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On this Day in History ... 17th August

17 Aug is in August.

1153 Eustace of Blois Dies

1424 Battle of Verneuil

1469 Battle of Edgecote Moor aka Danes Moor aka Banbury

1510 Execution of Richard Empson and Edmund Dudley

1553 Trial and Execution of Lady Jane Grey's Supporters

1648 Battle of Preston

1661 Creation of Baronets and Peerages by Charles II Post Coronation

1808 Battle of Roliça

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 17th August

On 17 Aug 1153 King Stephen's eldest son Eustace Blois IV Count Boulogne (age 23) died at Bury St Edmunds [Map]. Probably from food poisoning, possibly murdered for having sacked the Abbey. His brother William Blois I Count Boulogne (age 16) succeeded I Count Boulogne.

On 17 Aug 1313 Bishop Gilbert Segrave (age 47) was elected Bishop of London.

On 17 Aug 1390 Guy de Bryan (age 71) died. Monument at Tewkesbury Abbey [Map]. Alabaster with, unusually, a portrait rather than a generic face. Early Plate Bascinet Period. He was buried at St James' Church, Slapton.

On 17 Aug 1424 the English forces led by John Lancaster 1st Duke Bedford (age 35) inflicted a significant defeat on the French and Scottish army at the Battle of Verneuil; a second Agincourt. For the English Edmund Hungerford (age 15), Ralph Longford (age 23), John "Old Talbot" Talbot 1st Earl of Shrewsbury (age 41) and Richard Waller (age 29) fought.

On the French and Scottish side Pierre Valois, Archibald Douglas 1st Duke Touraine (age 52), his son James Douglas, William Seton Master of Seton (age 34), Alexander Home of Home and Dunglas (age 56) were killed

John Stewart 2nd Earl Buchan (age 43) was killed. His brother Robert Stewart Earl Ross (age 39) de jure Earl Ross and Earl Buchan although he didn't claim the title since both titles had reverted to the Crown.

Jean Poton Xaintrailles (age 34) fought.

Chronicle of England by Jean de Waurin Volume 5 Book 3 Chapter 29. 17 Aug 1424. Now then to return to our narrative, the duke of Bedford and his princes seeing their enemies who were there quietly waiting for them all arranged in one body rode a little forward; then when they were near enough in the opinion of the leaders of the expedition, it was ordered on the part of the lord regent, upon pain of death, that every one should dismount, and that all archers should be furnished with sharpened stakes to set before them, according to the English fashion when it should come to the attack and conflict, which command was accomplished as it was ordered; then it was proclaimed on the part of the king of France and England that all the horses should be coupled and fastened together, with the pages and varlets on their backs, and the waggons somewhat toward the flank, notwithstanding that there were scarcely any except those which were loaded with victuals, and some little artillery; and there were appointed to guard the baggage and horses two thousand archers, in order that their army might not be attacked in the rear or thrown into any confusion; then after these regulations were thus made, the English, raising a great shout, began to march and go forward in good order, the archers on the two wings. And on the other side the French, who had been aware since the evening before that they would be fought on the morrow, when the day had come and they knew in truth that the English were drawing near them, whom they perceived from afar by the dust raised by the men and horses; and also were assured thereof by their spies and skirmishers, whom they had on the plains; immediately and without delay put themselves in order for fighting without forming vanguard or rearguard, but placed themselves all together in one large body, except that they appointed a certain number of horsemen, the greater part of whom were Lombards and the others Gascons, whose guides and leaders were Le Borgne Quaquetan, sir Theaulde de Valpergue, and some other Gascon captains, such as La Hire, Pothon, and others, and this for the purpose of dashing into their enemies in the rear, either right through them or otherwise, so as to their greatest advantage they might be able to do them damage; and the rest, all on foot, arranged themselves, as has been said, in a single body; then they began to march very proudly against their enemies, their lances lowered; which attitude being seen by the English, they rushed very vigorously upon them. At the onset there was a great noise and great shouting with tumultuous sounds of the trumpets and clarions; the one side cried, " Saint Denis! " and the others " Saint George! " And so horrible was the shouting that there was no man so brave or confident that he was not in fear of death; they began to strike with axes and to thrust with lances, then they put their hands to their swords, with which they gave each other great blows and deadly strokes; the archers of England and the Scots who were with the French began to shoot one against the other so murderously that it was a horror to look upon them, for they carried death to those whom they struck with full force. After the shooting, the opponents attacked each othervery furiously, hand to hand; and this battle was on a Thursday, the seventeenth^ day of August, commencing about two hours after noon. But you should know that before the attack many new knights were made, both on the one side and on the other, who valiantly approved themselves that day. Many a capture and many a rescue was made there, and many a drop of blood shed, which was a great horror and irreparable pity to see Christian people so destroy one another, for during this pitiable and deadly battle mercy had no place there, so much did the parties hate each other: the blood of the slain stretched upon the ground, and that of the wounded, ran in great streams about the field. This battle lasted about three-quarters of an hour, very terrible and sanguinary, and it was not then in the memory of man to have seen two parties so mighty for such a space of time in like manner fight without being able to perceive to whom the loss or victory would turn. Thus the two parties fought with all their might, each striving to conquer his enemy. The French, who as I have said had been appointed before the battle to remain on horseback to attack the English in the rear, or in flank, in order to break their ranks and to throw them into disorder, came to attack at this part, thinking to enter there without resistance, making a very great uproar, but they found there barriers and opposition, that is to say, the waggons and the horses of their enemies coupled together by the halters and by the tails, and they also found there two thousand stalwart archers, who received them vigorously and put them to flight; and the said French made there no other profit than to snatch up what they were able to take, such as some baggage and horses, killing the pages and varlets who were mounted on them and guarded them. Just at this time the battle was very fell and bloody, so that there was no one wdio did not try to the utmost his valour and his strength; and I the author know truly that that day the earl of Salisbury sustained the greatest brunt, notwithstanding that he wavered greatly and had very much to do to maintain his position, and certainly if it had not been for the skill and great valour and conduct of his single person in the midst of the valiant men who fought under his banner after his example very vigorously, there is no doubt that the matter, which was in great uncertainty, would have gone very badly for the English, for never in all this war did the French fight more valiantly. Elsewhere, the duke of Bedford, as I hear related, for I could not see or comprehend the whole since I was sufficiently occupied in defending myself, did that day wonderful feats of arms, and killed many a man, for with an axe which he held in his two hands he reached no one whom he did not punish,since he was large in body and stout in limb, wise and brave in arms; but he was very greatly harassed by the Scots, especially by the earl of Douglas and his troop, insomuch that one knew not what to think nor to imagine how the affair would terminate, for the French, who had more men by one-half than tlie English, fought only to conquer; and they applied themselves vigorously to the work, and I believe truly that if it had not been for the misfortune and ill adventure which was about to happen to them, the English would not have been able to withstand them or to endure so long; but according to what I can understand, and I have also since heard many of this opinion about it, the two thousand English archers, who as was said had repulsed the French cavalry whose chief was Le Borgne Kaquetan^ a Lombard knight, when they saw their enemies flee, gathered strength, and were a great cause of the victory; for seeing the conflict so decided, they, fresh and new as they were, raising a wonderful shout, came wheeling round and put themselves in the front before their army, where at their coming they began to inflict great chastisement on the French, who were much wearied with fighting, wherefore, much amazed at this new incident, they began a little to lose heart and to fall back; and on the contrary the English seeing that now was the time for it, exerted themselves, all at once recovering strength, and fought so well that in many places they broke through the line of the French with this onslaught, and thrust themselves in, crying aloud, " Saint George! " beginning to kill and cruelly put to death all those whom they were able to overtake, without having smy pity; which thing was not done without great effusion of blood. Then the French began to be dismayed, losing altogether the hope of victory which a little while before they thought was in their hands, but each one of them sought a place where YiQ could save himself, taking flight as best he might, and abandoning the rest; some drew towards the town and others took the fields; and the English, who pursued them with great difficulty, put to death especially those who took the road towards the town, for the French, who were within, would not open the gate for the fear they had lest the English, their enemies, should enter in with the fugitives; so there were many of them who threw themselves into the moats to save themselves, where there was a great slaughter of those who were striving to put themselves in safety. Finally, the English pursued the French so, that they obtained the complete victory on that day and gained the battle, but not without great effusion of their own blood. And it was known for certain by the officers of arms, heralds, pursuivants and other persons worthy of credence that there died there of the French party more than six thousand men, and the greater part men distinguished in arms, of whom there were a great number of Scots; and about two hundred [were] prisoners; and of the English party there died about sixteen hundred combatants, as well of the nation of England as of Normandy, the principal captains of whorn were named, the one Dudley, and the other Charlton. • And on the side of the French there were slain of men of note the following, that is to say, John count of Aumale son to the count of Harcourt; the count of Tonnoirre; the count of Ventadour; the earl of Douglas, a Scot, and sir James, his son; the earl of Buchan, who at that time was constable of France for king Charles; the count of Maroy; the old lord of Graville; the lord of Montenay; sir Anthony de Beausault and Hugh de Beausault, his brother, and the sire de Belloy, with one of his brothers; the lord of Mauny; the lord of Combrest; the lord of Fontenay; the lord of Brimeu; the lord of Thumble; the lord of Pressy in Dosme; the lord of Marche; the lord of Ramibelle in Languedoc; sir Walter Lindsay; sir Giles de Gamaches; Geoffrey de Mallestrem; James Douglas; sir Charles de Booini; sir John de Bretasse; Giles Martel; the younger Harpedaine; sir Brunet d'Auvergne; sir Ralph de la Treille; Guy de Fourchonniere; sir Pothard de Vyane; sir John Murat; the lord of Bertois; sir Charles de Gerasmes; Dragon de La Salle; the lord of Romboulet; the bastard of Langlam, the viscount of Narbonne who, lying dead among the others, by order and command of the duke of Bedford was taken and quartered, and his body hanged on the gibbet, for the treason that he had done in having been consenting to, and one of the actors in putting to death dul^e John of Burgundy, deceased; there died moreover Mondet de Narbonne; sir Francis de Gaugeaulz; sir Robert de Loirre; sir Louis de Troyes; the lord of Fourigny; Morant de la Motte; sir Carlot d'Amenat and Robinet, his brother; Peter de Courcelles; sir Andrew de la Greseille; sir Andrew de Clermont; Gabriel du Boscage; sir Tristran Coignon; Collinet Le Visconte; William Remon; sir Louis de Champaigne; Peron Du Lupel; sire Louis de Braquemont; the lord of Tygnonville; the lord of Rochebaron; sir Philip de la Tour; sir Antisselin de la Tour, and many others whose names I know not. And now, since I have spoken of the dead on the side of the French, I will mention a part of the prisoners who were taken in this battle, at least the principal ones: first, the duke of Alengon the bastard of Alen^on; the lord of La Fayette; the lord of Homet; sir Peter de Herison; sir Louis de Wancourt; the lord of Guitry; Rogelet Treset; Hugh de Saint Marc; Yvon du Puch, and many other noble men.

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Chronicle of Enguerrand de Monstrelet Volume 6 Chapter 21. 17 Aug 1424. Very many new knights were now created on both sides; and when all was ready, these two powerful armies met in battle, about three o'clock in the afternoon, on the 16th [17th] day of August. The English, as usual, set up a grand shout as they advanced, which alarmed the French much; and the conflict raged with the utmost violence for three quarters of an hour; and it was not in the memory of man that such armies had been so long and warmly engaged without victory declaring for either of them. That division of the French which had been ordered to remain mounted to attack the rear of the English, while the combat was going on, came to the horses and baggage of the enemy, but could make no impression from the resistance of the guard of archers: they however seized some of the cavalry and baggage, with which they fled, leaving their army fighting on foot. The archers, then, finding themselves thus disembarrassed from the enemy, vrere fresh to join their companions in the front, which they did with loud shouts.

Liber Pluscardensis Chapter 129. 17 Aug 1424. With the French war thus arranged, the English also organized themselves into three similar battle lines: in the first was the Earl of Salisbury, in the second Duke John of Bedford (age 35), and in the third were the French, Burgundians, and foreigners. The Scots first attacked the vanguard of the English, where the Earl of Salisbury was, inflicted great slaughter on them, and astonishingly repelled them by capturing some, killing others, and dispersing others, forcing them to flee up to the second line or battle formation. Seeing this, the Lombards, Alemanni, and Gascons, who were armed both on horseback and in body, all being cavalrymen and unwilling to dismount, thinking that the victory was leaning towards the French, began to charge over the baggage behind the rearguard; because they were arranged like a flying wing, to come to the aid of others in times of need. And indeed, in the first assault, they charged the English archers and breaking their formation, with others coming upon them, made a way to enter; and proceeding to plunder afterwards, because of their fear, others turned to flight and regrouped at the battle of Duke Bedford. Thus, the English lords, reinvigorated by their arrival, calling for a new battle, gathered together into one mass and charged into the battle lines of the French and Scots, returning to those among them, as has been said before, who were wickedly divided and in their battle exposed.

Gallicorum bello sic ordinato, Anglici in tribus similiter aciebus bellicis se ordinaverunt: in quarum prima erat comes de Salisbery, in secunda dux Johannes Bedfordise, in tercia Gallici, Burgundienses et extranei. Scoti autem primo in wangardiam Anglorum, ubi erat comes de Salisbery, irruerunt, maximam stragem in eos fecerunt, ac de eisdem quosdam prsecip[it]ando, quosdam occidendo, quosdam fugando, mirabiliter repulserunt, et ad fugam compulserunt usque ad secundum bellum sive aciem belli. Quod videntes Longobardi et Allemanii et Gasconici, qui erant armati tam in equis quam in corporibus, qui omnes equestres erant, nolentes in pedibus discendere, putantes victoriam Gallicis cedere, super baggacium cœperunt infundere post reregardiam; quia ipsi tanquam ala volans, ad succurrendum in tempore necessitatis aliis, ordinati erant. Et de facto in primo impetu super Anglorum architenentes irruerunt, et eorum ordinem dirumpentes, aliis supervenientibus, locum intrandi fecerunt; et ad spolia postea procedentes, ob eorem timorem alii in fugam conversi ad bellum ducis Bedfordise se recolligentes ju[n]xerunt. Et sic domini Anglorum eorum adventu reanimati, ad novum bellum proclamantes, in unam massam congregati sunt, et in aciem belli Francorum et Scotorum irruerunt, revertentes qui inter eos, ut præmissum est, nequiter divisi erant et in eorum bellum fenestrati.

Hall's Chronicle 1424. 17 Aug 1424. This army royal approched within, ii. miles of Yury and sent. xl. light horsmen to view and espy both the nomber and conduit of the Englishmen. These spyes came very nere to the siege and wer espied and chased to their companions againe, and declared all what they had seen and perceiued. The duke of Alanson seyng that he could not gette any auantage of the Englishemen (although the Dolphyn had geuen hym in straight commaundement to fight with the-regent) whether his heart fayled or he thought to wayte a more fortunate season for his purpose and enterprise, retired backe with his whole army to the toune of Vernoyle in Perche whiche belonged to the kyng of England, & sent word to the garison of that toune that they had discomfited & slaine al the Englishe army and that the regent with a small nomber by swyftnes of his horse had saued him selfe. The inhabitantes of Vernoyle geuyng to light credit to the Frenche fablers, receiued the duke of Alanson with al his army into the toune & submitted themselues to him. Whiche toune he desyred to haue of the gift of the dolphin as his owne inheritance & lawful patrimony. Now approched the day of rescous of Yury, which was the day of our Lady the Assumpcion, at which day no rescous appeared to sir Gerrard de la Pallier captain of the castle, whiche beyng in dispayre of all ayde and comforte, presented the keys to the duke of Bedford (age 35) & shewed him a letter signed & sealed with the handes of xviii. great lordes which the day before promised to geue the duke battaile and to dissolue the siege and raise the assault: Well sayd the duke, if their heartes would haue serued, their puissaunce was sufficient ones to haue profered or to haue performed this faithful promise. But syth they disdaine to seke me, God and saint George willyng I shal not desist to folowe the tractes of their horses tyl one part of vs be by battail ouerthrowen: and so he gaue a safe conduyte to the capitaine and other which wold depart, but many of the Britons within the castle of Yury seyng the faint heartes and the false promises of the flatteryng Frenchmen submitted them selues to the lorde regent and sware to be true to the kyng and him, whom he gentely accepted and put them in wages. Then he furnished the castle and toune with a newe garrison, and incotinent he sent the earle of Suffolke with. vi. C. [600] horses to espy wher the Frenchemen were lodged, whiche passed by Dampeuile, and came to Bretnel wher he beared newes that the Frenchmen had taken Vernoile in Perche & were there yet abidyng, wherof with all diligent celerite he sent worde to the duke of Bedford, which not mindyng to lese his long desired pray set forward in great hast toward his enemies. The Frenchmen hearyng of his comyng set their people in array and made all one maine battaile without forwarder rereward, & appointed certaine Lubardes and horsmen to breake the array of the Englishemen either behynd or at the sides, wherof was capitaine sir Stephyn Venoylcs called the hire. The duke of Bedford not ignorant howe to ordre his men, made likewise oneentier battaile & suffered no man to be on horsebacke, and set the archers (euery one hauyng a sharpe stake) bothe in the front of the battaile and on the sydes like wynges, and behvnd the battaile were the pages with the chariottes and cariages, and all the horses were tyed together either with the reines of their bridles or by the tayles, to thentent that their enemies should not sodainely surprise or disturbe them on the backe behynd: and for to defend the carriages wer appointed two thousand archers. The Frenchmen at the fyrst sight remembryng how often times in piched feldes they had bene ouercome and vanquished of the Englishe nacion, began somewhat to feare, but when they sawe no remedy but to fight, they toke good courage to the and set softely forwarde. In whiche marchyng the Duke of Alaunson, sittyng on horsebacke saied to his capitaines.

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Chronicle of Charles VII of France Volume 1 Chapter 12. 17 Aug 1424. And on a Thursday morning, after mid-August, the said Duke of Alençon, Earl Douglas, and others previously named took to the fields, arranged themselves in formation and battle quite close to the town of Verneuil, and positioned cavalry on both sides of their lines. Soon after, the Duke of Bedford (age 35), the Earl of Salisbury, and the Earl of Suffolk, with a very large army, dismounted and formed up in battle before the said Duke of Alençon and other French forces, and the said two armies marched against each other; and when they were within archers' range of each other, the cavalry charged at the English, who were positioned on either side, as it was said, with four to five hundred lances of Lombards, who struck more at the baggage and wagons than at the archers, which was their principal target; and the other company on the other side, who were about two hundred lances, charged directly at the archers on their side, who were numbered at three thousand, along with two hundred lances, all of whom were routed by the said cavalry; and the cavalry believed that the entire battle was won for the French, because they had performed well and executed what they were charged with.

Et ung jeusdi matin, après la my aoust, se mirent aux champs, les ditz duc d'Alençon et conte Duglatz et autres dessus nommez, et se mirent en ordonnance et en bataille assés près de la ville de Vernoil, et ordonnèrent gens à cheval aux deux costés de leurs batailles, et tantost après vint le duc de Bethefort, le conte de Sallebry, le conte de Suffort, à bien grant armée dessendre à pié, et se mirent en bataille devant icelluy duc d'Alençon et autres François, et marchèrent les dites aeux batailles les unes contre les autres; et quant ilz furent aprouchez du trait des archers les ungz des autres, les gens à cheval pour ferir sur les Angloiz, lesquelz estoient d'un costé et d'autre, ainssy c'om disoit, de quatre à cinq cens lances de Lombars, lesquelz férirent plus sur le baigaige et charroy qu'ilz ne firent sur les archers, qui estoit leur principalle charge; et l'autre compaignie de l'autre costé, qui estoient environ deux cens lances, férirent tout droit sur les archiers de leur costé, lesquelz archiers l'on nombroit à trois mille, avec deux cens lances, lesquelz furent tous desconfilz par iceulx gens à cheval; et cuidoient iceulx gens à cheval que toute la bataille fust gaignié pour les François, pour ce qu'ilz avoient bien fait et exécuté ce dont ilz avoient la charge.

Journal d'un Bourgeois de Paris. 17 Aug 1424. Then there was no more discussion, the two armies came against each other, [and began to strike and hammer each other] with all manner of war armaments imaginable, whether projectiles or otherwise. There you would have heard so many sorrowful cries and complaints, so many men falling to the ground, never to rise again, one chasing, another fleeing, one dead on top, another lying on the ground gaping, so much Christian blood spilled, who had never seen each other alive before, and yet they came to kill each other over a little bit of money they expected to gain. The battle was very cruel, and it was not clear who had the upper hand. The Armagnacs had great trust in the Lombards they had arranged to come from behind to break the regent of France's line, but they never dared to do so when they saw the barrier of horses behind. It mattered little to them who won or lost, as long as they got some loot; they killed the poor squires and pages who were on the horses, and lost heart to assist their men, and took all the good horses and everything that was packed on them, and thus they fled never to return to their country; thus they left shamefully like cowards and covetous men.

405. Le régent tout asseuré leur manda que tant de foys avoient leur foy mentie, que jamais on ne les devoit croire, et que bien sceussent que à lui jamais n'auroient traicté ne paix, tant qu'il les eust combatus. Adonq il n'y ot plus parlé, les deux osts vindrent l'un contre l'autre, [et commencèrent à frapper et mallier l'un sur l'autre] de toutes manières d'armeures" de guerre que on peust pancer, de traict ou d'autre chose. Là eussiez ouy tant doloreux criz et plaintes, tant hommes cheoir à terre, que puis n'en relevèrent, l'un chacer, l'autre fouir, l'un mort sus, l'autre gésir à terre gueulle baiée, tant sanc espandu de chrestiens, qui oncques n'avoieni veu en leur vivant Pun l'autre, et si venoient ainsi tuer l'un l'autre pour ung pou de pecune qu'ilz en attendoient à avoir. La bataille fut moult cruelle, que on nesavoit qui en avoit le meilleur. Les Arminalx avoient grant fiance aux Lombars qu'ilz avoient ordonnez [de] venir par derrière rompre la bataille du régent de France, lesquelx n'osèrent oncques ce faire quant ilz virent la haye des chevaulx qui par derrière estoit. Si ne leur fut à gueres qui gaignast ou perdist, mais qu'ilz eussent du pillaige; si tuèrent les pouvres varletz et paiges qui dessus les chevaulx estoient, et orent le cueur failli de aider à leur gent, et prindrent tous les bons chevaulx et tout ce qui dessus estoit troussé, et ainsi s'en fouirent sans plus revenir vers leur pais; ainsi s'en allèrent honteusement comme couars et convoiteus.

Polydore Vergil. 17 Aug 1424. 5. At this time Charles (age 21) was staying at Tours, and aware of this business from the start, did not appear to be much concerned. Rather, relying partly on the nature of the place, and partly on the strength of his followers, he only gathered sufficient forces to fight the enemy on equal terms. Therefore, when he had assembled a larger army, he sent Duke John of Alençon (age 15) to assist his subjects, and he ordered him not to shrink from a battle, should the situation require it. The Duke departed quickly, and before approaching the place he learned of the castle’s surrender, and then, obliged by necessity to change his route, he went to Verneuil and stormed it, killing a goodly part of the English garrison. And he was soon given this town, defended by great works, because he had long insisted it should be part of his domain. When this was reported to Bedford (age 35), with no hesitation he marched to Verneuil in battle array, and in the same way approached the enemy camp. For a very little while the French were terrified by their enemies’ approach, and debated what should be done. Almost all were of the opinion that they should wait in the camp until the enemy’s intention was clearer. For they were mindful of all the times they had previously been defeated whenever they engaged the English, and so were not unwilling to delay coming to blows. But when they saw the enemy battle-line drawing closer and closer, their spirits surged and, howling and chanting as was their habit, they took up arms and stationed themselves before the camp. The battle was begun with missiles, but they immediately abandoned these and came together, drawing their swords and running at each other with a great shout. They fought strenuously and continually, and on such even terms that one could not easily tell which way the battle was inclining, with many men falling on both sides. Their outcries were similar, as also the manner of their fighting. Wherever danger threatened the most. there they more earnestly strove to resist and repel, and so the fight dragged on for more than four hours, and the outcome was still uncertain. Meanwhile the Duke of Alençon did not desist in both beseeching and exhorting his soldiers not to flag, nor to allow the enemy, now falling back, to conquer. And Bedford himself also went around everywhere, exhorted, renewed the fight at every point. And when in the end he appreciated that the French were exhausted by their effort and heat (for it is the nature of the French, that they cannot tolerate the effort of a long battle, because for the sake of inspiring fear they expend more of their strength at the beginning of a fight, but cannot maintain it thereafter) and were pressing less than usual, then at length he attacked the enemy with might and main, and those who followed him assaulted with such an onslaught that they first budged the enemy from his place, and then drove them headlong. In that battle 5,000 Frenchmen died, together with Buchan (age 43) the Marshal of France and the Scotsman John Stuart (age 44), whom I have shown above to have come in aid of Charles, and more than ten French captains About 200 were captured, including Duke John of Alençon. On the English side 2,000 died, partly foot and partly horse. This defeat was suffered by the French in the year of human salvation 1424, the third year of Henry’s reign.

A Brief Latin Chronicle. 17 Aug 1424. However, in the year —— of this king, there was a battle at Verneuil in Perche between John, Duke of Bedford (age 35), regent of France, and the French and Scots. With the said duke were the Earl of Salisbury (age 36), the Earl of Suffolk (age 27), Lord Willoughby, Lord Scales, Lord Poynings, and William Oldhall with the retinue of the Duke of Exeter, then infirm. In this battle on the French side, the Duke of Alençon was captured; the bastard of Alençon, the Count of Nevers, and the Count of Marle were indeed killed. On the Scottish side, Archibald, Earl of Douglas (age 52), the Earl of Buchan (age 43), the Earl of Mar, the Earl of Moray, James Douglas, son of the said earl, Sir Alexander Lindsay; William Douglas of Drumlanrig, Matthew Pork, Hugh Orth, knights, and many others, both French and Scots, were killed in that battle and in the flight, to the number of 7,000 and more. Later, in the ditches of the said town, it is said, 4,000 were found drowned. And for all these things, always give thanks to God.

Anno autem —— hujus regis fuit prelium apud Vernoll in Perche inter Johannem ducem Bedfordie regentem Francie et Francos ac Scottos. Ubi cum dicto duce fuerunt Comes Sarum, Comes Southfok, deminus Wylughby, dominus Scales, dominus Ponynges, Willelmus Oldale cum retinencia ducis Exonie tunc infirmi. Et in dicto bello ex parte Francorum captus est dux de Launson[..]; occisi vero sunt ibidem bastardus de Launson, Comes de Navern et Comes de Marrebon[..]. Ex parte autem Scottorum perempti sunt Archibaldus Comes de Douglasse, Comes de Boghan, Comes de Marre, Comes de Murrey, Jacobus Douglas filius dicti comitis, Alexander Lyndesey miles; Willelmus Douglas de Danlanryk, Matheus Pork, Hugo Orth, milites, et alii quam plures, tam de Francis quam de Scottis in ipso bello et fuga ad numerum vij ml et ultra. Postea vero in foveis dicte ville inventa sunt, ut dicitur, iiij ml submersa. Et super his omnibus semper Deo gratias.

On 17 Aug 1451 James "Black Knight of Lorn" Stewart (age 56) was killed, supposedly captured at sea by Flemish pirates.

However, there is a reference to him in f. 124r-v/105r—v. The duke of Somerset’s answer to the king of Scotland’s credence, together with the comments of the lords of the king’s council, 1453-4(?) published in "The politics of fifteenth-century England: John Vale's book" in 1995, notes: See above, ch. 1, pp. 19-20. This item was printed by Nicolas in PPC, vi, pp. Ixiii-Ixv, from Stow’s manuscript copy in Harl. 543, f. 163. There is no reason not to assume that the present item was Stow’s source. It is most likely that, as most commentators have suggested (see e.g. Griffiths, Henry VI, p. 764, n. 113), the document dates from the period of Somerset's second imprisonment in the Tower, viz. between late November 1453, when the duke was incarcerated and mid to late April 1454, when the parliament of 1453-54 appears to have ended (note the reference to the clerk of the parliament in the final paragraph). It is, even so, just possible that it dates from the period of the duke’s first imprisonment (early December 1450): this makes slightly more sense of Somerset's claim that he had been imprisoned for his own safety (see e.g. Benet’s Chronicle, p. 203), though it also implies that royal power was more completely and explicitly neutralised during the 1450-1 parliament than has been thought. JLW


Thaunswer of the duc of Somersett to his credence to hym sente bi the king of Scottys As to the credence sente bi the king of Scottis to me the duc of Somerset whiche is open, ij pointes, the toon towching the kinges highenesse, to whiche thoughe I were as at grete fredam as evur I was, I wolde nat take upon me tanswere withoute the kinges commaundemente or bi thadvice of his counsaile. But as towching to the tother towching my selfe, under correccion, yit mighte be by me answered in the forme that foloweth. First that I thanke the king of Scottes righte hertely of the good love and affecion that he hathe to me his uncle, as nature woll that he shulde. Notwithstanding, as for my being in the Toure of London, yt was doone bi thadvice of the lordis of the kinges counseile which as I understande was moste for the surete of my persone. And what so evur meoved theim so for to doo, yif I were alied unto all the kings christened as nyghe as I am to the seide king of Scottes, ner my will nor intente is ner evur was to desire nor assente, taske nor tahave any helpe by mighte of theym into this reaume. For I have moche more truste to my trouthe and the rightwusnesse of my souveraigne lorde and the lordis of the lande, than I coude have of any mighte inwarde and specialy outewarde thoughe I were alied as bifore is seide.

Memorandum that in no wise the lordes geve thair advice or assente tany answere to be geven bi the duc of Somersett unto the king of Scottes uppon his credence, to the same duc mynistred by Sir Jamys Stewarde sithe that the seide credence came only!? unto hym, wherinne any other lorde hathe noon interesse ne nat awe tentermell therof.

Item, where the seid duc amonge other thinges conceved in a cedule by hym made consernyng his aunswer to the seide credence, it is conceyved that his being in the Toure of London was doone by thadvice of the lordes of the kinges counseill, whiche as he understandeth was moste for the surete of his persone. He therof disclaunderith and blasphemeth the seide lordis, whiche of a hoole assente and auctorite commytted hym to the seide Toure for suspecion of treason as by the acte thereuppon made yt mowe appere. [f. 124v] And to thentente that thambiguite and doughte being amonge the people whether the seid duc was committed to the seid Towre for the surete, oonly of his persone or for the seid suspecion mow be removed, it is right necessarie that the seide acte be withoute delaye called and red tafore the seide lordes and opened where it oughte to be opened, to thentente that the comitting of the seid duc to the seide Toure be nat noysed unlawfully uppon the seide lordis as in straunge landis, ner that it be nat leide uppon hem in burdon or charge at eny tyme here after.

Item, that in all wise the seide credence be ofte sones reported tafore all the seid lordes bi suche of hem as were assigned to here the openyng therof to the seide duc by the seid Sir Jamys. And the same credence ceriously put in writing by the clerke of the parliamente to thende and affecte that, yif it bee otherwise reported tahave be seid then it was in dede to the charge of any personne, it mowe appere of recorde suche as it is of trouthe.

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Hall's Chronicle 1469. 17 Aug 1469When king Edward was advertised of this unfortunate chances, he wrote in all haste to the Sheriffs of Somerset and Devon, that if they could by any mean take the lord Stafford of Southwick (age 30), that they upon pain of their lives, should without delay put him in execution, which accordingly to the kynges commandment, after long exploration made, found him hid in a village in Brentmarche [Map], called.... where he was taken & brought to Bridgwater [Map], & there cut shorter by the head.

On 17 Aug 1469 Humphrey Stafford 1st Earl Devon (age 30), having escaped after the Battle of Edgecote Moor aka Danes Moor aka Banbury, was captured and executed by a mob at Bridgwater, Somerset [Map]. He was buried at Glastonbury Abbey [Map]. Earl Devon, Baron Stafford of Southwick extinct.

The Wardrobe Accounts of King Edward IV. [17 Aug 1481]. To the righte highe and right myghty Prince Edward (age 10) by the grace of God Prince of Wales Duke of Cornwayle and Erie of Chester, the firstbigoten son of oure said Souverayn Lorde Kyng Edward the iiijthe, to have of the yift of oure said Souverain Lorde the Kyng, v yerdes of white cloth of golde tisshue for a gowne, by vertue of a warrant undre the Kinges signet and signe manuelle bering date the xvij day of August in the xxti yere of the inooste noble reigne of our said Souverain Lorde the Kyng unto the said Piers Courteys for the deliveree of the said clothe of gold directe,

White clothe of gold tisshue, v yerdes.

The Wardrobe Accounts of King Edward IV. [17 Aug 1481]. To the right high and myghty Prince the Duke of York (age 8), son unto oure said Souverain Lorde the Kyng, to have of the yift of his highnesse and goode grace, v yerdes of purpulle velvet for a gowne; v yerdes of grene velvet for a gowne; iiij yerdes di' of grene damask for a gowne; a yerde di' of grene satyn; ij yerdes di' of tawny sarsinet, and v yerdes of white cloth of gold for a gowne, by vertue of a warrant uudre the Kinges signet and signe manuelle bering date the xvij day of August in the xxti yere of the moost noble reigne of oure said Souveraiu Lorde the Kyng unto the saide Piers Courteys for the deliveree of the said stuff direct,

Velvet, x yerdes purpulle and grene; damask, iiij yerdes di' grene; satyne, a yerde di' grene ; sarsinet, ij yerdes di' tawny ; tisshue cloth of golde, v yerdes white.

Wriothesley's Chronicle 1510-1519. 1510. This yeare, in August, Sir Richard Empson (age 60)d and Edmund Dudley (age 48) were beheaded at the Tower Hill [Map].e

Two heretiques burned in Smithfield on St. Luke's day.

Note d. In MS. incorrectly written Sir Thomas Empson, which mistake is also made by Arnold.

Note e. In MS. this and the preceding entry have been accidentally transposed.

On 17 Aug 1510 Edmund Dudley (age 48) and Richard Empson (age 60) were beheaded at Tower Hill [Map] for constructive treason for having carried out King Henry VII's rigorous and arbitrary system of taxation. The new King King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 19) attempting to distance himself from his father's policies.

In 1539 John Bell was appointed Bishop of Worcester. On 17 Aug 1539 he he was consecrated by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer (age 49).

Henry Machyn's Diary. 17 Aug 1553. The xvij day of August was mad a grett skaffold in Westmynster hall agaynst the morow, for the duke of Northumberland (age 49) commyng to be raynyd, with odur, as the marqwes of Northamton (age 41) and the yerle of Warwyke (age 26).

Wriothesley's Chronicle 17 Aug 1554. 17 Aug 1554. The 17 of Augusta the King (age 27) and Queen (age 38) came by water from Richmond in the after noone, and landed at my Lord Chancellors stayers in St. Marye Overies, and there had a banquett in the Lord Chauncellors (age 71) howsse [Map], and then passed throughe the parke to the howse at St. Georges, of which Sir John Gage, Lord Chamberlayne to the Queene (age 74), had the keepinge, and there lay that night and dyned there the next daye.

Note a. The authorities differ widely as to this date. The Grey Friars' Chronicle (p. 91 ) says: "They came not unto London tyll it was the 18th day of Angnst, and then came hothe unto the place in Sothwarke, and lay there that nyght, and the 19th day came into London." And Stow (p. 625): "The 11 of August, the King and Queene remooued to Richmond, from thence by water to Southwarke, &c. And the next day, heing the 12 of August, they rode through Southwarke oner the bridge, and so through London, &c." While Baker's Chronicle reads: "The eleventh of August they remoued to Richmond, the seven-and-twentieth to Suffolk Place in Southwark, and the next day to London," &c. (p. 342).

On 17 Aug 1654 Henry Bourchier 5th Earl Bath (deceased) was buried at St Peter's Church, Tawstock [Map]. Inscription:

Here lies Lord Henry Bourchier, Earl of Bath, who, with a long lineage and numerous descendants, sprang from the most ancient and noble families of Bourchier and FitzWarren. By hereditary right and the title of kinship, he assumed the arms of Woodstock, Bohun, Say, Mandeville, Bruse, Badlesmere, Clare, Montchensey, Cornehill, Windsor, Peverell, Clifford, Gifford, Martin, Mohun, Tracy, Cogan, Dinham, Courtney, Rivers, Stourton, Hangford, and other renowned families, intertwining their natal arms with his own heraldic shield, which he embraces and displays to posterity on this marble. Enough said, Reader; you now at last have a brief series of his nativities, where you may behold the splendor of his lineage and the loftiness of his ancestry. If indeed you should also consider his virtues and the furnishings of his soul, consult his name, which is more enduring than bronze, more lasting than marble, or any eulogy or epitaph finally and conspicuously displayed.

Sacred to Eternity: Stop, Traveler. Beneath this tombstone, in this marble sarcophagus, Henry, Earl of Bath, has laid down the mortal remains of his flesh, the envy of his present age and the sorrow of future generations. A man distinguished by venerable birthright and a lineage of the most noble stock not less conspicuous. Observe with what furnishings of fortune he was endowed; nor did his great soul abound less in virtues. He was refined by various solid literatures, and yet with a pleasant charm of polite elegance, he was generous and open. To the needy, who lacked essentials, he was a support and pillar; to the academics, nearly crushed by the barbarity of these times, he was a support and stabilizer. To friends, he was a paragon of expansive courtesy; to foes, indeed, a specimen of kindly compensation; towards all others, obliging and humble, only towards himself, he was stern; towards the King he was a symbol of unbroken, albeit calamitous, loyalty, and again towards him, a constant follower of untainted piety. But alas, while we shadow such great icons of virtue with our meager stylus, lamented widely by pious souls and attended by angels, from this earthly dust he was raised to the heavenly heights. In memory of whom (lest it decay by neglect and the ravages of time), this monument, a token of her affection, was placed by Rachel (age 41), the grieving Countess, who was the daughter to Francis, Earl of Westmorland, son and heir of Thomas Fane, Knight, by Mary his wife, daughter and heiress of Henry Neville, Lord Abergavenny. Her mother was Mary, daughter and heiress to Anthony Mildmay, Knight, by Grace, daughter and co-heiress of Henry Sherington, Knight. October 1659.

HIC SITUS EST DOM: HENRICUS BOURGCHIER COMES BATHONIENSIS: Qui longa Propagine, et numeroso Stemmate, a uetustissimus iuxta ac nobilissimis Familijs, de BOURGCHIER et FITZWARREN, effluxit Et Iure haeredit ario ac Titulo Cognationis ascita sibi Insignia de WOODSTOCK, BOHUN, SAY, MANDEVILLE, BRUSE, BADLESMER, CLARE, MONTCHENSEY, CORNEHILL, WINDSOR, PEVERELL, CLIFFORD, GIFFORD, MARTIN, MOHUN, TRACY, COGAN, DINHAM, COURTNEY, RIVERS, STOURTON, HANGFORD reliquareum celebris Notae Familiarum, Arma Natalitia, cum proprijs Insignibus, intertexta ac circumfusa, Scuto suo Gentilitio complectitur, et Posteris Marmore hoc insculpta exhibet. Satis est, Lector; habes iam tandem compendiosam suorum Natatium Seriem, ubi Generis Splendorem, et Prosapiae Suae Sublimitatem spectes. Si vero Virtutes, et Animi Supeflectilem lustraueris, Nomem Suum Ære perennius, Marmore diuturnius aut quouis Eulogio uel Epitaphio conspectius tandem aliquando consulas.

Æternitati Sacrum Siste Viator Sub hoc Tumulo hue Sistro Marmoreo Deposuit Exuuias Carnis Henricus Comes Bathoniensis Paefentis faeculi liuor, et venturae Posteritatis luctus: Vir venerandi Natalibus quam apprime insignis Et prolixa nobilissimi stemmatis Prosapia mon minus Conspicuus Videas qua supellectile Fortunae suit stipatus; Ne minus virtutum Peculio grandis Animus exuberauit Varia solidioris literaturae limatura suit excultus, Et taman blando Comtae Elegantiae lenocinio facilis et effisus Egenis sua Inopia vacissantibus suit subsidium et Columen Academicis ingruente huium Temporis Barbarie pene fractis, Fulcrus et Statumen, Amicis suit diffusae urbanitatis, Inimicis uero Benignae, Compensationis Specimen; In omnes alios pronus et demissus, solum in Seipsum grauis; Erga Regem erat infractae licet Calamitossae Fidelitatis Symbolum, Ac denuo erga peum intemeratae Pietatis assiduus Assecta. sed eheu dum tantos Virtutum Iconismos umbratili stylo Calamistramus, Plorantibus passim pijs et stipantibus Angelis A Terrestri hoc Puluere, in caeleste Fastigium euectus est. In cuius Memoriam (ne situ et Ærugine Tabeiceret) Hoc Monumentus Affectus sui Tesseram, RACHEL, Comitissa Lugens possuit who was Da: to Francis Ea: of Westmerland sone & heire of Tho: Fane KT by Mary his wife Da: & heire of Hen: Nevill LD Abergaveney. Her Mother was Mary Da: & heire to Anthony Mildmay KT by Grace Da: & Choheire of Hen: Sherington KT Octo: 1659

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In Aug 1661 King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 31) created new Baronetcies and Peerages ...

02 Aug 1661 Thomas Carew 1st Baronet (age 29) was created 1st Baronet Carew of Haccombe in Devon.

04 Aug 1661 John Chichester 1st Baronet (age 38) was created 1st Baronet Chichester of Raleigh in Devon.

07 Aug 1661 Mark Milbanke 1st Baronet (age 23) was created 1st Baronet Milbanke of Halnaby in Yorkshire. Elizabeth Acklom Lady Milbanke by marriage Lady Milbanke of Halnaby in Yorkshire.

17 Aug 1661 William Boyd 1st Earl Kilmarnock (age 15) was created 1st Earl Kilmarnock.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 17 Aug 1661. So he and I to the Wardrobe to dinner, and after dinner Captain Ferrers and I to the Opera, and saw "The Witts" again, which I like exceedingly. The Queen of Bohemia (age 64) was here, brought by my Lord Craven (age 53).

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 17 Aug 1664. Thence to my Lady Sandwich (age 39), where by agreement my wife dined, and after talking with her I carried my wife to Mr. Pierce's and left her there, and so to Captain Cooke's (age 48), but he was not at home, but I there spoke with my boy Tom Edwards, and directed him to go to Mr. Townsend (with whom I was in the morning) to have measure taken of his clothes to be made him there out of the Wardrobe, which will be so done, and then I think he will come to me.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 17 Aug 1664. Thence to White Hall, and after long staying there was no Committee of the Fishery as was expected. Here I walked long with Mr. Pierce, who tells me the King (age 34) do still sup every night with my Baroness Castlemayne (age 23), who he believes has lately slunk a great belly away, for from very big she is come to be down again.

John Evelyn's Diary. 17 Aug 1666. Dined with the Lord Chancellor (age 57), whom I entreated to visit the Hospital of the Savoy, and reduce it (after the great abuse that had been continued) to its original institution for the benefit of the poor, which he promised to do.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 17 Aug 1666. So to dinner, and thence abroad with my wife, leaving her at Unthanke's; I to White Hall, waiting at the Council door till it rose, and there spoke with Sir W. Coventry (age 38), who and I do much fear our Victuallers, they having missed the fleete in their going. But Sir W. Coventry says it is not our fault, but theirs, if they have not left ships to secure them. This he spoke in a chagrin sort of way, methought. After a little more discourse of several businesses, I away homeward, having in the gallery the good fortune to see Mrs. Stewart (age 19), who is grown a little too tall, but is a woman of most excellent features. The narrative of the late expedition in burning the ships is in print, and makes it a great thing, and I hope it is so.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 17 Aug 1668. Up, and by water to White Hall, and so to St. James's, and thence with Mr. Wren (age 39) by appointment in his coach to Hampstead, to speak with the Atturney-general (age 70), whom we met in the fields, by his old route and house; and after a little talk about our business of Ackeworth, went and saw the Lord Wotton's (age 25) house and garden, which is wonderfull fine: too good for the house the gardens are, being, indeed, the most noble that ever I saw, and brave orange and lemon trees.

On 17 Aug 1734 Elizabeth Shirley (age 30) died in childbirth following the premature birth of her daughter Elizabeth as a result of the shock caused by a violent flash of lightning.

On 17 Aug 1786 Frederick "The Great" I King Prussia (age 74) died. His nephew Frederick William II King Prussia (age 41) succeeded II King Prussia.

On 17 Aug 1808 the Battle of Roliça an Anglo-Portuguese army under Sir Arthur Wellesley defeated an outnumbered Imperial French division under General of Division Henri François Delaborde, near the village of Roliça in Portugal.

General Henry Fane (age 29) commanded.

On 17 Aug 1812 Mary Hutchinson (age 78) died. She was buried at St Mary's Church, Staindrop [Map].

Mary Hutchinson: Around 1734 she was born to Thomas Hutchinson of Staindrop in County Durham and Tabitha m Hutchinson. In 1769 John Lee and she were married.

Henry Chaplin A Memoir: 2 Family and Social Life Part II. 17th [Aug 1876]. I feel as if I had been away from you 6 months at least, and the boredom of Homburg begins to be very depressing already. And yet there are a good many people here too. I went out for a prowl just to see who was here, and to order my dinner. Every one at Homburg dines at the Cursaal—like an enormous Café, where I must say, as a rule, it is very well done Having settled that important matter I took the dogs and myself out for a walk, which I hope has done us a great deal of good. Vic was horribly sick, I believe, and all over the house In the evening I found a whole lot of friends after dinner hearing the band on the terrace, and among them your friend Terese Duchess of something [Colonna], but whose name I always forget. We renewed our acquaintance at once. She said that you were the dearest, sweetest, nicest, kindest, best, and oldest friend she'd got in the world. We became friends from that moment. She then further informed me that I was the luckiest man in the world, with which perhaps it will surprise you to hear that I agreed We ended with a good deal of chaff about Dot, whom she evidently does not regard with the same affectionate feelings that we do. Ah! Lord— There he is growling again! Never mind, we flatter ourselves, Dot and I, that we are perfectly able to hold our own against a dozen Tereses or a dozen any one else; and he takes the waters with me the first time to-morrow, when I do trust he will be on his good behaviour with Rank and Fashion, for here, in these rooms, if I must tell the truth, he lives in a state of perpetual growl. One has to go through the form here of seeing the doctor before you begin taking the water, but yesterday, when he came here, Dot fairly frightened him out of the room, while I like a brute was bursting with laughter at seeing him bowing gracefully backwards out of the door—"You hev alway two dog in your room, eh?" was his exclamation, "Then I will see you pleas in one ozer room," and so Dot remained complete master of the situation, and he won't have intrusive Germans in here at any price. On Saturday your friend the Duchess Terese proposes to organise a party for the Frankfurt races and has asked me to go with them, which I shall do, the party consisting besides of the Duchess of Cleveland (age 57) and daughter, Lady Mary Primrose (age 31), the poor blind Grand Duke [of Baden], and some half-dozen others. This place is stagnation and dulness itself. Society chiefly consists at this moment at instead Homburg of very respectable English families... of the certainly mixed, but as I thought highly amusing collection, one used to meet here years ago.

On 17 Aug 1916 Edward Henry Fiennes-Clinton (age 30) was accidentally shot and killed by 3475 Pte Wilfred Crossley Bowler who by his "careless handling of a loaded revolver" fired a shot which hit Charles in the hip/abdomen. He was buried at Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. A court of enquiry was set up at Bonneville on 20th August 1916 its President was Captain R. Christie, into the death of Private Fiennes-Clinton and it was found that the death was an accident due to the careless handling of a loaded revolver by Private 3475 Bowler.

Births on the 17th August

On 17 Aug 1684 Anne Lennard 16th Baroness Dacre of Gilsland Baroness Teynham was born to Thomas Lennard 1st Earl of Sussex (age 30) and Anne Fitzroy Countess Sussex (age 23). She a granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. Coefficient of inbreeding 3.14%.

On 17 Aug 1696 Bishop John Thomas was born.

On 17 Aug 1701 Henry Fitzroy was born to Charles Fitzroy 1st Duke Southampton 2nd Duke Cleveland (age 39) and Anne Pulteney Duchess Southampton Duchess of Cleveland (age 37). He a grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 17 Aug 1721 Mary Wallop was born to John Wallop 1st Earl Portsmouth (age 31) and Bridget Bennet Viscountess Lymington (age 24).

On 17 Aug 1723 John Hobart 2nd Earl Buckinghamshire was born to John Hobart 1st Earl Buckinghamshire (age 29) and Judith Britiffe Lady Hotham.

On 17 Aug 1755 Antoine 8th Duke Gramont was born to Antoine 7th Duke Gramont (age 33).

On 17 Aug 1755 Thomas Stothard was born. His parent's only child.

On 17 Aug 1765 John Hope 4th Earl Hopetoun was born to John Hope 2nd Earl Hopetoun (age 60) and Jane Oliphant Countess Hopetoun.

On 17 Aug 1777 Anna Maria Truter Lady Barrow was born to Petrus Johannes Truter (age 29).

On 17 Aug 1782 Foster Cunliffe-Offley was born to Foster Cunliffe 3rd Baronet (age 27) and Harriet Kinloch Lady Cunliffe.

On 17 Aug 1785 William Woods Howard was born illegitimately to Charles Howard 11th Duke of Norfolk (age 39).

On 17 Aug 1786 Marie Luise Victoria Saxe Coburg Gotha Duchess Kent and Strathearn was born to Francis Saxe Coburg Gotha I Duke Saxe Coburg Gotha (age 36) and Augusta Reuss Duchess Saxe Coburg Gotha (age 29) at Coburg.

On 17 Aug 1800 Harriet Emma Arundel Stewart Duchess Leeds was born illegitimately to Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville (age 26) and Henrietta Frances Spencer Countess Bessborough (age 39). She was born in secret and sent to be raised by a foster mother.

On 17 Aug 1807 Elizabeth Charlotte Liddell was born to Thomas Liddell 1st Baron Ravensworth (age 32) and Maria Susannah Simpson Baroness Calthorpe (age 34).

On 17 Aug 1873 Walter FitzUryan Rice 7th Baron Dynevor was born to Arthur Rice 6th Baron Dynevor (age 37) and Selina Lascelles (age 32).

On 17 Aug 1875 Foster Hugh Egerton Cunliffe 6th Baronet was born to Robert Alfred Cunliffe 5th Baronet (age 36) and Eleanor Sophia Leigh Lady Cunliffe (age 27).

On 17 Aug 1916 Antony Guy Acland 5th Baronet was born to Hubert Acland 4th Baronet (age 26) and Lalage Mary Kathleen Acland (age 27). Coefficient of inbreeding 1.57%.

On 17 Aug 1958 Mark Baring 8th Baron Ashburton was born to John Francis Baring 7th Baron Ashburton (age 29) and Susan Renwick (age 28).

Marriages on the 17th August

Around 17 Aug 1390 John Devereux 2nd Baron Devereux (age 12) and Phillipe Bryan Baroness Scrope Masham Baroness Devereux were married. She by marriage Baroness Devereux. They were fourth cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King John of England.

On 17 Aug 1497 Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 54) and Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 20) were married some four months after the death of his first wife. She by marriage Countess Surrey. She, Agnes, was a first cousin of his former wife Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey for which he was given dispensation on 17 Aug 1497. The difference in their ages was 34 years. He the son of John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk and Katherine Moleyns. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward I of England.

On 17 Aug 1561 William Ruthven 1st Earl Gowrie (age 18) and Dorothea Stewart Countess Gowrie were married. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

On 17 Aug 1654 William Cholmley 2nd Baronet (age 28) and Katherine Hotham were married.

On 17 Aug 1663 John Paulett 3rd Baron Paulett (age 22) and Essex Popham Baroness Poulett (age 21) were married.

On 17 Aug 1732 John Evelyn 2nd Baronet (age 25) and Mary Boscawen (age 26) were married. They were first cousins.

On 17 Aug 1736 William Lowther 2nd Baronet (age 42) and Catherine Ramsden Lady Lowther (age 38) were married. She by marriage Lady Lowther of Swillington in West Yorkshire.

On 17 Aug 1769 Bysshe Shelley 1st Baronet (age 38) and Elizabeth Jane Perry were married.

On 17 Aug 1797 George William Frederick Osborne 6th Duke Leeds (age 22) and Charlotte Townshend Duchess Leeds (age 21) were married. She by marriage Baroness Darcy of Knayth, Baroness Conyers. She the daughter of George Townshend 1st Marquess Townshend (age 73) and Anne Montgomery Marchioness Townshend (age 45). He the son of Francis Osborne 5th Duke Leeds (age 46) and Amelia Darcy 12th Baroness Darcy 9th Baroness Conyers. He a great x 5 grandson of King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland.

On 17 Aug 1815 Admiral John Beresford 1st Baronet (age 49) and Harriet Elizabeth Peirse Lady Beresford were married. She by marriage Lady Beresford of Bagnall in County Waterford. He the illegitmate son of George de la Poer Beresford 1st Marquess Waterford.

On 17 Aug 1860 Edward Bootle Wibraham 1st Earl Lathom (age 22) and Alice Villiers Countess Lathom (age 19) were married. She the daughter of George William Villiers 4th Earl Clarendon (age 60) and Katherine Grimston Countess Clarendon (age 50).

On 17 Aug 1886 Francis Montagu Stuart-Wortley-Mackenzie 2nd Earl of Wharncliffe (age 30) and Ellen Gallwey Countess of Wharncliffe (age 23) were married.

Deaths on the 17th August

On 17 Aug 1153 King Stephen's eldest son Eustace Blois IV Count Boulogne (age 23) died at Bury St Edmunds [Map]. Probably from food poisoning, possibly murdered for having sacked the Abbey. His brother William Blois I Count Boulogne (age 16) succeeded I Count Boulogne.

On 17 Aug 1424 the English forces led by John Lancaster 1st Duke Bedford (age 35) inflicted a significant defeat on the French and Scottish army at the Battle of Verneuil; a second Agincourt. For the English Edmund Hungerford (age 15), Ralph Longford (age 23), John "Old Talbot" Talbot 1st Earl of Shrewsbury (age 41) and Richard Waller (age 29) fought.

On the French and Scottish side Pierre Valois, Archibald Douglas 1st Duke Touraine (age 52), his son James Douglas, William Seton Master of Seton (age 34), Alexander Home of Home and Dunglas (age 56) were killed

John Stewart 2nd Earl Buchan (age 43) was killed. His brother Robert Stewart Earl Ross (age 39) de jure Earl Ross and Earl Buchan although he didn't claim the title since both titles had reverted to the Crown.

Jean Poton Xaintrailles (age 34) fought.

On 17 Aug 1469 Humphrey Stafford 1st Earl Devon (age 30), having escaped after the Battle of Edgecote Moor aka Danes Moor aka Banbury, was captured and executed by a mob at Bridgwater, Somerset [Map]. He was buried at Glastonbury Abbey [Map]. Earl Devon, Baron Stafford of Southwick extinct.

On 17 Aug 1510 Edmund Dudley (age 48) and Richard Empson (age 60) were beheaded at Tower Hill [Map] for constructive treason for having carried out King Henry VII's rigorous and arbitrary system of taxation. The new King King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 19) attempting to distance himself from his father's policies.

On 17 Aug 1545 Thomas Poynings 1st Baron Poynings (age 33) died at Boulogne sur Mer [Map]. Baron Poynings extinct.

On 17 Aug 1553 Charles 3rd Duke Savoy (age 66) died. His son Emmanuel Philibert Duke of Savoy (age 25) succeeded Duke Savoy.

On 17 Aug 1627 Toby Caulfeild 1st Baron Caulfeild (age 61) died. He was buried at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin [Map]. His nephew William Caulfeild 2nd Baron Caulfeild (age 40) succeeded 2nd Baron Charlemont.

On or before 17 Aug 1663 Mary Pretyman Baroness Latimer and Willoughby Broke (age 31) died. She was buried 17 Aug 1663.

In 17 Aug 1698 Amabel Benn Countess Kent (age 90) died.

On 17 Aug 1729 Jacob Astley 1st Baronet (age 90) died. His son Philip Astley 2nd Baronet (age 62) succeeded 2nd Baronet Astley of Hill Morton.

On 17 Aug 1736 James Berkeley 3rd Earl Berkeley (age 57) died. His son Augustus Berkeley 4th Earl Berkeley (age 21) succeeded 4th Earl Berkeley, 4th Viscount Dursley, 12th Baron Berkeley.

On 17 Aug 1769 John Spring 6th Baronet (age 64) died. Baronet Spring of Pakenham in Suffolk extinct.

On 17 Aug 1786 Frederick "The Great" I King Prussia (age 74) died. His nephew Frederick William II King Prussia (age 41) succeeded II King Prussia.

On 17 Aug 1789 John Maitland 7th Earl Lauderdale (age 71) died at Haltoun House, Ratho. His son James Maitland 8th Earl Lauderdale (age 30) succeeded 8th Earl Lauderdale, 8th Viscount Maitland, 8th Viscount Lauderdale, 4th Baronet Maitland of Ravelrig in Nova Scotia. Eleanor Todd Countess Lauderdale (age 27) by marriage Countess Lauderdale.

On 17 Aug 1841 Henry Hoare 3rd Baronet (age 79) died. His son Hugh Richard Hoare 4th Baronet (age 53) succeeded 4th Baronet Hoare of Barn Elms in Surrey.

On 17 Aug 1857 Mary Glynne Lady Lyttelton (age 44) died.

On 17 Aug 1868 William Neville 4th Earl Abergavenny (age 76) died. His son William Neville 1st Marquess Abergavenny (age 41) succeeded 5th Earl Abergavenny, 5th Viscount Neville, 21st Baron Bergavenny, 19th Baron Bergavenny. Caroline Vanden Bempte Johnston Marchioness Abergavenny by marriage Countess Abergavenny.

On 17 Aug 1879 John Arthur Douglas Bloomfield 1st and 2nd Baron Bloomfield (age 76) died. Baron Bloomfield of Ciamhaltha in County Tipperary extinct, Baron Bloomfield of Ciamhaltha in County Tipperary extinct [in the Peerage of the United Kingdom].

On 17 Aug 1931 Millicent Cox Countess Lindsey (age 68) died.