then every one of them came before the king, who put forth his hand,and every of them kissed it: then master William Porteman one of the judges of the kings bench was called forth, whom the king made knight, and then the king moving his cap departed to his privie chamber againe.
Annales of England by John Stow. The first of February, the earle of Hertford (age 47) was nominate, elected and chosen, by all the executors to be potector and chiefe governor of the kings person, untill became to his lawfall age of 18 yeeres, and so was be prclaimed.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 1st February 1554. The sam day at after-non was a proclamasyon in Chepesyde, Ledyn-hall, and at sant Magnus [Map] corner, with harold of armes and on of the quen['s] trumpeters blohyng, and my lord mare, and my lord admerall (age 44) Haward, and the ij shreyffs, that ser Thomas Wyatt (age 33) was proclamyd traytur and rebellyous, and all ys fellowes, agaynst the Quen('s) mageste and her consell, and that he wold have the Quen in costody, and the Towre of London in kepyng; and thay convayd unto evere gatt gonnes and the bryge; and so evere gatt with men in harnes nyght and days. And a-bowt iij of the cloke at after-non the Quen('s) (age 37) grace cam rydyng from Westmynster unto yeld-hall with mony lordes, knyghts and lades, and bysshopes and haroldes of armes, and trompeturs blohynge and all the gard in harnes. [Then she declared, in an oration to the mayor and the city, and to her council, her mind concerning her marriage, that she never intended to marry out of her realm but by her council's consent and advice; and that she would never marry but all her true] sogettes [subjects] shall be content, [or else she would live] as her grace has don hederto. [But that her gr]ace wyll call a parlement [as] shortely as [may be, and] as thay shall fynd, and that [the earl of] Penbroke (age 53) shall be cheyffe capten and generall agaynst ser Thomas Wyatt and ys felous in the [field,] that my lord admerall for to be sosyatt with the [lord mayor] to kepe the cete from all commars therto. [After this] the Quen('s) grace came from yeld-hall [Map] and rod to the iij cranes [Map] in the vyntre, and toke her barge [to] Westmynster to her own place the sam day.
Chronicle of Greyfriars. 1st February 1554. Item the furst day of February came Wyett with hys host in to Sothwarke at iiij. a clocke at after-none, and or it was v. he had made a bulwarke at the bryge fotte,
Henry Machyn's Diary. 1st February 1555. [The j day of February was buried the duchess of Northumberland at Chelsea where she lived, with a goodly herse of wax and pensils, and escocheons, two baners] of armes, and iiij [banners of images, and] mony mornars, and with ij haroldes of armes. Ther was a mageste and the valans, and vj dosen of torchys and ij whyt branchys, and alle the chyrche hangyd with blake and armes, and a canepe borne over her to the chyrche.
Note. P. 81. Funeral of the duchess of Northumberland. Jane daughter and sole heir of sir Edward Guilford, lord warden of the Cinque Ports, and widow of John Dudley, duke of Northumberland. She gave birth to thirteen children, eight sons and five daughters. Her monument, decorated with coloured brass plates, still remains in Chelsea church, and is engraved in Faulkner's History of that parish. Her will, which is remarkable as having been written entirely with her own hand, though of considerable length, is printed in Collins's Memoirs of the Sidneys, &c. prefixed to the Sidney Papers, fol. 1746, p. 33.
On 1st February 1587 Queen Elizabeth I (age 53) signed the Death Warrant of Mary Queen of Scot's (age 44) (her first cousin once-removed). Elizabeth gave orders of Mary's jailor Amyas Paulett to complete the task.
On 1st February 1603 Maria Habsburg Spain was born to Philip III King Spain (age 24) and Margaret of Austria Queen Consort Spain (age 18). Coefficient of inbreeding 10.92%. She died aged less than one years old.
John Evelyn's Diary. 1st February 1649. Now were Duke Hamilton (age 42), the Earl of Norwich (age 63), Lord Capell (age 40), etc., at their trial before the rebels' New Court of Injustice.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 1st February 1660. Wednesday. In the morning went to my office where afterwards the old man brought me my letters from the carrier. At noon I went home and dined with my wife on pease porridge and nothing else. After that I went to the Hall [Map] and there met with Mr. Swan and went with him to Mr Downing's (age 35) Counsellor, who did put me in very little hopes about the business between Mr Downing and Squib, and told me that Squib would carry it against him, at which I was much troubled, and with him went to Lincoln's Inn and there spoke with his attorney, who told me the day that was appointed for the trial. From thence I went to Sir Harry Wright's (age 23) and got him to give me his hand for the £60 which I am to-morrow to receive from Mr. Calthrop (age 36) and from thence to Mrs. Jem and spoke with Madam Scott and her husband who did promise to have the thing for her neck done this week. Thence home and took Gammer East, and James the porter, a soldier, to my Lord's lodgings, who told me how they were drawn into the field to-day, and that they were ordered to march away to-morrow to make room for General Monk (age 51); but they did shut their Colonel Fitch, and the rest of the officers out of the field, and swore they would not go without their money, and if they would not give it them, they would go where they might have it, and that was the City. So the Colonel went to the Parliament, and commanded what money could be got, to be got against to-morrow for them, and all the rest of the soldiers in town, who in all places made a mutiny this day, and do agree together. Here I took some bedding to send to Mrs. Ann for her to lie in now she hath her fits of the ague. Thence I went to Will's and staid like a fool there and played at cards till 9 o'clock and so came home, where I found Mr. Hunt's and his wife who staid and sat with me till 10 and so good night.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 1st February 1663. After dinner walked to my Lord Sandwich (age 37), and staid with him in the chamber talking almost all the afternoon, he being not yet got abroad since his sickness. Many discourses we had; but, among others, how Sir R. Bernard is turned out of his Recordership of Huntingdonby the Commissioners for Regulation, &c., at which I am troubled, because he, thinking it is done by my Lord Sandwich, will act some of his revenge, it is likely, upon me in my business, so that I must cast about me to get some other counsel to rely upon.
This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.
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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 1st February 1663. This day Creed and I walking in White Hall garden did see the King (age 32) coming privately from my Baroness Castlemaine's (age 22); which is a poor thing for a Prince to do; and I expressed my sense of it to Creed in terms which I should not have done, but that I believe he is trusty in that point.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 1st February 1664. Thence to Westminster Hall [Map], and there met with diverse people, it being terme time. Among others I spoke with Mrs. Lane, of whom I doubted to hear something of the effects of our last meeting about a fortnight or three weeks ago, but to my content did not. Here I met with Mr. Pierce, who tells me of several passages at Court, among others how the King (age 33), coming the other day to his Theatre to see "The Indian Queen" (which he commends for a very fine thing), my Baroness Castlemaine (age 23) was in the next box before he came; and leaning over other ladies awhile to whisper to the King, she rose out of the box and went into the King's, and set herself on the King's right hand, between the King and the Duke of York (age 30); which, he swears, put the King himself, as well as every body else, out of countenance; and believes that she did it only to show the world that she is not out of favour yet, as was believed.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 1st February 1664. Thence with Alderman Maynell by his coach to the 'Change [Map], and there with several people busy, and so home to dinner, and took my wife out immediately to the King's Theatre [Map], it being a new month, and once a month I may go, and there saw "The Indian Queen" acted; which indeed is a most pleasant show, and beyond my expectation; the play good, but spoiled with the ryme, which breaks the sense. But above my expectation most, the eldest Marshall did do her part most excellently well as I ever heard woman in my life; but her voice not so sweet as Ianthe's (age 27); but, however, we came home mightily contented. Here we met Mr. Pickering (age 46) and his mistress, Mrs. Doll Wilde (age 31); he tells me that the business runs high between the Chancellor (age 54) and my Lord Bristoll (age 51) against the Parliament; and that my Lord Lauderdale (age 47) and Cooper (age 42) open high against the Chancellor; which I am sorry for.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 1st February 1664. Here I hear how two men last night, justling for the wall about the New Exchange, did kill one another, each thrusting the other through; one of them of the King's Chappell, one Cave, and the other a retayner of my Lord Generall Middleton's (age 56).
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 1st February 1664. Thence to White Hall; where, in the Duke's chamber, the King (age 33) came and stayed an hour or two laughing at Sir W. Petty (age 40), who was there about his boat; and at Gresham College in general; at which poor Petty was, I perceive, at some loss; but did argue discreetly, and bear the unreasonable follies of the King's objections and other bystanders with great discretion; and offered to take oddes against the King's best boates; but the King would not lay, but cried him down with words only. Gresham College he mightily laughed at, for spending time only in weighing of ayre, and doing nothing else since they sat.
On 1st February 1666 Marie Thérèse Bourbon Condé was born to Henri Jules Bourbon Condé Prince Condé (age 22) and Anne Henriette Palatinate Simmern (age 17). She a great x 2 granddaughter of King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland. She married her first cousin once removed François Louis "Le Grand Conti" Bourbon Condé Conti Prince Conti and had issue.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 1st February 1669. Up, and by water from the Tower to White Hall, the first time that I have gone to that end of the town by water, for two or three months, I think, since I kept a coach, which God send propitious to me; but it is a very great convenience. I went to a Committee of Tangier, but it did not meet, and so I meeting Mr. Povy (age 55), he and I away to Dancre's (age 44), to speak something touching the pictures I am getting him to make for me. And thence he carried me to Mr. Streeter's, the famous history-painter over the way, whom I have often heard of, but did never see him before; and there I found him, and Dr. Wren, and several Virtuosos, looking upon the paintings which he is making for the new Theatre at Oxford: and, indeed, they look as if they would be very fine, and the rest think better than those of Rubens in the Banqueting-house at White Hall, but I do not so fully think so. But they will certainly be very noble; and I am mightily pleased to have the fortune to see this man and his work, which is very famous; and he a very civil little man, and lame, but lives very handsomely. So thence to my Lord Bellassis (age 54), and met him within: my business only to see a chimney-piece of Dancre's doing, in distemper, with egg to keep off the glaring of the light, which I must have done for my room: and indeed it is pretty, but, I must confess, I do think it is not altogether so beautiful as the oyle pictures; but I will have some of one, and some of another.
John Evelyn's Diary. 1st February 1695. Lord Spencer (age 19) married the Duke of Newcastle's daughter (age 21), and our neighbour, Mr. Hussey, married a daughter of my cousin, George Evelyn, of Nutfield (age 53).
John Evelyn's Diary. 1st February 1703. A famous cause at the King's Bench [Map] between Mr. Fenwick and his wife, which went for him with a great estate. The Duke of Marlborough (age 52) lost his only son (age 16) at Cambridge by the smallpox. A great earthquake at Rome, Italy [Map], etc. A famous young woman (age 23), an Italian, was hired by our comedians to sing on the stage, during so many plays, for which they gave her £500; which part by her voice alone at the end of three scenes she performed with such modesty and grace, and above all with such skill, that there was never any who did anything comparable with their voices. She was to go home to the Court of the King of Prussia, and I believe carried with her out of this vain nation above £1,000, everybody coveting to hear her at their private houses.
On 1st February 1705 Sophia Charlotte Hanover Queen Consort Prussia (age 36) died.
Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses
Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.
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On 31st January 1707 or 1st February 1707 Frederick Louis Hanover Prince of Wales was born to King George II of Great Britain and Ireland (age 23) and Caroline Hohenzollern Queen Consort England (age 23). He married 8th May 1736 his half fourth cousin once removed Augusta Saxe Coburg Altenburg, daughter of Frederick Saxe Coburg Altenburg II Duke Saxe Gotha Altenburg and Magdalena Augusta Anhalt-Zerbst Duchess Saxe Gotha Altenburg, and had issue.
On 1st February 1708 Henry Brydges 2nd Duke Chandos was born to James Brydges 1st Duke Chandos (age 35) and Mary Lake (age 39). He married (1) 21st December 1728 his fifth cousin Mary Bruce, daughter of Charles Bruce 4th Earl Elgin 3rd Earl Ailesbury and Anne Savile, and had issue (2) 25th December 1744 Anne Wells Duchess Chandos (3) 1767 Elizabeth Major Duchess of Chandos, daughter of John Major 1st Baronet and Elizabeth Dale.
On 1st February 1718 Charles Talbot 1st Duke Shrewsbury (age 57) died. Duke Shrewsbury and Marquess Alton extinct. His first cousin Gilbert (age 45) succeeded 13th Earl of Shrewsbury, 14th Earl Waterford.
On 1st February 1736 James Stanley 10th Earl of Derby (age 71) died. His sixth cousin Edward (age 46) succeeded 11th Earl Derby. A rare succession; they shared a great great great great grand-parent. His first cousin once removed James (age 45) succeeded 7th Baron Strange Knockin.
On 1st February 1743 Prince Peter Glücksburg was born to Peter August Oldenburg I Duke Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck (age 45) and Natália Nikolaievna Golovine Duchess Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck. He died aged seven in 1751.
On 1st February 1743 John Dutton 2nd Baronet (age 59) died. Baronet Dutton of Sherborne in Gloucestershire extinct.
He was buried at the Saint Mary Magdalene's Church, Sherborne [Map] at midnight on 4th February 1743. Monument to sculpted by John Michael Rysbrack (age 48). Full figure of man leaning on an Urn.
On 1st February 1749 Françoise Marie Bourbon Duchess Orléans (age 71) died.
On 1st February 1786 Mary Shuttleworth Lady Turner and Gascoigne (age 35) died from childbirth having given birth to a son, Thomas Charles Gascoigne, in the previous month.
On 1st February 1786 George Beauclerk 3rd Duke St Albans (age 55) died at Brussels [Map]. His first cousin once removed George (age 27) succeeded 4th Duke St Albans, 4th Earl Burford, 4th Baron Heddington.
On 1st February 1808 Louise Hohenzollern was born to Frederick William III King Prussia (age 37) and Queen Louise of Prussia (age 31). She married her fourth cousin Willem Frederick Karel Prince Orange Nassau.
Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
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The Times. 1st February 1817. On Thursday at his seat at Blenheim, George Spencer, Duke of Marlborough, Marquis of Blandford (deceased), &c. His Grace was born the 26th January, 1739. He was found dead in his bed at 7 o'clock in the morning. He had for some time been in a very infirm state, though he had experienced very little severe indisposition. By his death there became vacant a blue riband of the Order of the Garter, the Lord Lieutenancy of Oxfordshire, the Rangership of Whichwood forest, and the High Stewardship of Oxford and Woodstock.
On 1st February 1829 Prebendary Joseph Parsons (age 67) died. Peterborough Cathedral [Map].
Prebendary Joseph Parsons: Around 1762 he was born. On 27th September 1815 he was appointed Prebendary of Peterborough Cathedral.
On 1st February 1838 Charles Hay Cameron (age 42) and Julia Margaret Cameron nee Pattle (age 22) were married at Calcutta, India. The difference in their ages was 20 years.
On 1st February 1843 John Isaac Thornycroft was born to Thomas Thornycroft (age 27) and Mary Francis (age 34).
On 1st February 1847 William Burrell (age 74) died. Memorial at the Chapel of St John the Evangelist, Bolton [Map].
William Burrell: Before 23rd June 1805 William Burrell and Eleanor Forster were married.
Ten Years' Digging. February 1st [1848] we commenced re-opening the barrow [Map] [Kenslow Knoll Barrow 1 [Map]] upon Kenslow Knoll, which was formerly investigated by Mr. William Bateman, in 1821, when it appears that the primary interment was discovered, and besides it, some other relics which indicated that there might still remain additional deposits in that part of the barrow that was not then disturbed. By taking a wide trench through the middle of the barrow from the outer edge, it became apparent that its convexity had chiefly been preserved by a border of large limestones placed with great regularity on the surface of the natural soil. On clearing the area within them, many pieces of calcined flint and animal bones were picked up; also a splinter from a stone celt, a round piece of slaty sandstone which had been burnt, and a crescent-shaped ornament of bone having two perforations: the latter is precisely like one found at the prior opening, and gives the idea of a large canine tooth of a wolf split down the middle, being convex on one surface and level on the other, although in reality it is cut out of solid bone, and has been carefully polished all over.
On 1st February 1863 Maria Thérese Lister died from childbirth a day after giving birth to her second son Lewis Vernon-Harcourt 1st Viscount Harcourt.
The Times. 3rd February 1866. Her Majesty (age 46) drove out yesterday morning and afternoon. Mr. Engleheart arrived at Osborne on Thursday, and had the honour of dining with Her Majesty and the Royal family yesterday. The Queen held a Council today, which was attended by Earl Russell (age 73), Earl de Grey and Ripon (age 38), and Mr. Guschen.
Mr. Helps was Clerk of the Council.
Earl Cowley (age 61), Viscount Sydney (age 60), and Sir Charles Young (age 70), Garter, arrived from London this morning. Lord Cowley was introduced by Lord Sydney, Lord Chamberlain (Sir Charles Young attending with the insignia of the Order of the Garter), and Her Majesty invested Lord Cowley with the Riband and Badge of the Garter.
Earl Russell and Earl de Grey had audiences of Her Majesty.
Note. On 3rd February 1866 Henry Richard Charles Wellesley 1st Earl Cowley was appointed 747th Knight of the Garter by Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.
On 15th October 1886 Captain Philip Hamond (age 72) died.
On 1st February 1914 his son Charles Annesley Hamond (age 57) died.
On 5th February 1917 Thomas Astley Horace Hamond (age 71) died.
Memorials in All Saints Church, West Acre [Map].
Captain Philip Hamond: Around 1814 he was born to Philip Hamond of High House in West Acre in Norfolk and Anne Packe.
Charles Annesley Hamond: On 8th November 1856 he was born to Captain Philip Hamond.
Thomas Astley Horace Hamond: On 17th August 1845 he was born to Anthony Hamond and Mary Anne Musters.
On 1st February 1895 Mary Francis (age 86) died.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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On 1st February 1898 Lucy Eleanor Barnes Duchess Fitzroy was born to George Stapylton Barnes (age 40). She married 6th October 1924 Charles Alfred Euston Fitzroy 10th Duke Grafton and had issue.
The Times. 2nd February 1905. The funeral of Lord Henry Vane-Tempest (deceased) took place yesterday in the family vault in St. Peter's [Map], Montgomeryshire. The Bishop of Bangor (age 59), assisted by the Rev J. Williams, rector of the parish, and the Rev. S. J. Evans, officiated. The principal mourmers were the Marquis (age 52) and Marchioness of Londonderry (age 48) (brother and sister-in-law), Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest (age 42) (brother), and Mr. Beaumont (age 44), M.P., and Lady Aline Beaumont (age 41) (brother-in-law and sister). Continues.
On 1st February 1908 King Carlos I of Portugal and his heir Prince Luís Filipe were assassinated by two members of a revolutionary society called the Carbonária. Prince Luís Filipe's younger brother succeeded as King Portugal; he was wounded in the attack. He reigned for two and a half years being deposed on 5th October 1910.
On 1st February 1908 Henry FitzWalter Plumptre 20th Baron FitzWalter (age 47) and Emily Harriett Jemima Baird (age 46) were married at St George's Church, Hanover Square. She being the older sister of his previous wife Maude Dora Gertrude Baird; an example of Married to Two Siblings. Marriage to your later wife's sister had recently become legal - see Deceased Wife's Sister's Marriage Act 1907.
The Times. 2nd February 1929. Obituary. We regret to announce that Elisabeth Lady Carnarvon (deceased) died yesterday morning at Portofino, to which place she had just come from Albania, the country of which she was so great a benefactor. During the War she was in Egypt and was given special powers of visiting all hospital ships and distributing comforts to the patients. During the last few years she had been living in Albania, where she established hospitals, schools, and anti-malaria clinics, for which she also provided supplies of quinine, which it had been before impossible to secure. She did good work among the people who came down from Northern Albania at the time of the famine, and established a village for refugees, which was called Herbert, after her son, Colonel Aubrey Herbert. She established Boy Scout troops, visited the prisons, and one of the last things she did was to found a library at Tirana. She made an appeal in The Times last August for the Albanian Educational Fund, of which she and Lord Cecil of Chelwood (age 64) were hon. treasurers, asking for books for the students' library and for money to found Albanian studentships abroad. The whole idea in her mind was to continue the work of her son and to forward peace in the Balkans. She was assisted in her work in Albania by Miss Durham and Mrs. Bennington. Lady Carnarvon was Elizabeth Catharine, eldest daughter of Mr. Henry Howard, of Greystoke. She married, in 1878, as his second wife, the fourth Earl of Carnarvon, a states man who, as Colonial Secretary and as Lord Lieuteniant of Ireland, played a notable part in the politics of his day. He died in 1890. Her elder son, Colonel Aubrey Herbert, M.P., traveller, diplomnatist, soldier, and politiciau, who died in September, 1923, was a man of an extraordinarily attractive personality, less rare a century ago perhaps than it is to-day, whose short life was crowded with adventure. His death was a great blow to his innumerable friends; what it meant to his mother can be judged to some extent by her constant devotion to the little country of which he was so faithful a friend. Lady Carnarvon was also a strong supporter of the Vocal Therapy Society, established on Armistice Day, 1918, to provide qualified teachers for ex-Servicemenu in pensions hospitals, and to form them into choirs called King's Services' Choirs. The benefit to the men by the exercise of the healing art of song has been most marked, and Lady Carnarvon was accustomed to appeal for support periodically by interesting letters in The Times. Lady Carnarvon leaves a son, the Hon. Mervyn Herbert (age 46), late of the Diplomatic Service and the Foreign Office. She was the stepmother of Baroness Burghelere (age 65), Lady Margaret Duckworth (age 58), and Lady Victoria Herbert (age 54).
On 1st February 1949 Leonora Mary Grosvenor Countess Lichfield was born to Robert George Grosvenor 5th Duke Westminster (age 38) and Viola Maud Lyttelton Duchess Westminster (age 36). Coefficient of inbreeding 1.63%. She married 8th March 1975 her sixth cousin Thomas Patrick John Anson 5th Earl Lichfield and had issue.
On 1st February 1963 George Sutherland-Leveson-Gower 5th Duke of Sutherland (age 74) died. His third cousin once removed John (age 47) succeeded 6th Duke Sutherland, 6th Marquess Stafford, 8th Earl Gower, 9th Baron Gower, 13th Baronet Gower of Stittenham in Yorkshire. Diana Evelyn Percy (age 45) by marriage Duchess Sutherland.His niece Elizabeth (age 41) succeeded 24th Countess Sutherland.
On 1st February 1261 Bishop Walter Stapledon was born to William Stapledon.
On 1st February 1352 Edmund Mortimer 3rd Earl March, Earl of Ulster was born to Roger Mortimer 2nd Earl March (age 23) and Philippa Montagu Countess March (age 20). He married 24th August 1369 his fourth cousin Philippa Plantagenet Countess March 2nd Countess Ulster, daughter of Lionel of Antwerp 1st Duke of Clarence and Elizabeth Burgh Duchess of Clarence, and had issue.
On 1st February 1435 Amadeus "Happy" Savoy IX Duke Savoy was born to Louis Savoy I Count Savoy (age 21) and Anne Cyprus Countess Savoy (age 16) at Thonon-les-Bains, Haute-Savoie. He married 1452 his second cousin once removed Yolande Valois Duchess Savoy, daughter of Charles "Victorious" VII King France and Marie Valois Anjou Queen Consort France, and had issue.
On 1st February 1580 Francis Fane 1st Earl of Westmoreland was born to Thomas Fane (age 70) and Mary Neville 7th and 5th Baroness Abergavenny 3rd Baroness Despencer (age 26). He married 15th February 1598 Mary Mildmay Countess of Westmoreland and had issue.
On 1st February 1593 George Morton 1st Baronet was born.
On 1st February 1603 Maria Habsburg Spain was born to Philip III King Spain (age 24) and Margaret of Austria Queen Consort Spain (age 18). Coefficient of inbreeding 10.92%. She died aged less than one years old.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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On 1st February 1666 Marie Thérèse Bourbon Condé was born to Henri Jules Bourbon Condé Prince Condé (age 22) and Anne Henriette Palatinate Simmern (age 17). She a great x 2 granddaughter of King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland. She married her first cousin once removed François Louis "Le Grand Conti" Bourbon Condé Conti Prince Conti and had issue.
On 31st January 1707 or 1st February 1707 Frederick Louis Hanover Prince of Wales was born to King George II of Great Britain and Ireland (age 23) and Caroline Hohenzollern Queen Consort England (age 23). He married 8th May 1736 his half fourth cousin once removed Augusta Saxe Coburg Altenburg, daughter of Frederick Saxe Coburg Altenburg II Duke Saxe Gotha Altenburg and Magdalena Augusta Anhalt-Zerbst Duchess Saxe Gotha Altenburg, and had issue.
On 1st February 1708 Henry Brydges 2nd Duke Chandos was born to James Brydges 1st Duke Chandos (age 35) and Mary Lake (age 39). He married (1) 21st December 1728 his fifth cousin Mary Bruce, daughter of Charles Bruce 4th Earl Elgin 3rd Earl Ailesbury and Anne Savile, and had issue (2) 25th December 1744 Anne Wells Duchess Chandos (3) 1767 Elizabeth Major Duchess of Chandos, daughter of John Major 1st Baronet and Elizabeth Dale.
On 1st February 1714 Ralph Verney 2nd Earl Verney was born to Ralph Verney 1st Earl Verney (age 30).
On 1st February 1714 Vice-Admiral Hyde Parker 5th Baronet was born to Reverend Hyde Parker.
On 1st February 1743 Prince Peter Glücksburg was born to Peter August Oldenburg I Duke Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck (age 45) and Natália Nikolaievna Golovine Duchess Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck. He died aged seven in 1751.
On 1st February 1768 Henry Windsor 8th Earl Plymouth was born to Other Lewis Windsor 4th Earl Plymouth (age 36) and Catherine Archer Countess Plymouth (age 31).
On 1st February 1785 John George Monson 4th Baron Monson was born to John Monson 3rd Baron Monson (age 31) and Elizabeth Capell (age 29) He married before 3rd February 1809 Sarah Elizabeth Savile Countess Warwick, daughter of John Savile 2nd Earl Mexborough and Elizabeth Stephenson Countess Mexborough, and had issue.
On 1st February 1787 George Hay 8th Marquess Tweedale was born to George Hay 7th Marquess Tweedale (age 34) and Hannah Maitland Marchioness Tweddale (age 37). He married 1816 Susan Montagu Marchioness Tweddale, daughter of William Montagu 5th Duke Manchester and Susan Gordon Duchess Manchester, and had issue.
On 1st February 1794 John Kerr 7th Marquess Lothian was born to William Kerr 6th Marquess Lothian (age 30) and Harriet Hobart Viscountess Belmore (age 31). He married 1831 Cecil Chetwynd-Talbot Marchioness Lothian, daughter of Charles Chetwynd-Talbot 2nd Earl Talbot and Frances Thomasina Lambart Countess Talbot, and had issue.
On 1st February 1795 George Crewe 8th Baronet was born to Henry Crewe 7th Baronet (age 32) and Anne "Nanette" Hawkins (age 29). He married 1819 Jane Whitaker Lady Crewe and had issue.
On 1st February 1808 Louise Hohenzollern was born to Frederick William III King Prussia (age 37) and Queen Louise of Prussia (age 31). She married her fourth cousin Willem Frederick Karel Prince Orange Nassau.
Annals of the six Kings of England by Nicholas Trivet
Translation of the Annals of the Six Kings of England by that traces the rise and rule of the Angevin aka Plantagenet dynasty from the mid-12th to early 14th century. Written by the Dominican scholar Nicholas Trivet, the work offers a vivid account of English history from the reign of King Stephen through to the death of King Edward I, blending political narrative with moral reflection. Covering the reigns of six monarchs—from Stephen to Edward I—the chronicle explores royal authority, rebellion, war, and the shifting balance between crown, church, and nobility. Trivet provides detailed insight into defining moments such as baronial conflicts, Anglo-French rivalry, and the consolidation of royal power under Edward I, whose reign he describes with particular immediacy. The Annals combines careful year-by-year reporting with thoughtful interpretation, presenting history not merely as a sequence of events but as a moral and political lesson. Ideal for readers interested in medieval history, kingship, and the origins of the English state, this chronicle remains a valuable and accessible window into the turbulent world of the Plantagenet kings.
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On 1st February 1809 Sophia Frederica Christina Rawdon-Hastings Marchioness Bute was born to Francis Rawdon-Hastings 1st Marquess Hastings (age 54) and Flora Mure-Campbell Marchioness of Hastings (age 29). She married 1845 John Crichton-Stuart 2nd Marquis of the Isle of Bute and had issue.
On 1st February 1814 Charlotte Amelia Liddell was born to Thomas Liddell 1st Baron Ravensworth (age 38) and Maria Susannah Simpson Baroness Calthorpe (age 41).
On 1st February 1826 Frederick Charles George Fitz-Clarence was born to George Fitz-Clarence 1st Earl Munster (age 32) and Mary Wyndham Countess Munster (age 33). He a grandson of King William IV of the United Kingdom. He married 2nd December 1856 his first cousin Adelaide Augusta Willhelmina Sidney, daughter of Philip Sidney 1st Baron De Lisle and Dudley and Sophia Fitz-Clarence Baroness De Lisle and Dudley.
On 1st February 1829 Augustus Henry Vernon 6th Baron Vernon was born to George Venables-Vernon aka Warren 5th Baron Vernon (age 25) and Isabella Caroline Ellison (age 23). He married 7th June 1851 his third cousin Harriet Frances Maria Anson Baroness Vernon, daughter of Thomas William Anson 1st Earl Lichfield and Louisa Barbara Catherine Phillips Countess Lichfield, and had issue.
On 3rd January 1835 Sarah Cox aka Fanny Cornforth was born to William Cox (age 21) and Jane Woolgar (age 21) at Steyning, Sussex. She was baptised on 1st February 1835. She married (1) August 1860 Timothy Hughes (2) 1879 John Schott.
On 1st February 1836 Charles Crofton was born to Edward Crofton 2nd Baron Crofton (age 29) and Georgina Paget Lady Crofton (age 35).
On 1st February 1843 John Isaac Thornycroft was born to Thomas Thornycroft (age 27) and Mary Francis (age 34).
On 1st February 1847 Edith Florence Ashley-Cooper was born to Anthony Ashley-Cooper 7th Earl Shaftesbury (age 45) and Emily Caroline Catherine Frances Cowper Countess Shaftesbury.
On 1st February 1866 Robert Gresley 11th Baronet was born to Thomas Gresley 10th Baronet (age 33) and Laura Anne Williams Lady Gresley at Upper Grosvenor Street. He married 6th June 1893 Frances Louisa Spencer-Churchill Lady Gresley, daughter of George Charles Spencer-Churchill 8th Duke of Marlborough and Albertha Frances Anne Hamilton Duchess of Marlborough, and had issue.
On 1st February 1879 John James Dalrymple 12th Earl of Stair was born to John Dalrymple 11th Earl of Stair (age 30) and Susan Harriet Grant-Suttie (age 19).
This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.
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On 1st February 1892 Robert Fitzpatrick Courtenay Vernon 4th Baron Lyveden was born to Courtenay Robert Percy Vernon 3rd Baron Lyveden (age 34).
On 1st February 1898 Lucy Eleanor Barnes Duchess Fitzroy was born to George Stapylton Barnes (age 40). She married 6th October 1924 Charles Alfred Euston Fitzroy 10th Duke Grafton and had issue.
On 1st February 1922 Eileen Foley Grey Countess Harrington was born to John Foley Grey 8th Baronet (age 28). She married 5th February 1942 William Stanhope 11th Earl of Harrington, son of Charles Stanhope 10th Earl of Harrington and Margaret Trelawney Seaton, and had issue.
On 1st February 1943 Alexander Paston Astley-Cooper 7th Baronet was born to Patrick Graham Astley-Cooper 6th Baronet (age 24).
On 1st February 1949 Leonora Mary Grosvenor Countess Lichfield was born to Robert George Grosvenor 5th Duke Westminster (age 38) and Viola Maud Lyttelton Duchess Westminster (age 36). Coefficient of inbreeding 1.63%. She married 8th March 1975 her sixth cousin Thomas Patrick John Anson 5th Earl Lichfield and had issue.
On 1st February 1168 Henry "Lion" Welf XII Duke Saxony III Duke Bavaria (age 39) and Matilda Plantagenet Duchess Saxony (age 12) were married. She by marriage Duchess Bavaria, Duchess Saxony. The difference in their ages was 27 years. She the daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England (age 34) and Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England (age 46). He the son of Henry "Proud" Welf X Duke Bavaria and Gertrude Süpplingenburg Duchess Bavaria. They were half third cousin twice removed.
On 1st February 1638 Thomas Abdy 1st Baronet (age 25) and Mary Corsellis were married at St Peter le Poer Church, Broad Street.
On 1st February 1672 James Bertie 1st Earl of Abingdon (age 18) and Eleanor Lee Countess Abingdon were married at Adderbury, Banbury. She by marriage Baroness Norreys of Rycote. He the son of Montagu Bertie 2nd Earl Lindsey and Bridget Wray Countess Lindsey. They were fifth cousin once removed.
On 1st February 1678 William Bentinck 1st Earl of Portland (age 28) and Anne Villiers Countess Portland (age 27) were married. She by marriage Countess of Portland.
On 1st February 1725 John Aubrey 3rd Baronet (age 44) and Jane Thomas Lady Aubrey were married at St Benet's Church, Paul's Wharf [Map]. She by marriage Lady Aubrey of Llantrithyd in Glamorganshire.
On 1st February 1798 Thomas Dalrymple Hesketh 3rd Baronet (age 21) and Sophia Hinde Lady Hesketh (age 20) were married. She by marriage Lady Hesketh of Rufford in Lancashire.
On 1st February 1838 Charles Hay Cameron (age 42) and Julia Margaret Cameron nee Pattle (age 22) were married at Calcutta, India. The difference in their ages was 20 years.
This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 1st February 1876 Bishop Edward Bickersteth (age 51) and Ellen Susanna Bickersteth (age 45) were married. They were first cousins.
On 1st February 1908 Henry FitzWalter Plumptre 20th Baron FitzWalter (age 47) and Emily Harriett Jemima Baird (age 46) were married at St George's Church, Hanover Square. She being the older sister of his previous wife Maude Dora Gertrude Baird; an example of Married to Two Siblings. Marriage to your later wife's sister had recently become legal - see Deceased Wife's Sister's Marriage Act 1907.
On 1st February 1911 Richard Nelson Rycroft 5th Baronet (age 51) and Emily Mary Lowry-Corry (age 28) were married. The difference in their ages was 23 years.
On 1st February 1916 John Savile Lumley-Savile 2nd Baron Savile (age 62) and Esmé Grace Virginia Wolton Baroness Savile were married.
On 1st February 1221 William D'Aubigny 3rd Earl Lincoln 3rd Earl of Arundel (age 41) died. His son William (age 21) succeeded 4th Earl Lincoln, 4th Earl Arundel.
On 1st February 1248 Henry Reginar II Duke Brabant (age 41) died. His son Henry (age 18) succeeded III Duke Brabant. Adelaide Burgundy Duchess Brabant (age 15) by marriage Duchess Brabant.
On 1st February 1328 Charles IV King France I King Navarre (age 33) died. On 1st April 1328 His first cousin Philip (age 34) succeeded VI King France: Capet Valois. The succession somewhat complicated by Charles' wife Blanche of Burgundy Queen Consort France being pregnant. The child Blanche Capet was born two months later on 1st April 1328. A girl child therefore excluded from the succession confirming Philip's as King. Charles the last of the House of Capet. Philip the first of the House of Valois. His niece Joan (age 16) succeeded II Queen Navarre. Her husband Philip "Noble" III King Navarre (age 21) by marriage III King Navarre.
On 1st February 1335 John Clinton 2nd Baron Clinton (age 35) died. His son John (age 8) succeeded 3rd Baron Clinton.
On 31st January 1408 or 1st February 1408 John de Lisle 5th Baron Lisle (age 41) died. His son John (age 22) succeeded 6th Baron Lisle.
On 1st February 1501 Sigismund Wittelsbach Duke Bavaria (age 62) died. His brother Albert (age 53) succeeded IV Duke Bavaria. Kunigunde Habsburg Duchess Bavaria (age 36) by marriage Duchess Bavaria.
On 1st February 1685 William Alington 1st and 3rd Baron Alington (age 45) died. His son Giles (age 5) succeeded 4th Baron Alington of Killard, 2nd Baron Alington of Wymondley in Hertfordshire.
On 1st February 1689 John Borlase 2nd Baronet (age 47) died unmarried. He was buried at Stratton Audley, Oxfordshire. Baronet Borlase of Bockmer in Buckinghamshire extinct. His estates were inherited by his nephew Borlase Warren (age 12).
On 1st February 1690 George Livingston 3rd Earl Linlithgow (age 73) died. His son George succeeded 4th Earl Linlithgow.
Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 1st February 1704 Edward Lake (age 62) died.
On 1st February 1705 Sophia Charlotte Hanover Queen Consort Prussia (age 36) died.
On 1st February 1718 Charles Talbot 1st Duke Shrewsbury (age 57) died. Duke Shrewsbury and Marquess Alton extinct. His first cousin Gilbert (age 45) succeeded 13th Earl of Shrewsbury, 14th Earl Waterford.
On 1st February 1720 Henrietta Villiers Countess Breadalbaine and Holland died.
On 1st February 1736 James Stanley 10th Earl of Derby (age 71) died. His sixth cousin Edward (age 46) succeeded 11th Earl Derby. A rare succession; they shared a great great great great grand-parent. His first cousin once removed James (age 45) succeeded 7th Baron Strange Knockin.
On 1st February 1741 Henry Robartes 3rd Earl Radnor (age 46) died unmarried in Paris [Map]. His half first cousin once removed John (age 55) succeeded 4th Earl Radnor4th Viscount Bodmin, 5th Baron Robartes of Truro in Cornwall, 5th Baronet Robartes.
On 1st February 1743 John Dutton 2nd Baronet (age 59) died. Baronet Dutton of Sherborne in Gloucestershire extinct.
He was buried at the Saint Mary Magdalene's Church, Sherborne [Map] at midnight on 4th February 1743. Monument to sculpted by John Michael Rysbrack (age 48). Full figure of man leaning on an Urn.
On 1st February 1749 Françoise Marie Bourbon Duchess Orléans (age 71) died.
On 1st February 1760 William Hesse-Kassel (age 77) died. His son Frederick (age 39) succeeded II Landgrave Hesse Kassel. Mary Hanover (age 36) by marriage Landgravine Hesse Kassel.
On 1st February 1768 Robert Rich 4th Baronet (age 82) died. His son Robert (age 51) succeeded 5th Baronet Rich of London.
On 1st February 1786 George Beauclerk 3rd Duke St Albans (age 55) died at Brussels [Map]. His first cousin once removed George (age 27) succeeded 4th Duke St Albans, 4th Earl Burford, 4th Baron Heddington.
On 1st February 1786 Mary Shuttleworth Lady Turner and Gascoigne (age 35) died from childbirth having given birth to a son, Thomas Charles Gascoigne, in the previous month.
On 1st February 1808 James Peachey 1st Baron Selsey (age 84) died. His son John (age 58) succeeded 2nd Baron Selsey of Selsey in Sussex.
On 1st February 1810 Charles Turner 2nd Baronet (age 37) died. Baronet Turner of Kirkleatham extinct.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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On 1st February 1818 John Fitzpatrick 2nd Earl Upper Ossory (age 72) died.
On 1st February 1825 Esther Summers Lady Wray (age 88) died.
On 1st February 1829 Prebendary Joseph Parsons (age 67) died. Peterborough Cathedral [Map].
Prebendary Joseph Parsons: Around 1762 he was born. On 27th September 1815 he was appointed Prebendary of Peterborough Cathedral.
On 1st February 1849 George Hobart-Hampden 5th Earl of Buckinghamshire (age 59) died. His brother Augustus (age 55) succeeded 6th Earl Buckinghamshire, 6th Baron Hobart, 10th Baronet Hobart of Intwood in Norfolk.
On 1st February 1863 Maria Thérese Lister died from childbirth a day after giving birth to her second son Lewis Vernon-Harcourt 1st Viscount Harcourt.
On 1st February 1886 Admiral Plantagenet Cary 11th Viscount Falkland (age 79) died without issue. His nephew Byron (age 40) succeeded 12th Viscount Falkland, 3rd Baron Hunsdon of Scutterskelfe in the County of York.
On 1st February 1892 John Eardley-Wilmot 2nd Baronet (age 81) died. His son William (age 50) succeeded 3rd Baronet Eardley-Wilmot of Berkswell Hall in Warwickshire.
On 1st February 1895 Mary Francis (age 86) died.
On 1st February 1925 Edward Beauchamp 1st Baronet (age 75) died. His son Brograve (age 27) succeeded 2nd Baronet Beauchamp of Grosvenor Place in the City of Westminster.
On 1st February 1926 Henry Herbert Wombwell 5th Baronet (age 85) died. His great nephew Frederick (age 15) succeeded 6th Baronet Wombwell of Wombwell in Yorkshire.
On 1st February 1929 Elizabeth Catherine Howard-Molyneux-Howard Countess Carnarvon (age 72) died.
Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke
Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 1st February 1931 Denison Faber 1st Baron Wittenham (age 78) died. He was buried at Brompton Cemetery, Kensington. Baron Wittenham of Wallingford in Berkshire extinct.
On 1st February 1931 Richard Harington 12th Baronet (age 69) died. His son Richard (age 30) succeeded 13th Baronet Harington of Ridlington in Rutlandshire.
On 1st February 1934 Alice Carr Glyn Countess Chichester died without issue.
On 1st February 1936 Charles Yorke 8th Earl of Hardwicke (age 66) died at Bournemouth, Dorset [Map]. His nephew Philip (age 29) succeeded 9th Earl Hardwicke, 9th Viscount Royston.
On 1st February 1963 George Sutherland-Leveson-Gower 5th Duke of Sutherland (age 74) died. His third cousin once removed John (age 47) succeeded 6th Duke Sutherland, 6th Marquess Stafford, 8th Earl Gower, 9th Baron Gower, 13th Baronet Gower of Stittenham in Yorkshire. Diana Evelyn Percy (age 45) by marriage Duchess Sutherland.His niece Elizabeth (age 41) succeeded 24th Countess Sutherland.
On 1st February 1964 Hugh John Francis Sibthorp Cholmeley 5th Baronet (age 57) died. His son Montague (age 28) succeeded 6th Baronet Cholmeley of Easton in Lincolnshire. Juliet Auriol Sally Nelson Lady Cholmeley (age 23) by marriage Lady Cholmeley of Easton in Lincolnshire.
On 1st February 2016 Francis David Ormsby-Gore 6th Baron Harlech (age 61) died. His son Jasset (age 29) succeeded 7th Baron Harlech.