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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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08 Jul is in July.
975 Death of King Edgar Peaceful
1360 Release of King John II of France
1486 Stafford and Lovell Rebellion
1503 Margaret Tudor's Journey to Scotland
On 8th July 975 King Edgar I of England (age 32) died at Winchester, Hampshire [Map]. He was buried in Glastonbury Abbey [Map]. His son Edward (age 13) succeeded I King of England.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1074. This year King William (age 46) went over sea to Normandy; and child Edgar (age 23) came from Flanders into Scotland on St. Grimbald's mass-day; where King Malcolm (age 42) and his sister Margaret (age 29) received him with much pomp. At the same time sent Philip, the King of France (age 21), a letter to him, bidding him to come to him, and he would give him the castle of Montreuil [Map]; that he might afterwards daily annoy his enemies. What then? King Malcolm and his sister Margaret gave him and his men great presents, and many treasures; in skins ornamented with purple, in pelisses made of martin-skins, of grey-skins, and of ermine-skins, in palls, and in vessels of gold and silver; and conducted him and his crew with great pomp from his territory. But in their voyage evil befel them; for when they were out at sea, there came upon them such rough weather, and the stormy sea and the strong wind drove them so violently on the shore, that all their ships burst, and they also themselves came with difficulty to the land. Their treasure was nearly all lost, and some of his men also were taken by the French; but he himself and his best men returned again to Scotland, some roughly travelling on foot, and some miserably mounted. Then King Malcolm advised him to send to King William over sea, to request his friendship, which he did; and the king gave it him, and sent after him. Again, therefore, King Malcolm and his sister gave him and all his men numberless treasures, and again conducted him very magnificently from their territory. The sheriff of York came to meet him at Durham, and went all the way with him; ordering meat and fodder to be found for him at every castle to which they came, until they came over sea to the king. Then King William received him with much pomp; and he was there afterwards in his court, enjoying such rights as he confirmed to him by law.
On 8th July 1198 Pope Innocent III (age 38) was appointed Pope.
On 8th July 1253 Theobald IV King Navarre (age 52) died. His son Theobald (age 13) succeeded V Count Champagne, II King Navarre.
Letters. 8th July 1279. Letter XVIII. Eleanora Princess of Wales (age 27) to her cousin Edward I (age 40).
To her excellent lord and well-beloved cousin, the Lord Edward, by the grace of God king of England, lord of Ireland, and dake of Aquitaine, his devoted cousin Eleonora, princess of Wales, lady of Snowdon, with such sincere affection as becometh, sends health to so great and so near a kinsman.
Be it known to your excellency, that we desire to hear good and prosperous news concerning your state and condition: therefore we entreat your excellency, humbly and earnestly, for our love's sake, that you deign to make known to us, as your humble cousin, and one ready to do your good pleasures, your state; and whether you wish any thing within our power which may redound to your honour^ or may please your majesty.
Although, as we have heard, the contrary hereto hath been reported of us to your excellency by some; and we believe, notwithstanding, that you in no wise give credit to any who report unfavourably concerning our lord and ourself, until you learn from ourselves if such speeches contain truth: because you shewed, of your grace, so much honour and so much friendliness to our lord and ourself, when you were at the last time at Worcester.
Wherefore, whatever you shall demand from us in this, or other matters that you wish, we shall ever be ready, according to our ability, to execute and accomplish.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough. The king himself, having called together his magnates, ordered it to be publicly proclaimed throughout the kingdom that all who wished to take up the profession of arms should be ready in London on the Feast of Pentecost [22nd May 1306], together with Edward, his son, the Prince of Wales. On that same day the king himself ceremoniously made his son a knight, along with 297 new companions, all of whom received their full equipment from the royal treasury. Immediately afterwards, by his father's order, the prince went on ahead into Scotland with many of his fellow knights and with great display, while the king himself and the queen followed at a slower pace. However, the king had ordered that all should be ready with the prince at Carlisle on the fifteenth day after the Feast of Saint John the Baptist [8th July 1306]. When the king arrived, he stayed at Lanercost [Map].
Ipse vero rex convocatis magnatibus suis, ex edicto præconizari præcepit in regno, quod omnes qui arma militaria suscipere vellent, cum Edwardo The Prince filio suo, principe Walliæ, essent parati Londoniis in festo Pentecostes: fecitque ipse rex honorifice filium suum militem eodem die cum novis commilitonibus ducentis nonaginta et septem viris, qui omnem apparatum ex ærario regis acceperunt; statimque, ex præcepto patris, præcessit princeps filius cum multis commilitonibus suis et magno apparatu in Scotiam, ipse vero rex et regina lento gradu insequebantur; jusserat tamen rex ut omnes essent parati cum principe in quindenam Sancti Johannis Baptistæ apud Carliolum. Rex autem in adventu suo mansit apud Lanercost.
On 8th July 1313 Margaret Luxemburg was born to King John I of Bohemia (age 16) and Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia (age 21). She married 12th August 1328 her fourth cousin once removed Henry Wittelsbach XIV Duke Bavaria, son of Stephen Wittelsbach I Duke Bavaria and Jutta Jawor Duchess Bavaria, and had issue.
On 30th June 1360 King John "The Good" II of France (age 41) left the Tower of London [Map] and proceeded to Eltham Palace, Kent [Map] where Queen Philippa (age 46) had prepared a great farewell entertainment. Passing the night at Dartford, Kent [Map], he continued towards Dover, Kent [Map], stopping at the Maison Dieu of St Mary at Ospringe, and paying homage at the shrine of St Thomas Becket at Canterbury [Map] on 4th July 1360. He dined with the Black Prince (age 30) at Dover Castle [Map], and reached English-held Calais [Map] on 8th July 1360.
On 8th July 1422 Michelle Valois Duchess Burgundy (age 27) died.
On 8th July 1425 Elizabeth Fitzalan Duchess Norfolk (age 59) died at Wighill. She was buried at St Michael's Church, Hoveringham. Her son John Mowbray 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 33) inherited her estates including Framlingham Castle, Suffolk [Map].
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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Chronicle of Gregory [1400-1467]. 8th July 1433. And that same year the King (age 11) hylde his Parlyment at Wystemystyr, that be ganne the viij day of Juylle; and soo forthe it induryd unto Lammas, and thenne it was enjornyde unto Syntte Edward is day nexte folowynge; unto the whyche Parlyment came the Regaunt of Fraunce. Ande he come unto London on Syn Johnys evyn the Baptyste, and was worthely ressayvyde of the Mayre of London why the alle his aldyrmen and worthy comyners of the cytte.
Around April 1486 the Stafford and Lovell Rebellion was an armed uprising against King Henry VII of England and Ireland (age 29). With the failure of the plot Francis Lovell 1st Viscount Lovell (age 30) fled to Margaret of York Duchess of Burgundy (age 39) in Flanders.
On 8th July 1486 brothers Humphrey Stafford (age 60) and Thomas Stafford was executed at Tyburn [Map].
Collectanea by John Leland [1502-1552]. And hee beeing att Coliweston [Map] the 8th Day of the Monneth of Jully followyng [8th July 1503], gaffe hyr Licence, and made her to bee convayed vary noblely out of his sayd Realme; as more playnly shal be here folowving remembred, toward the right high and mighty and right excellent Prince Jamys, by the Grace of God, Kyng of Scotys, in followmg the good Luffe, fraternall Dilleccion, and Intelligence of Maryage betwix hym and the saide Quene, The Holly Ghost, by his Grace, wyl maynteyn them in long Prosperitie.
First, in the said Conveying, was ordonned by the Kyng, for Principali, th' Erle of Surrey (age 60), Tresorer of Inglaund, varey noblely arayed, and all his Trayne. And also many Nobles, Lords, Knyghts, and Squyers in his Company, togeder with my Lady his Wyffe (age 26), accompaned of many Ladys and Gentyllwomen varey noblely arayed. Off the wich it was a fayre Syght, to the grette Joy of all Noblese, there to bee, to th' Ende of the Performatyon of the said Maryage, and after the said Mariage made and accomplished, they returned.
With the said Quene was deputed Sir Rawff Vernell, hyr.... the wich well and noblely excersed his Office in the sayd Voyage, accompayned of my Lady his Wyffe, of many Gentylmen, Gentyllswomen, and others abidyng in Scotland, by the Space folowyng the good Plaisure of the Kyng.
also for the Conveiyng of the sayd Quene throowt Inglaund, ther was apoynted many grette Lords, Nobles, Knyghts, Ladyes, Squyers, Gentyllswomen, and oders, for to convay hyr fro Place to Place. Sum fourther thenne others, as they war ordonned by the Kyng, and sens to retorne ageyn.
In lykewys of the Nobles of the Countre, Governors of Townes, other Officers of the Lordschyps, Mayers, Sheryffes, Aldermen, Burgesses, and Citoyens of the goods Townes, thorough the witch she shiould passe, to make her all Honor and Reverence.
And after all this, of her Highness's Voyage thorough the Realme of Scotlaund, and of that witch shal be doon for the Recepcyon of her, schal be rehersed in lykewys.
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Collectanea by John Leland [1502-1552]. [8th July 1503] From the sayd Coleweston departed the sayd Quene (age 13) vary nobly acompaned, in fayre Order and Aray, of the sayd Lordes, Knights, Ladys, and others abouff sayd. Ther was in that Fellyship the Lords Marquis of Dorset (age 26), the Lord of Derby, Constable of Inglaund, and the Earl of Essex; the which conveyd her by the Space of one Mylle, and after they toke Licence in kissing her. And with them retorned many Noblemen to the sayd Coleweston.
After was ordenned to convey her from the sayd Place unto Yorke, the Earle of Kent (age 49), the Lords of Strange, of Hastyngs; and of Willougby, varey nobly arayd and acompanyd of theire Folks in Liveray and on Horses, rychely in Apparayll; of the wich Lords was a fayre Syght in all the Intryngs of good Townes. The sayd Lord of Hastyngs did marveyllously weell an Horseback in steryng of his Horse.
Also ther was to convey her from the sayd Place unto York, the Reverend Father in God my Lord the Bischop of Norwych, well accompayned and honnestly arayd.
In likewys there was in the Qwenys Company the Reverend Father in God my Lord the Bishop of Morrey, Embassador of the King of Scotts, well and honesty arayed, the wich thorough all the Voyage accompanyed the sayd Quene.
The Qwene was richly drest, mounted upon a faire Palfrey, and before her rode Sir Davy Owen, during all the sayd Voyage, richly appoynted. Thre Fotemen wer allwayes ny hyr varey honestly appoynted, and had in their Jaketts browdered Portecollys.
After her was convayed in Hand by a Gentleman, one Palfrey vary richly drest, till that Sir Thomas Worteley (age 70) came to hyr, the wich was ordonned Master of hyr Hors, and who from hensforth fullfilled the Office abouff sayde.
Next after was convayed by two Fotemen arayd as the others, one varey riche Lytere borne by two faire Coursers varey nobly drest. In the wich Litere the sayd Qwene was borne in the Intryng of the goods Townes, or otherways to her good Playsur.
Then came the Ladyes mounted upon fayre Pallefrays. Many Sqyers before them, and non others. Of the wich was a fair Sight, and nobly they were beseene.
Following came a Char richly drest, with sixe fayre Horsys leyd and convayd by thre Men, in the wich were iiij Ladyes, lastinge the sayd Voyage.
After that, came others Gentylls Women of the sayd Ladyes, mounted upon Pallefrays well appoynted.
Among the sayd Lords and the Qwene, was in Order Johannes and his Compayne, the Menstrells of Musick, the Trompetis in disployed Banneres, in all the Depattyngs of the Townes, and in the Intryng of that sam, playing on their Instruments to the Tym that she was past owt. The Ofiicers of Armes in their Cotts, and the Sergants of Armes with their Masses, were continually with her, lasting the layd
After thym came the Master of the Horfys of the sayd Quene, with others Gentilmen ordonned to make Space, that more playnly the sayd Quene and her Compagney might bee better sene. And this was contynewyng the seyd Voyage.
As to such Company as rode behind the Ladies, it was was fayr for to se. Soe well mounted and honestly drest, Each one of the same in the Liverays of their Masters, soe as they were had in Differences.
During the sayd Veyage, in the Morning departed the Caryage and the Sommers. Those of the sayd Quene covired with Covurynge whyt and grene, and the Armes of Scotlaund and of Inglaund halff perted with red Rosys and Portcollys cronned. And those of other Lords covired in lykewyse, and apon the Covurynge their Armes. The wich Thyng was a fayr Syght, for varry noble was the Convayyng.
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Collectanea by John Leland [1502-1552]. [8th July 1503] From the seid Place of Colweston, the Quene (age 13) touke hyr Way ryght to Grantham. Halfe Way before hyr came Sir Robert Dymock, Knight, Sheriff of the County of Lincoln, honestly accompayned of xxx Horses well arayd of his Liveray, and salved the Quene, holdyng a whyt Rod in his Haund, the wich hee bered before hyr, lastyng the sayd County of Lyncoln, as the other Sheriffs did here afterward in their Counties.
About foure Myles from Grauntham, the Alderman, accompanyed with the Burgesses and Inhabitants of Grantham [Map] in fayre Order, receyved hyr to the Number of iiijxx Horses honnestly appoynted, and conveyed her to the next Towne.
Without the sayd Towne, was in Processyon in fayr Order the Colledge of the sayd Place, and the Freres Mendicants, the wich received hyr in synging Laudes. And att the fayd Place lightyd of his Horse my Lord the Bishop of Norwich; the wich gaff her the Crossys for to kysse. And thus was doon continualiy, lastyng the said Veyage thorough the Reyme of Inglaund, in all the Places wher she cam.
This doon she was brought with the sayd Compayne in fayr Aray to hyr Lodgyngs, that was with a Gentylman called Mr. Hioli.
Through all the goode Towne and Villages wher she pass, all the Bells wer rong dayly. And by the Way cam the Habitants of the Countrey for to see the noble Company, bryngyng grette Vessells full of Drynk, and gyffing the same to them that Nedde had of it, saying, that if better they had had, better they should have brought.
On 8th July 1505 John Stewart 2nd Duke Albany (age 21) and Anne de la Tour Auvergne Duchess Albany (age 9) were married. She the daughter of Jean IV Count Auvergne and Jeanne Bourbon Duchess Bourbon (age 40). He the son of Alexander Stewart 1st Duke Albany and Anne de la Tour Auvergne Duchess Albany. They were first cousins. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward III of England.
On 8th July 1528 Emmanuel Philibert Duke of Savoy was born to Charles 3rd Duke Savoy (age 41) and Beatrice Aviz Duchess Savoy (age 23) at Chambéry. He married 1559 his half first cousin once removed Margaret Valois Duchess Berry and Savoy, daughter of King Francis I of France and Claude Valois Orléans Queen Consort France, and had issue.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1537. 8th July 1537. 228. Cromwell (age 52) to Sir Thomas Wyat (age 34).
Harl. MS. 282, f. 205. B. M. Nott's Wyatt, 316.
Writes this by George Pery, a gentleman of M. Chappuys, the Emperor's ambassador. Here at Stepney this morning arrived Rougecroix the herald with Wyat's letters dated 24 June. Forwarded them straightway to the King at Oking. Thanks him for his letters written at his first arrival before he had audience and for those now received. Touching communications with the Emperor's ambassadors, of which Cromwell wrote by M. de Vauldray, hopes for a good result. No news since last writing. The traitors have been executed, lord Darcy (deceased) at Tower Hill and lord Hussey (deceased) at Lincoln, Aske (age 37) hanged upon the dungeon of York Castle, Sir Robt. Constable (deceased) hanged at Hull, and the rest at Thyfbourne; so that all the cankered hearts are weeded away.
On 8th July 1545 Carlos Habsburg Spain was born to Philip "The Prudent" II King Spain (age 18) and Maria Aviz (age 17). Coefficient of inbreeding 20.02%.
Henry Machyn's Diary. The viij day of July [1551] was a plage, and a proclamasyon that [a testern shou]ld be but ixd, and a grot iijd; and anodur proclamasyon cam [out the] xviij day of August, that testerns cryd at vjd a pese; a grot [at ijd]; ijd but jd; and a jd ob.; and a alpeny a fardyng.
Note. Proclamations for depreciation of the coinage. Printed copies of these proclamations are in the collection in the library of the Society of Antiquaries, and their substance is stated in Ruding's Annals of the Coinage, 4to. 1817, ii. 107. Mr. Ruding, in a note in that page, throws some discredit on king Edward's accuracy as to dates in his Diary; but on that point it may be remarked that the proclamations were clearly prepared by the privy council some days before it was thought proper to make them public. The proclamation which according to the present diary was made known in London on the 8th of July, is printed with a blank date, "the of June."
A remarkable example of the effect produced by this depreciation of the currency is given in the account of Arden's murder in the Wardmote book of Feversham. The proceeds of the murderers' effects, after the payment of expenses, amounted "after the old rate," to 120l. "whereof there was lost by abasing or fall of the said money 60l." In consequence of this act of government rumours were current that further abasements were contemplated; and "By the letteres from London" it was reported "that on the 25. daye of July, or on St. James' daye, was a proclamation declaringe it was not the kinge nor his counseles intente to altere or abase any more his coynes yet; for heare wee greate rumors that in all haste, and that prively, the kinge and counsell was busye aboute the alteringe thearof, to be done out of hand, whearuppon many men wane their debts, which else would not have byn payde this vij. yeares." (MS. Harl. 353, f. 107.)
In the journals of the Privy Council are frequent entries relative to the prosecution of persons guilty of predicting further depreciations.
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Wriothesley's Chronicle [1508-1562]. Saterday, beinge the 8 of July, 1553, my Lord Mayor was sent for to the Court at Grenewich by a letter, and to bringe with him 6 or 8 Aldermen, 6 Merchaunt Staplers, and 6 Merchant Adventurers; which he did the same day in the afternone; and when they were before the Counsell, there was declared secretly the death of the Kinges Maiestie, which dyed the 6 day of July, beinge Thursday; and allso howe he had by his letters patents ordayned for the succession of the imperiall crowne of England and Ireland; which, opened unto them by the mouth of the Counsell, they were sworne to yt and to keepe yt secret. The sayd Kinge Edward had rayned 6 yeares full the 28 of January last past, and so much more, since which was in the 7th year of his raigne.
On 8th July 1560 Louis VI Elector Palatine (age 21) and Elizabeth Hesse Electress Palatine (age 21) were married. She the daughter of Landgrave Philip I of Hesse (age 55) and Christine of Saxony.
Letters of the Court of James I 1613. 8th July 1613. London. Reverend Thomas Lorkin to Thomas Puckering 1st Baronet (age 21).
Painters and poets may lie by privilege; but such as undertake to make relation of things that pass, should tell naught but truth. Pardon me, therefore, if I must now revoke what in my last letters I writ for certain, touching the swearing of Sir David Murray and Sir Robert Carr (age 35) in his highness's bedchamber. I received it very confidently from Sir John Harrington's (age 73) mouth. But I have found since, by my inquiry, that they only procured the king's warrant, which met with afterwards that opposition from the lords, as it rests yet doubtful whether and when it shall take effect. The prince's household is not yet settled; yesterday the council sat about it, and the opinion was that the king would then sign the book.
My Lord Stanhope's (age 64)1 son (age 20) is lately fallen lunatic; and the little hope that is conceived of his recovery makes divers of your friends think that it was your hard fortune to be no more forward in embracing those offers which were formerly made you out of that house.
You have heard long since, I suppose, of the great difference between my Lord of Essex (age 22) and his lady (age 23), who hath most earnestly sued for a divorce, pretending the only cause to be of her husband's insufficiency; who confesseth it towards her, though he esteems himself well enough provided for any other. It was expected that a nullity of marriage should have been pronounced by my Lord of Canterbury (age 50) at the end of last term, but the sentence is deferred to the term following; which, if it be given in favour of her, it is generally believed that a match shall be concluded between my Lord of Rochester (age 26) and her: thereby to reconcile him and the house of Howard together, who are now far enough asunder.
The news of the great entertainment at the Palatine's I court is but newly arrived here. It consists chiefly in matter of good cheer, after the fashion of the country. They talk of I know not how many hundred tables which should be every day prepared; but you will easily proportion them out yourself, when you shall hear of the number of mouths, which were no fewer, every meal, than 6000. The same messenger brings tidings that her grace is with child, and that there wants not the concurrence of all sach tokens and probabilities as are usually observed in women in that state and condition.
The Duke of Lennox (age 38)2 arrived in Paris on Saturday last, as we are informed here, having made that the way of his return home from Heidelberg. He pretends the occasion of his stay there to be, the seeking to obtain the command of the company of horse which our Prince Charles had, when he was but Duke of York. But, though made an absolute refusal of it before his coming, he having employed himself in that business by commission from our king, the true cause of his stay is thought to be a treaty of marriage between Prince Charles and Madame Christine, which, having been long time negociated by Sir Thomas Edraondes, is thought shall receive its final conclusion from him.
Sir Thomas Waller (deceased), governor of Dover Castle, is lately dead. His place is already disposed of; but I cannot say certainly how. Sir Thomas Somerset (age 34)3 inquires very kindly after you, and you shall do well to omit no good means of entertaining his good opinion still.
Note 1. John, created an English baron by the title of Lord Stanhope of Harrington, May 4, 1605. He died March 9, 1621, leaving issue one daughter only. [Note. He left issue Charles Stanhope 2nd Baron Stanhope, Elizabeth Stanhope Lady Talmash and Catherine Stanhope Countess Leinster]
Note 2. Lodovick Stuart. He was high chamberlain and admiral of Scotland, and in 1601 was Bent by James ambassador to the court of France. In October, 1613, he was created Baron Setrington and Earl of Richmond. He filled the offices of master of the hoasehold, first gentleman of the bedchamber, was invested with the garter, and appointed commissioner to the parliament; and, in 1623, was further advanced to the dignities of the Earl of Newcastle and Duke of Richmond. Though twice married, the Duke of Lennox died without issue, in February. 1624.
Note 3. Third son of Edward, Earl of Worcester (age 63). He was afterwards created Viscount Somerset of Cassel (Cashel) in Ireland.
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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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Autobiography Simon D'Ewes. 6th July 1621. Upon Friday the 6th day of July, about eleven of the clock in the forenoon, I departed, with my father and the residue of his family, towards Chelmsford in Essex; where lodging this night, and at Lavenham, Suffolk the next day ensuing, we came to Stow Hall, my father's chief mansion in Suffolk, about eight of the clock in the morning, July the 8th, before divine service began, and so were partakers of two sermons this day in our parochial church. The rest of this month was chiefly spent in recreations, visitations, discourses, and such like: about the latter end whereof George Abbot (age 58), Doctor of Divinity and Archbishop of Canterbury, shooting at a deer in Alton Park1, near London, being the Lord Zouche's, struck one of the keepers into the arm, through the thwart glancing of the arrow, with which diyers of his sinews being cut, he soon alter died.
Note 1. Bramzil Park, according to Rushworth, i. p. 61. The Bishop of Lincoln, in giving judgment on thia matter, said: - "To add affliction to the afflicted will be against his Majesty's nature; yet to leave a man of blood primate and patriarch of all his churches, is a thing that aounda very harsh in the old councils and canons, and the Papiats will not spare to censure it."
On 8th July 1624 Thomas Vyner 1st Baronet (age 35) was appointed Comptroller of the Mint by King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 58).
On 8th July 1634 Thomas Butler 6th Earl Ossory was born to James Butler 1st Duke Ormonde (age 23) and Elizabeth Preston Duchess Ormonde (age 18) at Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny. He married 14th November 1659 Emilia Nassau Beverweert Countess Ossory and had issue.
On 8th July 1640 Henry Stewart 1st Duke Gloucester was born to King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland (age 39) and Henrietta Maria Bourbon Queen Consort England (age 30).
On 8th July 1645 Francis Hawley 1st Baron Hawley (age 37) was created 1st Baron Hawley of Donsmore by King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland (age 44).
On 8th July 1647 Frances Teresa Stewart Duchess Lennox and Richmond was born to Walter Stewart (age 61) and Sophia Carew (age 37). She married March 1667 Charles Stewart 6th Duke Lennox 3rd Duke Richmond.
John Evelyn's Diary. 8th July 1656. To Colchester, Essex [Map], a fair town, but now wretchedly demolished by the late siege, especially the suburbs, which were all burned, but were then repairing. The town is built on a rising ground, having fair meadows on one side, and a river with a strong ancient castle, said to have been built by King Coilus, father of Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, of whom I find no memory save at the pinnacle of one of their wool-staple houses, where is a statue of Coilus, in wood, wretchedly carved. The walls are exceedingly strong, deeply trenched, and filled with earth. It has six gates, and some watchtowers, and some handsome churches. But what was shown us as a kind of miracle, at the outside of the Castle, the wall where Sir Charles Lucas (age 43) and Sir George Lisle, those valiant and noble persons who so bravely behaved themselves in the last siege, were barbarously shot, murdered by Ireton in cold blood, after surrendering on articles; having been disappointed of relief from the Scotch army, which had been defeated with the King at Worcester. The place was bare of grass for a large space, all the rest of it abounding with herbage. For the rest, this is a ragged and factious town, now swarming with sectaries. Their trading is in cloth with the Dutch, and baize and says with Spain; it is the only place in England where these stuffs are made unsophisticated. It is also famous for oysters and eringo root, growing hereabout, and candied for sale.
John Evelyn's Diary. 8th July 1656. Hence to Ipswich, Suffolk [Map], doubtless one of the sweetest, most pleasant, well-built towns in England. It has twelve fair churches, many noble houses, especially the Lord Devereux's; a brave quay, and commodious harbor, being about seven miles from the main; an ample market place. Here was born the great Cardinal Wolsey, who began a palace here, which was not finished.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th July 1660. Lord's Day. To White Hall chapel, where I got in with ease by going before the Lord Chancellor (age 51) with Mr. Kipps. Here I heard very good music, the first time that ever I remember to have heard the organs and singing-men in surplices in my life1. The Bishop of Chichester (age 68) preached before the King, and made a great flattering sermon, which I did not like that Clergy should meddle with matters of state. Dined with Mr. Luellin and Salisbury at a cook's shop. Home, and staid all the afternoon with my wife till after sermon. There till Mr. Fairebrother came to call us out to my father's (age 59) to supper. He told me how he had perfectly procured me to be made Master in Arts by proxy, which did somewhat please me, though I remember my cousin Roger Pepys (age 43) was the other day persuading me from it. While we were at supper came Win. Howe to supper to us, and after supper went home to bed.
Note 1. During the Commonwealth organs were destroyed all over the country, and the following is the title of the Ordinances under which this destruction took place: "Two Ordinances of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, for the speedy demolishing of all organs, images, and all matters of superstitious monuments in all Cathedrals and Collegiate or Parish Churches and Chapels throughout the Kingdom of England and the dominion of Wales; the better to accomplish the blessed reformation so happily begun, and to remove all offences and things illegal in the worship of God. Dated May 9th, 1644". When at the period of the Restoration music again obtained its proper place in the services of the Church, there was much work for the organ builders. According to Dr. Rimbault ("Hopkins on the Organ", 1855, p. 74), it was more than fifty years after the Restoration when our parish churches began commonly to be supplied with organs. Drake says, in his "Eboracum" (published in 1733), that at that date only one parish church in the city of York possessed an organ. Bernard Schmidt, better known as "Father Smith", came to England from Germany at the time of the Restoration, and he it was who built the organ at the Chapel Royal. He was in high favour with Charles II., who allowed, him apartments in Whitehall Palace.
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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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John Evelyn's Diary. 8th July 1660. Mr. Henchman (age 68) preached on Ephes. v. 5, concerning Christian circumspection. From henceforth, was the Liturgy publicly used in our churches, whence it had been for so many years banished.
On 8th July 1664 Mary Cogan died in childbirth at Carlisle Castle [Map] where her husband Christopher Musgrave 4th Baronet (age 32) was Governor. She was buried at St Cuthbert's Church, Edenhall [Map].
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th July 1664. Up and called out by my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) gentleman to Mr. Povy's (age 50) to discourse about getting of his money, wherein I am concerned in hopes of the £50 my Lord hath promised me, but I dare not reckon myself sure of it till I have it in my main, [hand.] for these Lords are hard to be trusted. Though I well deserve it. I staid at Povy's for his coming in, and there looked over his stables and every thing, but notwithstanding all the times I have been there I do yet find many fine things to look on.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th July 1665. All day very diligent at the office, ended my letters by 9 at night, and then fitted myself to go down to Woolwich, Kent [Map] to my wife, which I did, calling at Sir G. Carteret's (age 55) at Deptford, Kent [Map], and there hear that my Lady Sandwich (age 40) is come, but not very well. By 12 o'clock to Woolwich, Kent [Map], found my wife asleep in bed, but strange to think what a fine night I had down, but before I had been one minute on shore, the mightiest storm come of wind and rain that almost could be for a quarter of an houre and so left. I to bed, being the first time I come to her lodgings, and there lodged well.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th July 1667. Up, and to my chamber, and by and by comes Greeting, and to my flageolet with him with a pretty deal of pleasure, and then to the office, where Sir W. Batten (age 66), Sir W. Pen (age 46) and I met about putting men to work for the weighing of the ships in the River sunk. Then home again, and there heard Mr. Caesar play some very good things on the lute together with myself on the violl and Greeting on the viallin. Then with my wife abroad by coach, she to her tailor's, I to Westminster to Burges about my Tangier business, and thence to White Hall, where I spoke with Sir John Nicholas, who tells me that Mr. Coventry (age 39) is come from Bredah, as was expected; but, contrary to expectation, brings with him two or three articles which do not please the King (age 37): as, to retrench the Act of Navigation, and then to ascertain what are contraband goods; and then that those exiled persons, who are or shall take refuge in their country, may be secure from any further prosecution. Whether these will be enough to break the peace upon, or no, he cannot tell; but I perceive the certainty of peace is blown over. So called on my wife and met Creed by the way, and they two and I to Charing Cross [Map], there to see the great boy and girle that are lately come out of Ireland, the latter eight, the former but four years old, of most prodigious bigness for their age. I tried to weigh them in my arms, and find them twice as heavy as people almost twice their age; and yet I am apt to believe they are very young. Their father a little sorry fellow, and their mother an old Irish woman. They have had four children of this bigness, and four of ordinary growth, whereof two of each are dead. If, as my Lord Ormond (age 56) certifies, it be true that they are no older, it is very monstrous.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th July 1668. So home to dinner; and then with my wife to Cooper's (age 59), and there saw her sit; and he do do extraordinary things indeed.
John Evelyn's Diary. 8th July 1675. I went with Mrs. Howard (age 49) and her two daughters toward Northampton Assizes, about a trial at law, in which I was concerned for them as a trustee. We lay this night at Henley-on-the-Thames [Map], at our attorney, Mr. Stephens's, who entertained us very handsomely. Next day, dining at Shotover, Oxfordshire, at Sir Timothy Tyrill's (age 58), a sweet place, we lay at Oxford, where it was the time of the Act. Mr. Robert Spencer (age 46), uncle to the Earl of Sunderland (age 33), and my old acquaintance in France, entertained us at his apartment in Christ Church with exceeding generosity.
John Evelyn's Diary. 8th July 1678. Came to dine with me my Lord Longford (age 46), Treasurer of Ireland, nephew to that learned gentleman, my Lord Aungier, with whom I was long since acquainted; also the Lady Stidolph, and other company.
On 8th July 1683 John Hampden of Great Hampden (age 30) was sent to the Tower of London [Map] on the discovery of the Rye House Plot.
John Evelyn's Diary. 8th July 1685. Came news of Monmouth's (age 36) utter defeate, and the next day of his being taken by Sr Wm Portman (age 41) and Lord Lumley (age 35) with the militia of their counties. It seemes the horse, commanded by Lord Grey (age 29), being newly rais'd and undisciplin'd, were not to be brought in so short a time to endure the fire, which expos'd the foote to the King's, so as when Monmouth had led the foote in greate silence and order, thinking to surprize Lieut Gen Lord Feversham (age 44) newly encamp'd, and given him a smart charge, interchanging both greate and small shot, the horse, breaking their owne ranks, Monmouth gave it over, and fled with Grey, leaving their party to be cut in pieces to the number of 2000. The whole number reported to be above 8,000, the King's but 2,700. The slaine were most of them Mendip-miners, who did greate execution with their tooles, and sold their lives very dearely, whilst their leaders flying were pursu'd and taken the next morning, not far from one another. Monmouth had gone 16 miles on foote, changing; his habite for a poore coate, and was found by Lord Lumley in a dry ditch cover'd with fern-brakes, but without sword, pistol, or any weapon, and so might have pass'd for some countryman, his beard being grown so long and so grey as hardly to be known, had not his George [Note. This is possible a reference to the Small St George Pendant] discover'd him, which was found in his pocket. 'Tis said he trembl'd exceedingly all over, not able to speake. Grey was taken not far from him. Most of his party were anabaptists and poore cloth workers of yu country, no gentlemen of account being come in to him. The arch-boutefeu Ferguson, Matthews, *&c. were not yet found. The £5,000 to be given to whoever should bring Monmouth in, was to be distributed among the militia by agreement between Sr Wm Portman and Lord Lumley. The battail ended, some words, first In jest, then in passion, pass'd between Sharington Talbot (deceased) (a worthy gent. son to Sr John Talbot (age 55), and who had behav'd himselfe very handsomely) and one Capt. Love, both commanders of the militia, as to whose souldiers fought best, both drawing their swords and passing at one another. Sharington was wounded to death on the spot, to the greate regret of those who knew him. He was Sir John's only son.
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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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John Evelyn's Diary. 8th July 1686. I waited on the Archbishop (age 69) at Lambeth [Map], where I dined and met the famous preacher and writer, Dr. Allix (age 45), doubtless a most excellent and learned person. The Archbishop and he spoke Latin together, and that very readily.
John Evelyn's Diary. 8th July 1686. Dr. Meggot, Dean of Winchester preached before the household in St. George's Chapel [Map] at Windsor, the late King's glorious chapel now seized on by the mass priests. Dr. Cartwright (age 52), Dean of Ripon, preached before the great men of the Court in the same place.
John Evelyn's Diary. 8th July 1688. One of the King's (age 54) chaplains preached before the Princess (age 26) on Exodus xiv. 13, "Stand still, and behold the salvation of the Lord", which he applied so boldly to the present conjuncture of the Church of England, that more could scarce be said to encourage desponders. The Popish priests were not able to carry their cause against their learned adversaries, who confounded them both by their disputes and writings.
John Evelyn's Diary. 8th July 1689. I sat for my picture to Mr. Kneller (age 42), for Mr. Pepys (age 56), late Secretary to the Admiralty, holding my "Sylva" in my right hand. It was on his long and earnest request, and is placed in his library. Kneller never painted in a more masterly manner.
On 8th July 1694 Henriette Albertine Saxe Coburg Saalfeld was born to John Ernest Saxe Coburg Saalfeld IV Duke Saxe Coburg Saalfeld (age 35) and Charlotte Johanna Waldeck Wildungen Duchess Saxe Coburg Saalfeld at Saalfield. She died aged less than one years old.
On 8th July 1695 Christian Huygens (age 66) died.
John Evelyn's Diary. 8th July 1701. My grandson (age 19) went to Sir Simon Harcourt (age 39), the Solicitor General, to Windsor, Berkshire [Map], to wait on my Lord Treasurer. There had been for some time a proposal of marrying my grandson to a daughter (age 26) of Mrs. Boscawen (age 58), sister of my Lord Treasurer (age 56), which was now far advanced.
After 8th July 1721. St Giles' Church, Wrexham [Map]. Monument to Elihu Yale (deceased).
Elihu Yale: On 5th April 1649 he was born in Boston, Massachusetts. On 8th July 1721 he died.
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 8th July 1752 Frederick V King of Denmark and Norway (age 29) and Juliana Maria Welf Queen Consort Denmark and Norway (age 22) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Denmark and Norway. He the son of Christian VI King of Denmark and Norway.
After 8th July 1755 Monument to Benet Legh 1747-1855 died aged eight, son of Peter Legh of Lyme and Martha Benet.
On 8th July 1779 Robert Bertie 4th Duke Ancaster and Kesteven (age 22) died of scarlet fever unmarried at Grimsthorpe, South Kesteven. His uncle Brownlow (age 50) succeeded 5th Duke Ancaster and Kesteven, 5th Marquess Lindsay, 8th Earl Lindsey. His sister Priscilla (age 18) succeeded 21st Baroness Willoughby de Eresby.
On 8th July 1805 Daniel Gardner (age 55) died.
On 8th July 1809 Mary Cavendish-Scott-Bentinck was born to William Henry Cavendish-Scott-Bentinck 4th Duke Portland (age 41) and Henrietta Scott Duchess Portland (age 35). She married before 20th July 1874 William Topham.
On 8th July 1810 the Bow Street police raided the White Swan on Vere Street in London that had been established as a molly-house in early 1810 by two men, James Cook and Yardley. Twenty-seven men were arrested, but the majority of them were released (perhaps as a result of bribe); eight were tried and convicted. On 27th September 1810 six men were pilloried at the Haymarket. On 7th March 1811 John Hepburn (46) and Thomas White (16), a drummer boy, were hanged at Newgate Prison, London [Map] despite not being present on the night of the raid.
On 8th July 1812 Louisa Jane Russell Duchess Abercorn was born to John Russell 6th Duke Bedford (age 46) and Georgiana Gordon Duchess Bedford (age 30). She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. She married 1832 James Hamilton 1st Duke of Abercorn, son of James Hamilton and Harriet Douglas Countess Aberdeen, and had issue.
On 8th July 1812 Bishop John Jenkinson (age 30) was appointed Rector of St Leonard's Church, Leverington.
1911 Encyclopædia Britannica. After doing his best to set things going comfortably between Byron and Hunt, Shelley (age 29) returned on board with Williams on the 8th of July. It was a day of dark, louring, stifling heat. Trelawny took leave of his two friends, and about half-past six in the evening found himself startled from a doze by a frightful turmoil of storm. The "Don Juan" had by this time made Via Reggio; she was not to be seen, though other vessels which had sailed about the same time were still discernible. Shelley, Williams, and their only companion, a sailor-boy, perished in the squall. The exact nature of the catastrophe was from the first regarded as somewhat disputable. The condition of the "Don Juan" when recovered did not favour any assumption that she had capsized in a heavy sea - rather that she had been run down by some other vessel, a felucca or fishing-smack. In the absence of any counter evidence this would be supposed to have occurred by accident; but a rumour, not strictly verified and certainly not refuted, exists that an aged Italian seaman on his deathbed confessed that he had been one of the crew of the fatal felucca, and that the collision was intentional, as the men had plotted to steal a sum of money supposed to be on the "Don Juan," in charge of Lord Byron. In fact there was a moderate sum there, but Byron had neither embarked nor intended to embark. This may perhaps be the true account of the tragedy; at any rate Trelawny, the best possible authority on the subject, accepted it as true. He it was who laboriously tracked out the shore washed corpses of Williams and Shelley, and who undertook the burning of them, after the ancient Greek fashion, on the shore near Via Reggio, on the 15th and 16th of August. The great poet's ashes were then collected, and buried in the new Protestant cemetery in Rome. He was, at the date of his untimely death, within a month of completing the thirtieth year of his age – a surprising example of rich poetic achievement for so young a man.
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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 8th July 1822 Percy Bysshe Shelley (age 29) drowned. He was returning on the Don Juan with Edward Williams from a meeting at Livorno with Leigh Hunt and Byron to make arrangements for a new journal, The Liberal. The boat was sunk is a storm. Shelley's badly decomposed body washed ashore at Viareggio ten days later and was identified by Trelawny from the clothing and a copy of Keats's Lamia in a jacket pocket. On 16th August 1822 his body was cremated on a beach near Viareggio and the ashes were buried in the Protestant Cemetery of Rome. The cremation was attended by George "Lord Byron" 6th Baron Byron (age 34). His wife Mary Godwin aka Shelley (age 24) did not attend.
On 8th July 1823 Henry Raeburn (age 67) died.
After 8th July 1824. Monument in Wakefield Cathedral [Map] to Janet daughter of George Munro of Calderbank, wife of Daniel Maude of Wakfield. Sculpted by Joseph Kendrick (age 70).
On 8th July 1837 King William IV of the United Kingdom (deceased) was buried at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle [Map].
On 8th July 1841 Thomas Peregrine Courtenay (age 59) drowned at Torquay, Devon.
Thomas Bateman 1845. On an elevated piece of ground, about midway between Wetton and Ilam, Staffordshire, known by the not very euphonious name of "Bitchinhill Harbour," [Note. Beechenhill [Map]] stand two small barrows, situated about three hundred yards apart, both of which were opened on the 8th of July, 1845. The one nearest the road [Possibly Beechen Hill Barrow 1 [Map]] was first explored, without much success, as it proved to have been rifled of its contents at some former period; still a square cist was visible in the centre into which the skeleton had been thrown by the former excavators; amongst the bones were found a few pieces of flint and part of a bone instrument, of no great interest. In another part of the tumulus a deposit of calcined bones was found; which, though lying close to the surface, had been overlooked by the previous explorers; amongst them were discovered three instruments of flint, of neat work-manship, and part of a stag's horn, which had been cut in various places, apparently by flint saws. In the course of the excavation a small fragment of earthenware (probably an urn) was picked up near the surface.
Thomas Bateman 1845. The second barrow [Note. Possibly Beechen Hill Barrow 2 [Map]] is on a much higher site than the preceding; but like it had not escaped previous observation the whole of the upper portion having been removed; nothing, therefore, could be expected to remain in its original situation in the interior. The following articles were discovered in the course of digging: the remains of a coarse and rudely-ornamented urn, with its deposit of burnt bones, which lay about a foot beneath the surface; a third brass coin of Constantino the Great, of an extremely common type, and some pieces of stag's horn, were found close under the turf.
On 8th July 1850 Adolphus Hanover 1st Duke Cambridge (age 76) died. His son Prince (age 31) succeeded 2nd Duke Cambridge.
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 8th July 1854 Captain Hyde Parker (age 29) died whilst leading his men to the storm of the Russian fortification at the Sulina Mouth of the Danube. 'The Britsh Burial Gound at Pera of Constantinople holds all of him that could die'. Memorial at Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford [Map] commissioned by the Officers, Seaman and Marines of HMS Firebrand.
Captain Hyde Parker: Around 1825 he was born to Vice-Admiral Hyde Parker and Caroline Eden.
On 8th July 1863 William Alexander Archibald Hamilton 11th Duke Hamilton 8th Duke Brandon (age 52) died. His son William (age 18) succeeded 12th Duke Hamilton, 8th Marquess Douglas, 9th Duke Brandon of Suffolk, 9th Baron Dutton of Cheshire.
On 8th July 1873 Franz Xaver Winterhalter (age 68) died.
On 8th July 1881 Percy Bryant Baker was born.
8th July 1885. St Oswald's Church, Brereton [Map]. Memorial to Ann Elizabeth Lowe, wife Samuel Ingham.
On 8th July 1905 Kathleen Hamilton Duchess of Abercorn was born to Henry Crichton (age 33) and Mary Cavendish Grosvenor (age 22). She married 9th February 1928 her fifth cousin James Edward Hamilton 4th Duke of Abercorn, son of James Albert Edward Hamilton 3rd Duke of Abercorn and Rosalind Cecilia Caroline Bingham Duchess Abercorn, and had issue.
On 8th July 1911 George Francis John Montagu-Douglas-Scott was born to John Scott 7th Duke Buccleuch 9th Duke Queensberry (age 47) and Margaret Alice "Molly" Bridgeman Duchess Buccleuch Duchess Queensbury (age 39).
On 8th July 1921 John Ernest Breun (age 59) died at Tollington House, 1 Turle Road, Tollington Park.
On 8th July 1924 Paul Albert Steck (age 58) died.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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On 8th July 1925 Geoffrey William Percy was born to Alan Ian Percy 8th Duke Northumberland (age 45) and Helen Gordon-Lennox Duchess Northumberland (age 38).
On 8th July 1945 Katharine Frances Wilbraham Lady Wilbraham (age 96) died. Memorial at All Saints Church, Old Rode.
Katharine Frances Wilbraham Lady Wilbraham: On or before 23rd May 1849 she was born to Lieutenant-General Richard Wilbraham and Elizabeth Frances Egerton. Coefficient of inbreeding 7.04%. On 4th April 1872 George Barrington Baker Wilbraham 5th Baronet and she were married. On 4th October 1911 Frederick Edward Baker aka Rhodes 4th Baronet died unmarried. His brother George succeeded 5th Baronet Baker of Loventor in Totnes in Devon. She by marriage Lady Baker of Loventor in Totnes in Devon.
On 8th July 1313 Margaret Luxemburg was born to King John I of Bohemia (age 16) and Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia (age 21). She married 12th August 1328 her fourth cousin once removed Henry Wittelsbach XIV Duke Bavaria, son of Stephen Wittelsbach I Duke Bavaria and Jutta Jawor Duchess Bavaria, and had issue.
On 8th July 1418 John Percy was born to Henry Percy 2nd Earl of Northumberland (age 25) and Eleanor Neville Countess Northumberland (age 21). He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward III of England. Coefficient of inbreeding 3.49%.
On 8th July 1528 Emmanuel Philibert Duke of Savoy was born to Charles 3rd Duke Savoy (age 41) and Beatrice Aviz Duchess Savoy (age 23) at Chambéry. He married 1559 his half first cousin once removed Margaret Valois Duchess Berry and Savoy, daughter of King Francis I of France and Claude Valois Orléans Queen Consort France, and had issue.
On 8th July 1545 Carlos Habsburg Spain was born to Philip "The Prudent" II King Spain (age 18) and Maria Aviz (age 17). Coefficient of inbreeding 20.02%.
On 8th July 1634 Thomas Butler 6th Earl Ossory was born to James Butler 1st Duke Ormonde (age 23) and Elizabeth Preston Duchess Ormonde (age 18) at Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny. He married 14th November 1659 Emilia Nassau Beverweert Countess Ossory and had issue.
On 8th July 1640 Henry Stewart 1st Duke Gloucester was born to King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland (age 39) and Henrietta Maria Bourbon Queen Consort England (age 30).
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 8th July 1641 Thomas Hooke 1st Baronet was born to Thomas Hooke (age 33).
On 8th July 1647 Frances Teresa Stewart Duchess Lennox and Richmond was born to Walter Stewart (age 61) and Sophia Carew (age 37). She married March 1667 Charles Stewart 6th Duke Lennox 3rd Duke Richmond.
On 8th July 1647 Robert Delaval was born to Ralph Delaval 1st Baronet (age 24) and Anne Leslie Lady Delaval. He was baptised 22nd July 1647. He married October 1670 Elizabeth Livingston, daughter of James Livingston 1st Earl Newburgh and Catherine Howard Countess Newburgh.
On 8th July 1676 Philip Sidney 5th Earl of Leicester was born to Robert Sidney 4th Earl of Leicester (age 27) and Elizabeth Egerton Countess Leicester (age 22).
On 8th July 1694 Henriette Albertine Saxe Coburg Saalfeld was born to John Ernest Saxe Coburg Saalfeld IV Duke Saxe Coburg Saalfeld (age 35) and Charlotte Johanna Waldeck Wildungen Duchess Saxe Coburg Saalfeld at Saalfield. She died aged less than one years old.
On 8th July 1713 Grace Carteret Countess Dysart was born to John Carteret 2nd Earl Granville (age 23) and Frances Worsley Countess Granville (age 20). She married 1729 her sixth cousin Lionel Tollemache 4th Earl Dysart and had issue.
On 8th July 1716 Richard Fiennes 6th Viscount of Saye and Sele was born to Reverend Richard Fiennes (age 42).
On 8th July 1727 Edward Craggs Eliot 1st Baron Eliot was born to Richard Eliot (age 32) and Harriet Craggs (age 14). He married 25th September 1756 Catherine Elliston Baroness Eliott 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 8th July 1740 Justinian Isham 7th Baronet was born to Euseby Isham (age 42) and Elizabeth Panting (age 23). He married 9th September 1766 Susannah Barrett and had issue.
On 8th July 1752 Morton Eden 1st Baron Henley was born. He married 7th August 1783 Elizabeth Henley Baroness Henley, daughter of Robert Henley 1st Earl Northington and Jane Huband, and had issue.
On 8th July 1755 James Blackwood 2nd Baron Dufferin and Claneboye of Ballyleidy and Killyleagh in County Down was born to John Blackwood 2nd Baronet (age 34) and Dorcas Stevenson 1st Baroness Dufferin and Claneboye (age 29).
On 8th July 1756 Diana Sackville was born to George Sackville aka Germain 1st Viscount Sackville (age 40) and Diana Sambrooke.
On 8th July 1767 Reverend George Lee 6th Baronet was born to William Lee 4th Baronet (age 40) and Elizabeth Harcourt Lady Lee (age 28).
On 8th July 1785 Charles Montolieu Lamb 2nd Baronet was born to James Lamb aka Burges 1st Baronet (age 33) and Anne Montolieu (age 29) at Nantcribba Hall, Forden. He married (1) 30th June 1815 Mary Montgomerie Lady Lamb, daughter of Archibald Montgomerie 11th Earl Eglinton and Frances Twysden, and had issue (2) 28th October 1853 Frances Margesson Lady Lamb.
On 8th July 1787 Henry Hope Edwardes 9th Baronet was born to Reverend John Thomas Cholmondeley Edwardes 8th Baronet (age 23) and Frances Gask Lady Edwardes (age 22).
On 8th July 1798 William Brodrick was born to Archbishop Charles Brodrick (age 37). He married (1) 16th March 1824 his fifth cousin Elizabeth Anne Brudenell, daughter of Robert Brudenell 6th Earl Cardigan and Penelope Cooke Countess Cardigan (2) 31st March 1829 his first cousin Harriet Brodrick, daughter of George Brodrick 4th Viscount Midleton and Maria Benyon Viscountess Midleton, and had issue.
On 8th July 1801 Catherine Pleydell-Bouverie was born to William Pleydell-Bouverie 3rd Earl Radnor (age 22) and Catherine Pelham-Clinton (age 25). She married before 13th May 1828 her sixth cousin General Edward Percy Buckley.
On 8th July 1802 Catherine Alice Abbott was born to Charles Abbott 1st Baron Tenterden (age 39) and Mary Lamotte. She married 11th May 1839 Lieutenant-General John Smyth and had issue.
On 8th July 1806 Vincent Loraine was born to William Loraine 4th Baronet (age 57) and Frances Campart (age 34). He died aged less than one years old.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 8th July 1809 Mary Cavendish-Scott-Bentinck was born to William Henry Cavendish-Scott-Bentinck 4th Duke Portland (age 41) and Henrietta Scott Duchess Portland (age 35). She married before 20th July 1874 William Topham.
On 8th July 1811 Edward Herbert Bunbury 9th Baronet was born to Henry Edward Bunbury 7th Baronet (age 33) and Louisa Amelia Fox.
On 8th July 1811 George Boscawen 2nd Earl Falmouth was born to Edward Boscawen 1st Earl Falmouth (age 24) and Anne Frances Bankes Countess Falmouth (age 21).
On 8th July 1812 Louisa Jane Russell Duchess Abercorn was born to John Russell 6th Duke Bedford (age 46) and Georgiana Gordon Duchess Bedford (age 30). She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. She married 1832 James Hamilton 1st Duke of Abercorn, son of James Hamilton and Harriet Douglas Countess Aberdeen, and had issue.
On 8th July 1833 John Croker Barrow 3rd Baronet was born to George Barrow 2nd Baronet (age 26) and Rosamund Pennell Lady Barrow.
On 8th July 1837 Edward Fitz-Clarence was born to George Fitz-Clarence 1st Earl Munster (age 43) and Mary Wyndham Countess Munster (age 44). She a granddaughter of King William IV of the United Kingdom.
On 8th July 1849 Edward Marjoribanks 2nd Baron Tweedmouth was born to Dudley Marjoribanks 1st Baron Tweedmouth (age 28) and Isabella Hogg. He married 9th June 1873 Fanny Octavia Louise Spencer-Churchill, daughter of John Winston Spencer-Churchill 7th Duke of Marlborough and Frances Anne Emily Vane Duchess of Marlborough, and had issue.
On 8th July 1862 Humphrey Francis de Trafford 3rd Baronet was born to Humphrey de Trafford 2nd Baronet (age 54) and Annette Mary Talbot. He married 9th August 1886 Violet Franklin Lady de Trafford and had issue.
On 8th July 1868 Warner Hastings 15th Earl Huntingdon was born to Francis Power Plantagenet Hastings 14th Earl Huntingdon (age 26) and Mary Anne Westenra Countess Huntingdon (age 21) at St Stephen's Green, Dublin. He married 11th June 1892 Maud Margaret Wilson Countess Huntingdon and had issue.
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 8th July 1868 Jacob Pleydell-Bouverie was born to William Pleydell-Bouverie 5th Earl Radnor (age 27) and Helen Matilda Chaplin Countess Radnor (age 22). He married 20th January 1891 Julian Eleanor Adelaide Balfour and had issue.
On 8th July 1881 Percy Bryant Baker was born.
On 8th July 1905 Kathleen Hamilton Duchess of Abercorn was born to Henry Crichton (age 33) and Mary Cavendish Grosvenor (age 22). She married 9th February 1928 her fifth cousin James Edward Hamilton 4th Duke of Abercorn, son of James Albert Edward Hamilton 3rd Duke of Abercorn and Rosalind Cecilia Caroline Bingham Duchess Abercorn, and had issue.
On 8th July 1906 Gerard Henry Fleetwood Fuller 2nd Baronet was born to John Michael Fleetwood Fuller 1st Baronet (age 41) and Norah Jacintha Phipps Lady Fuller (age 27). He married (1) 20th July 1931 Fiona Pratt Countess Normanton, daughter of John Pratt 4th Marquess Camden and Joan Marion Neville Marchioness Camden, and had issue (2) 8th March 1945 Katherine Mary Spence Lady Fuller (3) 8th March 1945 Kathleen Elizabeth Farrar Lady Fuller, daughter of George Herbert Farrar 1st Baronet.
On 8th July 1911 George Francis John Montagu-Douglas-Scott was born to John Scott 7th Duke Buccleuch 9th Duke Queensberry (age 47) and Margaret Alice "Molly" Bridgeman Duchess Buccleuch Duchess Queensbury (age 39).
On 8th July 1925 Geoffrey William Percy was born to Alan Ian Percy 8th Duke Northumberland (age 45) and Helen Gordon-Lennox Duchess Northumberland (age 38).
On 8th July 1932 George John St Clere Gage 7th Viscount Gage was born to Henry Rainaud Gage 6th Viscount Gage (age 36) and Alexandra Imogen Clair Grenfell (age 27).
On 8th July 1955 Edward Charles Fitzroy 7th Baron Southampton was born to Charles James Fitzroy 6th Baron Southampton (age 26) and Pamela Anne Henniker Baroness Southampton. He married 30th March 1978 Rachel Caroline Vincent Millett Baroness Southampton 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 8th July 1975 Robert Philip Clayton 13th Baronet was born to David Robert Clayton 12th Baronet (age 38).
On 8th July 1975 Charles Richard Weld-Forester 9th Baron Forester was born to George Cecil Weld-Forester 8th Baron Forester (age 37).
On 8th July 1505 John Stewart 2nd Duke Albany (age 21) and Anne de la Tour Auvergne Duchess Albany (age 9) were married. She the daughter of Jean IV Count Auvergne and Jeanne Bourbon Duchess Bourbon (age 40). He the son of Alexander Stewart 1st Duke Albany and Anne de la Tour Auvergne Duchess Albany. They were first cousins. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward III of England.
On 8th July 1560 Louis VI Elector Palatine (age 21) and Elizabeth Hesse Electress Palatine (age 21) were married. She the daughter of Landgrave Philip I of Hesse (age 55) and Christine of Saxony.
On 8th July 1641 Basil Feilding 2nd Earl Denbigh (age 33) and Elizabeth Bourchier Countess Denbigh (age 15) were married three months after the death of his second wife Barbara Lamb. She the daughter of Edward Bourchier 4th Earl Bath and Dorothy St John Countess Bath. He the son of William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh (age 54) and Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh (age 58).
On 8th July 1673 Francis Howard 5th Baron Howard (age 29) and Philadelphia Pelham Baroness Howard (age 18) were married. They were fifth cousin once removed.
On 8th July 1689 Edward Montagu 3rd Earl Sandwich (age 19) and Elizabeth Wilmot Countess Sandwich (age 14) were married. She by marriage Countess Sandwich. She the daughter of John Wilmot 2nd Earl Rochester and Elizabeth Malet Countess Rochester. He the son of Edward Montagu 2nd Earl Sandwich and Mary Anne Boyle. They were fifth cousin once removed.
On 8th July 1709 Thomas Newport 1st Baron Torrington (age 54) and Anne Pierrepont Baroness Torrington were married. He the son of Francis Newport 1st Earl Bradford and Diana Russell Countess Bradford.
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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On 8th July 1752 Frederick V King of Denmark and Norway (age 29) and Juliana Maria Welf Queen Consort Denmark and Norway (age 22) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Denmark and Norway. He the son of Christian VI King of Denmark and Norway.
On 8th July 1752 Matthew Fortescue 2nd Baron Fortescue (age 33) and Anne Campbell Baroness Fortescue (age 24) were married. She by marriage Baroness Fortescue of Castle Hill.
On 8th July 1766 Henry Hoghton 6th Baronet (age 37) and Fanny Booth Lady Hoghton were married. She by marriage Lady Hoghton of Hoghton Tower in Lancashire.
On 8th July 1776 Christopher Willoughby 1st Baronet (age 27) and Juliana Burvill (age 21) were married.
On 8th July 1789 FitzWilliam Barrington 10th Baronet 1755 1832 (age 34) and Edith Mary Marshall Lady Barrington were married at St George's Church, Hanover Square. They were fifth cousin once removed.
On 8th July 1800 George Canning Prime Mininster (age 30) and Joan Scott Viscountess Canning (age 24) were married.
On 8th July 1811 Cornwallis Maude 3rd Viscount Hawarden (age 31) and Jane Crawfurd Bruce were married. She by marriage Viscountess Hawarden.
On 8th July 1811 Charles Manners-Sutton 1st Viscount Canterbury (age 31) and Lucy Maria Denison were married. He the son of Archbishop Charles Manners-Sutton (age 56) and Mary Thoroton.
On 8th July 1815 George Hamilton-Gordon 4th Earl Aberdeen (age 31) and Harriet Douglas Countess Aberdeen (age 23) were married. She by marriage Countess Aberdeen.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 8th July 1819 James Graham 2nd Baronet (age 27) and Frances "Fanny" Callander Lady Graham (age 26) were married.
On 8th July 1862 Henry Farquhar 4th Baronet (age 23) and Alice Brand Lady Farquhar (age 22) were married. They were half fourth cousins. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.
On 8th July 1874 George Canning Harris 4th Baron Harris (age 23) and Lucy Ada Jervis Baroness Harris were married. She by marriage Baroness Harris of Seringapatam and Mysore and of Belmont in Kent.
On 8th July 1890 Walter Shirley 11th Earl Ferrers (age 26) and Mary Jane Moon Countess Ferrers were married.
On 8th July 1891 Henry Charles Hardinge 3rd Viscount Hardinge (age 33) and Mary Frances Neville Marchioness Abergavenny (age 22) were married.
On 8th July 1903 Mervyn Manningham-Buller 3rd Baronet (age 27) and Lilah Constance Cavendish (age 19) were married. They were half sixth cousins.
On 8th July 1913 Major John Delves Broughton 11th Baronet (age 29) and Vera Edyth Griffith-Boscawen Lady Boughton (age 19) were married.
On 8th July 1920 Robert Strutt 4th Baron Rayleigh (age 44) and Kathleen Alice Coppin-Straker Baroness Rayleigh were married. She by marriage Baroness Rayleigh of Terling Place in Essex.
On 8th July 975 King Edgar I of England (age 32) died at Winchester, Hampshire [Map]. He was buried in Glastonbury Abbey [Map]. His son Edward (age 13) succeeded I King of England.
On 8th July 1253 Theobald IV King Navarre (age 52) died. His son Theobald (age 13) succeeded V Count Champagne, II King Navarre.
On 8th July 1399 Elizabeth Saye 5th Baroness Say (age 32) died. Baron Say extinct.
On 8th July 1422 Michelle Valois Duchess Burgundy (age 27) died.
On 8th July 1425 Elizabeth Fitzalan Duchess Norfolk (age 59) died at Wighill. She was buried at St Michael's Church, Hoveringham. Her son John Mowbray 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 33) inherited her estates including Framlingham Castle, Suffolk [Map].
On 8th July 1453 Philippa Neville Baroness Dacre of Gilsland (age 67) died at Naworth Castle [Map].
On 8th July 1495 John Stewart 1st Earl Lennox (age 65) died. His son Matthew succeeded 2nd Earl Lennox.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 8th July 1648 Edward Chichester 1st Viscount Chichester (age 80) died. His son Arthur (age 42) succeeded 2nd Viscount Chichester of Carrickfergus, 3rd Baron Chichester of Belfast. Mary Digby Countess Donegal (age 36) by marriage Viscountess Chichester of Carrickfergus.
On 8th July 1651 John Isham 1st Baronet (age 68) died. His son Justinian (age 41) succeeded 2nd Baronet Isham of Lamport in Northamptonshire. Vere Leigh Lady Isham by marriage Lady Isham of Lamport in Northamptonshire.
On 8th July 1664 Mary Cogan died in childbirth at Carlisle Castle [Map] where her husband Christopher Musgrave 4th Baronet (age 32) was Governor. She was buried at St Cuthbert's Church, Edenhall [Map].
On 8th July 1674 William Herbert 6th Earl Pembroke 3rd Earl Montgomery (age 33) died. His half brother Philip (age 22) succeeded 7th Earl Pembroke, 4th Earl Montgomery.
On 8th July 1695 Christian Huygens (age 66) died.
On 8th July 1713 Frances Bennett Countess of Salisbury (age 42) died.
On 8th July 1716 Robert South (age 81) died.
On 8th July 1753 Thomas Fermor 1st Earl Pomfret (age 55) died. His son George (age 31) succeeded 2nd Earl Pomfret aka Pontefract, 3rd Baron Leominster, 4th Baronet Fermor of Easton Neston in Northamptonshire.
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 8th July 1767 Henry Poole 3rd Baronet died. His brother Ferdinando succeeded 4th Baronet Poole of Poole in Cheshire.
On 8th July 1767 William Twysden 6th Baronet (age 37) died. His son William (age 7) succeeded 7th Baronet Twysden of Roydon in Kent.
On 8th July 1773 Francis Greville 1st Earl Brooke Warwick Castle 1st Earl Warwick (age 53) died. His son George (age 26) succeeded 2nd Earl Warwick, 2nd Earl Brooke Warwick Castle, 9th Baron Brooke of Beauchamps Court in Warwickshire.
On 8th July 1779 Robert Bertie 4th Duke Ancaster and Kesteven (age 22) died of scarlet fever unmarried at Grimsthorpe, South Kesteven. His uncle Brownlow (age 50) succeeded 5th Duke Ancaster and Kesteven, 5th Marquess Lindsay, 8th Earl Lindsey. His sister Priscilla (age 18) succeeded 21st Baroness Willoughby de Eresby.
On 8th July 1803 Frederick Augustus Hervey 4th Earl Bristol (age 72) died in Lazio. His son Frederick (age 33) succeeded 5th Earl Bristol, 6th Baron Hervey of Ickworth in Suffolk. H3NG0wbdHis great grandson Charles (age 4) succeeded 6th Baron Howard de Walden.
On 8th July 1805 Daniel Gardner (age 55) died.
On 8th July 1815 Catherine Henrietta Boyle (age 47) died. Her brother Henry (age 43) succeeded 3rd Earl Shannon.
On 8th July 1822 Percy Bysshe Shelley (age 29) drowned. He was returning on the Don Juan with Edward Williams from a meeting at Livorno with Leigh Hunt and Byron to make arrangements for a new journal, The Liberal. The boat was sunk is a storm. Shelley's badly decomposed body washed ashore at Viareggio ten days later and was identified by Trelawny from the clothing and a copy of Keats's Lamia in a jacket pocket. On 16th August 1822 his body was cremated on a beach near Viareggio and the ashes were buried in the Protestant Cemetery of Rome. The cremation was attended by George "Lord Byron" 6th Baron Byron (age 34). His wife Mary Godwin aka Shelley (age 24) did not attend.
On 8th July 1823 Henry Raeburn (age 67) died.
On 8th July 1824 George de la Poer Beresford died of an inflammation of the boels folloing a short illness. The Waterford Mirror 14 July 1824: "With deep concern we have to state that on Thursday evening, the 8th instant, George Da Le Poer Berresord, Earl of Tyrone, eldest son of the Most Noble Henny, Marquis of Waterford, died, from inflammation of the bowels; after an illness of two days, at the house of his Father, in Mansfield street, Portland-place, London. He was fourteen years of age, we understand, last January, and was considered a youth of great promise. The title of Earl of Tyrone comes, of course, to his brother, Henry De Le Poer Beresford (age 13), aged thirteen years, at present the heir apparent of the parent branch of the illustrious House of De Le Poer Beresford. Of his dispositions we hear most favourable accounts, The melancholy death of the Earl of Tynoxe made it unavoidable to put off the assembly which his ufflicied mother had projected for last Monday."
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 8th July 1849 Henry Leslie Pepys 3rd Baronet (age 65) died. His first cousin Charles (age 68) succeeded 4th Baronet Pepys of Brook Street.
On 8th July 1850 Adolphus Hanover 1st Duke Cambridge (age 76) died. His son Prince (age 31) succeeded 2nd Duke Cambridge.
On 8th July 1853 Charlotte Cadogan Marchioness Anglesey (age 71) died.
On 8th July 1857 Robert Howe Bromley 3rd Baronet (age 78) died. His son Henry (age 40) succeeded 4th Baronet Bromley of Nottingham and East Stoke in Nottinghamshire. Georgiana Fane Lady Bromley by marriage Lady Bromley of Nottingham and East Stoke in Nottinghamshire.
On 8th July 1863 William Alexander Archibald Hamilton 11th Duke Hamilton 8th Duke Brandon (age 52) died. His son William (age 18) succeeded 12th Duke Hamilton, 8th Marquess Douglas, 9th Duke Brandon of Suffolk, 9th Baron Dutton of Cheshire.
On 8th July 1863 Catherine Yorke Countess Caledon (age 77) died.
On 8th July 1873 Franz Xaver Winterhalter (age 68) died.
On 8th July 1893 Anne Sophia Ryder Lady Grey (age 88) died.
On 8th July 1897 George Samuel Brooke-Pechell 5th Baronet (age 78) died. His son Samuel (age 44) succeeded 6th Baronet Brooke-Pechell of Paglesham in Essex.
On 8th July 1921 John Ernest Breun (age 59) died at Tollington House, 1 Turle Road, Tollington Park.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 8th July 1924 Paul Albert Steck (age 58) died.
On 8th July 1926 Henry William Beresford 3rd Baronet (age 75) died.
On 8th July 1927 Charles Hay 20th Earl of Erroll (age 75) died. His son Victor (age 50) succeeded 21st Earl Erroll.
On 8th July 1939 Frances Elizabeth Sarah Eveleigh-de-Moleyns Marchioness Conyngham died.
On 8th July 1945 Katharine Frances Wilbraham Lady Wilbraham (age 96) died. Memorial at All Saints Church, Old Rode.
Katharine Frances Wilbraham Lady Wilbraham: On or before 23rd May 1849 she was born to Lieutenant-General Richard Wilbraham and Elizabeth Frances Egerton. Coefficient of inbreeding 7.04%. On 4th April 1872 George Barrington Baker Wilbraham 5th Baronet and she were married. On 4th October 1911 Frederick Edward Baker aka Rhodes 4th Baronet died unmarried. His brother George succeeded 5th Baronet Baker of Loventor in Totnes in Devon. She by marriage Lady Baker of Loventor in Totnes in Devon.
On 8th July 1955 Maurice Roche 4th Baron Fermoy (age 70) died.
On 8th July 1957 Constance Grosvenor Countess of Shaftesbury (age 81) died.
On 8th July 1986 Stuart Royden Biddulph 10th Baronet (age 78) died. His son Ian (age 46) succeeded 11th Baronet Biddulph of Westcombe in Kent.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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On 8th July 2004 Stafford Henry Northcote 4th Earl of Iddesleigh (age 71) died. His son John (age 47) succeeded 5th Earl of Iddesleigh in Devon, 5th Viscount St Gyres of Newton St Gyres in Devon, 12th Baronet Northcote of Hayne in Devon