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On this Day in History ... 12th November

12 Nov is in November.

1035 Death of Canute

1282 Battle of Moel y don

1501 Arrival of Catherine of Aragon

1537 Funeral of Jane Seymour

1541 Catherine Howard Trial

1555 England Re-established as Catholic

1642 Battle of Brentford

1660 November Creation of Baronets

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 12th November

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1035. This year died King Knute (age 40) at Shaftesbury, Dorset, on the second day before the ides of November; and he is buried at Winchester Old Minster in the old minster. He was king over all England very near twenty winters. Soon after his decease, there was a council of all the nobles at Oxford; wherein Earl Leofric, and almost all the thanes north of the Thames, and the naval men in London, chose Harold (age 19) to be governor of all England, for himself and his brother Hardacnute (age 17), who was in Denmark. Earl Godwin (age 34), and all the eldest men in Wessex, withstood it as long as they could; but they could do nothing against it. It was then resolved that Elfgiva (age 45), the mother of Hardacnute [Note. Aelfgifu Northumbria is the mother of Harold "Harefoot" King England, Emma aka Ælfgyfu of Normandy Queen Consort England (age 50) is the mother of King Harthacnut of Denmark and England], should remain at Winchester with the household of the king her son. They held all Wessex in hand, and Earl Godwin was their chief man. Some men said of Harold, that he was the son of King Knute and of Elfgive the daughter of Alderman Elfelm; but it was thought very incredible by many men. He was, nevertheless, full king over all England. Harold himself said that he was the son of Knute and of Elfgive the Hampshire lady; though it was not true; but he sent and ordered to be taken from her all the best treasure that she could not hold, which King Knute possessed; and she nevertheless abode there continually within the city as long as she could.

John of Worcester. 12 Nov 1041. They arrived there on the second of the ides [the 12th] of November, and beginning their work of destruction through the city and province continued it for four days; but very few of the citizens or provincials were taken or slain, because, having notice of their coming, the people fled in all directions. A great number of the citizens took refuge in a small island, called Beverege, situated in the middle of the river Severn, and having fortified it, defended themselves so stoutly against their enemies that they obtained terms of peace, and were allowed free liberty to return home. On the fifth day, the city having been burnt, every one marched off loaded with plunder, and the king's wrath was satisfied. Soon afterwards, Edward (age 38), son of Ethelred the late king of England, came over from Normandy, where he had been an exile many years, and being honourably received by his brother [Note. Half-brother. Both sons of Emma aka Ælfgyfu of Normandy Queen Consort England (age 56).], king Hardicanute (age 23), remained at his court.

On 12 Nov 1093 King Donald III of Scotland (age 61) succeeded III King Scotland.

Florence of Worcester. 12 Nov 1094. Meanwhile, the Scots perfidiously murdered their king, Duncan (age 34), and some others, at the instigation of Donald, who was again raised to the throne.

On 12 Nov 1094 King Duncan II of Scotland (age 34) died. His uncle King Donald III of Scotland (age 62) succeeded III King Scotland.

John of Fordun's Chronicle of the Scottish Nation Book 4 Chapter 24. [12 Nov 1094]. Meanwhile Duncan (age 34), King Malcolm's illegitimate son, when he was with King William Kufus, in England, as a hostage, was by him dubbed knight; and, backed up by his help, he arrived in Scotland, put his uncle Donald to flight, and was set up as king. But when he had reigned a year and six months, he fell slain at Monthechin by the Earl of Mernys, by name Malpetri, in Scottish, Malpedir, through the wiles of his uncle Donald (age 62), whom he had often vanquished in battle ; and he was buried in the island of Iona.

On 12 Nov 1202 Canute VI King of Denmark (age 39) died. In 1202 His brother King Valdemar II of Denmark (age 32) succeeded I King Denmark.

On 12 Nov 1282 the English forces attempted to cross the Menai Straits to invade Gwynedd without waiting for the arrival of Edward's larger force. The battle was a rout. Roger Clifford (age 39) drowned. The brothers William Burnell and Philip Burnell were killed.

Letters. 12 Nov 1400. Letter XXIX. The Prioress of Rowney to King Henry IV (age 33).

To the most excellent prince and lord in Christy lord' Henry, by God's grace illustrous king of England and France, and lord of Ireland, his humble and devoted oratrice the prioress of Rowney sends the divine suffrages of prayers, with all sorts of reverence and honour;.

By the tenor of these presents I certify to your royal highness that the sister Joanna Adeleshey, a nun of the order of St. Benedict, and notoriously professed in the same house, wanders and roams abroad from country to country, in a secular habit despising her vow of obedience to the grievous danger of her soul, and manifest scandal of her order, and pernicious example of others. May it therefore please your royal excellency of your royal clemency, hitherto ever gracious, to extend the secular arm for the capture of the said Joanna, to be chastised according to the rule of her order in a ease of this kind, lest for want of due chastisement a plant given up to divine culture may thus perish. And may He who gives to all kings to reign preserve your royal majesty in prosperity. Given at Rbwney, the 12th day of November, a.d. 1400.

On 12 Nov 1421 Bishop John Langdon was elected Bishop of Rochester.

On 12 Nov 1501 Catherine of Aragon (age 15) processed from St George's Field over London Bridge. She was warmly welcomed by the people of London. The streets were hung with tapestries and she was greeted along the way by pageants.

George Manners 11th Baron Ros Helmsley (age 31) attended on her.

Ellis' Letters S1 V1 Letter LXXXIII. 12 Nov 1522.King Henry the Eighth (age 31) to the Earl of Surrey (age 49).

[MS. COTTON. CALIG. B. i. fol. 30?. Grig.]

Henry R. By the King.

RIGHT trusty and right welbiloved Cousin we grete you wel; and have receyved your Lettres bearing date the iija and iiijth dayes of this instant moneth, the first mencyonyng the siege laide by the Duke of Albany (age 38) unto the Castel of Werke [Map] with the assaulte geven unto the same, and the valiant defence therof by Sir William Lisle (age 35) capitain of that place ; and how, upon knowlege geven to the said Duke that ye with our hole armye was coming to the rescue, he shamefully and cowardly removed his siege and fled, but to what place ye then knewe not. By the ijde Lettre apperith upon the reaporte of the Priores of Calstreme howe that on Tuesday at nyght last past about mydnyzt the said Duke being then at Eccles informed that our armye passed the Ryver after hym, removed from thens, toke his ordenance away, and is clerely departed ; the truthe wherof ye doubted not to be advertised from diverse wayes by the next daye: at whiche tyme uppon the more knowlege had, ye wolde assemble al the noble men to divise and determyne what ye and they sholde further do, desiring that after the Duks army skaled, we in consideration of your desease and seknes wolde discharge you, geving you licence to retourne: and thinking the lord Dacres aswel for his strenght as experience in those parties most mete to take the charge of offyce of wardyn til suche tyme as that we shal appoint som other therunto; and finally requiryng that bothe money and our lettres of Thanks may be sent, as in the said lettres is conteyned more at large. As herunto we signifie unto you, like as thancked be almyzty God, thise newes be right good, comfortable, and honorable unto us and this our Realme ; so they be and shalbe unto the said Duke of Albany's perpetual reproche, shame, and losse of reputacion bothe in Fraunce, Scotland, and elliswhere, and to the no little abashement and discorage of the Frenche King, besids the alienation percace of the mynds of the Lords of Scotland more facily then afore from the faction of France unto our devotion. And for the grete travaile, labor, studie, payn, and diligence by you with al effect right actively, valiauntly, and with perfite corage, discrecion, and good conduyte taken and used by many substancial, discrete, and politique wayes for resistence of the said Duke of Albany, with deliberation and intent to have geven hym bataile in cace he durst have abyden the same we geve unto you our most cordial and herty thanks; assuring you that amongs many your high and notable^ service done unto us, we shal have this in our contynual and perfite remembrance to your weale, exaltation, honor, and profite as your merits and deserts condignely and worthely do requyre. Praying you also to geve on our behalf special thanks unto all the lords, capitains, and other whiche to their grete payn and travaile have right towardly, benivolently, and conformably served us under you in this Jorney, for whose more corage and comforte, we at this tyme sende suche lettres of thanks as ye desire.

Over this we having tendre respect unto your helthe and comfort, have resolved and determyned that upon advertisement receyved from you of skalinga of the said duks armye, and aunswer therupon geven unto you, with ordre for establishing of suche garnisons and other direction to be taken there as for the suretie and weale of that countrey slialbe thought expedient, ye shal then have our Lettres of discharge of your office there and retorne unto us accordingly ; being myndyd according to your advice and opynyon that our right trusty counsaillor the Lorde Dacres whom we thinke most mete and able therfor, shal exercise also th'office of Wardeyn of our Est and Myddel Marches for a season, to whom we shall then with our lettres sende sufficient commyssion accordingly. Having no doubte but that by suche direction as our most entierly welbeloved counsaillour the Lord Legate Cardinal Archebisshop of Yorke and our Chauncelor hathe advertised you, ye be before this tyme sufficiently furnished of money for defraying of that our Armye as shal appertayn.

Yeven under our Signet at our manor of Woodstok the xijth day of November.

To our right trusty and right welbeloved Cousin and Counsaillor th'Erle of Surrey our Treasorer and Admiralle of England.

Note a. dispersing.

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Letters and Papers 1537. 12 Nov 1537. Monday, 12 Nov [1537], the corpse was removed to a chair drawn by six chariot horses, and four banners were borne by four barons (not named). Banners (described) were also borne by Chester, Windsor, Richmond, and Lancaster heralds, by Sir Thomas Denys, Gregory Crumwell, Sir William Godolphyn, Sir John Sandes, Richard Crumwell and Richard Manners. Assistants about the corpse and chair:—Duke of Suffolk (age 53), Marquis Dorset, and earls of Surrey, Westmorland, Wiltshire and Sussex. To the chief mourner:—lords Montague and Clifford. Gentlemen-ushers:—Henry Webbe and Thomas Dauncy. Henchmen that sat upon the chariot horses:—Thomas Kempe, Robert Turwytt, Bennet Lee, and John Hastynges. Officers of arms in attendance:— Garter and Clarencieux, kings; York, Chester, Windsor, Richmond, Lancaster and Somerset, heralds; Portcullis, Bluemantle, Rougedragon, Guisnes, Hammes, Berwick and Blaunchlyon, pursuivants. Serjeants-at-arms:—William Rowte, John Gwillm, Walt. Chalcote, Thomas Dawtry, William Uxley, George Warrenne, Richard Raynshowe, William Clerke, John Stoner, Ralph Framyngham, John Greefelde, Ralph Saintjohn, John up Richards, Edward Slegge, Nicholas Jacsoune. Everything being in order the procession started, Gregory Lovell and Robert Hawkes leading the way, with black staves, followed by 200 poor men wearing the Queen's badges, who at Colbrooke, Exton (sic, Eton), and Windsor stood on each side of the street with their torches. Then came minstrels and trumpets, strangers and ambassadors' servants, the cross with priests, knights, chaplains, abbots, barons and bishops, councillors and head officers, Viscounts and earls. Lord Cromwell lord Privy Seal with the French ambassador Mons. de Schatelon. The lord Chancellor with the ambassador of the Emperor "last come." The cross of the archbishop of Canterbury borne before him by his chaplain; and he himself with the Emperor's ambassador "longest being here." Then Clarencieux and Garter, the Queen's almoner, the chamberlains to the King and Queen, the Earl of Oxford (age 66), High-Chamberlain, the Duke of Norfolk (age 64), High-Marshal. Then the corpse surrounded by banners borne by Sir William Muschame, lord Hungerford, lord Mordaunt, lord Bray and lord Mountjoy; assisted by the earls of Sussex and Westmorland, marquis Dorset, the earls of Wiltshire and Surrey and Duke of Suffolk. Then my Lady Mary, chief mourner, her horse trapped in black velvet and assisted by lords Clifford and Montague. Noble ladies following, in the first chair:—Lady Fraunces, the Countesses of Oxford (age 40), Rutland (age 42), Sussex, Bath, and Southampton, and lady Margaret Howard. In the 2nd (described) the Countess of Derby (age 52), widow, and ladies Margaret Gray, Rochford (age 32), and Carowe, followed by ladies Morley, Dawbeney, Dudley, Owtred, Browne, Pawlet, Russell, and Baynton. The 3rd chair containing ladies Cobham, Bray, Kingston (age 61), and Coffyn; followed by ladies Knevet, Wollope, Henage, and Lyster, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Jernyngham, Mrs. Stoner, and Mrs. Francis Aylmer. The 4th chair containing Mrs. Souche, Mrs. Hollande, Mrs. Asheley, Mrs. Norres, and Mrs. Parre; and followed by Mrs. Darcy, Mrs. Pexsall, Mrs. Clarencieux, Mrs. Carowe, Mrs. Poyntes, Mrs. Cromwell, Mrs. Boynton, and Mrs. Tymeo. The 5th chair containing Mrs. Fitzherbart, Mrs. Bassett, Mrs. Rastall, Mrs. Uxbryge, and Mrs. Joscelyn. (All other gentlewomen rode on before to await the arrival at Windsor, and the start was to be made at 5 a.m.) After the 5th chariot came Sir William Kingston (age 61), the King's vice-chamberlain and captain of the Guard, followed by the Guard—three and three—and all other noblemen's servants. Two almoners were appointed to distribute alms by the way. At Colbroke the corpse was reverently received; and so forth at Eaton, where the Bishop of Lincoln, the Bishop of Carlisle "provost of the said college," and all the priests, clerks, and children received it with caps and tapers in their hands. At Windsor the mayor and brethren met it at the bridge-foot with lighted torches, and so passed to the College. Describes the hangings on the way from the bridge-foot to the west door and in the choir. The dean of Windsor and all the College met the corpse at the utter gate, and accompanied it to the west door, where the chair was taken out and borne by Sir Henry Savyll, Sir Marm. Constable, Sir Arthur Darcy, Sir John St. John, Sir Henry Parker, Sir Thomas Poyninges, and Sir Thomas Darcy, assisted by Sir Humph. Radclyff, Sir John Gage, Sir Richard Weston, and Sir Richard Sandys. A canopy (described) was borne over the corpse by Lord Hastyngs, son and heir to the Earl of Huntingdon, and lords Delaware, Morley, Dacres of the South, Cobham and Bray. In the choir was the archbishop of Canterbury, in pontificalibus, assisted by the bishops of London, Lincoln, Chichester, Worcester, Rochester, St. Taxe (St. Asaph), and Carlisle, and the abbots of Westminster, St. Albans, Reading, Waltham, Tower Hill, and Stratford. The chief mourner followed the corpse, having her train borne by the Viscountess Rochforde, and assisted by lady Fraunces, the Countesses of Oxford, Derby (widow), Rutland, Bath, and Southampton, and lady Margaret Howard. The corpse being passed under the hearse, a Dirge began in which the lessons were read by the prelates in turn (named) and that finished, the nobility went to the Castle. Describes solemn watch that night and services next day, after which the "offering of the palles began" i.e., ladies Bray, Dawbeney, Morley and Cobham offered one each, ladies Margaret Howard, and Marg. Gray two each, the Countesses of Southampton, Bath, Sussex, Rutland, Oxford, and Derby three each, lady Fraunces four, and the Lady Mary, who was lead between the dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, seven. That done, the mourners went to the Castle where they were sumptuously provided for, and the corpse was solemnly buried and all finished by 12 o'clock that day.

ii. Liveries given to the officers of arms and payments for diets made to them by Mr. Gostwick.

Pp. 24 in an Elizabethan hand.

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Wriothesley's Chronicle 1537. 12 Nov 1537. This yeare, the 12th of November,1 being Mundaye, the corps of Queene Jane were, with great solemnitie, caried from Hampton Cowrte in a chariott covered with black velvett, with a picture of the sayde Queene richelye apparelled lyke a Queene, with a riche crowne of golde on her head, lyinge above on the coffin of the sayde corps, and so was conveyed to Wyndsore with great lightes of torches, with a great multitude of lordes and gentlemen rydinge all in black gownes and cotes, the Ladye Marie (age 21), the Kinges daughter, beinge cheife mourner, with a great companye of ladies and gentleweomen waytinge on her, and ridinge all in blacke allso; and there, with great solemnities buried by the Archbishopp of Canterburie (age 48), with a great companye of bishopps and abbotts being there present in their mitres, with all the gentlemen and priestes of the Kinges chappell, which rode all the way in their surplesses, singinge the obsequie for the dead; and the morrowe after there was a solemne masse of requiem sunge by the Archbishopp of Canterburie; and the Bishop of Worcester, called Dr. Latimer (age 50), made a notable sermon; and at the offertorie all the estates offered ryche palls of clothe of golde; and after masse there was a great feast made in the Kinges pallace at Windsore for all the estates and other that had bene present at the same buriall.

Allso, the sayde 12th of Novembre, at afternoone, there was a solemne herse made at Powles in London, and a solemne dirige done there by Powles queere, the Major of London2 beinge there present with the alldermen and sheriffes, and all the major's officers and the sheriffes sergeantes, mourninge all in blacke gownes, and all the craftes of the cittie of London in their lyveries; allso there was a knyll rongen in everie parishe churche in London, from 12 of the clocke at noone tyll six of the clocke at night, with all the bells ringinge in everye parishe churche solemne peales, firom 3 of the clocke tyll the knylls ceased ; and allso a solempne dirige songen in everye parishe churche in London, and in every church of Friars, Monks, and Canons, about London; and, the morrow after, a solemn mass of requiem in all the said churches, with all the bells ringing, from 9 of the clock in the morning till noon; also there was a solemn masse of requiem done at Pauls, and all Pauls choir offering at the same masse, the mayor, aldermen, and sheriffs, and the wardens of every craft of the city of London; and, after the said mass, the mayor and aldermen going about the hearse sainge "De profundis," with all the crafts of the city following, every one after their degrees, praying for the soul of the said Queen.

Note 1. Stow agrees with the text, which would appear to be correct, being Wednesday, but Hall [Hall's Chronicle] has the eighth day of November, which was Saturday.

Note 2. Sir Richard Gresham, who, in a letter of the 8th Noyember to Cromwell, had suggested that such a solemn service should be celebrated; "yt shall please you to understand that, by the commanndement of the Ducke of Norfolke, I have cawssyd 1,200 masses to be sejde, within the cite of London, for the sowle of our moste gracious Qweene. And whereas the majer and aldyrmen with the commenors was lattely at Powlles, and ther gaye thanckes nnto God for the byrthe of our prynce, My Lorde, I doo think it, where convenient, that theer should bee also at Pauls a solemn dirge and masse; and that the mayor, aldermen, with the commoners, to be there, for to pray and offer for her Grace's soul. My Lord, it shall please you to move the King's Highness, and his pleasure known in this behalf, I am and shall be ready to accomplish his moste gracious pleasure, and if there be any alms to be given, there is many power people within the city." — State Papers, yol. L part ii. p. 574.

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Letters and Papers 1537. 12 Nov 1537. Heralds' College MS. I. 11,f. 37. 1060. Queen Jane Seymour. A remembrance of the interment of Queen Jane, mother of Edward VI., who died at Hampton Court, 24 Oct., on Wednesday about 12 p.m., in child-bed, 29 Henry VIII.

Immediately upon this heavy news the King ordained the Duke of Norfolk (age 64), High Marshal, and Sir William Pawlet, Treasurer of the Household, to see to her burial; and he himself retired to a solitary place to pass his sorrows. The aforesaid councillors then sent for Garter and other of the Office of Arms to show precedents. First the wax-chandler did his office, taking out the entrails "with searing, balming, spicing, and trammeling in cloth," then the plumber leaded, soldered, and chested; and her entrails were honourably interred in the chapel. Friday, 26 Oct., there was provided in the chamber of presence a hearse with 21 tapers about it, &c., and the corpse conveyed, in honourable wise, from the place where she died, and laid beneath the hearse. All the ladies and gentlewomen "put off their rich apparel, doing on their mourning habit and white kerchers hanging over their heads and shoulders," and there knelt about the hearse during mass afore noon and Dirige after; there was also a watch kept nightly until the last day of the month.

Calendar of the Manuscripts of the Marquis of Bath. 1541, November 12. Hampton. — "The Quene (age 18) saith that my lady Rocheford (age 36) hath sondry tymez made instans to her to speke with Culpeper (age 27) declaryng hym to beare her good wyll and favour, wheruppon she did at the last graunte he shuld speke with her, my lady of Rocheford affyrmyng that he desiered nothyng elles but to speke with her and that vshe durst swere uppon a booke he ment nothyng but honestye. And so he spake with hir in a litle galery at the steyer hedd at Lyncoln when it was late in the nyght about x or xj of the clok an hower and more, a nother tyme in her bedde chamber at Pomfrett and a nother tyme in my lady Rocheford chamber at York.

"Item she seith that she wold ever sey to my lady Rocheford when she moved her for hym ' alas madam this wol be spyed oon day and then we be all ondone,' wheronto my lady Rocheford wold sey ' feare not madam lett me alone I warraunt yowe.'

"Item she seith that when Culpeper was talkyng with hir my lady Rocheford wold many tymez, beyng ever by, sytt sumwhatt farre of or turn hyr bak and she wold sey to her 'For Goddes sake madam even nere us.'

On 12 Nov 1543 Philip "The Prudent" II King Spain (age 16) and Maria Aviz (age 16) were married at Salamanca [Map]. She the daughter of John III King Portugal (age 41) and Catherine of Austria Queen Consort Portugal (age 36). He the son of Charles V Holy Roman Emperor (age 43) and Isabel Aviz Queen Consort Spain. They were double first cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

On 12 Nov 1549 Walter Mildmay (age 28) was ordered by the Privy Council to examine the Westminster Palace [Map] which had been in the custody of Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset (age 49).

Henry Machyn's Diary. 12 Nov 1554. The xij day of November the Kyng (age 27) and the Quen (age 38) rod unto Westmynster chyrche to the masse of the Holy-gost, and after masse to the parlement-howsse; and all the bysshopes and the lordes in ther parlement robes, with trompeters blohyng, and all the harolds in ther cote armurs, and the juges in ther robes; the yerle of Penbroke (age 53) bare the kyng('s) sword, and the yerle of Comberland (age 41) bare the quen('s) sword, and the yerle of Shrowsbery (age 54) bare the kyng('s) cape of mantenance, and the yerle of Arundell (age 42) bare the quen('s) cape of mantenance; and a-for them rod to-gether my lord chansheler (age 71) and my lord tressorer (age 71) in ther parlement robes.

On 12 Nov 1555 Queen Mary (age 39) re-established England as a Catholic country.

John Evelyn's Diary. 12 Nov 1642. The 12th of November was the Battle of Brentford, surprisingly fought; and to the great consternation of the City, had his Majesty (age 41) (as it was believed he would) pursued his advantage. I came in with my horse and arms just at the retreat; but was not permitted to stay longer than the 15th, by reason of the army marching to Gloucester [Map]; which would have left both me and my brothers exposed to ruin, without any advantage to his Majesty.

On 12 Nov 1642 the Battle of Brentford was a small pitched battle which took place on 12 November 1642, between a detachment of the Royalist army (predominantly horse with one regiment of Welsh foot) under the command of Prince Rupert (age 22), and two infantry regiments of Parliamentarians with some horse in support. The result was a victory for the Royalists.

In Nov 1660 King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 30) rewarded of further tranche of those who supported his Restoration by awarding them Baronetcies ...

On 08 Nov 1660 William Russell 1st Baronet was created 1st Baronet Russell of Laugherne in Carmarthenshire.

On 12 Nov 1660 John Cutler 1st Baronet (age 57) was created 1st Baronet Cutler of London.

On 21 Nov 1660 John Clotworthy 1st Viscount Massereene was created 1st Viscount Massereene, 1st Baron Lough Neagh, in the Irish peerage, with remainder in default of male heirs to his son-in-law. See Viscountcies of England Created with a Special Remainder.

On 21 Nov 1660 Thomas Foote 1st Baronet (age 62) was created 1st Baronet Foote of London with a special remainder for title to revert on his death to his son-in-law, Arthur Onslow of West Clandon (age 36).

On 29 Nov 1660 John Wroth 1st Baronet (age 33) was created 1st Baronet Wroth of Blenden Hall in Kent.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 12 Nov 1663. To the 'Change [Map] and did several businesses there and so home with Mr. Moore to dinner, my wife having dined, with Mr. Hollyard (age 54) with her to-day, he being come to advise her about her hollow sore place.

On 12 Nov 1665 George Wilhelm Hanover Duke Brunswick-Lüneburg (age 41) and Eleonore Esmier D'Olbreuse Duchess Brunswick-Lüneburg were married, or undertook a marriage of sorts, often referred to as morganatic i.e. informal, below his station.

Une mésalliance dans la maison de Brunswick, 1665-1725: Éléonore Desmier d'Olbreuze, duchesse de Zell:

Pages 44-There, George William made a final attempt. He offered Éléonore a special commitment, one that would seal their union in a lasting way, proving his affection and removing any sense of humiliation in her situation. He promised to live with Éléonore always, assuring her an honorable position at his court and a dower should he predecease her. He even pledged to convince his brother and sister-in-law to co-sign the agreement, formalizing his commitment.

This document, in which the Bishop of Osnabrück and Duchess Sophie vouched for Duke George William's constancy, was the only assurance given to Éléonore. On November 12, 1665, the Duchess wrote to Elector Charles Louis: "The marriage of conscience between Duke George William and Olbreuze is public, although the consummation was done quietly, without candles or witnesses."

All historical works printed in the last century, or during the time of George William, place the "marriage" of the Duke in the year 1665 and refer to Éléonore as his wife from that point onward. However, in reality, no formal ceremony took place. The only official document was a ducal order dated November 15, 1665, guaranteeing Éléonore a dowry in the form of an annual income of five thousand écus, should George William predecease her.

L'enterrement du duc Christian-Louis devait se faire à Zell, le 11 novembre 1665. Toute la cour de l'évêque d'Osnabruck s'y rendit, mademoiselle d'Olbreuze voyageant avec les filles d'honneur de la duchesse Sophie. Là, Georges-Guillaume tenta un dernier effort. Il offrit à Éléonore de faire en sa faveur un acte d'un caractère tout spécial, et qui, scellant leur union d'une façon durable, prouverait l'affection qu'il lui portait et ôterait à la défaite de celle qu'il aimait ce qu'elle pouvait avoir d'humiliant. Il promettait de vivre toujours avec Eléonore, lui assurant une situation honorable à sa cour et un douaire s'il mourait avant elle. Il se faisait fort de décider son frère et sa belle-sœur à signer avec lui l'acte dans lequel il prendrait cet engagement (I).

Cet écrit, dans lequel l'évêque d'Osnabruck et la duchesse Sophie se portaient garants de la constance du duc Georges-Guillaume, fut la seule assurance donnée à Eléonore. Le 12 novembre 1665, la duchesse écrivait à l'électeur Charles-Louis: "Le mariage de conscience entre le duc Georges-Guillaume et l'Olbreuze est public, quoique la consommation a esté faite à la sourdine sans chandelles ny tesmoins".

Tous les ouvrages historiques imprimés au siècle dernier, ou à l'époque de Georges-Guillaume, placent à l'année 1665 le "mariage" du duc et appellent dès lors Eléonore sa femme . Pourtant, de fait, aucune cérémonie n'eut lieu. Le seul acte officiel fut un ordre ducal daté du 15 novembre 1665 et assurant comme douaire à Éléonore, en cas de prédécès de Georges-Guillaume, une rente de cinq mille écus.

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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 12 Nov 1665. After dinner I by water to the Duke of Albemarle (age 56), and there had a little discourse and business with him, chiefly to receive his commands about pilotts to be got for our Hambro' ships, going now at this time of the year convoy to the merchant ships, that have lain at great pain and charge, some three, some four months at Harwich, Essex [Map] for a convoy. They hope here the plague will be less this weeke.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 12 Nov 1666. Lay long in bed, and then up, and Mr. Carcasse brought me near 500 tickets to sign, which I did, and by discourse find him a cunning, confident, shrewd man, but one that I do doubt hath by his discourse of the ill will he hath got with my Lord Marquess of Dorchester (age 60) (with whom he lived), he hath had cunning practices in his time, and would not now spare to use the same to his profit.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 12 Nov 1667. Up, and to the Office, where sat all the morning; and there hear the Duke of York (age 34) do yet do very well with his smallpox: pray God he may continue to do so! This morning also, to my astonishment, I hear that yesterday my Chancellor (age 58), to another of his Articles, that of betraying the King's councils to his enemies, is voted to have matter against him for an impeachment of High Treason, and that this day the impeachment is to be carried up to the House of Lords which is very high, and I am troubled at it; for God knows what will follow, since they that do this must do more to secure themselves against any that will revenge this, if it ever come in their power! At noon home to dinner, and then to my office, and there saw every thing finished, so as my papers are all in order again and my office twice as pleasant as ever it was, having a noble window in my closet and another in my office, to my great content, and so did business late, and then home to supper and to bed.

John Evelyn's Diary. 12 Nov 1675. There was in my Lady Ambassadress's company my Lady Hamilton (age 70), a sprightly young lady, much in the good graces of the family, wife of that valiant and worthy gentleman, George Hamilton (age 68), not long after slain in the wars. She had been a maid of honor to the Duchess, and now turned Papist.

John Evelyn's Diary. 12 Nov 1693. Lord Nottingham (age 46) resigned as Secretary of State; the Commissioners of the Admiralty ousted, and Russell (age 40) restored to his office. The season continued very wet, as it had nearly all the summer, if one might call it summer, in which there was no fruit, but corn was very plentiful.

On 12 Nov 1882 María Teresa Bourbon was born to Alfonso XII King Spain (age 24) and Maria Christina of Austria Queen Consort Spain (age 24). Coefficient of inbreeding 1.78%.

On 12 Nov 1914 Brigadier-General Charles FitzClarence (age 49) was killed in action at Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, Belgium whilst commanding the 1st (Guards) Brigade. In his Despatch of 20 November 1914, Sir John French said: "Another officer whose name was particularly mentioned to me was Brigadier-General FitzClarence, VC, commanding the 1st Guards' Brigade. He was unfortunately killed in the night attack of the 11th November. His loss will be severely felt".

Births on the 12th November

On 12 Nov 1450 Giacomo or Jacques Savoy Count Romont was born to Louis Savoy I Count Savoy (age 37) and Anne Cyprus Countess Savoy (age 32) at Geneva.

On 12 Nov 1640 Roger Twisden 2nd Baronet was born to Thomas Twisden 1st Baronet (age 38) and Jane Tomlinson Lady Twysden.

On 12 Nov 1692 Evelyn Alston 5th Baronet was born to Joseph 3rd Baronet (age 27) and Penelope Evelyn Lady Alston (age 20). He was baptised 15 Sep 1691. He was baptised 14 Nov 1692 at Long Ditton, Surrey.

On 12 Nov 1696 Theophilus Hastings 9th Earl Huntingdon was born to Theophilus Hastings 7th Earl Huntingdon (age 45) and Mary Frances Fowler Countess Huntingdon (age 32).

On 12 Nov 1702 Anne Fitzroy was born to Charles Fitzroy 1st Duke Southampton 2nd Duke Cleveland (age 40) and Anne Pulteney Duchess Southampton Duchess of Cleveland (age 38). She a granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 12 Nov 1705 Mary Boscawen was born to Hugh Boscawen 1st Viscount Falmouth (age 25) and Charlotte Godfrey Viscountess Falmouth. She was baptised on 21 Nov 1705 at St James' Church, Piccadilly.

Before 12 Nov 1712 Thomas Drury 1st Baronet was born to Richard Drury (age 39).

On 12 Nov 1724 Paul Pechell 1st Baronet was born to Lieutenant-Colonel Jacob Pechell of Owenstown, County Kildare and Jane Boyd at Owenstown, Kildare.

On or before 12 Nov 1732 Edward Buckworth aka Buckworth-Herne 5th Baronet was born to Everard Buckworth 3rd Baronet (age 28) and Mary Dipple.

On 12 Nov 1734 Mary Leeson Countess Mayo was born to Joseph Leeson 1st Earl of Milltown (age 33).

On 12 Nov 1745 Henry Hawley 1st Baronet was born.

On 12 Nov 1746 Mary Bertie was born to Willoughby Bertie 3rd Earl of Abingdon (age 54) and Anna Maria Collins Countess Abingdon.

On 12 Nov 1802 John Arthur Douglas Bloomfield 1st and 2nd Baron Bloomfield was born to Benjamin Bloomfield 1st Baron Bloomfield (age 34).

On 12 Nov 1812 Julia Goodman née Salaman was born.

On 12 Nov 1819 Percy Florence Shelley 3rd Baronet was born to Percy Bysshe Shelley (age 27) and Mary Godwin aka Shelley (age 22).

Before 12 Nov 1837 Gwendoline Isabella Anna Maria Anson was born to Thomas William Anson 1st Earl Lichfield (age 42) and Louisa Barbara Catherine Phillips Countess Lichfield (age 37).

On 12 Nov 1861 Geoffrey Walter Harbord 9th Baron Suffield was born to William Harbord (age 30).

On 12 Nov 1879 Edmund Hay was born to Archibald Hay 13th Earl of Kinnoull (age 24).

On 12 Nov 1882 María Teresa Bourbon was born to Alfonso XII King Spain (age 24) and Maria Christina of Austria Queen Consort Spain (age 24). Coefficient of inbreeding 1.78%.

On 12 Nov 1886 Robin Edward Dysart Grey 6th Baronet was born to Edward George Grey (age 28).

On 12 Nov 1886 Alfonso Orléans Galliera Duke Galliera was born at Madrid [Map].

On 12 Nov 1896 Giles Edward Sebright 13th Baronet was born to Arthur Edward Sebright (age 37).

On 12 Nov 1952 David Brudenell-Bruce 9th Marquess of Ailesbury was born to Michael Brudenell-Bruce 8th Marquess of Ailesbury (age 26) and Edwina Sylvia de Winton-Wills (age 19).

Marriages on the 12th November

On 12 Nov 1511 Arthur Plantagenet 1st Viscount Lisle (age 47) and Elizabeth Grey Viscountess Lisle (age 31) were married. He the illegitmate son of King Edward IV of England and Elizabeth Waite.

On 12 Nov 1543 Philip "The Prudent" II King Spain (age 16) and Maria Aviz (age 16) were married at Salamanca [Map]. She the daughter of John III King Portugal (age 41) and Catherine of Austria Queen Consort Portugal (age 36). He the son of Charles V Holy Roman Emperor (age 43) and Isabel Aviz Queen Consort Spain. They were double first cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

On 12 Nov 1629 Thomas Bruce 1st Earl Elgin (age 30) and Diana Cecil Countess of Oxford and Elgin (age 33) were married. She the daughter of William Cecil 2nd Earl Exeter (age 63) and Elizabeth Drury Countess Exeter (age 51).

On 12 Nov 1766 John Stuart 1st Marquis of the Isle of Bute (age 22) and Charlotte Jane Windsor Marchioness Bute (age 20) were married. He the son of John Stuart 3rd Earl Bute (age 53) and Mary Wortley-Montagu Countess Bute (age 48).

On 12 Nov 1878 Archbishop William Dalrymple Maclagan (age 52) and Augusta Anne Barrington (age 42) were married. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 12 Nov 1923 Charles Alexander Carnegie 11th Earl of Southesk (age 30) and Princess Maud Duff Countess Southesk (age 30) were married at Royal Military Chapel, Wellington Barracks. She the daughter of Alexander Duff 1st Duke Fife and Louise Windsor Duchess Fife (age 56). He the son of Charles Noel Carnegie 10th Earl of Southesk (age 69) and Ethel Mary Elizabeth Bannerman Countess Southesk (age 55). She a granddaughter of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom.

On 12 Nov 1936 Stuart Piggott (age 26) and Celia Margaret Preston were married.

Deaths on the 12th November

On 12 Nov 1087 William Ivrea I Count Burgundy (age 67) died. His son Renaud Ivrea II Count Burgundy (age 26) succeeded II Count Burgundy.

On 12 Nov 1094 King Duncan II of Scotland (age 34) died. His uncle King Donald III of Scotland (age 62) succeeded III King Scotland.

On 12 Nov 1164 Eustachia de Chapagne Countess Essex (age 54) died.

On 12 Nov 1202 Canute VI King of Denmark (age 39) died. In 1202 His brother King Valdemar II of Denmark (age 32) succeeded I King Denmark.

On 12 Nov 1295 Nicholas Segrave 1st Baron Segrave (age 57) died at Chaucombe, Northamptonshire. His son John Segrave 2nd Baron Segrave (age 39) succeeded 2nd Baron Segrave. Christiana Plessey Baroness Segrave by marriage Baroness Segrave.

On 12 Nov 1428 Elizabeth Willoughby Baroness Beaumont (age 44) died.

On 12 Nov 1622 George Savile 1st Baronet (age 72) died. His grandson George Savile 2nd Baronet (age 11) succeeded 2nd Baronet Savile of Thornhill.

On 12 Nov 1632 Anne Livingstone Countess Eglinton died.

On 12 Nov 1635 Richard Burke 4th Earl Clanricarde 1st Earl St Albans (age 63) died. His son Ulick Burke 1st Marquess Clanricarde (age 31) succeeded 5th Earl Clanricarde, 2nd Earl St Albans. Thomas Wentworth 1st Earl Strafford (age 42) was blamed for his death making an enemy of Ulick Burke 1st Marquess Clanricarde and his half-brother (they shared the same mother Frances Walsingham Countess Essex) Robert Devereux 3rd Earl Essex (age 44).

On 12 Nov 1649 Robert Douglas 8th Earl Morton (age 33) died at Kirkwall. His son William Douglas 9th Earl Morton succeeded 9th Earl Morton.

On 12 Nov 1667 George Blount 2nd Baronet (age 57) died. His son Walter Kirkham Blount 3rd Baronet (age 17) succeeded 3rd Baronet Blount of Sodington.

On 12 Nov 1672 Frances Rich Baroness Geneville Beaudasert (age 55) died.

On 12 Nov 1731 Henry Goring 4th Baronet (age 52) died. His son Charles Mathew Goring 5th Baronet (age 25) succeeded 5th Baronet Bowyer aka Goring of Highden in Sussex.

On 12 Nov 1744 Mary Howard Countess Deloraine (age 44) died.

On 12 Nov 1744 William Bateman 1st Viscount Culmore (age 49) died in Paris [Map]. His son John Bateman 2nd Viscount Culmore (age 23) succeeded 2nd Viscount Culmore, 2nd Baron Culmore in Londonderry. Elizabeth Sambroke Viscountess Bateman (age 19) by marriage Viscountess Culmore.

On 12 Nov 1762 Mary Capell Viscountess Midleton died.

On 12 Nov 1771 Christian Anstruther Countess Traquair (age 69) died.

On 12 Nov 1804 Mary Bouverie Countess Shaftesbury (age 74) died.

On 12 Nov 1817 Mary Turton Lady Evelyn (age 72) died. She was buried at St John's Church, Wotton.

On 12 Nov 1829 Jean-Baptiste Regnault (age 75) died.

On 12 Nov 1856 Nathaniel Curzon 3rd Baron Scarsdale (age 75) died. His nephew Alfred Nathaniel Holden Curzon 4th Baron Scarsdale (age 25) succeeded 4th Baron Scarsdale. Blanche Pocklington Senhouse Baroness Scarsdale (age 19) by marriage Baroness Scarsdale.

On 12 Nov 1865 Charlotte Sophia Somerset 4th Baroness Calthorpe (age 70) died.

On 12 Nov 1886 William Willoughby Cole 3rd Earl Enniskillen (age 79) died. His son Lowry Cole 4th Earl Enniskillen (age 40) succeeded 4th Earl Enniskillen, 3rd Baron Grinstead of Grinstead in Wiltshire. Charlotte Marion Baird Countess of Enniskillen by marriage Countess Enniskillen.

On 12 Nov 1914 Brigadier-General Charles FitzClarence (age 49) was killed in action at Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, Belgium whilst commanding the 1st (Guards) Brigade. In his Despatch of 20 November 1914, Sir John French said: "Another officer whose name was particularly mentioned to me was Brigadier-General FitzClarence, VC, commanding the 1st Guards' Brigade. He was unfortunately killed in the night attack of the 11th November. His loss will be severely felt".

On 12 Nov 1919 Arthur Hacker (age 61) died.

On 12 Nov 1933 John Tweed (age 64) died.

On 12 Nov 1948 Iain Colquhoun 7th Baronet (age 61) died. His son Ivar Iain Colquhoun 8th Baronet (age 32) succeeded 8th Baronet Colquhoun of Luss in Dumbartsonshire.

On 12 Nov 1953 Edith Alice Usborne Lady Payne-Gallwey (age 98) died.