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04 Sep is in September.
925 Coronation of King Athelstan
1189 Coronation of King Richard I
1526 Battle of Linlithgow Bridge
1536 Dissolution of the Monasteries
On 4th September 925 King Æthelstan I of England (age 31) was crowned I King Anglo Saxons by Archbishop Athelm, possibly at a site now known as the Coronation Stone, Kingston upon Thames [Map], or possibly in front of St Mary's chapel, which stood at the south-east of All Saint's Church, Kingston upon Thames [Map]. It was the first coronation in which the King wore a Crown rather than a helmet.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 4th September 925. And Athelstan (age 31) was chosen king in Mercia, and consecrated at Kingston [Map]. He gave his sister to Otho (age 12), son of the king of the Old-Saxons (age 49). St. Dunstan (age 16) was now born; and Wulfhelm took to the archbishopric in Canterbury. This year King Athelstan and Sihtric king of the Northumbrians came together at Tamworth, Staffordshire [Map], the sixth day before the calends of February, and Athelstan gave away his sister to him.
Annales of Alfred of Beverley. [4th September 925] And at Kingston he was consecrated king by Athelm, archbishop of Canterbury. In the second year of his reign he gave his sister in marriage, with great solemnity, to Sihtric, king of the Northumbrians, of Danish stock. When Sihtric died a year later, Æthelstan, having driven out Guthfrith, the son of Sihtric, added the kingdom of the Northumbrians to the kingdom of the West Saxons.
Et in Kingestuna ab Athalino Dorobernensi archiepiscopo consecratur in regem. Qui anno regni sui secundo sororem suam Nordanhymbrorum regi Sitrico Danica stirpe cum magna [sollemnitate] in matrimonium dedit. Sitrico post annum mortuo, Athelstanus, expulso Guthfritho Sitrico filio, regnum Nordanhymbrorum regno adjecit Westsaxonico.
Chronicle of William of Malmesbury Book 2 Chapter 6. 4th September 925. At this place, therefore, Athelstan (age 31), being elected king by the unanimous consent of the nobility, he was crowned at a royal town, which is called Kingston [Map]; though one Elfred, whose death we shall hereafter relate in the words of the king, with his factious party, as sedition never wants adherents, attempted to prevent it. The ground of his opposition, as they affirm, was, that Athelstan was born of a concubine. But having nothing ignoble in him, except this stain, if after all it be true, he cast all his predecessors into the shade by his piety, as well as the glory of all their triumphs, by the splendour of his own.
Chronicle of William of Malmesbury Book 2 Chapter 6. [4th September 925] For even his [Athelstan's (age 31)] grandfather Alfred, seeing and embracing him affectionately when he was a boy of astonishing beauty and graceful manners, had most devoutly prayed that his government might be prosperous: indeed, he had made him a knight165 unusually early, giving him a scarlet cloak, a belt studded with diamonds, and a Saxon sword with a golden scabbard. Next he had provided that he should be educated in the court of Ethelfled his daughter, and of his son-in-law Ethered; so that, having been brought up in expectation of succeeding to the kingdom, by the tender care of his aunt and of this celebrated prince, he repressed and destroyed all envy by the lustre of his good qualities; and, after the death of his father, and decease of his brother, he was crowned at Kingston. Hence, to celebrate such splendid events, and the joy of that illustrious day, the poet justly exclaims:
Of royal race a noble stem
Hath chased our darkness like a gem.
Great Athelstan, his country's pride,
Whose virtue never turns aside;
Sent by his father to the schools,
Patient, he bore their rigid rules,
And drinking deep of science mild,
Passed his first years unlike a child.
Next clothed in youth's bewitching charms,
Studied the harsher lore of arms,
Which soon confessed his knowledge keen,
As after in the sovereign seen.
Soon as his father, good and great,
Yielded, though ever famed, to fate,
The youth was called the realm to guide,
And, like his parent, well preside.
The nobles meet, the crown present,
On rebels, prelates curses vent;
The people light the festive fires,
And show by turns their kind desires.
Their deeds their loyalty declare,
Though hopes and fears their bosoms share.
With festive treat the court abounds;
Foams the brisk wine, the hall resounds:
The pages run, the servants haste,
And food and verse regale the taste.
The minstrels sing, the guests commend,
Whilst all in praise to Christ contend.
The king with pleasure all things sees,
And all his kind attentions please.
Note 165. This passage is thought to prove the existence of knights as a distinct order among the Saxons; and, coupled with the case of Hereward, it has very much that air. See Mr. Turner's Anglo-Saxons, 4, 171, et inf. But perhaps in the present instance, it may amount to nothing more than bestowing his first arms on him. Lewis the Debonnaire received his arms, "ense accinctus est," [he was girded wth a sword] at thirteen years old.—Duchesne, t. ii. 289.
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Flowers of History by Roger of Wendover. [4th September 925] His eldest son Æthelstan was made king and consecrated by Athelm, archbishop of Canterbury, at the royal town of Kingston.
Speculum Historiale de Gestis Regum Angliae Richard of Cirencester. [4th September 925] Æthelstan also, his first-born son, was created king at Kingston, the royal estate on the Thames near London, and was consecrated by Athelm, archbishop of Canterbury. In the times of this king, in the borders of Wessex, there arose a notable boy, Dunstan. And the most merciful king Æthelstan walked in the ways of his fathers, he did not turn aside to the right hand nor to the left, keeping the same faith in God, grace towards his subjects, devotion towards the churches of God, mercy towards the poor, and reverence towards the priests of God.
Æthelstanus quoque, filius eius primogenitus, apud Kyngeston, regiam villam super Thamiriam prope Londoniam rex creatus, ab Athelmo Dorobemensi archiepiscopo consecratus est. Huius vero regis temporibus in Westsaxoniaæ finibus insignis puer oritur Dunstanus. Ambulavitque clementissimus rex Æthelstanus in viis patrum suorum, non dedinavit ad dexteram neque ad sinistram, eandem in Deum fidem, in subditos gratiam, drca ecclesias Dei devotionem, drca pauperes misericordiam, circa Dei sacerdotes retinens reverentiam.
Annales of England by John Stow. [4th September 925] Adelstane, after the death of Edwarde Senior his Father, was crowned at Kingstone by Achelmus Archbyshop of Canterbury. His coronation was celebrated in the market place upon a stage erected on high, that the King might be seen the better of the multitude."
Gesta Regis Henrici by Benedict of Peterborough. 4th September 1189. The next day, when the king heard of these events, he sent his servants throughout the city to apprehend some of the wrongdoers and present them to him. Three of them were hanged by judicial order: one for theft committed against a Christian, and the other two for having committed arson in the city, resulting in the burning of Christian houses. The king then sent for the man who had recently converted from Judaism to Christianity, in the presence of those who had witnessed his baptism. He questioned him to confirm whether he had truly become a Christian. The man replied, "No," but said he had allowed himself to be baptized by Christians to escape death. The king then asked the Archbishop of Canterbury, in the presence of many other archbishops and bishops, what should be done with him. The archbishop, less discreetly than he should have been, answered, "If he does not wish to be a man of God, let him be a man of the devil." Thus, the man who had been a Christian reverted to Judaism.
Insequenti die cum rex audisset hæc fieri, missis servientibus suis per civitatem, fecit comprehendi quosdam malefactorum illorum et sibi præsentari. Tres vero illorum per judicium curie suspensi sunt in patibulo: unus quia furtum fecerat in re cujusdam Christiani; duo quia incendium fecerant in civitate, unde domus Christianorum combustee sunt. Deinde misit rex pro viro illo qui jam de Judeeo factus fuerat Christianus, preesentibus illis qui viderant baptizare eum; et interrogavit eum, si esset Christianus effectus. Ipse vero respondit "Non," sed ut mortem evaderet permisit sibi fieri a Christianis quod volebant. Tunc interrogavit rex archiepiscopum Cantuariensem, praesentibus multis archiepiscopis et episcopis, quid esset de illo faciendum. Respondit archiepiscopus minus discrete quam deberet dicens, "Si ipse homo Dei esse non vult, sit homo diaboli," et sic reversus est ille qui fuerat Christianus ad legem Judaicam.
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The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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On 4th September 1241 King Alexander III of Scotland was born to King Alexander II of Scotland (age 43) and Marie Coucy (age 23) at Roxburgh Castle, Roxburgh. He a great x 3 grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England. He married (1) 25th December 1251 his half fourth cousin Margaret Queen of Scotland, daughter of King Henry III of England and Eleanor of Provence Queen Consort England, and had issue (2) 15th October 1285 his half second cousin twice removed Yolande of Dreux Duchess Brittany, daughter of Robert Capet IV Count Dreux and Beatrice Montfort Countess Dreux.
Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke [-1360]. On the next day, a Mass of Requiem and other private devotions were celebrated at the field altar. Then, taking with them the noble king's body, they travelled through the monastery of Monteney, and on the following Tuesday, passed through a poor crossing to the town of Monteney, and from there to the abbey of Saint-Lô. Later, crossing a certain ford, they arrived at Neufchâtel, where they stayed for two days. From there, they came to Calais, which they immediately surrounded with siege works on the fourth day of September, in the twentieth year of the reign of the King of England and the seventh year of the conquest of France.
Item, in crastino, super altare viaticum missa de Requiem et aliis privatis celebratis, ducto secum corpore nobilis regis Boemie, transierunt per monasterium de Mounteneye, et die Martis sequent! per unum malum passagium ad villam de Mounteney, et exinde ad abbaciam de Seint loce. Postea, pretereuntes vadum quoddam, ad Novum castrum devenerunt, ubi demorati duobus diebus, exinde venerunt Calesiam, quam statim obsidione vallaverunt, quarto die Septembris, anno regni regis Anglie XX et a conquestu Francie septimo.
On 4th September 1349 Cardinal John of Thoresby was translated to Bishop of Worcester.
On 4th September 1454 Henry Stafford 2nd Duke of Buckingham was born to Humphrey Stafford (age 29) and Margaret Beaufort (age 17). He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward III of England. Coefficient of inbreeding 3.36%. He married 1466 Catherine Woodville Duchess Buckingham and Bedford, daughter of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers and Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford, and had issue.
Chronicle of Robert Fabyan [-1512]. 4th September 1461. This yere, beynge the later ende of the first yere of Edwarde the. iiii. & the begynnyng of this mayers yere, yt is to say, ye iiii. daye of Septebre, a parlyamet was begunne at Westmynster. And upon yemorow folowinge dyed lohn duke of Norfolke (age 45), the which hadde ben a specyall ayder of the kyng.
On 4th September 1495 Bishop Richard Bell resigned as Bishop of Carlisle. Bishop William Senhouse was appointed Bishop of Carlisle, being consecrated the following year.
On 4th September 1526 the Battle of Linlithgow Bridge was fought between supporters of Margaret Tudor Queen Scotland (age 36), the king's mother, commanded by John Stewart 3rd Earl Lennox (age 36) and supporters of Archibald Douglas 6th Earl Angus (age 37) commanded by James Hamilton 1st Earl Arran (age 51), over who would have control over King James V of Scotland (age 14) in his minority.
John Stewart 3rd Earl Lennox was killed possibly after surrendering. His son Matthew (age 9) succeeded 4th Earl Lennox.
William Cunningham 4th Earl Glencairn (age 33) was captured.
On 4th September 1536 Flaxby Abbey [Map] was dissolved as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
On 4th September 1541 King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 50) issued letters patent to convert Peterborough Abbey into a Cathedral [Map]. Bishop John Chambers was appointed Bishop of Peterborough.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 4th September 1551. The iiij day of September ded my lade Admerell (age 39) wyffe in Lynkolne-shyre, and ther bered.
Note. Death of the lord admiral's wife. This lady [Note. The editor of the diary appears to have confused Bessie Blount, who died around July 1540, with Edward Clinton's second wife Ursula Stourton Baroness Clinton who died in 1551.] was the mother of the duke of Richmond, the natural son of king Henry the Eighth: to whom she gave birth at Jericho, a manor near the priory of Blackmore in Essex, in the year 1519. She was married shortly after to sir Gilbert Talboys, who was summoned to Parliament as lord Talboys in 1529, died 15 April, 1530, and was buried at Kyme in Lincolnshire. She became secondly the wife of Edward lord Clinton, lord admiral of England, who after her death was in 1572 created earl of Lincoln. She had issue by her first husband two sons, Robert and George, who both died without issue, and one daughter, Elizabeth (age 29), who became his heir, and was, first, the wife of Thomas Wymbish (who claimed the barony of Talboys jure uxonis), and, secondly, of Ambrose Dudley (age 21), earl of Warwick. By lord Clinton she had issue three daughters: viz. Bridget (age 15) wife of Robert Dymoke of Scrivelsby (age 20) co. Linc. esquire, Katharine (age 13) wife of William lord Burgh of Gainsborough (age 18), and Margaret (age 12) wife of lord Willoughby of Parham (age 14). Her royal offspring the duke of Richmond died on the 24th July, 1536, at the age of seventeen years.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 4th September 1552 and 5th September 1552. The iiij and v day of October was the good bysshope of Dorham (age 78) whent unto Towre-hylle [Map] [to the] late monestery of whyt monkes, the wyche place ys gyffyn unto ser Arthur Darcy (age 57) knyght, and a-ffor the chyff justes of England, Chamley, and master Gudderyke, and master Gosnolle and odur, master Coke and master Chydley.
On 4th September 1555 Bishop Edmund "Bloody" Bonner of London (age 55) consecrated an Archbishop and two Bishops at St Paul's Cathedral [Map]:
Archbishop Hugh Curwen (age 55) was consecrated Archbishop of Dublin.
Bishop James Turbeville was consecrated Bishop of Exeter.
Bishop William Glynne (age 51) was consecrated Bishop of Bangor.
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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Henry Machyn's Diary. 4th September 1555. The iiij day of September the Quen('s) (age 39) grace and my lady Elsabeth (age 21), and all the court, dyd fast from flessh, and toke the Popes jubele and pardon grantyd to alle men.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 4th September 1555. [The same day were certain bishops, viz. doctor Corwyn (age 55) archbishop of] Duvylyne [Dublin], [doctor William] Glyne (age 51) bysshoppe of Bangor, (and) doctur (James Turberville) bysshope of Exsseter, alle consecratyd at Powlles [Map].
On 4th September 1557 Sophie Mecklenburg-Schwerin Queen Consort Denmark was born to Ulrich Mecklenburg-Schwerin (age 30). She married 20th July 1572 her second cousin once removed Frederick II King of Denmark and had issue.
On 4th September 1558 Thomas Cave (age 61) died. Monument at St Nicholas' Church, Stanford-on-Avon [Map].
Thomas Cave: Around 1497 he was born to Richard Cave of Stanford in Northamptonshire. In or before 1520 Thomas Cave and Elizabeth Danvers were married.
On 4th September 1571 supporters of Mary Queen of Scots (age 28) led by George Gordon 5th Earl Huntley attacked Stirling Castle [Map].
Matthew Stewart 4th Earl Lennox (age 54)was shot. His son Charles (age 14) succeeded 5th Earl Lennox.
Alexander Stewart (age 39) was killed
Bridgewater Chapel, St Peter and St Paul Church, Little Gaddesden. Graves of Thoma Stanley, died 4th September 1658 and Francisca Stanley, died 26th November 1661, and husband and wife Henry and Margaret.
In September 1660 King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 30) rewarded a further tranche of those who supported his Restoration...
On 4th September 1660 John King 1st Baron Kingston was created 1st Baron Kingston of Kingston in Dublin.
On 5th September 1660 Roger Boyle 1st Earl Orrery (age 39) was created 1st Earl Orrery. Margaret Howard Countess Orrery (age 38) by marriage Countess Orrery.
On 5th September 1660 Oliver St George 1st Baronet was created 1st Baronet St George of Carrickdrumrusk in Leitrim in the Peerage of England.
On 6th September 1660 Francis Boyle 1st Viscount Shannon (age 37) was created 1st Viscount Shannon. Elizabeth Killigrew Viscountess Shannon (age 38) by marriage Viscountess Shannon.
On 6th September 1660 Richard Coote 1st Baron Coote (age 40) was created 1st Baron Coote.
On 10th September 1660 Charles Gordon 1st Earl Aboyne (age 22) was created 1st Earl Aboyne.
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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 4th September 1660. I did many things this morning at home before I went out, as looking over the joiners, who are flooring my diningroom, and doing business with Sir Williams1 both at the office, and so to Whitehall, and so to the Bullhead [Map], where we had the remains of our pasty, where I did give my verdict against Mr. Moore upon last Saturday's wager, where Dr. Fuller (age 52) coming in do confirm me in my verdict. From thence to my Lord's and despatched Mr. Cooke away with the things to my Lord. From thence to Axe Yard [Map] to my house, where standing at the door Mrs. Diana comes by, whom I took into my house upstairs, and there did dally with her a great while, and found that in Latin "Nulla puella negat2". So home by water, and there sat up late setting my papers in order, and my money also, and teaching my wife her music lesson, in which I take great pleasure. So to bed.
Note 1. "Both Sir Williams" is a favourite expression with Pepys, meaning Sir William Batten (age 59) and Sir William Pen (age 39).
Note 2. Nulla puella negat. She refused me nothing.
John Evelyn's Diary. 4th September 1660. I was invited to an ordination by the Bishop of Bangor (age 75), in Henry VII.'s chapel [Map], Westminster, and afterward saw the audience of an Envoyée from the Duke of Anjou, sent to compliment his Majesty's (age 30) return.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 4th September 1661. After dinner by agreement to visit Mrs. Symonds, but she is abroad, which I wonder at, and so missing her my wife again to my mother's (calling at Mrs. Pierce's, who we found brought to bed of a girl last night) and there staid and drank, and she resolves to be going to-morrow without fail. Many friends come in to take their leave of her, but a great deal of stir I had again tonight about getting her to go to see my Lady Sandwich (age 36) before she goes, which she says she will do tomorrow. So I home.
John Evelyn's Diary. 4th September 1662. Commission for Charitable Uses, my Lord Mayor and Aldermen being again summoned, and the improvements of Sir Thomas Gresham's estate examined. There were present the Bishop of London (age 64), the Lord Chief Justice, and the King's (age 32) attorney.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 4th September 1663. Thence home by coach with my wife, and I awhile to the office, and so to supper and to bed. This day I read a Proclamation for calling in and commanding every body to apprehend my Lord Bristoll (age 50).
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 4th September 1665. Writing letters all the morning, among others to my Baroness Carteret (age 63), the first I have wrote to her, telling her the state of the city as to health and other sorrowfull stories, and thence after dinner to Greenwich, Kent [Map], to Sir J. Minnes (age 66), where I found my Lord Bruncker (age 45), and having staid our hour for the justices by agreement, the time being past we to walk in the Park with Mr. Hammond and Turner, and there eat some fruit out of the King's garden and walked in the Parke, and so back to Sir J. Minnes, and thence walked home, my Lord Bruncker giving me a very neat cane to walk with; but it troubled me to pass by Coome farme where about twenty-one people have died of the plague, and three or four days since I saw a dead corps in a coffin lie in the Close unburied, and a watch is constantly kept there night and day to keep the people in, the plague making us cruel, as doggs, one to another.
John Evelyn's Diary. 4th September 1666. The burning still rages, and it is now gotten as far as the Inner Temple. All Fleet Street [Map], the Old Bailey, Ludgate hill, Warwick lane, Newgate, Paul's chain, Watling street, now flaming, and most of it reduced to ashes; the stones of Paul's [Map] flew like grenados, the melting lead running down the streets in a stream, and the very pavements glowing with fiery redness, so as no horse, nor man, was able to tread on them, and the demolition had stopped all the passages, so that no help could be applied. The eastern wind still more impetuously driving the flames forward. Nothing but the Almighty power of God was able to stop them; for vain was the help of man.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 4th September 1666. Thence homeward, having passed through Cheapside and Newgate Market, all burned, and seen Anthony Joyce's House in fire. And took up (which I keep by me) a piece of glasse of Mercers' Chappell in the streete, where much more was, so melted and buckled with the heat of the fire like parchment. I also did see a poor cat taken out of a hole in the chimney, joyning to the wall of the Exchange [Map]; with, the hair all burned off the body, and yet alive.
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 4th September 1666. Up by break of day to get away the remainder of my things; which I did by a lighter at the Iron gate and my hands so few, that it was the afternoon before we could get them all away. Sir W. Pen (age 45) and I to Tower-streete [Map], and there met the fire burning three or four doors beyond Mr. Hovell's, whose goods, poor man, his trayes, and dishes, shovells, &c., were flung all along Tower-street in the kennels, and people working therewith from one end to the other; the fire coming on in that narrow streete, on both sides, with infinite fury. Sir W. Batten (age 65) not knowing how to remove his wine, did dig a pit in the garden, and laid it in there; and I took the opportunity of laying all the papers of my office that I could not otherwise dispose of.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 4th September 1666. And in the evening Sir W. Pen (age 45) and I did dig another, and put our wine in it; and I my Parmazan cheese, as well as my wine and some other things. The Duke of Yorke (age 32) was at the office this day, at Sir W. Pen's; but I happened not to be within.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 4th September 1666. This afternoon, sitting melancholy with Sir W. Pen (age 45) in our garden, and thinking of the certain burning of this office, without extraordinary means, I did propose for the sending up of all our workmen from Woolwich, Kent [Map] and Deptford, Kent [Map] yards (none whereof yet appeared), and to write to Sir W. Coventry (age 38) to have the Duke of Yorke's (age 32) permission to pull down houses, rather than lose this office, which would, much hinder, the King's business. So Sir W. Pen he went down this night, in order to the sending them up to-morrow morning; and I wrote to Sir W. Coventry about the business, but received no answer. This night Mrs. Turner (age 43) (who, poor woman, was removing her goods all this day, good goods into the garden, and knows not how to dispose of them), and her husband supped with my wife and I at night, in the office; upon a shoulder of mutton from the cook's, without any napkin or any thing, in a sad manner, but were merry. Only now and then walking into the garden, and saw how horridly the sky looks, all on a fire in the night, was enough to put us out of our wits; and, indeed, it was extremely dreadful, for it looks just as if it was at us; and the whole heaven on fire. I after supper walked in the darke down to Tower-streete, and there saw it all on fire, at the Trinity House, Deptford [Map] on that side, and the Dolphin Taverne on this side, which was very near us; and the fire with extraordinary vehemence.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 4th September 1666. Now begins the practice of blowing up of houses in Tower-streete [Map], those next the Tower, which at first did frighten people more than anything, but it stopped the fire where it was done, it bringing down the1 houses to the ground in the same places they stood, and then it was easy to quench what little fire was in it, though it kindled nothing almost. W. Newer this day went to see how his mother did, and comes late home, telling us how he hath been forced to remove her to Islington [Map], her house in Pye-corner being burned; so that the fire is got so far that way, and all the Old Bayly, and was running down to Fleete-streete [Map]; and Paul's [Map] is burned, and all Cheapside [Map]. I wrote to my father this night, but the post-house being burned, the letter could not go2. 5th. I lay down in the office again upon W. Hewer's (age 24), quilt, being mighty weary, and sore in my feet with going till I was hardly able to stand. About two in the morning my wife calls me up and tells me of new cRye [Map]s of fire, it being come to Barkeing Church, which is the bottom of our lane. I up, and finding it so, resolved presently to take her away, and did, and took my gold, which was about £2350, W. Newer, and Jane, down by Proundy's boat to Woolwich, Kent [Map]; but, Lord! what sad sight it was by moone-light to see, the whole City almost on fire, that you might see it plain at Woolwich, Kent [Map], as if you were by it. There, when I come, I find the gates shut, but no guard kept at all, which troubled me, because of discourse now begun, that there is plot in it, and that the French had done it. I got the gates open, and to Mr. Shelden's, where I locked up my gold, and charged, my wife and W. Newer never to leave the room without one of them in it, night, or day. So back again, by the way seeing my goods well in the lighters at Deptford, Kent [Map], and watched well by people.
Note 1. A copy of this letter, preserved among the Pepys MSS. in the author's own handwriting, is subjoined: "SIR, The fire is now very neere us as well on Tower Streete as Fanchurch Street side, and we little hope of our escape but by this remedy, to ye want whereof we doe certainly owe ye loss of ye City namely, ye pulling down of houses, in ye way of ye fire. This way Sir W. Pen (age 45) and myself have so far concluded upon ye practising, that he is gone to Woolwich, Kent [Map] and Deptford, Kent [Map] to supply himself with men and necessarys in order to the doeing thereof, in case at his returne our condition be not bettered and that he meets with his R. Hs. approbation, which I had thus undertaken to learn of you. Pray please to let me have this night (at whatever hour it is) what his R. Hs. directions are in this particular; Sir J. Minnes (age 67) and Sir W. Batten (age 65) having left us, we cannot add, though we are well assured of their, as well as all ye neighbourhood's concurrence. "Yr. obedient servnt. "S. P. "Sir W. Coventry (age 38), "Septr. 4, 1666"..
Note 2. J. Hickes wrote to Williamson on September 3rd from the "Golden Lyon", Red Cross Street Posthouse. Sir Philip (Frowde) and his lady fled from the (letter) office at midnight for: safety; stayed himself till 1 am. till his wife and childrens' patience could stay, no longer, fearing lest they should be quite stopped up; the passage was so tedious they had much ado to get where they are. The Chester and Irish, mails have come-in; sends him his letters, knows not how to dispose of the business (Calendar of State Papers, 1666-67, p. 95).
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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 4th September 1666. Home; and whereas I expected to have seen our house on fire, it being now about seven o'clock, it was not. But to the fyre, and there find greater hopes than I expected; for my confidence of finding our Office on fire was such, that I durst not ask any body how it was with us, till I come and saw it not burned. But going to the fire, I find by the blowing up of houses, and the great helpe given by the workmen out of the King's yards, sent up by Sir W. Pen (age 45), there is a good stop given to it, as well as at Marke-lane [Map] end as ours; it having only burned the dyall of Barking Church [Map], and part of the porch, and was there quenched. I up to the top of Barking steeple, and there saw the saddest sight of desolation that I ever saw; every where great fires, oyle-cellars, and brimstone, and other things burning. I became afeard to stay there long, and therefore down again as fast as I could, the fire being spread as far as I could see it; and to Sir W. Pen's, and there eat a piece of cold meat, having eaten nothing since Sunday, but the remains of Sunday's dinner.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 4th September 1666. Here I met with Mr. Young and Whistler; and having removed all my things, and received good hopes that the fire at our end; is stopped, they and I walked into the town, and find Fanchurch-streete [Map], Gracious-streete [Map]; and Lumbard-streete [Map] all in dust. The Exchange [Map] a sad sight, nothing standing there, of all the statues or pillars, but Sir Thomas Gresham's picture in the corner.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 4th September 1666. Walked into Moorefields [Map] (our feet ready to burn, walking through the towne among the hot coles), and find that full of people, and poor wretches carrying their good there, and every body keeping his goods together by themselves (and a great blessing it is to them that it is fair weathe for them to keep abroad night and day); drank there, and paid two-pence for a plain penny loaf.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 4th September 1666. So home at night, and find there good hopes of saving our office; but great endeavours of watching all night, and having men ready; and so we lodged them in the office, and had drink and bread and cheese for them. And I lay down and slept a good night about midnight, though when I rose I heard that there had been a great alarme of French and Dutch being risen, which proved, nothing. But it is a strange thing to see how long this time did look since Sunday, having been always full of variety of actions, and little sleep, that it looked like a week or more, and I had forgot, almost the day of the week.
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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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 4th September 1667. I met with Sir Samuel Morland (age 42), who chewed me two orders upon the Exchequer, one of £600, and another of £400, for money assigned to him, which he would have me lend him money upon, and he would allow 12 per cent. I would not meddle with them, though they are very good; and would, had I not so much money out already on public credit. But I see by this his condition all trade will be bad. I staid and heard Alderman Barker's case of his being abused by the Council of Ireland, touching his lands there: all I observed there is the silliness of the King (age 37), playing with his dog all the while, and not minding the business1, and what he said was mighty weak; but my Lord Keeper (age 61) I observe to be a mighty able man.
Note 1. Lord Rochester (age 20) wrote "His very dog at council board Sits grave and wise as any lord". Poems, 1697; p. 150.-the King's dogs were constantly stolen from him, and he advertised for their return. Some of these amusing advertisements are printed in "Notes and Queries" (seventh series, vol. vii., p. 26).
On 4th September 1671 Charles Butler 3rd Duke Ormond was born to Thomas Butler 6th Earl Ossory (age 37) and Emilia Nassau Beverweert Countess Ossory (age 36). He married 3rd June 1705 Elizabeth Crew Countess Arran, daughter of Thomas Crew 2nd Baron Crew and Anne Armine.
On 4th September 1701 Charles Granville 2nd Earl Bath (age 40) shot himself; he was found dead in a chair in his bedroom, wounded in the head, with two pistols, one of which had been fired. His son William (age 9) succeeded 3rd Earl Bath, 3rd Baron Granville of Kilkhampton and Biddeford.
On 4th September 1729 Dauphin Louis Bourbon was born to Louis XV King France (age 19) and Marie Leszczyńska Queen Consort France (age 26) at Palace of Versailles, Versailles. He a great x 3 grandson of King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland. He married (1) 23rd February 1745 his first cousin once removed Infanta Maria Teresa Rafaela of Spain and had issue (2) 10th January 1747 his fourth cousin once removed Dauphine Maria Josepha of France, daughter of Augustus III King Poland and Maria Josepha of Austria, and had issue.
On 4th September 1729 Juliana Maria Welf Queen Consort Denmark and Norway was born to Ferdinand Albert II Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (age 49) and Princess Antoinette of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (age 33). She married 8th July 1752 Frederick V King of Denmark and Norway and had issue.
On 4th September 1744 Francis Scott 2nd Duke Buccleuch (age 49) and Alice Powell Duchess Buccleuch (age 42) were married. She by marriage Duchess Buccleuch, Countess Doncaster. He the son of James Scott and Henrietta Hyde Countess Dalkeith.
On 4th September 1745 Christian Ernst Saxe Coburg Saalfeld IV Duke Saxe Coburg Saalfeld (age 62) died at Saalfield.
After 4th September 1753. Church of St Mary, Narford [Map]. Monument to Andrew Fountaine (deceased). Dark marble sarcophagus with a white marble bust - a copy of an original by Louis Francois Roubiliac (age 51) now in the Norwich Museum collection.
Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes
Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.
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On 4th September 1772 Thomas Egerton 1st Earl Wilton (age 23) was elected MP Lancashire.
On 4th September 1785 George Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Duke Sutherland (age 27) and Elizabeth Sutherland Duchess Sutherland 19th Countess Sutherland (age 20) were married. He by marriage Earl Sutherland. She the daughter of William Sutherland 18th Earl Sutherland. He the son of Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Marquess Stafford (age 64) and Louisa Egerton Countess Gower.
On 4th September 1789 Catherine Ponsonby Duchess St Albans (age 46) died.
On 4th September 1801 John Yorke (age 73) died. He was buried at St Andrew's Church, Wimpole [Map]. Of white marble in the Greek manner, in bold relief; two parents, hands clasped, stand in attitudes of grief at a tomb, with a reclining child at their feet; below is an inscription; signed 'R. WESTMACOTT, A.R.A. LONDON' (age 26)
On 4th September 1815 Harriet Susan Dashwood (age 32) died. Memorial in Christchurch Priory [Map] sculpted by John Flaxman (age 60).
Harriet Susan Dashwood: In 1783 she was born to Francis Bateman Dashwood. On 17th June 1806 James Edward Harris 2nd Earl Malmesbury and she were married. He the son of James Harris 1st Earl Malmesbury and Harriet Maria Amyand Countess Malmesbury.
On 4th September 1841 Albert Joseph Moore was born.
Vestiges of the Antiquities of Derbyshire. 4th of September, 1843, a small barrow, about two miles south of Middleton-by-Yolgrave [Map], named Borther Lowe [Map], was investigated, first by digging down the centre, and afterwards by cutting it through to the south side. In the first excavation pieces of urns, horses' teeth, and other bones were immediately found. Proceeding lower down, upon the level of the ground on which the barrow was raised, a rude kind of pavement of rough limestones was found, which was covered with a layer of rats' bones. Yet no human bones were discovered in this part of the mound, which was therefore abandoned, and the south side subjected to an examination, with better success. The ground on the south being removed to the depth of a foot, a skeleton, with the head lying towards the interior of the barrow, was uncovered. It was found to be in a very decayed state, from its being placed so near the surface, within the influence of the atmosphere. On the left side of the skeleton were the remains of a plain, coarse urn, much disintegrated, owing to the reason above stated, a flint arrow-head, much burnt, a pair of the canine teeth of either a fox or a dog of the same size, and a diminutive bronze celt. The contemporary use of weapons of flint and bronze is remarkable: in another place are a few observations bearing upon this point. In other parts of the tumulus were three hones of fine slatestone. In an adjoining field are the remains of another barrow, removed in order to supply materials for a stone fence at the least expense; but there are no records of any discovery of interments having been made at the time.
Ten Years' Digging. September 4th [1848], opened a barrow nineteen yards diameter and three feet high, on Readon Hill [Possibly Wredon Hill Barrow [Map]], near Ramshorn, which is mentioned by Plot, Hist. Staff, fol. 1686, p. 404. It contained two skeletons extended at length, about the centre, without any protection from the earth of which the mound was formed, with the exception of a few stones in contact with one of the bodies, which was possibly interred at a subsequent period to the other, as it was not more than two feet from the surface of the barrow, whilst the other lay on the natural level, at least three feet from the turf covering the mound. Vestiges of the hair of the former were perceptible about the skull, which was that of a young man, and in perfect preservation; and a small pebble was found at the right hand (compare Barrow [Map] opened 30th May, 1845, Vestiges, p. 67). The other, and probably earlier interment, was covered with a thin layer of charcoal. The skull is that of a middle-aged man, the vertex much elevated, the left side completely decayed from lying in contact with the floor of the barrow. At some distance from either of the skeletons, but nearest to the higher interment, from which, however, they were full two yards, lay an iron spear, thirteen inches long, with part of the shaft remaining in the socket, and a narrow iron knife, eight inches in length. An examination of these by the microscope, enables us to add the further information that the spear has been mounted on an ashen shaft, about one inch of which yet remains, owing its preservation to being saturated by the ferruginous matter produced by the decomposition of the iron - outside the iron are numerous casts of grassy fibre, and the larvae of insects, apparently flies - the grass must have been present at the time of interment in considerable quantity. The knife shews fewer traces of the vegetable, and more of the animal structures, the tang where inserted into the handle, shews the impression of horn. It is fortunate that metals in a state of oxydization have the property of taking, and retaining, the most delicate casts of substances the most perishable with which they lie in contact; we thus gain much valuable information as to the materials of dress in times of pre-historic antiquity, and are enabled to describe the circumstances under which the dead were committed to the grave, with an exactitude resulting from a strictly inductive method of reasoning. For example, we find that the early Celtic population, whose chief men were armed with the bronze celt and dagger, not only wore the skins of animals during life, but were enveloped in the same after death, and were thus laid upon a bed of moss or fern, before being buried out of the sight of their friends beneath the sepulchral mound. In later times, when the use of iron became so general as to supersede the more ancient metal bronze, we find a corresponding advancement in the materials of clothing, the impression of woven fabrics, of varying degrees of fineness, being almost invariably distinguishable on the rust of weapons found in the barrows; although the old custom of providing a grassy couch for the remains of the deceased was still retained, from an intuitive feeling beautifully expressed by Sir Thomas Browne, in his Hydriotaphia, when referring to the sepulture of the ancients, he writes - "that they have wished their bones might lie soft, and the earth be light upon them. Even such as hope to rise again would not be content with central interment, or so desperately to place their reliques as to be beyond discovery, and in no way to be seen again; which happy contrivance hath made communication with our forefathers, and left unto our view some parts which they never beheld themselves".
On the following day we examined another barrow in the same neighbourhood, about 21 yards diameter. It is called Wardlow, and is constructed over a lump of rock, in the middle of which was cut a grave, which we found had been previously disturbed, it had originally contained a skeleton with burnt bones, and chippings of flint. A cutting through the side of the mound where there was the greatest accumulation of factitious earth, produced many fragments of human bone, together with those of the water rat.
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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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Ten Years' Digging. On the 4th of September, we opened a barrow [Hollins Hill Barrow [Map]] on the summit of a very steep hill, called Hollings, overlooking the almost unapproachable village of Rollings Clough. The barrow, which appeared to have been previously excavated, as about twelve yards diameter and four feet high, with a concave centre like a basin. By cutting out a large hole, we found that it covered a grave cut in loose sandstone rock to the depth of two feet, in addition to the height of the mound; the grave measured about eight feet long by seven wide, and contained numerous pieces of calcined human bone, which had apparently been burnt at the south-east corner, where the sides were quite red from the effect of the fire. A piece of slate pencil, and an old-fashioned button, were fotmd near the surface, which proved that the mound had been so far disturbed, and the scattered way in which the burnt bones were disposed amongst the stones filling the grave, led us to think that the whole had been plundered.
On 4th September 1960 John Ian Robert Russell 13th Duke Bedford (age 43) and Nicole Schnedier Duchess Bedford (age 40) were married. She by marriage Duchess Bedford. He the son of Hastings William Russell 12th Duke Bedford and Louisa Crommelin Roberta Jowitt Whitwell Duchess Bedford.
On 4th September 2007 Walter Francis Montagu-Douglas-Scott 9th Duke Buccleuch 11th Duke Queensberry (age 83) died. His son Richard (age 53) succeeded 10th Duke Buccleuch, 12th Duke Queensberry, 10th Earl Doncaster, 10th Baron Scott of Tynedale.
On 4th September 2025 Katharine Worsley Duchess of Kent (age 92) "passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family." Her death was announced by Buckingham Palace the following day.
On 4th September 1241 King Alexander III of Scotland was born to King Alexander II of Scotland (age 43) and Marie Coucy (age 23) at Roxburgh Castle, Roxburgh. He a great x 3 grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England. He married (1) 25th December 1251 his half fourth cousin Margaret Queen of Scotland, daughter of King Henry III of England and Eleanor of Provence Queen Consort England, and had issue (2) 15th October 1285 his half second cousin twice removed Yolande of Dreux Duchess Brittany, daughter of Robert Capet IV Count Dreux and Beatrice Montfort Countess Dreux.
On 4th September 1249 Amadeus V "Great" Savoy was born to Thomas Savoy II Count Flanders (age 50) and Beatrice Fieschi. He married (1) 1272 Sybille Bagé and had issue (2) 1297 Marie Brabant and had issue.
On 4th September 1286 John Mowbray 2nd Baron Mowbray was born to Roger Mowbray 1st Baron Mowbray (age 29) and Rohese Clare Baroness Mowbray (age 31). He a great x 3 grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England. He married before 29th November 1310 his third cousin once removed Aline de Braose Baroness Mowbray, daughter of William de Braose 2nd Baron de Braose 10th Baron Bramber, and had issue.
On 4th September 1383 Amadeus Savoy VIII Count Savoy was born to Amadeus "Red Count" Savoy VII Count Savoy (age 23) and Bonne Valois Countess Armagnac and Savoy (age 18). He married his first cousin once removed Mary Valois Countess Savoy, daughter of Philip "Bold" Valois II Duke Burgundy and Margaret Dampierre Duchess Burgundy, and had issue.
On 4th September 1454 Henry Stafford 2nd Duke of Buckingham was born to Humphrey Stafford (age 29) and Margaret Beaufort (age 17). He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward III of England. Coefficient of inbreeding 3.36%. He married 1466 Catherine Woodville Duchess Buckingham and Bedford, daughter of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers and Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford, and had issue.
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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On 4th September 1557 Sophie Mecklenburg-Schwerin Queen Consort Denmark was born to Ulrich Mecklenburg-Schwerin (age 30). She married 20th July 1572 her second cousin once removed Frederick II King of Denmark and had issue.
On 4th September 1576 Dorothy Bacon was born to Nicholas Bacon 1st Baronet (age 36) and Anne Butts (age 28). She married 30th April 1595 Bassingbourne Gawdy.
On 4th September 1580 George Percy was born to Henry Percy 8th Earl of Northumberland (age 48) and Katherine Neville Countess Northumberland (age 35). He married Anne Floyd and had issue.
On 30th August 1608 Alexander Carew 2nd Baronet was born to Richard Carew 1st Baronet (age 28) and Bridget Chudleigh (age 24) at Antony, Cornwall. He was baptised on 4th September 1608 at St James' Church, Antony [Map]. He married December 1631 Jane Rolle Lady Carew and had issue.
On 4th September 1634 Robert South was born at Hackney.
On 4th September 1645 John North was born to Dudley North 4th Baron North (age 43) and Anne Montagu Baroness North (age 33).
On 4th September 1671 Charles Butler 3rd Duke Ormond was born to Thomas Butler 6th Earl Ossory (age 37) and Emilia Nassau Beverweert Countess Ossory (age 36). He married 3rd June 1705 Elizabeth Crew Countess Arran, daughter of Thomas Crew 2nd Baron Crew and Anne Armine.
On 4th September 1673 Robert Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers (age 22) and Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley at Staunton Harold Hall Staunton Harold, Leicestershire. He married 27th September 1688 Anne Ferrers and had issue.
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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On 4th September 1697 John Lister-Kaye 4th Baronet was born to George Kaye (age 26).
On 4th September 1726 Edward Nightingale was born to Edward Nightingale (age 30) and Eleanora Ethelston (age 26).
On 4th September 1729 Juliana Maria Welf Queen Consort Denmark and Norway was born to Ferdinand Albert II Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (age 49) and Princess Antoinette of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (age 33). She married 8th July 1752 Frederick V King of Denmark and Norway and had issue.
On 4th September 1729 Dauphin Louis Bourbon was born to Louis XV King France (age 19) and Marie Leszczyńska Queen Consort France (age 26) at Palace of Versailles, Versailles. He a great x 3 grandson of King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland. He married (1) 23rd February 1745 his first cousin once removed Infanta Maria Teresa Rafaela of Spain and had issue (2) 10th January 1747 his fourth cousin once removed Dauphine Maria Josepha of France, daughter of Augustus III King Poland and Maria Josepha of Austria, and had issue.
On 4th September 1744 Barbara Aston was born to James Aston 5th Baronet (age 21) and Barbara Maria Talbot (age 24). She married before 4th December 1762 her half third cousin Thomas Henry Clifford, son of Hugh Clifford 3rd Baron Clifford Chudleigh and Elizabeth Blount Baroness Clifford Chudleigh, and had issue.
On 4th September 1744 Harriot Disney was born to Gervase Disney (age 35) and Mary Thorpe 14th Baroness Cobham (age 27). She married before 3rd June 1773 Robert Alexander and had issue.
On 4th September 1748 James Cecil 1st Marquess Salisbury was born to James Cecil 6th Earl of Salisbury (age 34) and Elizabeth Keet Countess of Salisbury (age 27). He married 2nd December 1773 his fifth cousin once removed Mary Amelia Hill Marchioness Salisbury, daughter of Wills Hill 1st Marquess Downshire and Margaretta Fitzgerald, and had issue.
On 4th September 1755 Mary O'Brien 4th Countess Orkney was born to Murrough O'Brien 1st Marquess Thomond (age 29) and Mary O'Brien 3rd Countess Orkney and Inchquin (age 34). Coefficient of inbreeding 8.42%. She married 1777 Thomas Fitzmaurice Earl Orkney, son of John Petty-Fitzmaurice 1st Earl Shelburne and Mary Fitzmaurice Countess Shelburne, and had issue.
On 4th September 1764 David William Smith 1st Baronet was born to Colonel John Smith and Anne Waylen. He married (1) 1788 Anne O'Reilly (2) 1803 Mary Tyler and had issue.
On 4th September 1829 Wilfrid Lawson 2nd Baronet was born to Wilfrid Wybergh aka Lawson 1st Baronet (age 33) and Caroline Graham Lady Lawson (age 36) at Brayton Hall, Aspatria. He married 13th November 1860 Mary Pocklington Senhouse and had issue.
On 4th September 1837 Edward Gibson 1st Baron Ashbourne was born to William Gibson of Rockforest in County Tipperary (age 29) and Louisa Grant at 22 Merrion Square, Dublin. He married 1868 Frances Colles Baroness Ashbourne.
On 4th September 1839 Alfred Joseph Doughty-Tichborne 11th Baronet was born to James Doughty-Tichborne 10th Baronet (age 55) and Henriette Felicite Seymour Lady Tichborne (age 36). He married 17th April 1861 Theresa Mary Arundell, daughter of Henry Benedict Arundell 11th Baron Arundel and Theresa Stourton Baroness Arundel Wardour, and had issue.
On 4th September 1841 Albert Joseph Moore was born.
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 4th September 1850 Ethel Milner Countess Durham was born to Henry Beilby William Milner (age 26) and Charlotte Henrietta Beresford (age 23). She married 28th October 1882 John George Lambton 3rd Earl Durham, son of George Frederick D'Arcy Lambton 2nd Earl Durham and Beatrix Frances Hamilton Countess Durham.
On 4th September 1869 Evelyn Mary France-Hayhurst Lady Shakerley was born. She married 22nd January 1891 George Herbert Shakerley 4th Baronet, son of Charles Watkin Shakerley 2nd Baronet, and had issue.
On 4th September 1878 Arthur Ramsay 14th Earl Dalhousie was born to John William Maule Ramsay 13th Earl Dalhousie (age 31) and Ida Louise Bennet Countess Dalhousie (age 21) at Atkinson's Hotel Torquay, Devon. He married 14th July 1903 Mary Heathcote-Willoughby-Drummond Countess Dalhousie, daughter of Gilbert Henry Heathcote Drummond Willoughby 1st Earl Ancaster and Evelyn Elizabeth Gordon Countess Ancaster.
On 4th September 1885 Oliver Hart Dyke 8th Baronet was born to William Hart Dyke 7th Baronet (age 48) and Emily Caroline Montagu Lady Dyke (age 39).
On 4th September 1893 Charles William Cradock-Hartopp 6th Baronet was born to Alick William Cradock-Hartopp (age 32).
On 4th September 1904 Marcia Agnes Mary Lane-Fox was born to George Lane-Fox 1st Baron Bingley (age 33) and Mary Agnes Emily Wood Baroness Bingley (age 27).
On 4th September 1914 John Spencer Philip Dormer 16th Baron Dormer was born to Charles Joseph Thaddeus Dormer 14th Baron Dormer (age 50) and Caroline May Clifford Baroness Dormer.
On 4th September 1934 John Barry Salusbury-Trelawny 13th Baronet was born to John William Salusbury-Trelawny 12th Baronet (age 26).
On 4th September 1961 John Dalrymple 14th Earl of Stair was born to John Aymer Dalrymple 13th Earl of Stair (age 54) and Davina Katherine Bowes-Lyon (age 31). He married 2006 Emily Mary Stonor Countess of Stair, daughter of Thomas Stonor 7th Baron Camoys and Elizabeth Mary Hyde-Parker.
On 4th September 1475 Edward Hastings 2nd Baron Hastings Baron Botreaux, Hungerford and Moleyns (age 8) and Mary Hungerford Baroness Hastings, 4th Baroness Hungerford, 5th Baroness Botreaux and 2nd Baroness Moleyns (age 9) were married. They were second cousin once removed. He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.
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 4th September 1626 John Holles 2nd Earl de Clare (age 31) and Elizabeth Vere Countess Clare were married. She by marriage Countess Clare. He the son of John Holles 1st Earl de Clare (age 62) and Anne Stanhope Countess de Clare (age 50). They were second cousin once removed.
On 4th September 1662 George Seton 4th Earl Winton (age 21) and Mary Montgomerie Countess Winton were married. She by marriage Countess Winton. She the daughter of Hugh Montgomerie 7th Earl Eglinton (age 49) and Mary Leslie Countess of Eglinton. They were second cousins.
On 4th September 1744 Francis Scott 2nd Duke Buccleuch (age 49) and Alice Powell Duchess Buccleuch (age 42) were married. She by marriage Duchess Buccleuch, Countess Doncaster. He the son of James Scott and Henrietta Hyde Countess Dalkeith.
On 4th September 1765 John Manners (age 34) and Louisa Tollemache 7th Countess Dysart (age 20) were married. She the daughter of Lionel Tollemache 4th Earl Dysart (age 57) and Grace Carteret Countess Dysart. They were fifth cousin once removed.
On 4th September 1776 Edward Every 8th Baronet (age 22) and Mary Morley (age 23) were married.
On 4th September 1785 George Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Duke Sutherland (age 27) and Elizabeth Sutherland Duchess Sutherland 19th Countess Sutherland (age 20) were married. He by marriage Earl Sutherland. She the daughter of William Sutherland 18th Earl Sutherland. He the son of Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Marquess Stafford (age 64) and Louisa Egerton Countess Gower.
On 4th September 1790 John Lowther 1st Baronet (age 31) and Elizabeth Fane (age 20) were married. She the daughter of John Fane 9th Earl of Westmoreland and Susan Gordon Countess of Westmoreland (age 38).
On 4th September 1844 Frederick Vincent 11th Baronet (age 46) and Maria Copley Young (age 24) were married. The difference in their ages was 22 years.
On 4th September 1845 John Arthur Douglas Bloomfield 1st and 2nd Baron Bloomfield (age 42) and Georgiana Liddell Baroness Bloomfield (age 23) were married.
On 4th September 1873 George Arthur Hastings Forbes 7th Earl Granard (age 40) and Frances Mary Petre Countess Granard (age 27) were married. She by marriage Countess Granard.
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 4th September 1945 Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Edward James Clive Milnes-Coates 3rd Baronet (age 37) and Ethel Patricia Hare Lady Milnes-Coates (age 32) were married. She the daughter of Richard Granville Hare 4th Earl of Listowel.
On 4th September 1960 John Ian Robert Russell 13th Duke Bedford (age 43) and Nicole Schnedier Duchess Bedford (age 40) were married. She by marriage Duchess Bedford. He the son of Hastings William Russell 12th Duke Bedford and Louisa Crommelin Roberta Jowitt Whitwell Duchess Bedford.
On 4th September 1199 Joan Plantagenet Queen Consort Sicily (age 33) died at Rouen, France [Map]. She was buried at Fontevraud Abbey [Map].
On 4th September 1526 the Battle of Linlithgow Bridge was fought between supporters of Margaret Tudor Queen Scotland (age 36), the king's mother, commanded by John Stewart 3rd Earl Lennox (age 36) and supporters of Archibald Douglas 6th Earl Angus (age 37) commanded by James Hamilton 1st Earl Arran (age 51), over who would have control over King James V of Scotland (age 14) in his minority.
John Stewart 3rd Earl Lennox was killed possibly after surrendering. His son Matthew (age 9) succeeded 4th Earl Lennox.
William Cunningham 4th Earl Glencairn (age 33) was captured.
On 4th September 1551 Ursula Stourton Baroness Clinton died.
On 4th September 1571 supporters of Mary Queen of Scots (age 28) led by George Gordon 5th Earl Huntley attacked Stirling Castle [Map].
Matthew Stewart 4th Earl Lennox (age 54)was shot. His son Charles (age 14) succeeded 5th Earl Lennox.
Alexander Stewart (age 39) was killed
On 4th September 1588 Robert Dudley 1st Earl of Leicester (age 56) died at Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire. He was buried at Beauchamp Chapel, St Mary's Church, Warwick [Map]. Earl of Leicester extinct.
On 4th September 1658 Archibald Napier 2nd Baronet (age 33) died. His son Archibald succeeded 3rd Baronet Napier of Merchistoun, 3rd Lord Napier of Merchistoun.
On 4th September 1672 Elizabeth Annesley (age 32) died.
On 4th September 1691 Edward Reade 2nd Baronet (age 32) died. He was buried at St Mary the Virgin Church, Shipton-under-Wychwood. His son Winwood (age 9) succeeded 3rd Baronet Reade of Barton in Berkshire.
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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On 4th September 1701 Charles Granville 2nd Earl Bath (age 40) shot himself; he was found dead in a chair in his bedroom, wounded in the head, with two pistols, one of which had been fired. His son William (age 9) succeeded 3rd Earl Bath, 3rd Baron Granville of Kilkhampton and Biddeford.
On 4th September 1717 Henry Bendish 4th Baronet (age 43) died. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Steeple Bumstead on 11th September 1717. Baronet Bendish of Steeple Bumstead in Essex extinct.
On 4th September 1724 Lucy Jobson Countess Londonderry died.
On 4th September 1730 Colonel Fiennes Twisleton 5th or 11th Baron Saye and Sele (age 60) died. His son John (age 32) succeeded 6th or 12th Baron Saye and Sele.
On 4th September 1745 Christian Ernst Saxe Coburg Saalfeld IV Duke Saxe Coburg Saalfeld (age 62) died at Saalfield.
On 4th September 1747 Susanna Dashwood Lady Bridgeman (age 62) died.
On 4th September 1771 Frederick Calvert 6th Baron Baltimore (age 40) died at Naples [Map]. Baron Baltimore of Longford in Leinster extinct. His body was returned to London, lying in state at the Great Room of Exeter Exchange, Strand, and was interred in his family's vault at St. Martin's "with much funeral pomp, the cavalcade extending from the church to the eastern extremity of Epsom".
On 4th September 1785 Thomas Aubrey 5th Baronet (age 77) died. His son John (age 46) succeeded 6th Baronet Aubrey of Llantrithyd in Glamorganshire.
On 4th September 1789 Catherine Ponsonby Duchess St Albans (age 46) 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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 4th September 1791 Brook Bridges 3rd Baronet (age 57) died. His son Brook (age 24) succeeded 4th Baronet Bridges of Goodneston in Kent.
On 4th September 1801 John Yorke (age 73) died. He was buried at St Andrew's Church, Wimpole [Map]. Of white marble in the Greek manner, in bold relief; two parents, hands clasped, stand in attitudes of grief at a tomb, with a reclining child at their feet; below is an inscription; signed 'R. WESTMACOTT, A.R.A. LONDON' (age 26)
On 4th September 1814 George Glynn 2nd Baronet (age 75) died. His son Lewen (age 13) succeeded 3rd Baronet Glyn of Ewell in Surrey.
On 4th September 1815 Harriet Susan Dashwood (age 32) died. Memorial in Christchurch Priory [Map] sculpted by John Flaxman (age 60).
Harriet Susan Dashwood: In 1783 she was born to Francis Bateman Dashwood. On 17th June 1806 James Edward Harris 2nd Earl Malmesbury and she were married. He the son of James Harris 1st Earl Malmesbury and Harriet Maria Amyand Countess Malmesbury.
On 4th September 1816 Thomas Miller 5th Baronet died. His son Thomas (age 36) succeeded 6th Baronet Miller of Chichester in Sussex.
On 4th September 1825 Frederick Howard 5th Earl Carlisle (age 77) died. His son George (age 51) succeeded 6th Earl Carlisle. Georgiana Cavendish Countess Carlisle (age 42) by marriage Countess Carlisle.
On 4th September 1844 Robert Johnson Eden 5th Baronet (age 69) died without issue. His first cousin once removed William (age 41) succeeded 6th Baronet Eden of West Auckland.
On 4th September 1871 John Yarde-Buller 1st Baron Churston (age 72) died. His grandson John (age 24) succeeded 2nd Baron Churston, 4th Baronet Yarde-Buller of Churston in Devon.
On 4th September 1898 Louisa Hay-Drummond Lady Moncrieffe died.
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 4th September 1905 Harriet Mary Pelham Countess Darnley (age 76) died.
On 4th September 1915 John Michael Fleetwood Fuller 1st Baronet (age 50) died. His son Gerard (age 9) succeeded 2nd Baronet Fuller of Neston Park in Corsham in Wiltshire.
On 4th September 1927 Bernard Coleridge 2nd Baron Coleridge (age 76) died. His son Geoffrey (age 50) succeeded 3rd Baron Coleridge of Ottery St Mary in Devon. Mary aka Jessie Alethea Mackarness Baroness Coleridge (age 47) by marriage Baroness Coleridge of Ottery St Mary in Devon.
On 4th September 1931 Elizabeth Eberstadt Lady Lewis (age 86) died.
On 4th September 1958 Thomas Brand 3rd Viscount Hampden (age 89) died. His son Thomas (age 58) succeeded 4th Viscount Hampden, 26th Baron Dacre Gilsland, 25th Baron Multon of Gilsland. Leila Seely Viscountess Hampden (age 58) by marriage Viscountess Hampden.
On 4th September 1963 Charles Duncombe 3rd Earl Feversham (age 56) died. Earl Feversham extinct. His fourth cousin Charles (age 18) succeeded 6th Baron Feversham of Duncombe Park in Yorkshire.
On 4th September 1975 David Brand 5th Viscount Hampden (age 73) died. His son Anthony (age 38) succeeded 6th Viscount Hampden.
On 4th September 2006 Ronald Jervis 7th Viscount St Vincent died. His son Edward (age 55) succeeded 8th Viscount St Vincent of Meaford in Staffordshire.
On 4th September 2007 Walter Francis Montagu-Douglas-Scott 9th Duke Buccleuch 11th Duke Queensberry (age 83) died. His son Richard (age 53) succeeded 10th Duke Buccleuch, 12th Duke Queensberry, 10th Earl Doncaster, 10th Baron Scott of Tynedale.
On 4th September 2016 Bishop David Jenkins (age 91) died.
On 4th September 2025 Katharine Worsley Duchess of Kent (age 92) "passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family." Her death was announced by Buckingham Palace the following day.