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On this Day in History ... 8th March

08 Mar is in March.

1429 Joan of Arc meets Charles VII at Chinon

1702 Death of King William III

1712 French Royal Family Deaths from Measles

1748 Attack on Port Louis

1811 Vere Street Club Raid

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 8th March

Around 8th March 1429 Joan of Arc (age 17) met with Charles "Victorious" VII King France (age 26) at Chinon Castle [Map]. Their first meeting.

On 8th March 1466 Francesco Sforza I Duke Milan (age 64) died. His son Galeazzo (age 22) succeeded 5th Duke Milan.

Patent Rolls. 8th March 1485. Westminster. Grant to the king's kinsman, William, Earl of Huntingdon (age 34), and Catharine (age 14) his wife of an annuity of 152l. 10s. 10d. from the issues of the king's possessions in the counties of Caermarden and Cardigan and of the king's lordship of Haverford West in South Wales until they shall have of the king's grant to themselves and the heirs of their bodies, lordships, manors, lauds and other possessions to the same value. By p.s.

Wriothesley's Chronicle [1508-1562]. 8th March 1503... and on Passion Sundaye a peace made betwene the Emperoure and the Kinge (age 46) duringe their lyves, solemnized upon a great oathe at the highe aulter in Paules queere [Map].

Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1520. 8 March. [1520] Calig. E. II. 9. B. M. 662. Francis I. to [Henry VIII.]

Has received his letters by the gentleman of his privy chamber. The ambassador resident with him is grateful for the leave now given him of returning to England. Will give credence to Messire Richard [Wingfield] (age 51), or any one else whom the King may employ, and considers it an indication of the firmness of their alliance. Pays a compliment to Boleyn (age 43) on his return. Cognac, [8 March.] Signature half burnt.Fr., mutilated, p. 1.

Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1520. 8 March. [1520] Calig. D. VI. 260. B. M. 663. Claude Queen of Francis I. to Henry VIII.

Has received his letters by Sir Richard Wyngfilde (age 51), his councillor and ambassador, declaring the great affection he bears to the King her lord and her, and his desire to hear from them and the Dauphin. Assures him she entertains a like disposition towards him, as Henry's ambassador, le sieur Boulan (Sir Thomas Boleyn (age 43)) will show; to whom she refers Henry for news. Signed: Vostre bonne seur, cousyne, conmere et aliée, Claude. Countersigned: Decomacre.

Add.: A treshault et tresexcellent prince, &c. le roy d'Angleterre.

Endorsed in pencil: C. Hoye, things to be perused, 20 July 1613.

Pp. 2, slightly burnt.

Anne Boleyn. Her Life as told by Lancelot de Carle's 1536 Letter.

In 1536, two weeks after the execution of Anne Boleyn, her brother George and four others, Lancelot du Carle, wrote an extraordinary letter that described Anne's life, and her trial and execution, to which he was a witness. This book presents a new translation of that letter, with additional material from other contemporary sources such as Letters, Hall's and Wriothesley's Chronicles, the pamphlets of Wynkyn the Worde, the Memorial of George Constantyne, the Portuguese Letter and the Baga de Secrets, all of which are provided in Appendices.

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Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1520. 8 March. [1520] Calig. D. VII. 178. B. M. 666. Sir Richard Wingfield (age 51) to [Wolsey].

On ... [day] last arrived at this town. Was met within half a league by La Battye, Saintmesmes and Poytou. Was asked to dinner by the Admiral, and there met Lottreke and Dorravall. Delivered to the Admiral the King and Wolsey's letters, which were "greatly to his comfort." He carried Boleyn (age 43) and the writer to the King's dining chamber, where Wingfield delivered his letters to Francis, who expressed his great and sincere pleasure at their amicable terms. Boleyn, on his return, will explain more. On his withdrawing the King took Wingfield apart, when he delivered Wolsey's letter. The King expressed his joy at the Cardinal's good convalescence,—said he had put his life and safety into his hands, and had made such arrangements for the interview as he understood by the bailly of Caane would be most acceptable to England. He stated that he should always be anxious to recompense Wolsey for the cares he had taken; and if there were anything in his realm elsewhere which might do the Cardinal pleasure, he might be assured thereof. He trusted that no malice of any prince in Christendom might "impeach" the intended interview.

Leaves Boleyn to report what he stated of the jousts and tourneys. Francis spoke incidentally of his voyage against the ... and told Wingfield to resort to his chamber at all times, as he used to do to his m[aster]. Then came the duke of Bourbon, and would have conversed longer with him; but the Admiral took him away to the Queen, and then to the King's mother, to whom he delivered his letters. La Batye has not omitted to speak of his noble entertainment in England. All the ambassadors resident in this court are ordered to Angoulesme this night or tomorrow, to be at the funeral service of the King's father. Thinks he shall not see Francis till Tuesday or Wednesday. Withholds for the present the article concerning Buttun, as also that "for obtaining of the King's letters here of promise to condescend to none other meeting." Will use his judgment as to the fitting time to press them. Cognac, 8 March. Signature half burnt.

Mutilated, pp. 6.

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Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1528. 30th June 1528. R. O. 4442. Sir William Compton (age 46).

Will of Sir William Compton, made on 8 March 1522, 14 Henry VIII. Desires to be buried at Compton Wynyates, Warwickshire [Map] in Warwickshire, beside his ancestors: That is if his wife (age 22) die before he return home from his journey, she be afterwards brought to Compton and buried there. Bequeaths to his wife movables at Bettyschorne, and at the great park of Windsor, and the plate which belonged to Francis Cheyny, "my predecessor." If his wife be delivered of a son, bequeaths to him all his household stuff at Compton, with the plate which was given him by the French king in a schedule. His wife to have the control of it till the child be of age. If he have a son, bequeaths to each of his daughters 1,000 marks for their marriages, and 100 marks in plate. Wills that 40 pair of vestments be made of one suit, to be distributed to the parish churches in the counties of Warwick and Worcester, adjoining to Compton. All his apparel to be used in making vestments and other works of charity. Bequeaths to the abbey of Winchcomb his wedding gown of tynsen satin, to make a vestment that they may pray for the souls of his ancestors. Wills his executors to release to the monastery of Denny all the debts they owe him, and bequeaths to them £10 for an obit. Bequeaths goods to the value of 200 marks to be distributed to poor householders, and to the marriages of poor maids in the counties of Warwick and Worcester. Wills that a tomb of alabaster be prepared for his father, with his arms graven upon it. Bequeaths to the King (age 30) his little chest of ivory with gilt lock, "and a chest bourde under the same, and a pair of tables upon it," with all the jewels and treasure enclosed, now in his wife's custody; also "certain specialties to the sum of 1,000 marks, which I have of Sir Thomas Bullen (age 45), knight," for money lent to him. Wills that his children have their plate on coming to their full ages; i.e., on the males coming to the age of twenty-one, and the females to the age of eighteen.

Bequests to his sister [Elizabeth] Rudney, and his cousin John Rudney, her son. Wills that his mother's body be taken up and buried at Compton Wynyates, Warwickshire [Map]. Bequest to the daughter of his aunt Appulby. £20 to be put in a box at the abbey of Winchecombe, to make defence for all such actions as may be wrongfully taken against his wife or his executors. Two chantries to be founded in his name at Compton Wynyates, Warwickshire [Map], to do daily service for the souls of the King, the Queen, my Lady Anne Hastings (age 45), himself, his wife and ancestors. The priests to be appointed by the Abbot of Winchecombe, or, failing him, the Abbot of Evesham. 5 marks a year to be paid to the parson of Compton to keep a free grammar school. £100 a year to be paid to his wife during her life, for her jointure, besides her inheritance in Barkeley's lands. Bequests to the monasteries of Evesham, Hayles, Winchecombe, Worcester, Croxton, the charterhouses of Henton and Coventry, for obits; to Sir William Tyler, Sir Thomas Lynne, Thomas Baskett and George Lynde; to his servants who happen to be with him this journey; to John Draper, his servant, and Robert Bencare, his solicitor; to Griffin Gynne, now with Humphrey Brown, serjeant-at-law, for his learning; and to Lady Anne Hastings. Executors appointed: Dame Warburgh my wife (age 31), the bishop of Exeter (age 66), Sir Henry Marney, Lord Privy Seal, Sir Henry Guildford (age 39), Sir Richard Broke, Sir John Dantsy, Dr. Chomber, Humphrey Brown, serjeant-at-law, Thomas Leson, clk., James Clarell and Thomas Unton. Appoints my Lord Bishop of Canterbury (age 78) supervisor of his will. Gifts to the executors.

3. Bargain and sale by Sir Henry Guildford, Humphrey Brown, Thomas Hunton and Thomas Leeson, as executors of Sir William Compton, to Sir Thomas Arundell, of certain tenements in St Swithin's Lane [Map], [London,] lately in the possession of Lewis... and Humphrey... as executors of Sir Richard Wingfield.

4. Inventory of the goods of Sir William Compton in his house in London.

Ready money, gold and silver, 1,£338 7s. 0½d. Jewels of gold and silver, £898 6s. 2d. Gilt plate, £85 5s. 3d. Parcel gilt plate, £31 12s. 2d. White plate, £90 0s. 3½d. Silks, £210 13s. 6d.=2,£654 4s. 5d.

5. Names of the officers upon the lands late Sir William Compton's.

[Note. Lots of names of Steward and Bailiffs and values.].

6. Inquisition taken in Middlesex on the death of Sir William Compton, 20 Henry VIII.

Found that Richard Broke, serjeant-at-law, [Walter Rodney] [Names in brackets crossed out], William Dyngley and John Dyngley, now surviving, with [Sir Rob. Throgmerton and William Tracy,]* deceased, were seized of the manors of Totenham, Pembrokes, Bruses, Daubeneys and Mokkyngs, with lands in Tottenham, Edelmeton and Enfeld, to Compton's use; and that George Earl of Shrewsbury (age 60), Henry Earl of Essex, John Bourchier Lord Bernes (age 61), [Sir Rob. Ratclyf,]* Rob. Brudenell (age 67), justice of the King's Bench, Richard Sacheverell (age 61) [and Thomas Brokesby],* now surviving, with [Sir Ralph Shyrley,]* deceased, were seized of the manor of Fyncheley and lands in Fyncheley and Hendon to his use. His son, Peter Compton (age 5), is his heir, and is six years old and over.

7. Citation by Wolsey (age 55), as legate, of Sir William Compton, for having lived in adultery with the wife of Lord Hastings (age 41), while his own wife, dame Werburga Brereton, was alive, and for having taken the sacrament to disprove it.

4443. Sir William Compton.

Inventory of the goods of Sir William Compton at his places in London, Compton, Bittisthorne, the Great Park of Windsor, Sir Walter Stoner's place. Total of moveables, 4,£485 2s. 3½d. "Sperat dettes," estimated at 3,£511 13s. 4d. "Chatell Royall," £666 13s. 4d.

Wards.-One ward that cost £466 13s. 4d.; another of 500 marks land; the third, "Sir George Salynger's son and his heir." There is at Windsor Great Park plate embezzled to the value of £579 2s. 6d., as appears by a bill found in Sir William's place at London. Desperate debts estimated at 1,£908 6s. 8d. Debts owing by him estimated at £1,000

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Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1533. 8th March 1533. 212. On the 23rd the Nuncio received from the Pope the briefs to be presented to the King for summoning the Council. He was at Court to present them; but as it was a day when the Lady (age 32) gave a banquet the King would not give him audience, but deputed Norfolk (age 60) to hear his charge. Since then he has asked many times for an audience and for an answer, and after waiting from day to day he was told yesterday that the King was busy, and it was no use for him to wait, for the King would write in three days to his ambassadors at Rome.

Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1533. 8th March 1533. 212. On St. Matthias' Day the Lady (age 32) received the King at dinner in her chamber richly ornamented with tapestry, and the most beautiful sideboard of gold that ever was seen. The Lady sat close on the right of the King, and the old duchess of Norfolk (age 56) on his left. At the lower end of the table, where there was another contiguous and transverse table, sat the Chancellor, Suffolk and many other lords and ladies. During dinner the King was so much occupied with mirth and talk that he said little which could be understood; but he said to the duchess of Norfolk, "Has not the Marchioness got a "grand dote and a rich marriage, as all that we see, and the rest of the plate" (with which they had been delighted), "belongs to the Lady?" Your Majesty will perceive the King's obstinacy, who, since the execution of the brief, goes on worse than before, as well in this matter as in that of the Queen (age 47), whom he has lately banished 40 miles from here in very great haste, notwithstanding her great entreaty for a delay of eight days, that she might give order for her necessities; and there is no hope that he will do otherwise until he sees sentence given, for the reasons I have already written to you.

Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1533. 8th March 1533. Vienna Archives. 212. Chapuys (age 43) to Charles V.

I wrote on the 23rd ult. On the 24th I received your Majesty's letters of the 28th Jan. The same day Langez arrived from France, and a French gentleman named Beauvoix from Scotland, who have been, as usual, well received, and dined at the King's table with the other Ambassador the day after their arrival, which was Shrove Tuesday, when the Lady (age 32) took the place usually occupied by the Queen; and there were present the duke of Norfolk (age 60) and other great masters, except Suffolk, although he had been expressly called to come with the order of France. The said Langez and Beauvoix were here but four days, and were every day in Court and in communication with the King and Council, "mays non poinct fort griemant;" and it seems that their hasty despatch was either because Langez could not arrange anything important, or to hasten the settlement of their dispute with Scotland. I think one of the chief objects of Langez's coming has been to take resolution with those here about the Council, which both parties desire to prevent. I am led to think this, because, in talking with Langez, he suddenly said to me that your Majesty had obtained your desire, viz., the said Council, and that the Pope had no mind to refuse you anything since he had been punished by your Majesty by imprisonment and otherwise. And on my declaring to him the displeasure you had felt at his Holiness's imprisonment, and his sudden deliverance as soon as you were informed of it, he intimated that a ransom had been paid for the said deliverance, although it was more honorable and gracious than his Holiness deserved. This I could not allow to pass after declaring the respect you had always felt for his Holiness, and showed that the Pope had done more for his master than for your Majesty, pointing out also the necessity of the said Council, which the Pope must have promoted without being asked. On this Langez retracted what he had said. He told me his master had written to the Pope that a Council was reasonable and necessary, but that two conditions ought to be observed: first, that it must be in a suitable place where all could attend, and if it were held in Italy he should have the right of bringing as many forces as you had brought; and (2) that it should treat of nothing but what concerned the Faith, and enter into no particular quarrels. He did not enter fully into the said conditions, for Brian had just come for him and the other Ambassadors to conduct them to Court, taking no particular pleasure in my conversation with him. Suggests reasons for these conditions; among others, the fear they have lest it should be proposed to restore to the Empire the temporalities now held by the Pope, doubting that your Majesty would grow too great thereby.

Langez proceeded to justify the course he had taken at Paris about the divorce, saying he had not done any bad turn there, as people thought, and that he no more desired the divorce than I did. And he said that last year, when he was in Germany, he had found certain of your ministers very little inclined to the preservation of peace with his master; for that they said that his master had promoted the coming of the Turks. Further, in the course of conversation he said that you had used certain words at an assembly at Ratisbon not honorable to the King his master, stating that when he had been asked for succour against the Turk he had replied that he would not hazard his people.

In consequence of their hurry to go to Court, I had no leisure to treat with the gentleman who returned from Scotland. Conversation with Langez on the peace there, who professed ignorance of what this gentleman has done. Asked Norfolk, but could get no information. He told me that Langez had talked to the King and his Council, as he had done to me, but did not say much, as Suffolk and Wiltshire (age 56) were standing by while he had to go to the King, who had sent for him already three times. I hope I shall find out some of the particulars of Langez's charge. As to the other, I have learned that since the Scotch king received the Order (of the Golden Fleece) from your Majesty, the Scots are no longer inclined to France, and have proceeded so far as to beat down the arms of France, and put up the Imperial arms in their room. On being informed of this, the French king had sent him to James, explaining that he had not put off giving his daughter in marriage to him. To which the Scotch king made a gracious and prudent answer, expressive of his affection for France; and as to the reception of the Order, he had merely acted in conformity [with your liberality], of which he could not repent; and he spoke much in praise of you.

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Henry Machyn's Diary. 8th March 1554. The viij day of Marche cam owt of the Towre of London [Map] the archbysshope of Canturbere Crenmer (age 64), and bysshope of London was Rydley (age 54), and master Lathemer (age 67) condam, [i. e. quondam (bishop of Worcester).] and so to Brenfford and ther ser John Wylliam reseyvyd them, and so to Oxfford.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 8th March 1560. The viij day of Marche dyd pryche at the cowrt, afor non, master Pylkyngtun (age 40) the nuw byshope of Wynchaster, and ys matter whent myche to ma[intaining] Oxford and Cambryge skullors [scholars], and the byshopes and [clergy] to have better levyng [living ie income].

Henry Machyn's Diary. 8th March 1562. The viij day of Marche dyd pryche a-for the quen('s) (age 28) grace, the iiij sonday in Lentt, called Mydlent sonday, master Horne (age 52), the byshope of Wynchaster.

On 8th March 1616 Maria Anna Wittelsbach Holy Roman Empress (age 41) died.

After 8th March 1643. Monument to Edward Noel 2nd Viscount Campden (deceased) and Juliana Hicks Viscountess Campden (age 56) at St James' Church, Chipping Campden [Map]. Sculpted by Joshua Marshall (age 14) in 1664. A striking and macabre work with standing effigies at the doors of Heaven.

Deeds of King Henry V

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 March 1652 Charles Beale (age 20) and Mary Beale aka Cradock (age 18) were married.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th March 1660. To Whitehall to bespeak some firing for my father at Short's, and likewise to speak to Mr. Blackburne about Batters being gunner in the "Wexford". Then to Westminster Hall [Map], where there was a general damp over men's minds and faces upon some of the Officers of the Army being about making a remonstrance against Charles Stuart (age 29) or any single person; but at noon it was told, that the General (age 51) had put a stop to it, so all was well again. Here I met with Jasper, who was to look for me to bring me to my Lord at the lobby; whither sending a note to my Lord, he comes out to me and gives me direction to look after getting some money for him from the Admiralty, seeing that things are so unsafe, that he would not lay out a farthing for the State, till he had received some money of theirs. Home about two o'clock, and took my wife by land to Paternoster Row [Map], to buy some Paragon for a petticoat and so home again. In my way meeting Mr. Moore, who went home with me while I ate a bit and so back to Whitehall again, both of us. He waited at the Council for Mr. Crew (age 62). I to the Admiralty, where I got the order for the money, and have taken care for the getting of it assigned upon Mr. Hutchinson, Treasurer for the Navy, against tomorrow. Hence going home I met with Mr. King that belonged to the Treasurers at War and took him to Harper's, who told me that he and the rest of his fellows are cast out of office by the new Treasurers. This afternoon, some of the Officers of the Army, and some of the Parliament, had a conference at White Hall to make all right again, but I know not what is done. This noon I met at the Dog tavern [Map] Captain Philip Holland, with whom I advised how to make some advantage of my Lord's going to sea, which he told me might be by having of five or six servants entered on board, and I to give them what wages I pleased, and so their pay to be mine; he was also very urgent to have me take the Secretary's place, that my Lord did proffer me.

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John Evelyn's Diary. 8th March 1661. I went to my Lord Chancellor's (age 52), and delivered to him the state of my concernment at Sayes Court [Map].

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th March 1661. All the morning at the office. At noon Sir W. Batten (age 60), Col. Slingsby (age 50) and I by coach to the Tower, to Sir John Robinson's, to dinner; where great good cheer. High company; among others the Duchess of Albemarle (age 41), who is ever a plain homely dowdy. After dinner, to drink all the afternoon. Towards night the Duchess and ladies went away. Then we set to it again till it was very late. And at last came in Sir William Wale, almost fuddled; and because I was set between him and another, only to keep them from talking and spoiling the company (as we did to others), he fell out with the Lieutenant of the Tower; but with much ado we made him under stand his error, and then all quiet. And so he carried Sir William Batten and I home again in his coach, and so I almost overcome with drink went to bed. I was much contented to ride in such state into the Tower, and be received among such high company, while Mr. Mount, my Lady Duchess's gentleman usher, stood waiting at table, whom I ever thought a man so much above me in all respects; also to hear the discourse of so many high Cavaliers of things past. It was a great content and joy to me.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th March 1662. In the Hall I met with Serjeant Pierce; and he and I to drink a cup of ale at the Swan [Map], and there he told me how my Lady Monk (age 42) hath disposed of all the places which Mr. Edwd. Montagu hoped to have had, as he was Master of the Horse to the Queen (age 23); which I am afraid will undo him, because he depended much upon the profit of what he should make by these places. He told me, also, many more scurvy stories of him and his brother Ralph, which troubles me to hear of persons of honour as they are.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th March 1663. After dinner up to my Lord, there being Mr. Kumball. My Lord, among other discourse, did tell us of his great difficultys passed in the business of the Sound, and of his receiving letters from the King (age 32) there, but his sending them by Whetstone was a great folly; and the story how my Lord being at dinner with Sydney, one of his fellow plenipotentiarys and his mortal enemy, did see Whetstone, and put off his hat three times to him, but the fellow would not be known, which my Lord imputed to his coxcombly humour (of which he was full), and bid Sydney take notice of him too, when at the very time he had letters in his pocket from the King, as it proved afterwards. And Sydney afterwards did find it out at Copenhagen, the Dutch Commissioners telling him how my Lord Sandwich (age 37) had hired one of their ships to carry back Whetstone to Lubeck, he being come from Flanders from the King. But I cannot but remember my Lord's aequanimity in all these affairs with admiration.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th March 1663. Lord's Day. Being sent to by Sir J. Minnes (age 64) to know whether I would go with him to White Hall to-day, I rose but could not get ready before he was gone, but however I walked thither and heard Dr. King (age 71), Bishop of Chichester, make a good and eloquent sermon upon these words, "They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy". Thence (the chappell in Lent being hung with black, and no anthem sung after sermon, as at other times), to my Lord Sandwich (age 37) at Sir W. Wheeler's (age 52). I found him out of order, thinking himself to be in a fit of an ague, but in the afternoon he was very cheery. I dined with Sir William, where a good but short dinner, not better than one of mine commonly of a Sunday.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th March 1666. After dinner I took coach and away to Hales's (age 66), where my wife is sitting; and, indeed, her face and necke, which are now finished, do so please me that I am not myself almost, nor was not all the night after in writing of my letters, in consideration of the fine picture that I shall be master of.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th March 1667. So home with Sir W. Batten (age 66), and Sir W. Pen (age 45), by coach, and there met at the office, and my Lord Bruncker (age 47) presently after us, and there did give order to Mr. Stevens for securing the tickets in Carcasses hands, which my Lord against his will could not refuse to sign, and then home to dinner, and so away with my wife by coach, she to Mrs. Pierce's and I to my Lord Bellasses (age 52), and with him to [my] Lord Treasurer's (age 59), where by agreement we met with Sir H. Cholmly (age 34), and there sat and talked all the afternoon almost about one thing or other, expecting Sir Philip Warwicke's (age 57) coming, but he come not, so we away towards night, Sir H. Cholmly and I to the Temple [Map], and there parted, telling me of my Lord Bellasses's want of generosity, and that he [Bellasses] will certainly be turned out of his government, and he thinks himself stands fair for it.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th March 1667. Up, and to the Old Swan [Map], where drank at Michell's, but not seeing her whom I love I by water to White Hall, and there acquainted Sir G. Carteret (age 57) betimes what I had to say this day before the Duke of York (age 33) in the business of Carcasse, which he likes well of, being a great enemy to him, and then I being too early here to go to Sir W. Coventry's (age 39) chamber, having nothing to say to him, and being able to give him but a bad account of the business of the office (which is a shame to me, and that which I shall rue if I do not recover), to the Exchequer about getting a certificate of Mr. Lanyon's entered at Sir R. Longs (age 67) office, and strange it is to see what horrid delays there are at this day in the business of money, there being nothing yet come from my Lord Treasurer (age 59) to set the business of money in action since the Parliament broke off, notwithstanding the greatness and number of the King's occasions for it.

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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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th March 1668. At noon, after sermon, I to dinner with Sir G. Carteret (age 58) to Lincoln's Inn Fields, where I find mighty deal of company-a solemn day for some of his and her friends, and dine in the great dining-room above stairs, where Sir G. Carteret himself, and I, and his son, at a little table by, the great table being full of strangers. Here my Lady Jem. do promise to come, and bring my Lord Hinchingbrooke (age 20) and his lady some day this week, to dinner to me, which I am glad of.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th March 1669. Up, and with W. Hewer (age 27) by Hackney coach to White Hall, where the King (age 38) and the Duke of York (age 35) is gone by three in the morning, and had the misfortune to be overset with the Duke of York, the Duke of Monmouth (age 19), and the Prince, at the King's Gate' in Holborne; and the King all dirty, but no hurt. How it come to pass I know not, but only it was dark, and the torches did not, they say, light the coach as they should do. I thought this morning to have seen my Lord Sandwich (age 43) before he went out of town, but I come half an hour too late; which troubles me, I having not seen him since my Lady Palls died. So W. Hewer and I to the Harp-and-Ball, to drink my morning draught, having come out in haste; and there met with King, the Parliament-man, with whom I had some impertinent talk. And so to the Privy Seal Office, to examine what records I could find there, for my help in the great business I am put upon, of defending the present constitution of the Navy; but there could not have liberty without order from him that is in present waiting, Mr. Bickerstaffe, who is out of town. This I did after I had walked to the New Exchange and there met Mr. Moore, who went with me thither, and I find him the same discontented poor man as ever. He tells me that Mr. Shepley is upon being turned away from my Lord's family, and another sent down, which I am sorry for; but his age and good fellowship have almost made him fit for nothing.

John Evelyn's Diary. 8th March 1681. Visited and dined at the Earl of Essex's (age 49), with whom I spent most of the afternoon alone. Thence to my (yet living) godmother and kinswoman, Mrs. Keightley (age 84), sister to Sir Thomas Evelyn and niece to my father, being now eighty-six years of age, sprightly, and in perfect health, her eyes serving her as well as ever, and of a comely countenance, that one would not suppose her above fifty.

John Evelyn's Diary. 8th March 1689. The King (age 55) abroad was now furnished by the French King (age 50) with money and officers for an expedition to Ireland. The great neglect in not more timely preventing that from hence, and the disturbances in Scotland, give apprehensions of great difficulties, before any settlement can be perfected here, while the Parliament dispose of the great offices among themselves. The Great Seal, Treasury and Admiralty put into commission of many unexpected persons, to gratify the more; so that by the present appearance of things (unless God Almighty graciously interpose and give success in Ireland and settle Scotland) more trouble seems to threaten the nation than could be expected. In the interim, the new King refers all to the Parliament in the most popular manner, but is very slow in providing against all these menaces, besides finding difficulties in raising men to send abroad; the former army, which had never seen any service hitherto, receiving their pay and passing their summer in an idle scene of a camp at Hounslow, unwilling to engage, and many disaffected, and scarce to be trusted.

Roger Whitley's Diary. 8th March 1690. Satorday, Booth that informed against Grosvenor,came to complaine that he was threatened that they would have eares, &c. I told him, whilest he swore truth for the King he need not feare; I bid the Butler stand by,&c took notice what I sayd; I left him; at his going away he met me againe, neare the Dyatts; I still advised to speake truth & that would protect him; he told me that G;Harvey, though he appeared against: him; yet had given him up his bonds & discharged him, many yeares agoe; that when he went from him he went into the King Charles his service; that after Harvey had delivered his bonds & received 2 li to be frinds he had imployed him severall times to work under him; at last he would not pay him his wages; Booth sued him & recovered it; which had incensed Harvey against: him, &c. I still charged him to speake nothing but truth; soe he went presently back to Chester; I dined at home; in the evening came Bidolph & 3 servants: then Conen & 2 other men that came from London & had bin at Dysert;,&c. stayd all night.

On 8th March 1702 King William III of England, Scotland and Ireland (age 51) died of Pneumonia at Kensington Palace. His demise was the direct result of a fall from his horse, named Sorrel, which stumbled on a molehill causing King William to fall and break his collarbone. For many years afterwards, Jacobites would raise their glasses and toast "the little gentleman in the black velvet waistcoat". His first cousin Anne (age 37) succeeded I Queen England Scotland and Ireland. She, Anne, being the sister of his wife Mary Stewart II Queen England Scotland and Ireland.

On 12th February 1712 Maria Adelaide Savoy (age 26) died of measles at Versailles.

On 18th February 1712 Louis Bourbon Duke Burgundy (age 29) died of measles contracted when nursing his wife Maria Adelaide Savoy who had died six days previously.

On 8th March 1712, their eldest son, heir to the throne, Louis Bourbon Duke Brittany (age 5) died of measles.

The heir to the French throne their only remaining son Louis (age 1), aged two, great-grandson of the reigning monarch Louis "Sun King" XIV King France (age 73) who succeeded his great-grandfather three years later in 1715.

On 8th March 1716 Edward Seymour 8th Duke of Somerset (age 21) and Mary Webb Duchess Somerset (age 19) were married at Monkton Farleigh, Wiltshire [Map].

On 8th March 1724 Ernest Frederick Saxe Coburg Saalfeld Duke Saxe Coburg Saalfeld was born to Francis Josias Saxe Coburg Saalfeld Duke Saxe Coburg Saalfeld (age 26) and Duchess Anna Sophie Of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld (age 23) at Saalfield. Coefficient of inbreeding 3.37%. He married 23rd April 1749 Sophia Antonia Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel Duchess Saxe Coburg Saalfeld and had issue.

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 March 1734 Bridget Hyde Duchess Leeds (age 72) died.

On 8th March 1748 William Cust (age 28) was killed by a cannonball whilst leading the attack on Port Louis, Cuba on HMS Elizabeth.

In February 1748 Rear-Admiral Charles Knowles left Port Royal, Jamaica, with eight ships of the line to make an attack on Santiago de Cuba. Delayed by contrary winds, he diverted his expedition to Port Louis in the south east of Hispaniola, now known as Haiti. The town sat at the head of a large, deep bay, with two islands, on one of which was a French fort. Knowles sailed his ships up the channel and passed them to the west and north of the fort, which surrendered after a sharp bombardment. The town’s surrender followed soon afterwards and Knowles, having taken possession of a small merchant vessel called a snow and three privateer sloops, burnt the fort and departed for Santiago de Cuba.

The walls of the fort are shown in the centre of the picture with Knowles’s flagship, the ‘Canterbury’ placed slightly to the left, firing into it. Ahead of the French fireship which had been sent against the first in the line, the ‘Elizabeth’ is being towed by boats out of harms way. The ‘Elizabeth’ herself, which had had to evade it is on the extreme left, out of position of the firing. The ship ahead of the ‘Canterbury’, and firing into the north face of the port is believed to be the ‘Worcester’. To the right is a two decker, probably the ‘Stafford’, engaging the fort, while to the right of her, and not engaged because the inner ships mask her batteries, is a ship which is probably the ‘Plymouth’. The ‘Cornwall’ and the ‘Warwick’ are shown beyond engaging. In the extreme right of the picture in the foreground a two-decker, is half into the picture.

William Cust: In 1720 he was born to Richard Cust 2nd Baronet and Anne Brownlow Lady Cust.

After 8th March 1748. Monument to William Cust (deceased) at St Wulfram's Church, Grantham [Map].

After 8th March 1751. St Giles' Church, Wrexham [Map]. Monument to Mary Fitzhugh.

On 8th March 1762 John Charles Felix Rossi was born.

On 8th March 1767 Frederick Charles Emil Oldenburg was born to Frederick Christian Oldenburg I Duke Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Augustenburg (age 45) and Charlotte Amalie Wilhelmine Unknown Duchess Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Augustenburg. He married Sofie Eleonore Fredericka Scheel.

On 8th March 1769 Evelyn Pierrepont 2nd Duke Kingston upon Hull (age 58) and Elizabeth Chudleigh Duchess Kingston upon Hull (age 48) were married at Keith's Chapel, Mayfair. She by marriage Duchess Kingston upon Hull. Her first alledged husband Augustus John Hervey 3rd Earl Bristol (age 44) was still living. Preferring to avoid a divorce, she had previously issued a suit of jactitation against Hervey, with his collusion, requiring him to cease claiming marriage to her unless proved. After Hervey failed to prove the relationship in court and Chudleigh swore she was unmarried, the consistory court in February 1769 pronounced her a spinster, free to marry.

On 8th March 1782 Samuel Woodford (age 18) became a student at the Royal Academy.

8th March 1790. Memorial to Reverend Thomas Loxley (deceased). Rector of St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map].

Reverend Thomas Loxley: In 1722 he was born to Thomas Loxley and Elizabeth Revell. In 1757 he was appointed Rector of St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map]. On 5th March 1790 he died. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map] on 8th March 1790.

Deeds of King Henry V

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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Morning Chronicle, Issue 13051, 8th March 1811?: "Yesterday morning, about five minutes before 8 o’clock, Ensign Hepburn, and — White, the drummer, a lad, only 16 years of age, for the perpetration of an unnatural crime, were brought on the scaffold, in front of the Debtors’ door, Newgate, and executed pursuant to their sentence. Their conduct since condemnation has been such as to evince a sincere contrition, and a just sense of the heinousness of their offence. They behaved in a manner becoming their unhappy situation; and after spending a few minutes in fervent prayer and devotion, with the Rev. Dr. Ford the Ordinary of Newgate, were launched into eternity, amidst a vast concourse of spectators."

On 8th March 1824 Frances Harriett Greville Duchess Richmond was born to Algernon Frederick Greville (age 25) and Charlotte Maria Cox. She married 28th November 1843 her sixth cousin Charles Gordon-Lennox 6th Duke Richmond, son of Charles Gordon-Lennox 5th Duke Richmond and Caroline Paget Duchess Richmond, and had issue.

St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Memorials to Captain Arthur Harper who died at New Lodge, Hanbury [Map] on 1st September 1838 aged twenty-nine. And to Samuel Harper who died at Ackyab in the East Indies 19th June 1831 aged twenty-four, and to Robert John Harper who died on the March 8th, 1846.

Note. Arthur Harper was born on the 7th January 1810. He was appointed Ensign, 9th Foot on the 17th January 1828, Lieutenant, 22nd October 1830; Captain, 17th October 1837; abd retired 28th August 1838.

After 8th March 1842 Monument to Thomas Claughton.

Ten Years' Digging. On the 8th of March we examined the largest barrow at Broad Low Ash [Map], which is so near the road as to have lost a part of one side by the fence, although the centre remained perfectly intact. By digging a trench, nine feet wide and eighteen feet long, through the middle, we found it to be entirely composed of earth, except in a place about two yards from the roadside, where there were a number of stones about a foot beneath the surface, and near them some charcoal, with burnt bones in small quantity, and flakes of flint. No other trace of interment was found.

In other barrows similarly composed of earth, flat stones and scattered bones have been found near the summit, all below being formed of solid earth, frequently in strata of different colour, which have evidently never been disturbed, whilst the most careful search has failed to discover any deposit in the usual situation on or below the natural soil; whence we may conclude that in this by no means unfrequent class of tumuli, the interment (generally by cremation) was for some reason placed near the surface, where it was so liable to destruction by cultivation and other causes so as to render it a matter of surprise that any remnants should have been preserved to the present day.

Cansick's Monumental Inscriptions Volume 2 Highgate Cemetery. Highgate Cemetery. Sacred to the memory of Edward Hodges Baily (age 69), Esq., R.A., Who died May 22 May, 1867, aged 79 years. Also of Elizabeth (deceased), wife of the said Edward Hodges Baily, Esqre., R.A., Who died March 8th 1858, aged 70 years.

On 8th March 1869 George Spencer Watson was born to William Spencer Burton Watson (age 33). He married 1909 Hilda Mary Gardiner and had issue.

On 8th March 1887 Frances Harriett Greville Duchess Richmond (age 63) died.

Anne Boleyn. Her Life as told by Lancelot de Carle's 1536 Letter.

In 1536, two weeks after the execution of Anne Boleyn, her brother George and four others, Lancelot du Carle, wrote an extraordinary letter that described Anne's life, and her trial and execution, to which he was a witness. This book presents a new translation of that letter, with additional material from other contemporary sources such as Letters, Hall's and Wriothesley's Chronicles, the pamphlets of Wynkyn the Worde, the Memorial of George Constantyne, the Portuguese Letter and the Baga de Secrets, all of which are provided in Appendices.

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On 8th March 1916 Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Arthur Clowes (age 48) died of typhoid whilst on active service at Cairo. He was buried at the Cairo War Memorial Cemetery Plot D.344.

On 8th March 1976 Edward Fitzgerald 7th Duke Leinster (age 83) committed suicide by taking an overdose of pentobarbital.

After 8th March 1981. Church of St Leonard, Wortley [Map]. Memorial to Joanna Montagu-Stuart-Wortley (deceased).

Joanna Montagu-Stuart-Wortley: On 15th July 1959 she was born to Alan Montagu Stuart-Wortley-Mackenzie 4th Earl of Wharncliffe and Aline Margaret Bruce Countesss Wharncliffe. On 8th March 1981 Joanna Montagu-Stuart-Wortley died in a car accident.

On 8th March 2021 Iris Susan Stuart Colin died. She was buried at Lincoln Cathedral [Map].

Iris Susan Stuart Colin: On 12th January 1921 she was born. Before 19th December 1995 Bishop Gerald Fitzmaurice Colin and she were married.

Births on the 8th March

On 8th March 1286 John III Duke Brittany was born to Arthur II Duke Brittany (age 24) and Marie Limoges Duchess Brittany. He a great grandson of King Henry III of England. He married (1) 1297 his third cousin Isabelle Valois Duchess Brittany, daughter of Charles Valois I Count Valois and Margaret Capet Countess Valois (2) 1310 his fourth cousin once removed Isabella of Castile Queen Consort Aragon, daughter of Sancho IV King Castile IV King Leon and Maria Molina Queen Consort Castile Queen Consort Leon (3) 1329 his second cousin Joan of Savoy Duchess Brittany, daughter of Edward "Liberal" Savoy Count Savoy and Blanche Burgundy Countess Savoy.

On 8th March 1472 Margaret Kennedy Lady Avondale was born to John Kennedy 2nd Lord Kennedy (age 17) and Elizabeth Gordon Countess Erroll. She married before 1513 her fourth cousin once removed Andrew Stewart 1st Lord Avondale and had issue.

On 8th March 1636 Robert Kerr 1st Marquess Lothian was born to William Kerr 1st Earl Lothian (age 31) and Anne Kerr 3rd Countess of Lothian. He married January 1661 his first cousin once removed Jean Campbell, daughter of Archibald Campbell 1st Marquess Argyll and Margaret Douglas Marchioness Argyll, 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 March 1658 Thomas Trevor 1st Baron Trevor Bromham was born to John Trevor (age 34). He married (1) in or before 1692 Elizabeth Searle and had issue (2) in or before 1706 his first cousin Anne Welden and had issue.

On 8th March 1707 William Irby 1st Baron Boston was born to Edward Irby 1st Baronet (age 30). He married 26th August 1746 Albania Selwyn Baroness Boston and had issue.

On 8th March 1724 Ernest Frederick Saxe Coburg Saalfeld Duke Saxe Coburg Saalfeld was born to Francis Josias Saxe Coburg Saalfeld Duke Saxe Coburg Saalfeld (age 26) and Duchess Anna Sophie Of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld (age 23) at Saalfield. Coefficient of inbreeding 3.37%. He married 23rd April 1749 Sophia Antonia Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel Duchess Saxe Coburg Saalfeld and had issue.

On 8th March 1726 Richard Howe 1st Earl Howe was born to Emanuel Howe 2nd Viscount Howe (age 26) and Sophia Von Keilmansegg Viscountess Howe (age 22) at Albermarle Street. He married 10th March 1758 Mary Hartop and had issue.

On 8th March 1753 Charles Talbot 15th Earl of Shrewsbury was born to Charles Talbot (age 31). He married 23rd September 1792 Elizabeth Hoey Countess Shrewsbury and Waterford.

On 8th March 1762 John Reade 6th Baronet was born to John Reade 5th Baronet (age 40) and Harriet Barker. He was a twin. He was baptised at St George's Church, Hanover Square. He married 13th January 1784 Jane Hoskyns Lady Reade, daughter of Chandos Hoskyns 5th Baronet and Rebecca May Lady Hoskyns, and had issue.

On 8th March 1762 John Charles Felix Rossi was born.

The History of William Marshal, Earl of Chepstow and Pembroke, Regent of England. Book 1 of 2, Lines 1-10152.

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 March 1767 Frederick Charles Emil Oldenburg was born to Frederick Christian Oldenburg I Duke Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Augustenburg (age 45) and Charlotte Amalie Wilhelmine Unknown Duchess Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Augustenburg. He married Sofie Eleonore Fredericka Scheel.

On 8th March 1787 Louisa Legge Baroness Bagot was born to George Legge 3rd Earl Dartmouth (age 31) and Frances Finch Countess Dartmouth (age 26). She married 17th February 1807 her second cousin once removed William Bagot 2nd Baron Bagot, son of William Bagot 1st Baron Bagot and Elizabeth St John Baroness Bagot, and had issue.

On 8th March 1789 George Byron 7th Baron Byron was born to George Anson Byron (age 32). He married 18th March 1816 Elizabeth Chandos-Pole and had issue.

On 8th March 1798 Reverend John Venables-Vernon was born to Henry Venables-Vernon 3rd Baron Vernon (age 50) and Alice Lucy Whitefoord Baroness Vernon (age 30). He married (1) 24th November 1830 Frances Barbara Duncombe (2) 15th December 1853 Caroline Paget.

On 8th March 1803 Catherine Margaret Feilden was born to William Feilden 1st Baronet (age 30) and Mary Haughton Jackson (age 25). She married 7th May 1824 James Hozier of Newlands and had issue.

On 8th March 1824 Frances Harriett Greville Duchess Richmond was born to Algernon Frederick Greville (age 25) and Charlotte Maria Cox. She married 28th November 1843 her sixth cousin Charles Gordon-Lennox 6th Duke Richmond, son of Charles Gordon-Lennox 5th Duke Richmond and Caroline Paget Duchess Richmond, and had issue.

On 8th March 1843 Alice Howard was born to Henry Howard 2nd Earl of Effingham (age 36) and Eliza Drummond Baroness Howard (age 32).

On 8th March 1866 William Feilden 4th Baronet was born to William Feilden 3rd Baronet (age 30). He married 22nd April 1891 Evelyn Manningham-Buller Lady Feilden, daughter of Morton Manningham-Buller 2nd Baronet, 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.'

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

On 8th March 1869 George Spencer Watson was born to William Spencer Burton Watson (age 33). He married 1909 Hilda Mary Gardiner and had issue.

On 8th March 1873 Mary Isabella Sophia Louisa Weld-Forester was born to Cecil Weld-Forester 5th Baron Forester (age 30) with his twin brother.

On 8th March 1878 Captain George Culme-Seymour was born to Michael Culme-Seymour 3rd Baronet (age 41) and Mary Georgina Watson Lady Culme-Seymour. He married 7th December 1909 Janet Beatrix Orr-Ewing and had issue.

On 8th March 1881 Galbraith Lowry Egerton Cole was born to Lowry Cole 4th Earl Enniskillen (age 35) and Charlotte Marion Baird Countess of Enniskillen (age 29). He married 7th December 1917 Eleanor Balfour, daughter of Gerald Balfour 2nd Earl of Balfour and Elizabeth Bulwer-Lytton Countess Balfour, and had issue.

On 8th March 1927 Mary Sheila Gibbs Countess Morton was born to Reverend John Stanley Gibbs (age 47) and Mary Rosamond McCorquodale (age 29). She married 20th September 1949 John Douglas 21st Earl of Morton and had issue.

On 8th March 1935 Gillian Moyra Katherine Cecil was born to David George Brownlow-Cecil 6th Marquess Exeter (age 30) and Mary Theresa Montagu-Douglas-Scott (age 31). Coefficient of inbreeding 1.62%. She married 23rd November 1954 Giles Floyd 7th Baronet, son of John Duckett Floyd 6th Baronet.

The History of William Marshal, Earl of Chepstow and Pembroke, Regent of England. Book 1 of 2, Lines 1-10152.

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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

On 8th March 1942 Anthony Harris 8th Baron Harris was born to Derek Harris 7th Baron Harris (age 26) and Laura Cecilia McCausland (age 23).

On 8th March 1955 Crispin Money-Coutts 9th Baron Latymer was born to Hugo Money-Coutts 8th Baron Latymer (age 29).

Marriages on the 8th March

On 8th March 1637 John Belasyse 1st Baron Belasyse (age 22) and Jane Boteler were married. The marriage had been clandestine for which he was fined £150 by the Court of High Commission.

On 8th March 1652 Charles Beale (age 20) and Mary Beale aka Cradock (age 18) were married.

On 8th March 1716 Edward Seymour 8th Duke of Somerset (age 21) and Mary Webb Duchess Somerset (age 19) were married at Monkton Farleigh, Wiltshire [Map].

On 8th March 1769 Evelyn Pierrepont 2nd Duke Kingston upon Hull (age 58) and Elizabeth Chudleigh Duchess Kingston upon Hull (age 48) were married at Keith's Chapel, Mayfair. She by marriage Duchess Kingston upon Hull. Her first alledged husband Augustus John Hervey 3rd Earl Bristol (age 44) was still living. Preferring to avoid a divorce, she had previously issued a suit of jactitation against Hervey, with his collusion, requiring him to cease claiming marriage to her unless proved. After Hervey failed to prove the relationship in court and Chudleigh swore she was unmarried, the consistory court in February 1769 pronounced her a spinster, free to marry.

On 8th March 1779 Andrew Snape Hamond 1st Baronet (age 40) and Anne Graeme Lady Hamond were married.

On 8th March 1794 Robert Brudenell 6th Earl Cardigan (age 24) and Penelope Cooke Countess Cardigan (age 24) were married at St George's Church, Hanover Square.

On 8th March 1813 Henry Hall Gage 4th Viscount Gage (age 21) and Elizabeth Maria Foley (age 20) were married.

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.'

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

On 8th March 1887 James Arthur Wellington Foley Butler 4th Marquess Ormonde (age 37) and Ellen Stager Marchioness Ormonde were married. She brought a fortune of £200,000 to the marriage. He the son of John Butler 2nd Marquess Ormonde and Frances Paget Marchioness Ormonde (age 70).

On 8th March 1930 Anthony Vivian 5th Baron Vivian (age 24) and Victoria Oliphant Baroness Vivian (age 22) were married.

On 8th March 1945 Gerard Henry Fleetwood Fuller 2nd Baronet (age 38) and Katherine Mary Spence Lady Fuller (age 38) were married. She by marriage Lady Fuller of Neston Park in Corsham in Wiltshire.

On 8th March 1945 Gerard Henry Fleetwood Fuller 2nd Baronet (age 38) and Kathleen Elizabeth Farrar Lady Fuller were married. She by marriage Lady Fuller of Neston Park in Corsham in Wiltshire.

Deaths on the 8th March

On 8th March 1129 Gerald I Count Guelders (age 69) died. His son Gerard (age 24) succeeded II Count Guelders. Ermgard Zutphen Countess Guelders by marriage Countess Guelders.

On 8th March 1137 Adela Normandy Countess Blois (age 70) died.

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 March 1279 Adelaide Andechs died. Her son Otto (age 31) succeeded IV Count Burgundy.

On 8th March 1316 Alicia Ledet Baroness Latimer Corby (age 65) died at Sutton, Bedfordshire.

On 8th March 1441 Margaret Valois Countess Holland (age 66) died.

On 8th March 1466 Francesco Sforza I Duke Milan (age 64) died. His son Galeazzo (age 22) succeeded 5th Duke Milan.

On 8th March 1486 Joan Dacre 7th Baroness Dacre of Gilsland (age 53) died. Her grandson Thomas (age 14) succeeded 8th Baron Dacre Gilsland, 8th Baron Multon of Gilsland.

On 8th March 1616 Maria Anna Wittelsbach Holy Roman Empress (age 41) died.

On 8th March 1627 Samuel Tryon 1st Baronet (age 45) died. His son Samuel (age 9) succeeded 2nd Baronet Tryon of Layer Marney in Essex.

On 8th March 1643 Edward Noel 2nd Viscount Campden (age 61) died. His son Baptist (age 32) succeeded 3rd Viscount Campden, 3rd Baron Hicks of Ilmington in Warwickshire. Hester Wotton Viscountess Campden (age 28) by marriage Viscountess Campden.

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 March 1683 Robert Paston 1st Earl of Yarmouth (age 51) died. His son William (age 29) succeeded 2nd Earl of Yarmouth, 3rd Baronet Paston of Paston and Oxnead.

On 8th March 1684 Richard Tufton 5th Earl of Thanet (age 43) died. His brother Thomas (age 39) succeeded 6th Earl of Thanet, 6th Baron Tufton, 18th Baron de Clifford, 7th Baronet Tufton of Hothfield.

On 8th March 1687 John Tracy 3rd Viscount Tracy (age 70) died. His son William (age 30) succeeded 4th Viscount Tracy of Rathcoole in Dublin. Jane Leigh Viscountess Tracy (age 22) by marriage Viscountess Tracy of Rathcoole in Dublin.

On 8th March 1702 King William III of England, Scotland and Ireland (age 51) died of Pneumonia at Kensington Palace. His demise was the direct result of a fall from his horse, named Sorrel, which stumbled on a molehill causing King William to fall and break his collarbone. For many years afterwards, Jacobites would raise their glasses and toast "the little gentleman in the black velvet waistcoat". His first cousin Anne (age 37) succeeded I Queen England Scotland and Ireland. She, Anne, being the sister of his wife Mary Stewart II Queen England Scotland and Ireland.

On 12th February 1712 Maria Adelaide Savoy (age 26) died of measles at Versailles.

On 18th February 1712 Louis Bourbon Duke Burgundy (age 29) died of measles contracted when nursing his wife Maria Adelaide Savoy who had died six days previously.

On 8th March 1712, their eldest son, heir to the throne, Louis Bourbon Duke Brittany (age 5) died of measles.

The heir to the French throne their only remaining son Louis (age 1), aged two, great-grandson of the reigning monarch Louis "Sun King" XIV King France (age 73) who succeeded his great-grandfather three years later in 1715.

On 8th March 1718 William Molyneux 4th Viscount Molyneux (age 63) died. His son Richard (age 38) succeeded 5th Viscount Molyneux, 6th Baronet Molyneux of Sefton. Mary Brudenell Viscountess Molyneux (age 35) by marriage Viscountess Molyneux.

On 8th March 1734 Bridget Hyde Duchess Leeds (age 72) died.

On 8th March 1743 Bishop John Hough (age 91) died.

On 8th March 1744 William Carew 5th Baronet (age 54) died. His son Coventry (age 27) succeeded 6th Baronet Carew of Antony in Cornwall. Mary Bampfylde Lady Carew by marriage Lady Carew of Antony in Cornwall.

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 March 1790 John Cramer aka Coghill 1st Baronet (age 57) died. His son John (age 24) succeeded 2nd Baronet Coghill of Coghill Hall in the West Riding of Yorkshire.

On 8th March 1812 William Langham 8th Baronet (age 41) died. His son William (age 16) succeeded 9th Baronet Langham of Cottesbrooke in Northamptonshire.

On 8th March 1823 William Duff-Gordon 2nd Baronet (age 50) died. His son Alexander (age 12) succeeded 3rd Baronet Duff-Gordon of Halkin in Aberdeenshire.

On 8th March 1829 Anna-Maria Amyand Countess Minto (age 76) died.

On 8th March 1842 Henry Francis Roper-Curzon 14th Baronet (age 74) died. His son Henry (age 52) succeeded 15th Baron Teynham of Teynham in Kent. Sarah Rudd Baroness Teynham by marriage Baroness Teynham of Teynham in Kent.

On 8th March 1858 John Haggerston 8th Baronet (age 59) died. His son John (age 5) succeeded 9th Baronet Haggerston of Haggerston Castle in Northumberland.

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 March 1883 James Henry Legge Dutton 3rd Baron Sherborne (age 78) died. His son Edward (age 51) succeeded 4th Baron Sherborne. Emily Theresa Stern Baroness Sherborne (age 36) by marriage Baroness Sherborne.

On 8th March 1887 Frances Harriett Greville Duchess Richmond (age 63) died.

On 8th March 1905 Edward Dolman Scott 6th and 5th Baronet (age 79) died. Baronet Scott of Great Barr in Staffordshire extinct. His half first cousin once removed Alexander (age 51) succeeded 6th Baronet Bateman of Hartington Hall in Derbyshire.

On 8th March 1919 Elizabeth Charlotte Louisa Craven Countess Wilton (age 82) died.

On 8th March 1940 David Lindsay 27th Earl of Crawford 10th Earl Balcarres (age 68) died. His son David (age 39) succeeded 28th Earl Crawford, 11th Earl Balcarres. Mary Katherine Cavendish Countess of Crawford and Balcarres by marriage Countess Crawford, Countess Balcarres.

On 8th March 1976 Edward Fitzgerald 7th Duke Leinster (age 83) committed suicide by taking an overdose of pentobarbital.

On 8th March 1976 John Shelley 10th Baronet (age 91) died. His grandson John (age 33) succeeded 11th Baronet Shelley of Mitchelgrove in Sussex.