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On this Day in History ... 1st May

01 May is in May.

1191 Richard I arrives Limasol

1308 Treaty of Rheinfelden

1450 Murder of William de la Pole

1455 Battle of Arkinholm

1461 Battle of Towton

1464 Marriage of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville

1483 Dinner and Arrest of the Woodville Affinity

1517 Evil May Day Riots

1536 May-Day Jousts

1540 May Day Jousting

1587 Singeing the King of Spain's Beard

1625 Proxy Marriage of Charles I and Henrietta Maria of France

1660 Declaration of Breda

1807 Abolition of the Slave Trade

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 1st May

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1048. This year came Sweyne (age 29) back to Denmark; and Harold (age 33), the uncle of Magnus, went to Norway on the death of Magnus, and the Northmen submitted to him. He sent an embassy of peace to this land, as did also Sweyne from Denmark, requesting of King Edward (age 45) naval assistance to the amount at least of fifty ships; but all the people resisted it.

This year also there was an earthquake, on the calends of May, in many places; at Worcester, at Wick, and at Derby, and elsewhere wide throughout England; with very great loss by disease of men and of cattle over all England; and the wild fire in Derbyshire and elsewhere did much harm. In the same year the enemy plundered Sandwich, Kent [Map], and the Isle of Wight [Map], and slew the best men that were there; and King Edward and the earls went out after them with their ships. The same year Bishop Siward resigned his bishopric from infirmity, and retired to Abingdon [Map]; upon which Archbishop Edsy resumed the bishopric; and he died within eight weeks of this, on the tenth day before the calends of November.

John of Worcester. 01 May 1048. There was a great earthquake on Sunday the first of May, at Worcester [Map], Wick, Derby [Map], and many other places. Many districts of England were visited with a mortality among men and cattle; and a fire in the air, commonly called wild-fire, burnt many vills and cornfields in Derbyshire and some other districts. Edmund, bishop of Lindisfarne, died at Gloucester, but was carried by his people to Durham, and buried there. Edred succeeded him, but being struck by the divine vengeance, Ethelric, a monk of Peterborough, was appointed in his stead.

Florence of Worcester. 01 May 1118. Matilda (age 38), queen of England, died at Westminster on the calends [the 1st] of May, and was interred with due ceremony in that monastery. Many of the Normans broke the fealty they had sworn to king Henry, and regardless of the rights of their natural lord, transferred their homage to Lewis, king of France, and his great lords, although they were enemies. The before-mentioned pope, Gelasius, came by sea to Burgundy, and his arrival was immediately notified to all parts of France.

On 01 May 1191 King Richard "Lionheart" I of England (age 33) arrived in Limassol [Map] where he met with Guy I King Jerusalem (age 41).

On 01 May 1238 or 03 May 1238 King Magnus VI of Norway was born to King Haakon IV of Norway (age 34).

On 01 May 1256 Mafalda Burgundy Queen Consort Castile (age 60) died.

On 01 May 1308 Albert Habsburg I Duke Austria (age 52) was murdered by his nephew John "Parricide" Habsburg (age 18) who he had deprived of his inheritance when Albert Habsburg I Duke Austria forced John's eleven year old father Rudolf Habsburg II Duke Austria to waive his rights to the Habsburg duchies of Austria and Styria as part of the Treaty of Rheinfelden.

On 01 May 1308 Joan Capet Duchess Burgundy was born to Philip V King France I King Navarre (age 15) and Joan of Burgundy Queen Consort France (age 16). Coefficient of inbreeding 2.29%.

Before 01 May 1450 William "Jackanapes" de la Pole 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 53) exiled for five years for having lost the English possessions in Northern France including Anjou and Maine which were part of Margaret of Anjou's wedding settlement. Before he left he wrote to his eight year old son John de la Pole 2nd Duke of Suffolk (age 7):

My dear and only well-beloved son, I beseech our Lord in Heaven, the Maker of all the World, to bless you, and to send you ever grace to love him, and to dread him, to the which, as far as a father may charge his child, I both charge you, and pray you to set all your spirits and wits to do, and to know his holy laws and commandments, by the which you shall, with his great mercy, pass all the great tempests and troubles of this wretched world.

And that also, knowingly, you do nothing for love nor dread of any earthly creature that should displease him. And there as any frailty maketh you to fall, beseech his mercy soon to call you to him again with repentance, satisfaction, and contrition of your heart, never more in will to offend him.

Secondly, next him above all earthly things, to be true liegeman in heart, in will, in thought, in deed, unto the king our aldermost high and dread sovereign lord, to whom both you and I be so much bound to; charging you as father can and may, rather to die than to be the contrary, or to know anything that were against the welfare or prosperity of his most royal person, but that as far as your body and life may stretch you live and die to defend it, and to let his highness have knowledge thereof in all the haste you can.

Thirdly, in the same way, I charge you, my dear son, always as you be bounden by the commandment of God to do, to love, to worship, your lady and mother; and also that you obey always her commandments, and to believe her counsels and advices in all your works, the which dread not but shall be best and truest to you. And if any other body would steer you to the contrary, to flee the counsel in any wise, for you shall find it naught and evil.

Thirdly, in the same way, I charge you, my dear son, always as you be bounden by the commandment of God to do, to love, to worship, your lady and mother; and also that you obey always her commandments, and to believe her counsels and advices in all your works, the which dread not but shall be best and truest to you. And if any other body would steer you to the contrary, to flee the counsel in any wise, for you shall find it naught and evil.

Moreover, never follow your own wit in nowise, but in all your works, of such folks as I write of above, ask your advice and counsel, and doing thus, with the mercy of God, you shall do right well, and live in right much worship, and great heart’s rest and ease.

And I will be to you as good lord and father as my heart can think.

And last of all, as heartily and as lovingly as ever father blessed his child in earth, I give you the blessing of Our Lord and of me, which of his infinite mercy increase you in all virtue and good living; and that your blood may by his grace from kindred to kindred multiply in this earth to his service, in such wise as after the departing from this wretched world here, you and they may glorify him eternally amongst his angels in heaven.

Written of mine hand,

The day of my departing from this land.

Your true and loving father

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On 01 May 1450 William "Jackanapes" de la Pole 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 53) was beheaded at sea whilst travelling into exile his ship having been intercepted by the Nicholas of the Tower, or by Admiral Nicholas of the Tower. His son John de la Pole 2nd Duke of Suffolk (age 7) succeeded 2nd Marquess Suffolk 1C, 5th Earl Suffolk, 5th Baron Pole. Margaret Beaufort Countess Richmond (age 6) by marriage Marchioness Suffolk 1C. Earl Pembroke forfeit.

Chronicle of Gregory 1450. 01 May 1450. Ande at his passynge ovyr the see warde he was mette with by-twyne Dovyr and Calys by dyvers schyppys, of the whyche was here Admyralle Nycholas of the Towre; and yn that shyppe soo beyng in the see they smote of his hedde of the fore said Duke of Sowthefolke (age 53), and they caste bothe body and his hedde in to the see. And aftyr that it was takyn uppe and brought unto the towne of Dovyr [Map], and aftyr from thens brought unto Wynkylfylde [Map] in Sowthefolke, and there it is i-buryde; whos name was Syr Wylliam Pole.

Patent Rolls Henry VI 1452-1461. 01 May 1452. Grant to Edmund, earl of Richemond (age 21), and Jasper, earl of Pembroke (age 20), and their heirs, of the manor and lordship of Hide, co. Hertford, with a messuage called "Hide," 100 acres of land, 2 acres of meadow and 20 acres of wood in Langley Abbots, co. Hertford, worth 62s. 6d. a year, and of the manor and lordship of Bondby, co. Lincoln, worth 101. 12d., and of all appurtenant rents, services, customs, waters, knights’ fees, patronages, advowsons, and profits ; in lieu of a grant thereof to the same for a term of twelve years at the usual rent by letters patent dated 28 March last, surrendered. By K. etc.

On 01 May 1455 the Douglas rebellion was brought to an end at the Battle of Arkinholm near Langholm. Archibald Douglas Earl of Moray (age 29) was killed. Hugh Douglas 1st Earl Ormonde was executed. John Douglas (age 22) escaped.

On 01 May 1461 James Butler 1st Earl Wiltshire 5th Earl Ormonde (age 40) was beheaded at Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland [Map] having been captured at, or after, the Battle of Towton. His brother John Butler 6th Earl Ormonde (age 39) succeeded 6th Earl Ormonde. Earl Wiltshire forfeit.

Warkworth's Chronicle 1464. 01 May 1464. And while the said Earl of Warwick (age 35) was in France, the King was wedded to Elisabeth Gray (age 27)1, widow, the which Sir John Gray that was her husband was slaine at York field1 in King Harry's party, and the same Elisabeth was daughter to the Lord Rivers, and the wedding was privately in a secret place, the first day of May the year above said. And when the Earl of Warwick came hame and heard thereof, then was he greatly displeased with the King, and after that rose great dissension ever more and more between the King and him, for that and other, &c, And then the King put out of the Chancellorership the Bishop of Exeter (age 32)2, brother to the Earl of Warwik, and made the Bishop of Bath (age 44)3 Chancellor of England. After that the Earl of Warwick took to him in fee as many knights, squires, and gentlemen as he might, to be strong, and King Edward did that he might to feeble the Earl's power4. And yet they were accorded diverse times, but they never loved togedere after.

Note 1. The Kynge was wedded to Elizabethe Gray. See a most quaint narrative of this marriage in William Habington's Historie of Edward the Fourth, fol. 1640, pp. 33-35. I find it stated in one place (MS. Harl. 2408.) that Edward's mother attempted to hinder the marriage, by causing "another contract to be alleadged made by him with the Lady Elizabeth Lucy, on whom he had begot a child befor." She seems, indeed, to have been most hostile to this imprudent and unpopular connexion:

Married a woman? married indeed!

Here is a marriage that befits a king!

It is no marvaile it was done in hast:

Here is a bridall, and with hell to boote,

You have made worke."

Heywood's First Part of Edward IV. Sig. A. ij.

The author of Hearne's fragment, however, speaks in praise of the marriage, "Howbeit that lewde felow that drew this last brent cronicles, abusid himsel gretely in his disordrid wrizting for lakke of knowlege." (P. 293.)

Note 1. Slayne at Yorke felde. Sir John Grey2 was slain at the second battle of St. Alban's, fought on the 17th Feb. 1460-1. - J.G.N.

Note 2. The Bysshope of Excetre. George Neville, made Chancellor the 25th July 1460. He was translated to the archbishopric of York, 17th June 1465. - J.G.N.

Note 3. The Bysshope of Bath. Robert Stillington. He did not receive the seal until the 8th June 1468, previously to which Robert Kirkham had been Keeper. - J.G.N.

Note 4. Kyng Edwarde dide that he might to feble the Earls powere. We have, however, in an act passed subsequently to this period, an especial clause that the same act "be not prejudiciall or hurtyng unto Richard Neville, Earl of Warrewyk." — Rot. Parl. 4 Edw. IV.

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On 01 May 1464 King Edward IV of England (age 22) and Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England (age 27) were married at Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire [Map]. Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 49), Elizabeth's mother, being the only witness. The date not certain. She the daughter of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 59) and Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford. He the son of Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York and Cecily "Rose of Raby" Neville Duchess York (age 48). He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward III of England.

Chronicle of Gregory 1464. 01 May 1464. That same year, the first day of May before said or written, our sovereign lord the King, Edward the iiij (age 22), was wedded to the Lord Rivers (age 59) daughter; her name is Dame Elizabeth (age 27), that was wife unto Syr John Grey, son and heir unto the Lady Ferrers of Groby (age 45). And this marriage was kept full secretly long and many a day, that no man knew it; but men marvelled that our sovereign lord was so long without any wife, and were ever feared that he had be not chaste of his living.

Chronicle of Jean Molinet Chapter 94. [01 May 1464]. He was Duke of York before his coronation, a very elegant figure, tall and upright; he married a widow named Elizabeth, a somewhat noble woman of a coutier, and took her out of desire; they had two sons and two daughters. The first son was Prince of Wales, named Edward, the other was called George [Richard]; one was fourteen years old, the other twelve years old; and they were very well instructed in the liberal arts. One of the daughters was named Catherine, the other Elizabeth, who later married the Earl of Ricmond, King Henry of England the seventh of that name.

Il estoit duc d'Yorck avant sa coronation, très élégant personnage, hault et droit; il espousa une veufve nommée Elisabeth, à demi noble femme d'un pensionnaire, et la prinst par concupiscence; il en eut deux fils et deux filles. Le premier fils fut prince de Galles, nommé Edouard, l'aultre se nommoit George; l'un avoit quatorze ans, l'aultre douze ans; et furent fort bien instruits ès arts libéraux. L'une des filles fut nommée Catherine, l'autre Elisabeth, qui depuis fut mariée au comte de Ricemont, roy Henri d'Angleterre septième de ce nom.

Chronicle of Jean Molinet Chapter 100. [01 May 1483]. The Queen of England, recognizing the audacity of his courage, withdrew and took her children to a safe place called Westminster, so that the said Gloucester would not harm them. However, those from Wales, the princes of the blood, and relatives of King Edward, endeavored to crown the Prince of Wales, and headed towards London to do so; and the Duke of Gloucester at one point pretended to be joyful about this coronation, and at another time held completely opposite views; and he put so many obstacles in the way that the matter failed. He found a way, through some accusations, to dispatch the Lord Scales (age 26)1, nephew of the said children, and Lord Rivers (age 43), along with Thomas Vaughan (age 73);

La reine d'Angleterre cognoissant la protervie de son courage, se tira arrière et emmena ses enfans en une place franche nommée Vastremoustre (Westminster), afin que ledit de Glocestre ne leur fit quelque moleste. Néautuioins ceulx de Galles, les princes du sang et parenté du roy Edouard se mirent en peine de couronner le prince de Galles, et tirèrent vers Londres pour ce faire; et ledit duc de Glocestre l'une fois se faindoit estre joyeux de ce couronnement, l'aultre fois tenoit terme tout au contraire; et y mit tant d'entraves, que la chose suschey. Il trouva façon par aulcunes accusations de soi despescher du seigneur d'Escales nepveu desdits enfans, et seigneur de la Rivière, ensemble de Thomas Vayant;

Note 1. The Chronicler her appears to confuse Richard Grey with Lord Scales i.e. Anthony Woodville 2nd Earl Rivers, who was also known as Lord Scales since his wife was Elizabeth de Scales, 8th Baroness Scales.

On 01 May 1483 King Richard III of England (age 30) arrested Richard Grey (age 26), Anthony Woodville 2nd Earl Rivers (age 43) and Thomas Vaughan (age 73) at Stony Stratford, Buckinghamshire [Map]. King Edward V of England (age 12) was taken under his uncle Richard's Protection to London.

Bishop John Alcock (age 53) was arrested and removed from office.

Croyland Chronicle 1483. 01 May 1483. When the morning, and as it afterwards turned out, a most disastrous one, had come, having taken counsel during the night, all the lords took their departure together, in order to present themselves before the new king at Stony Stratford, a town a few miles distant firom Northampton; and now, lo and behold! when the two dukes had nearly arrived at the entrance of that town, they arrested the said earl of Rivers (age 43) and his nephew Richard (age 26), the king's brother, together with some others who had come with them, and commanded them to be led prisoners into the north of England. Immediately after, this circumstance being not yet known in the neighbouring town, where the king was understood to be, they suddenly rushed into the place where the youthful king was staying, and in like manner made prisoners of certain others of his servants who were in attendance on his person. One of these was Thomas Vaughan (age 73), an aged knight and chamberlain of the prince before-named.

The History of King Richard the Third by Thomas More. 01 May 1483. And as soon as they came in his presence, they alighted down with all their company about them. To whom the Duke of Buckingham (age 28) said, "Go before, gentlemen and yeomen, keep your rooms." And thus in a goodly array, they came to the King (age 12) and, on their knees in very humble fashion, assuaged his Grace, who received them in very joyous and amiable manner, nothing earthly knowing nor mistrusting as yet. But even by and by, in his presence, they picked a quarrel with the Lord Richard Grey (age 26), the King's other brother by his mother, saying that he, with the Lord Marquis (age 28) his brother and the Lord Rivers (age 43) his uncle, had planned to rule the King and the realm, and to set variance among the lords, and to subdue and destroy the noble blood of the realm. Toward the accomplishing whereof, they said that the Lord Marquis had entered into the Tower of London [Map], and thence taken out the King's treasure, and sent men to the sea. All of which things, these dukes knew well, were done for good purposes and necessary ones by the whole council at London, except that they must say something.

Unto which words, the King answered, "What my brother marquis has done I cannot say. But in good faith I dare well answer for mine uncle Rivers and my brother here, that they be innocent of any such matters.".

"Yea, my Liege," said the Duke of Buckingham, "they have kept their dealing in these matters far from the knowledge of your good Grace.".

And forthwith they arrested the Lord Richard and Sir Thomas Vaughan (age 73), knight, in the King's presence, and brought the King and all back unto Northampton [Map], where they took again further counsel. And there they sent away from the King whomever it pleased them, and set new servants about him, such as liked them better than him. At which dealing he wept and was nothing content, but it remedied not. And at dinner the Duke of Gloucester (age 30) sent a dish from his own table to the Lord Rivers, praying him to be of good cheer, all should be well enough. And he thanked the Duke, and prayed the messenger to bear it to his nephew, the Lord Richard, with the same message for his comfort, who he thought had more need of comfort, as one to whom such adversity was foreign. But for himself, he had been all his days used to a life therewith, and therefore could bear it the better. But for all this comfortable courtesy of the Duke of Gloucester, he sent the Lord Rivers and the Lord Richard with Sir Thomas Vaughan into the north country to different places to prison and, afterwards, all to Pomfrait [Map], where they were, in conclusion, beheaded.

On 01 May 1517 Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 74) entered the City with 1300 of his retainers to suppress the Riots.

Archaeologia Volume 23 Section V. 01 May 1536. Apon May daye Mr. Noryce justed. And after justinge the Kynge rode sodenly to Westminster, and all the waye as I heard saye, had Mr. Noryce in examinacyon and promised hym his pardon in case he wolde utter the trewth. But what so ever cowld be sayed or done, Mr. Norice wold confess no thinge to the Kynge,

Wriothesley's Chronicle 1536. This yeare, on Maye daie, 1536, beinge Moundaie, was a great justing at Greenewych [Map], where was chalengers my Lorde of Rochforde (age 33) and others, and defenders Mr. Noris (age 54) and others.d.

Note d. Stow adds: "From these joustes King Henry sodainely departed to Westminster, haying only with him six persons, of which sodaine departore men manreiled."

Hall's Chronicle 1536. 01 May 1536. On Maye day were a solemn jousts kept at Grcnewyche [Map], and suddenly from the jousts the King departed having not above six persons with him, and came in the evening from Greenwich to his place at Westminster. Of this sudden departure many men mused, but most chiefly the Queen (age 35),

On 01 May 1540 a tournament was held at Westminster [Map]. Gregory Cromwell 1st Baron Cromwell Oakham (age 20), Thomas Poynings 1st Baron Poynings (age 28), Thomas Seymour 1st Baron Seymour (age 32), John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland (age 36), Richard Cromwell aka Williams (age 45) and George Carew (age 36) were challengers.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 01 May 1557. The furst day of May was creatyd at Whytt-halle master Perse (age 29) the yerle of Northumberland, with viij haroldes and a dosen of trumpeters thrugh the quen('s) chambur, and thrugh the hall, and a-for hym my lord of Penbroke (age 56) and my lord Montyguw (age 28) and then my lord of Arundell (age 45) and my lord of Rutland (age 30), and hym-self whent in the myddes, alle in cremesun welvett in ther parlement robes, and whyt a hatt of velvett and cronet of gold on ys hed.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 01 May 1559. The furst day of May ther was ij [4] pennys [pinnaces] was dekyd with stremars, baners, and flages, and trumpetes and drumes and gones, gahyng a Mayng [going a Maying], and a-ganst the Quen('s) plasse at Westmynster, and ther they shott and thruw eges [eggs] and oregns [against] on a-gaynst a-nodur, and with sqwybes, and by chanse on fell on a bage of gune-powdur and sett dyvers men a'fyre, and so the men drue to on syd of the penus [pinnaces], and yt dyd over-swelmed the pennus [pinnaces], and mony fell in the Temes, butt, thanke be God, ther was but on man drownyd, and a C [100] bottes [boats] abowtt here, and the Quen('s) (age 25) grace and her lordes and lades lokyng out of wyndows; thys was done by ix [4] of the cloke on May evyn last.

On 29 Apr 1587 the English fleet commanded by Francis Drake (age 47) entered the Bay of Cádiz Spain in the evening to discover sixty Spanish and twenty French ships. The Spanish ships, under the command of Pedro de Acuña, sailed out to meet the English fleet but were forced to retire back to Cadiz before the superiority of the English. Gun positions on the shore opened fire, shelling the English fleet from the coast with little effect. During the night of the 29th and all the following day and night the battle raged in the bay. At dawn on 1 May, the English withdrew having destroyed around thirty-two Spanish ships, with a combined capacity of 10,000 tons, and captured four other ships, laden with provisions.

Diary of Anne Clifford 1619. 01 May 1619. The 1st after supper Mr Davis came and did read to my Lord (age 30) and me the Bill my Uncle Cumberland and my Coz. Clifford put in the Chancery against the tenants of King’s Meaborne.

On 01 May 1632 Frances Coleclough (age 74) died. She was buried at St Oswald's Church, Brereton [Map].

On 16 Jun 1643 William Smethwich (age 91) died. He was buried at St Oswald's Church, Brereton [Map]

Inscriptions on the monument "Here lieth the body of William Smethwicke of Smethwicke esq. who, mindful of his death, erected this monument for himself and, his wife, pious to God, pious in good workes which William was born Oct. 1, Anno D'ni 1551 and died June 16 Anno Dni' 1643." and

"Here alsoe lieth the body of Frances Smethwicke, daughter of Sir Anthony Coleclough, Knight, married to William Smethwicke aforesaid and lived in wedlocke with him 48 years a devout and hospitall matron, born Anno Dom: 1557, in the Castle of Kildare, in Ireland, Novemb. 6, and died 1st of May, 1632."

Frances Coleclough: On 06 Nov 1557 she was born to Anthony Coleclough at Kildare Castle. In 1585 William Smethwich and she were married.

William Smethwich: On 01 Oct 1551 he was born to Thomas Smethwick and Ann Vernon.

04 Apr 1660 The Declaration of Breda [Map], written on 04 Apr 1660, was a part of the process of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 29) being restored to the English throne written in response to a message sent by George Monck 1st Duke Albemarle (age 51). Initially secret the Declaration was made public on 01 May 1660. The Declaration promised a general pardon, retention of property religious toleration, payment of arrears to the army and continued army service.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 01 May 1662. Sir G. Carteret (age 52), Sir W. Pen (age 41), and myself, with our clerks, set out this morning from Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map] very early, and got by noon to Petersfield, Hampshire; several officers of the Yard accompanying us so far. Here we dined and were merry. At dinner comes my Lord Carlingford (age 59) from London, going to Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map]: tells us that the Duchess of York (age 25) is brought to bed of a girl, [Mary, afterwards Queen of England.] at which I find nobody pleased; and that Prince Rupert (age 42) and the Duke of Buckingham (age 34) are sworn of the Privy Councell. He himself made a dish with eggs of the butter of the sparagus, which is very fine meat, which I will practise hereafter.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 01 May 1663. That being done, and all things agreed on, we went down, and after a glass of wine we all took horse, and I, upon a horse hired of Mr. Game, saw him out of London, at the end of Bishopsgate Street, and so I turned and rode, with some trouble, through the fields, and then Holborn, &c., towards Hide Park, whither all the world, I think, are going, and in my going, almost thither, met W. Howe coming galloping upon a little crop black nag; it seems one that was taken in some ground of my Lord's, by some mischance being left by his master, a thief; this horse being found with black cloth ears on, and a false mayne, having none of his own; and I back again with him to the Chequer, at Charing Cross, and there put up my own dull jade, and by his advice saddled a delicate stone-horse of Captain Ferrers's, and with that rid in state to the Park, where none better mounted than I almost, but being in a throng of horses, seeing the King's riders showing tricks with their managed horses, which were very strange, my stone-horse was very troublesome, and begun to, fight with other horses, to the dangering him and myself, and with much ado I got out, and kept myself out of harm's way. Here I saw nothing good, neither the King (age 32), nor my Baroness Castlemaine's (age 22), nor any great ladies or beauties being there, there being more pleasure a great deal at an ordinary day; or else those few good faces that there were choked up with the many bad ones, there being people of all sorts in coaches there, to some thousands, I think. Going thither in the highway, just by the Park gate, I met a boy in a sculler boat, carried by a dozen people at least, rowing as hard as he could drive, it seems upon some wager.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 01 May 1665. Thence back by coach to Greenwich, Kent [Map], and in his pleasure boat to Deptford, Kent [Map], and there stopped and in to Mr. Evelyn's (age 44)1, which is a most beautiful place; but it being dark and late, I staid not; but Deane Wilkins (age 51) and Mr. Hooke (age 29) and I walked to Redriffe [Map]; and noble discourse all day long did please me, and it being late did take them to my house to drink, and did give them some sweetmeats, and thence sent them with a lanthorn home, two worthy persons as are in England, I think, or the world.

Note 1. Sayes Court [Map], the well-known residence of John Evelyn.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 01 May 1665. Thence to the Duke of Albemarle (age 56), where I was sorry to find myself to come a little late, and so home, and at noon going to the 'Change [Map] I met my Lord Brunkard (age 45), Sir Robert Murry (age 57), Deane Wilkins (age 51), and Mr. Hooke (age 29), going by coach to Colonell Blunts (age 61) to dinner. So they stopped and took me with them. Landed at the Tower-wharf, and thence by water to Greenwich, Kent [Map]; and there coaches met us; and to his house, a very stately sight for situation and brave plantations; and among others, a vineyard, the first that ever I did see. No extraordinary dinner, nor any other entertainment good; but only after dinner to the tryall of some experiments about making of coaches easy. And several we tried; but one did prove mighty easy (not here for me to describe, but the whole body of the coach lies upon one long spring), and we all, one after another, rid in it; and it is very fine and likely to take. These experiments were the intent of their coming, and pretty they are.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 01 May 1667. Then to talk of my Lord Sandwich (age 41), whom my Lord Crew (age 69) hath a great desire might get to be Lord Treasurer (age 60) if the present Lord should die, as it is believed he will, in a little time; and thinks he can have no competitor but my Lord Arlington (age 49), who, it is given out, desires it: but my Lord thinks it is not so, for that the being Secretary do keep him a greater interest with the King (age 36) than the other would do at least, do believe, that if my Lord would surrender him his Wardrobe place, it would be a temptation to Arlington to assist my Lord in getting the Treasurer's. I did object to my Lord [Crew] that it would be no place of content, nor safety, nor honour for my Lord, the State being so indigent as it is, and the [King] so irregular, and those about him, that my Lord must be forced to part with anything to answer his warrants; and that, therefore, I do believe the King had rather have a man that may be one of his vicious caball, than a sober man that will mind the publick, that so they may sit at cards and dispose of the revenue of the Kingdom. This my Lord was moved at, and said he did not indeed know how to answer it, and bid me think of it; and so said he himself would also do. He do mightily cry out of the bad management of our monies, the King having had so much given him; and yet, when the Parliament do find that the King should have £900,000 in his purse by the best account of issues they have yet seen, yet we should report in the Navy a debt due from the King of £900,000; which, I did confess, I doubted was true in the first, and knew to be true in the last, and did believe that there was some great miscarriages in it: which he owned to believe also, saying, that at this rate it is not in the power of the Kingdom to make a war, nor answer the King's wants.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 01 May 1667. After dinner my Lord took me alone and walked with me, giving me an account of the meeting of the Commissioners for Accounts, whereof he is one. How some of the gentlemen, Garraway (age 50), Littleton (age 46), and others, did scruple at their first coming there, being called thither to act, as Members of Parliament, which they could not do by any authority but that of Parliament, and therefore desired the King's direction in it, which was sent for by my Lord Bridgewater (age 43), who brought answer, very short, that the King (age 36) expected they should obey his Commission. Then they went on, and observed a power to be given them of administering and framing an oath, which they thought they could not do by any power but Act of Parliament; and the whole Commission did think fit to have the judges' opinion in it; and so, drawing up their scruples in writing, they all attended the King, who told them he would send to the judges to be answered, and did so; who have, my Lord tells me, met three times about it, not knowing what answer to give to it; and they have met this week, doing nothing but expecting the solution of the judges in this point. My Lord tells me he do believe this Commission will do more hurt than good; it may undo some accounts, if these men shall think fit; but it can never clear an account, for he must come into the Exchequer for all this. Besides, it is a kind of inquisition that hath seldom ever been granted in England; and he believes it will never, besides, give any satisfaction to the People or Parliament, but be looked upon as a forced, packed business of the King, especially if these Parliament-men that are of it shall not concur with them: which he doubts they will not, and, therefore, wishes much that the King would lay hold of this fit occasion, and let the Commission fall.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 01 May 1667. Up, it being a fine day, and after doing a little business in my chamber I left my wife to go abroad with W. Hewer (age 25) and his mother in a Hackney coach incognito to the Park, while I abroad to the Excise Office first, and there met the Cofferer (age 63) and Sir Stephen Fox (age 40) about our money matters there, wherein we agreed, and so to discourse of my Lord Treasurer (age 60), who is a little better than he was of the stone, having rested a little this night. I there did acquaint them of my knowledge of that disease, which I believe will be told my Lord Treasurer.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 01 May 1667. Thence away to the King's playhouse, by agreement met Sir W. Pen (age 46), and saw "Love in a Maze" but a sorry play: only Lacy's (age 52) clowne's part, which he did most admirably indeed; and I am glad to find the rogue at liberty again. Here was but little, and that ordinary, company. We sat at the upper bench next the boxes; and I find it do pretty well, and have the advantage of seeing and hearing the great people, which may be pleasant when there is good store. Now was only Prince Rupert (age 47) and my Lord Lauderdale (age 50), and my Lord, the naming of whom puts me in mind of my seeing, at Sir Robert Viner's (age 36), two or three great silver flagons, made with inscriptions as gifts of the King (age 36) to such and such persons of quality as did stay in town the late great plague, for the keeping things in order in the town, which is a handsome thing. But here was neither Hart (age 41), Nell (age 17), nor Knipp; therefore, the play was not likely to please me.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 01 May 1667. Thence Sir W. Pen (age 46) and I in his coach, Tiburne way, into the Park, where a horrid dust, and number of coaches, without pleasure or order. That which we, and almost all went for, was to see my Lady Newcastle (age 44); which we could not, she being followed and crowded upon by coaches all the way she went, that nobody could come near her; only I could see she was in a large black coach, adorned with silver instead of gold, and so white curtains, and every thing black and white, and herself in her cap, but other parts I could not make [out]. But that which I did see, and wonder at with reason, was to find Pegg Pen (age 16) in a new coach, with only her husband's (age 26) pretty sister (age 18) with her, both patched and very fine, and in much the finest coach in the park, and I think that ever I did see one or other, for neatness and richness in gold, and everything that is noble. My Baroness Castlemayne (age 26), the King (age 36), my Lord St. Albans (age 62), nor Mr. Jermyn, have so neat a coach, that ever I saw.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 01 May 1667. And, Lord! to have them have this, and nothing else that is correspondent, is to me one of the most ridiculous sights that ever I did see, though her present dress was well enough; but to live in the condition they do at home, and be abroad in this coach, astonishes me. When we had spent half an hour in the Park, we went out again, weary of the dust, and despairing of seeing my Lady Newcastle (age 44); and so back the same way, and to St. James's, thinking to have met my Lady Newcastle before she got home, but we staying by the way to drink, she got home a little before us: so we lost our labours, and then home; where we find the two young ladies come home, and their patches off, I suppose Sir W. Pen (age 46) do not allow of them in his sight, and going out of town to-night, though late, to Walthamstow, Essex [Map].

On or before 01 May 1679, the day he was buried at St Mary's Church, Long Newton [Map], George Vane of Long Newton (age 61) died.

George Vane of Long Newton: In 1618 he was born to Henry Vane "The Elder" and Frances Darcy. On 27 Mar 1640 George Vane of Long Newton and Elizabeth Maddison were married. They had thirteen children.

On 01 May 1714 Henry Paget 1st Earl Uxbridge (age 51) was appointed Envoy Extraordinary to the Elector of Hanover (age 53), the future King George I. He requested he be made an Earl but Queen Anne of England Scotland and Ireland (age 49) declined his request. After George's succession Henry was created 1st Earl Uxbridge on 19 Oct 1714. Mary Catesby Countess Uxbridge by marriage Countess Uxbridge.

On 01 May 1775 Mary Montagu Duchess of Montagu (age 64) died. Monument in St Edmund's Church, Warkton [Map]. Sculpted by Peter Mathias Van Gelder (age 33). Mary's monument is more decorative that her parent's; Rococo. The composition of the monument centres around an ornate funerary Urn, which stands upon a Pedestal containing an inscription to Mary. To the right sits a grief stricken woman, inconsolable over the loss of an aristocrat considered a great benefactor to the poor and needy. In her left arm she cradles a baby, and a second, tearful child sits at her feet. To the right of the woman is that of an older woman draped in a shawl, who gently caresses the hand of the first babe. To the left of the Urn, an angel comforts the mourners, pointing to heaven.

On 19 Feb 1780 Samuel Egerton (deceased) was buried at St Mary's Church, Rostherne, Tatton [Map]. Sculpted by John "The Elder" Bacon (age 39). Figures representing Hope and Patience

The monument inscription describes those also buried in the vault: John Egerton, his wife Elizabeth Barbour buried 10 Feb 1743, her mother Elizabeth Hill (age 85) buried 17 Apr 1713 and John and Elizabeth's daughter-in-law Beatrix Copley (age 22) buried 01 May 1755.

On 01 May 1780 Princess Augusta of Prussia was born to Frederick William II King Prussia (age 35) and Queen Frederica Louisa of Prussia (age 28). She a great x 2 granddaughter of King George I of Great Britain and Ireland.

On 25 Mar 1807 the Slave Trade Act received Royal Assent. The Act prohibited the slave trade in the British Empire. The Bill was first introduced to Parliament in January 1807. It went to the House of Commons on 10 Feb 1807. After a debate lasting ten hours, the House agreed to the second reading of the bill to abolish the Atlantic slave trade by an overwhelming 283 votes for to 16. The Act took effect on 01 May 1807.

The last legal slave voyage was that of Kitty's Amelia which sailed on 27 Jul 1807 having received permission to sail on 27 Apr 1807 before the Act came into force. Kitty's Amelia arrived with 233 slaves at Jamaica 25 Jan 1808.

01 May 1853. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 24). Drawing of Emma Matilda Hill (age 23).

Births on the 1st May

On 01 May 1218 John Hainault I Count Hainault was born to Bouchard Avesnes (age 36) and Margaret II Countess Flanders (age 15).

On 01 May 1238 or 03 May 1238 King Magnus VI of Norway was born to King Haakon IV of Norway (age 34).

On 01 May 1285 Edmund Fitzalan 9th Earl of Arundel was born to Richard Fitzalan 8th Earl of Arundel (age 18) and Alice Saluzzo Countess Arundel.

On 01 May 1308 Joan Capet Duchess Burgundy was born to Philip V King France I King Navarre (age 15) and Joan of Burgundy Queen Consort France (age 16). Coefficient of inbreeding 2.29%.

Around 01 May 1464 Arthur Plantagenet 1st Viscount Lisle was born illegitimately to King Edward IV of England (age 22) and Elizabeth Waite.

On 01 May 1566 Michiel Janszoon van Mierevelt was born in Delft.

On 01 May 1622 Henry Goring 2nd Baronet was born to Henry Goring (age 44) and Mary Eversfield (age 33).

On 01 May 1637 Anne Bayning Countess of Oxford was born to Paul Bayning 2nd Viscount Bayning (age 21).

On or before 01 May 1642 Francis Drake 3rd Baronet was born to Thomas Drake (age 22) and Susan Crymes. He was baptised on 01 May 1642 at Buckland Monachorum, Devon.

On 01 May 1654 Edmund Fettiplace 2nd Baronet was born to John Fettiplace 1st Baronet (age 28) and Anne Wenman Lady Fettiplace (age 24).

On 01 May 1662 Francis Brereton 5th Baron Brereton was born to William Brereton 3rd Baron Brereton (age 30) and Frances Willoughby Baroness Brereton (age 37). He was baptised at St Paul's Church, Covent Garden on 02 May 1662.

On 01 May 1708 Lionel Tollemache 4th Earl Dysart was born to Lionel Tollemache (age 25) and Henrietta Cavendish (age 9).

On 01 May 1721 George Pitt 1st Baron Rivers was born to George Pitt of Stratfield Saye (age 31) in Geneva.

On 01 May 1745 Reverend Philip Wodehouse was born to Armine Wodehouse 5th Baronet (age 31) and Letitia Bacon Lady Woodhouse (age 30).

On 01 May 1780 Princess Augusta of Prussia was born to Frederick William II King Prussia (age 35) and Queen Frederica Louisa of Prussia (age 28). She a great x 2 granddaughter of King George I of Great Britain and Ireland.

On 01 May 1784 John Fletcher aka Boughey 2nd Baronet was born to Thomas Fletcher 1st Baronet (age 37) and Anne Fenton.

On 01 May 1785 Cholmeley Charles William Dering was born to Edward Dering 7th Baronet (age 28).

On 01 May 1787 Jemima Rachel Drummond was born to James Drummond 11th Earl Perth (age 43) and Clementia Elphinstone Countess Perth (age 37).

On 01 May 1829 Frederick Sandys was born to Anthony Sands (age 23) and Mary Ann Brown. His birth name being Antonio Frederic Augustus Sands.

On 01 May 1874 Romaine Brooks was born.

On 01 May 1880 James Arthur Joicey 2nd Baron Joicey was born to James Joicey 1st Baron Joicey (age 34) and Elizabeth Amy Robinson (age 24).

On 01 May 1882 Evelyn Francis Edward Seymour 17th Duke of Somerset was born to Edward Hamilton Seymour 16th Duke of Somerset (age 21) and Rowena Wall Duchess Somerset (age 20).

On 01 May 1891 Thomas Carew Trollope 3rd Baron Kesteven was born to Major Robert Cranmer Trollope (age 38) and Ethel Mary Carew.

On 01 May 1924 Peter Griffiths Earl Loudon was born.

On 01 May 1927 Henry Allen John Bathurst 8th Earl Bathurst was born to Allen Bathurst (age 31) and Violet Meeking (age 32).

On 01 May 1940 Henry Milles 5th earl Sondes was born to George Milles 4th Earl Sondes (age 26).

Marriages on the 1st May

On 01 May 1464 King Edward IV of England (age 22) and Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England (age 27) were married at Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire [Map]. Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 49), Elizabeth's mother, being the only witness. The date not certain. She the daughter of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 59) and Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford. He the son of Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York and Cecily "Rose of Raby" Neville Duchess York (age 48). He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward III of England.

After 01 May 1464 Anthony Woodville 2nd Earl Rivers (age 24) and Elizabeth Scales Countess Rivers were married. He by marriage Baron Scales. See Woodville Marriages. He the son of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 59) and Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 49). She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward I of England.

Before 01 May 1471 George Neville 4th and 2nd Baron Bergavenny (age 31) and Margaret Fenne Baroness Bergavenny were married. He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward III of England.

After 01 May 1542 Henry Fitzalan 19th Earl of Arundel (age 30) and Mary Arundell Countess Arundel were married. He the son of William Fitzalan 18th Earl of Arundel (age 66) and Anne Percy Countess Arundel (age 56). He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England.

On 01 May 1614 Nathaniel Bacon (age 29) and Jane Meautys (age 33) were married.

On 01 May 1651 Edmund Alleyn 2nd Baronet (age 19) and Frances Gent Lady Allen (age 15) were married at St Giles' in the Fields Church [Map]. She brought an estate of about £600 a year to the marriage. Arabella, their only daughter, who was heir to her brother Edmund Alleyn 3rd Baronet, eventually inherited their large estates. She married firstly, Francis Thompson; secondly, the Honorable George Howard. Under her will, dat. 20 June 1746, these estates passed in 1751 (after the death of Arthur Dobbs to whom she had conveyed them for life) to her cousin Sir Edmund Aleyn, the 8th Bart.

On 01 May 1655 Lionel Cranfield 3rd Earl Middlesex (age 30) and Rachael Fane Countess Bath and Middlesex (age 42) were married at St Bride's Church. She by marriage Countess Middlesex. She the daughter of Francis Fane 1st Earl of Westmoreland and Mary Mildmay Countess of Westmoreland. He the son of Lionel Cranfield 1st Earl Middlesex and Anne Brett Countess Middlesex.

On 01 May 1783 Henry Gough-Calthorpe 1st Baron Calthorpe (age 34) and Frances Carpenter Baroness Calthorpe (age 21) were married. Frances Carpenter Baroness Calthorpe by marriage Lady Gough-Calthorpe of Edgbaston in Warwickshire.

Before 01 May 1784 Thomas Fletcher 1st Baronet (age 37) and Anne Fenton were married.

On 01 May 1797 Edward Smith-Stanley 12th Earl of Derby (age 44) and Elizabeth Farren Countess Derby (age 38) were married. She by marriage Countess Derby. The marriage taking place six weeks after the death of his estranged wife Elizabeth Hamilton Countess Derby.

On 01 May 1822 Henry Winston Barron 1st Baronet (age 26) and Anna Leigh Guy Page-Turner Lady Barron were married.

Before 01 May 1829 Anthony Sands (age 23) and Mary Ann Brown were married.

On 01 May 1879 Llewelyn Nevill Vaughan Lloyd-Mostyn 3rd Baron Mostyn (age 23) and Mary Florence Edith Clements (age 22) were married.

Deaths on the 1st May

On 01 May 1256 Mafalda Burgundy Queen Consort Castile (age 60) died.

On 01 May 1308 Albert Habsburg I Duke Austria (age 52) was murdered by his nephew John "Parricide" Habsburg (age 18) who he had deprived of his inheritance when Albert Habsburg I Duke Austria forced John's eleven year old father Rudolf Habsburg II Duke Austria to waive his rights to the Habsburg duchies of Austria and Styria as part of the Treaty of Rheinfelden.

On 01 May 1325 Ida Odingsells Baroness Clinton (age 60) died at Maxstoke Castle [Map].

On 01 May 1360 Elizabeth Verdun Baroness Burghesh (age 60) died. She was buried at Croxden Abbey, Staffordshire [Map].

On 01 May 1447 Louis "Bearded" Wittelsbach VII Duke Bavaria (age 79) died.

On 01 May 1450 William "Jackanapes" de la Pole 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 53) was beheaded at sea whilst travelling into exile his ship having been intercepted by the Nicholas of the Tower, or by Admiral Nicholas of the Tower. His son John de la Pole 2nd Duke of Suffolk (age 7) succeeded 2nd Marquess Suffolk 1C, 5th Earl Suffolk, 5th Baron Pole. Margaret Beaufort Countess Richmond (age 6) by marriage Marchioness Suffolk 1C. Earl Pembroke forfeit.

On 01 May 1455 the Douglas rebellion was brought to an end at the Battle of Arkinholm near Langholm. Archibald Douglas Earl of Moray (age 29) was killed. Hugh Douglas 1st Earl Ormonde was executed. John Douglas (age 22) escaped.

On 01 May 1461 James Butler 1st Earl Wiltshire 5th Earl Ormonde (age 40) was beheaded at Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland [Map] having been captured at, or after, the Battle of Towton. His brother John Butler 6th Earl Ormonde (age 39) succeeded 6th Earl Ormonde. Earl Wiltshire forfeit.

On 01 May 1539 Edmund Knyvet Baron Berners (age 55) died.

Between Dec 1549 and 01 May 1553 Oliver Plunkett 1st Baron Louth died. His son Thomas Plunkett 2nd Baron Louth (age 29) succeeded 2nd Baron Louth.

On 01 May 1571 Thomas Plunkett 2nd Baron Louth (age 51) died. His son Patrick Plunkett 3rd Baron Louth (age 22) succeeded 3rd Baron Louth.

On 01 May 1700 John Dryden (age 68) died.

Around 01 May 1708 Helen Middleton Countess Strathmore and Kinghorne (age 63) died.

On 20 Apr 1718 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet (age 64) died. He was buried at Greenwich, Kent [Map] on 01 May 1718. His son Theophilus Biddulph 3rd Baronet (age 33) succeeded 3rd Baronet Biddulph of Westcombe in Kent.

On 01 May 1718 Gilbert Elliot 1st Baronet (age 68) died. His son Gilbert Elliot 2nd Baronet (age 25) succeeded 2nd Baronet Elliot of Minto.

On 01 May 1730 Francois de Troy (age 85) died.

On 01 May 1762 William Bentinck 2nd Duke Portland (age 53) died. His son William Cavendish-Bentinck 3rd Duke Portland (age 24) succeeded 3rd Duke Portland, 4th Earl of Portland.

On 01 May 1775 Mary Montagu Duchess of Montagu (age 64) died. Monument in St Edmund's Church, Warkton [Map]. Sculpted by Peter Mathias Van Gelder (age 33). Mary's monument is more decorative that her parent's; Rococo. The composition of the monument centres around an ornate funerary Urn, which stands upon a Pedestal containing an inscription to Mary. To the right sits a grief stricken woman, inconsolable over the loss of an aristocrat considered a great benefactor to the poor and needy. In her left arm she cradles a baby, and a second, tearful child sits at her feet. To the right of the woman is that of an older woman draped in a shawl, who gently caresses the hand of the first babe. To the left of the Urn, an angel comforts the mourners, pointing to heaven.

On 01 May 1781 Bishop John Thomas (age 84) died.

On 01 May 1804 Henry Cecil 1st Marquess Exeter (age 50) died. His son Brownlow Cecil 2nd Marquess Exeter (age 8) succeeded 2nd Marquess Exeter, 11th Earl Exeter, 12th Baron Burghley.

On 01 May 1826 Elizabeth Powys Viscountess Sydney (age 90) died.

On 01 May 1827 Frances Carpenter Baroness Calthorpe (age 65) died.

On 01 May 1878 Charlotte Earle Beechey Baroness Grantley died.

On 01 May 1927 Weetman Dickinson Pearson 1st Viscount Cowdray (age 70) died. His son Harold Pearson 2nd Viscount Cowdray (age 45) succeeded 2nd Viscount Cowdray of Cowdray in Sussex. Agnes Beryl Spencer-Churchill Viscountess Cowdray (age 45) by marriage Viscountess Cowdray of Cowdray in Sussex.

On 01 May 1995 William Anthony Furness 2nd Viscount Furness (age 66) died unmarried. Viscount Furness of Grantley in the West Riding of Yorkshire, Baron Furness of Grantley in the West Riding of Yorkshire extinct.

On 01 May 2000 Nigel Hadley D'Oyly 14th Baronet (age 85) died. His son Hadley Gregory D'Oyly 15th Baronet (age 43) succeeded 15th Baronet D'Oyly of Shottisham in Suffolk.