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On this Day in History ... 20th April

20 Apr is in April.

1483 Funeral of Edward IV

1534 Execution of Elizabeth Barton and her Supporters

1661 Coronation of Charles II

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 20th April

Bede. 688. How Caedwalla king of the West Saxons went to Rome to be baptized; and his successor Ini also devoutly journeyed to the same threshold of the holy Apostles. [688 a.d.]

In the third year of the reign of Aldfrid, Caedwalla (age 29), king of the West Saxons, having most vigorously governed his nation for two years, quitted his crown for the sake of the Lord and an everlasting kingdom, and went to Rome, Italy [Map], being desirous to obtain the peculiar honour of being cleansed in the baptismal font at the threshold of the blessed Apostles, for he had learned that in Baptism alone the entrance into the heavenly life is opened to mankind; and he hoped at the same time, that being made clean by Baptism, he should soon be freed from the bonds of the flesh and pass to the eternal joys of Heaven; both which things, by the help of the Lord, came to pass according as he had conceived in his mind. For coming to Rome, at the time that Sergius was pope, he was baptized on the Holy Saturday before Easter Day, in the year of our Lord 689, and being still in his white garments, he fell sick, and was set free from the bonds of the flesh on the 20th of April, and obtained an entrance into the kingdom of the blessed in Heaven. At his baptism, the aforesaid pope had given him the name of Peter, to the end, that he might be also united in name to the most blessed chief of the Apostles, to whose most holy body his pious love had led him from the utmost bounds of the earth. He was likewise buried in his church, and by the pope's command an epitaph was written on his tomb, wherein the memory of his devotion might be preserved for ever, and the readers or hearers thereof might be stirred up to give themselves to religion by the example of what he had done.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 688. This year Ceadwall (age 29) went to Rome, and received baptism at the hands of Sergius the pope, who gave him the name of Peter; but in the course of seven nights afterwards, on the twelfth day before the calends of May, he died in his crisom-cloths, and was buried in the church of St. Peter. To him succeeded Ina (age 18) in the kingdom of Wessex, and reigned thirty-seven winters. He founded the monastery of Glastonbury [Map]; after which he went to Rome, and continued there to the end of his life. Ina was the son of Cenred, Cenred of Ceolwald; Ceolwald was the brother of Cynegils; and both were the sons of Cuthwin, who was the son of Ceawlin; Ceawlin was the son of Cynric, and Cynric of Cerdic.

On 20 Apr 689 King Cædwalla of Wessex (age 30) died. He is said to have been buried at St Martin's Church, Ludgate.

Froissart Book 1 Chapter 15. After that sir John of Hainault (age 39) was departed from king Edward (age 14), he and the queen (age 32) his mother governed the realm by the counsel of the earl of Kent (age 25), uncle to the king, and by the counsel of sir Roger Mortimer (age 39), who had great lands in England to the sum of seven hundred pounds of rent yearly. And they both were banished and chased out of England with the queen, as ye have heard before. Also they used much after the counsel of sir Thomas Wake (age 30), and by the advice of other who were reputed for the most sagest of the realm. Howbeit there were some had envy thereat, the which never died in England, and also it reigneth and will reign in divers other countries. Thus passed forth the winter and the Lent season till Easter, and then the king and the queen and all the realm was in good peace all this season. Then so it fortuned that king Robert of Scotland (age 52), who had been right hardy and had suffered much travail against Englishmen, and oftentimes he had been chased and discomfited in the time of king Edward the first, grandfather to this young king Edward the third, he was as then become very old and ancient, and sick (as it was said) of the great evil and malady. When he knew the adventures that was fallen in England, how that the old king Edward the second (age 42) was taken and deposed down from his regaly and his crown, and certain of his counsellors beheaded and put to destruction, as ye have heard herebefore, then he bethought him that he would defy the young king Edward the third, because he was young and that the barons of the realm were not all of one accord, as it was said: therefore he [thought] the better to speed in his purpose to conquer part of England. And so about Easter in the year of our Lord MCCCXXVII. he sent his defiance to the young king Edward the third and to all the realm, sending them word how that he would enter into the realm of England and bren before him as he had done beforetime at such season as the discomfiture was at the castle of Stirling [Map], whereas the Englishmen received great damage. When the king of England and his council perceived that they were defied, they caused it to be known over all the realm, and commanded that all the nobles and all other should be ready apparelled every man after his estate, and that they should be by Ascension-day next after at the town of York [Map], standing northward. The king sent much people before to keep the frontiers against Scotland, and sent a great ambassade to sir John of Hainault, praying him right affectuously that he would help to succour and to keep company with him in his voyage against the Scots, and that he world be with him at the Ascensionday next after at York [Map], with such company as he might get of men of war in those parts. When sir John of Hainault lord of Beaumont heard the king's desire, he sent straight his letters and his messengers in every place whereas he thought to recover or attain to have any company of men of war, in Flanders, in Hainault, in Brabant, and in other places, desiring them that in their best apparel for the war they would meet him at Wissant [Map], for to go over the sea with him into England. And all such as he sent unto came to him with a glad cheer, and divers other that heard thereof, in trust to attain to as much honour as they had that were with him in England before at the other voyage. So that by that time the said lord Beaumont was come to Wissant [Map], there was ready ships for him and his company, brought out of England. And so they took shipping and passed over the sea and arrived at Dover, Kent [Map], and so then ceased not to ride till: they came within three days of Pentecost to the town of York [Map], whereas the king and the queen his mother and all his lords were with great host tarrying the coming of sir John of Hainault, and had sent many before of their men of arms, archers and common people of the good towns and villages; and as people resorted, they were caused to be lodged two or three leagues off, all about in the country. And on a day thither came sir John of Hainault and his company, who were right welcome and well received both of the king, of the queen his mother, and of all other barons, and to them was delivered the suburbs of the city to lodge in. And to sir John of Hainault was delivered an abbey of white monks for him and his household. There came with him out of Hainault the lord of Enghien, who was called sir Gaultier, and sir Henry lord d'Antoing, and the lord of Fagnolle, and sir Fastres du Roeulx, sir Robert de Bailleul, and sir Guilliam de Bailleul his brother, and the lord of Havreth, chatelain of Mons, sir Allard de Briffeuil, sir Michael de Ligne, sir John de Montigny the younger and his brother, sir Sanses de Boussoit, the lord of Gommegnies, sir Perceval de Semeries, the lord of Beaurieu and the lord of Floyon. Also of the country of Flanders there was sir Hector of Vilain, sir John de Rhodes, sir Wu there was sir John le Belt and sir Henry his brother, sir Godfrey de la Chapelle, sir Hugh d'Ohey, sir John de Libyne, sir Lambert d'Oupey, and sir Gilbert de Herck: and out of Cambresis and Artois there were come certain knights of their own good wills to advance their bodies: so that sir John of Hainault had well in his company five hundred men of arms, well apparelled and richly mounted. And after the feast of Pentecost came thither sir Guilliam de Juliers (age 28), who was after duke of Juliers after the decease of his father, and sir Thierry of Heinsberg, who was after earl of Loos, and with them a right fair rout, and all to keep company with the gentle knight sir John of Hainault lord Beaumont.

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Croyland Chronicle 1483. 20 Apr 1483The body of the deceased king being accordingly interred with all honor in due ecclesiastical form, in the new collegiate chapel of Windsor [Map], which he had erected of the most elaborate workmanship, from the foundations;

On 20 Apr 1483 King Edward IV of England (deceased) was buried at the Altar, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle [Map]. Archbishop Thomas Rotherham (age 59) celebrated the mass. John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk (age 58) attended. John de la Pole 1st Earl Lincoln (age 21) was chief mourner. John Savage (age 39) and Edward Stanley 1st Baron Monteagle (age 21) were pall-bearers.

Wriothesley's Chronicle 1530-1539. 20 Apr 1533. Allso the same day all the craftes in London were called to their halls, and there were swome on a booke to be true to Queene Anne (age 32) and to beleeve and take her for lawfull wife of the Kinge (age 41) and rightfull Queene of Englande, and utterlie to thincke the Ladie Marie (age 17),d daughter to the Kinge by Queene Catherin (age 47), but as a bastarde, and thus to doe without any scrupulositie of conscience; allso all the curates and priestes in London and thoroweout Englande were allso swome before the Lord of Canterburie (age 43) and other Bishopps; and allso all countries in Englande were sworne in lykewise, everie man in the shires and towncs were they dwelled.

Note d. The Princess Mary, who was no longer admitted to Court.

On 20 Apr 1534 Elizabeth "Holy Maid of Kent" Barton (age 28) was hanged for treason at Tyburn [Map]. Five of her supporters were hanged alongside her:

Edward Bocking, Benedictine Monk of Christ Church, Canterbury

John Dering, Benedictine Monk

Henry Gold, Priest

Hugh Rich, Franciscan Friar

Richard Risby, Franciscan Friar

Letters and Papers 1535. 20 Apr 1535. R. O. 567. [John Hale, Vicar of Isleworth, to the Council.]

I fell and hurt my leg at Wyngham, at Allhallowtide was twelvemonth, and remained till about Candlemas next. On Saturday after Ash Wednesday I fell into a fervent ague. How long I continued, with various relapses, the parishioners of Isleworth know, so that I took not my journey through whole five weeks before Michaelmas last, and lost "our Lady's quarter" ended the Midsummer before that by my sickness. I had several falls from my horse, from one of which I was troubled in my wits, as also by age and lack of memory. Will nevertheless report, as well as I can, with whom I talked, and in what manner, of the King's grace. I remember, about two years ago, the fellow of Bristow showed, both to me and others of Syon, the prophecies of Marlyon; for, by my truth, Master Skydmore showed me also the same, with whom I had several conversations concerning the King's marriage and other behaviours of his bodily lust. Once Cownsell the porter "sayd that our suffren had a short of maydons over oon of his chambyres at Farnam while he was with the oold lord of Wynchester." Had also conversations with Skydmore, with Sir Thomas my priest, and with Master Leeke; and once, I think, about two years ago, of the Acts of Parliament made against churchmen, with the prior of Hounslow, who offered to show me a prophecy; but we had no leisure to speak together further, for we only met at the new inn, where Mr. Yowng, Awnsam and his wife, and others, dined with us. Skydmore also used to speak of young Sir Rice, saying that Welshmen and priests were sore disdained nowadays. As to Mr. Ferne, my wits were so troubled with sickness that I cannot perfectly remember what he rehearsed; but by Mr. Bydyll's rehearsal, Mr. Steward of Syon told me it was likely to be enacted that no more tithe corn should be made. I was sick long after, and, being aged and oblivious, did not see him till we met at the Secretary's at the Rolls. Also Mr. Waren, old surveyor, and the master of Ashford, in Kent, sometime steward to the bp. of Canterbury, spoke in the churchyard of Istleworth of the hard statutes made and to be made against the Church. Finally, I confess the four bills by Mr. Feerne, Mr. Leeke, Mr. Skydmore, and Sir Thomas Mody to be true, and that by such seditious ways I have maliciously slandered the King and Queen and their Council; for which I ask forgiveness of God, king Henry VIII., and queen Anne, and shall continue sorrowful during my life, which stands only in the King's William "Moreover, Mr. Skydmore dyd show to me yongge Master Care (age 9), saying that he was our suffren Lord the Kynge's son by our suffren Lady the Qwyen's (age 34) syster (age 36), whom the Qwyen's grace myght not suffer to be yn the Cowrte."

Pp.3. Headed: Jhus Salvator Mundi, miserere mei quia timor mortis conturbat me. Endd.:

On 20 Apr 1597 Oliver St John 1st Earl Bolingbroke (age 17) admitted at Gray's Inn.

On 20 Apr 1608 John Egerton was killed in a duel by Edward Morgan (age 32).

Diary of Anne Clifford 1617. 20 Apr 1617. The 20th being Easter Day my Lord (age 28) and I and Tom Glenham and most of the folk received the Communion by Mr Ran, yet in the afternoon my Lord and I had had a great falling out, Mathew continuing still to do me all the ill office he could with my Lord. All this time I wore my white satin gown and my white waistcoat.

Diary of Anne Clifford 1619. 20 Apr 1619. The 20th I went to Parsons Green to my Lady St. John’s, where I met the Spanish friar that is the agent here.

This day and the next my Lord (age 30) had cocking at the Cock Pit where there met him an infinite company.

On 20 Apr 1641 Bishop John Davenant (age 68) died. Salisbury Cathedral [Map].

Bishop John Davenant: On 20 May 1572 he was born. In 1621 he was appointed Bishop of Salisbury.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20 Apr 1661. But my pleasure was great to see the manner of it, and so many great beauties, but above all Mrs. Palmer (age 20), with whom the King do discover a great deal of familiarity. So Mr. Creed and I (the play being done) went to Mrs. Harper's, and there sat and drank, it being about twelve at night. The ways being now so dirty, and stopped up with the rayles which are this day set up in the streets, I would not go home, but went with him to his lodging at Mr. Ware's, and there lay all night.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20 Apr 1661. Then with my Lady and my Lady Wright to White Hall; and in the Banqueting-house [Map] saw the King create my Lord Chancellor (age 52) and several others, Earls, and Mr. Crew (age 63) and several others, Barons: the first being led up by Heralds and five old Earls to the King, and there the patent is read, and the King puts on his vest, and sword, and coronet, and gives him the patent. And then he kisseth the King's hand, and rises and stands covered before the king. And the same for the Barons, only he is led up but by three of the old Barons, and are girt with swords before they go to the King.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20 Apr 1661. That being done (which was very pleasant to see their habits), I carried my Lady back, and I found my Lord angry, for that his page had let my Lord's new beaver be changed for an old hat; then I went away, and with Mr. Creed to the Exchange [Map] and bought some things, as gloves and bandstrings, &c. So back to the Cockpitt [Map], and there, by the favour of one Mr. Bowman, he and I got in, and there saw the King and Duke of York (age 27) and his Duchess (age 24) (which is a plain woman, and like her mother, my Lady Chancellor). And so saw "The Humersome Lieutenant" acted before the King (age 30), but not very well done.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20 Apr 1662. Lord's Day. My intention being to go this morning to White Hall to hear South (age 27), my Lord Chancellor's (age 53) chaplain, the famous preacher and oratour of Oxford, (who the last Lord's day did sink down in the pulpit before the King (age 31), and could not proceed,) it did rain, and the wind against me, that I could by no means get a boat or coach to carry me; and so I staid at Paul's, where the judges did all meet, and heard a sermon, it being the first Sunday of the term; but they had a very poor sermon.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20 Apr 1663. After dinner, it raining very hard, by coach to Whitehall, where, after Sir G. Carteret (age 53), Sir J. Minnes (age 64), Mr. Coventry (age 35) and I had been with the Duke, we to the Committee of Tangier [Map] and did matters there dispatching wholly my Lord Teviott, and so broke up.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20 Apr 1663. With Sir G. Carteret (age 53) and Sir John Minnes (age 64) by coach to my Lord Treasurer's (age 56), thinking to have spoken about getting money for paying the Yards; but we found him with some ladies at cards: and so, it being a bad time to speak, we parted, and Sir J. Minnes and I home, and after walking with my wife in the garden late, to supper and to bed, being somewhat troubled at Ashwell's desiring and insisting over eagerly upon her going to a ball to meet some of her old companions at a dancing school here in town next Friday, but I am resolved she shall not go.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20 Apr 1663. So to bed. This day the little Duke of Monmouth (age 14) was married at White Hall, in the King's chamber; and tonight is a great supper and dancing at his lodgings, near Charing-Cross. I observed his coat at the tail of his coach he gives the arms of England, Scotland, and France, quartered upon some other fields, but what it is that speaks his being a bastard I know not.

John Evelyn's Diary. 20 Apr 1665. To Whitehall [Map], to the King (age 34), who called me into his bedchamber as he was dressing, to whom, I showed the letter written to me from the Duke of York (age 31) from the fleet, giving me notice of young Evertzen, and some considerable commanders newly taken in fight with the Dartmouth and Diamond frigates, whom he had sent me as prisoners at war; I went to know of his Majesty how he would have me treat them, when he commanded me to bring the young captain to him, and to take the word of the Dutch Ambassador (who yet remained here) for the other, that he should render himself to me whenever I called on him, and not stir without leave. Upon which I desired more guards, the prison being Chelsea House. I went also to Lord Arlington (age 47) (the Secretary Bennet lately made a Lord) about other business. Dined at my Lord Chancellor's (age 56); none with him but Sir Sackville Crowe (age 69), formerly Ambassador at Constantinople; we were very cheerful and merry.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20 Apr 1666. Thence to Mr. Hales's (age 66), and there, though against his particular mind, I had my landskipp done out, and only a heaven made in the roome of it, which though it do not please me thoroughly now it is done, yet it will do better than as it was before.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20 Apr 1668. Up betimes and to the getting ready my answer to the Committee of Accounts to several questions, which makes me trouble, though I know of no blame due to me from any, let them enquire what they can out1. I to White Hall, and there hear how Henry Brouncker (age 41) is fled, which, I think, will undo him: but what good it will do Harman (age 43) I know not, he hath so befooled himself; but it will be good sport to my Chancellor (age 59) to hear how his great enemy is fain to take the same course that he is. There met Robinson, who tells me that he fears his master, W. Coventry, will this week have his business brought upon the stage again, about selling of places, which I shall be sorry for, though the less, since I hear his standing for Pen the other day, to the prejudice, though not to the wrong, of my Lord Sandwich (age 42); and yet I do think what he did, he did out of a principle of honesty.

Note 1. The first part of the entry for April 20th is among the rough notes, and stands as follows: "Monday 20. Up and busy about answer to Committee of Accounts this morning about several questions which vexed me though in none I have reason to be troubled. But the business of The Flying Greyhound begins to find me some care, though in that I am wholly void of blame". This may be compared with the text.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20 Apr 1669. At noon comes my guest, Mr. Hugh May (age 47), and with him Sir Henry Capell (age 31), my old Lord Capel's son, and Mr. Parker; and I had a pretty dinner for them; and both before and after dinner had excellent discourse; and shewed them my closet and my Office, and the method of it to their great content; and more extraordinary, manly discourse and opportunity of shewing myself, and learning from others, I have not, in ordinary discourse, had in my life, they being all persons of worth, but especially Sir H. Capell, whose being a Parliament-man, and hearing my discourse in the Parliament-house, hath, as May tells me, given him along desire to know and discourse with me. In the afternoon we walked to the Old Artillery-Ground near the Spitalfields, where I never was before, but now, by Captain Deane's (age 35) invitation, did go to see his new gun tryed, this being the place where the Officers of the Ordnance do try all their great guns; and when we come, did find that the trial had been made; and they going away with extraordinary report of the proof of his gun, which, from the shortness and bigness, they do call Punchinello. But I desired Colonel Legg to stay and give us a sight of her performance, which he did, and there, in short, against a gun more than as long and as heavy again, and charged with as much powder again, she carried the same bullet as strong to the mark, and nearer and above the mark at a point blank than theirs, and is more easily managed, and recoyles no more than that, which is a thing so extraordinary as to be admired for the happiness of his invention, and to the great regret of the old Gunners and Officers of the Ordnance that were there, only Colonel Legg did do her much right in his report of her. And so, having seen this great and first experiment, we all parted, I seeing my guests into a Hackney coach, and myself, with Captain Deane, taking a Hackney coach, did go out towards Bow, and went as far as Stratford, and all the way talking of this invention, and he offering me a third of the profit of the invention; which, for aught I know, or do at present think, may prove matter considerable to us: for either the King (age 38) will give him a reward for it, if he keeps it to himself, or he will give us a patent to make our profit of it: and no doubt but it will be of profit to merchantmen and others, to have guns of the same force at half the charge. This was our talk: and then to talk of other things, of the Navy in general: and, among other things, he did tell me that he do hear how the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) hath a spite at me, which I knew before, but value it not: and he tells me that Sir T. Allen (age 57) is not my friend; but for all this I am not much troubled, for I know myself so usefull that, as I believe, they will not part with me; so I thank God my condition is such that I can; retire, and be able to live with comfort, though not with abundance. Thus we spent the evening with extraordinary good discourse, to my great content, and so home to the Office, and there did some business, and then home, where my wife do come home, and I vexed at her staying out so late, but she tells me that she hath been at home with M. Batelier a good while, so I made nothing of it, but to supper and to bed.

On 20 Apr 1678 Francis Seymour 5th Duke of Somerset (age 20) was killed. He was unmarried and childless. He was shot dead by Genoese Horatio Botti whose wife Seymour was said to have insulted at Lerici. His brother Charles Seymour 6th Duke of Somerset (age 15) succeeded 6th Duke Somerset, 6th Earl Hertford, 6th Baron Beauchamp of Hatch Beauchamp in Somerset, 4th Baron Seymour of Trowbridge.

On 20 Apr 1713 John Rushout 4th Baronet (age 28) was elected MP Malmesbury with the support of Thomas Wharton 1st Marquess Wharton (age 64).

On 20 Apr 1723 Frances Lister (age 25) died in childbirth. She was buried at Lincoln Cathedral [Map].

Frances Lister: On 07 Sep 1697 she was born to Thomas Lister of Coleby in Lincolnshire. After 25 Jul 1719 Gervase Scrope of Cockeringham and she were married.

On 20 Apr 1759 Thomas William Coke 1st Earl of Leicester (age 61) died. Earl of Leicester and Baron Lovel of Minster Lovell extinct. Wenman Roberts aka Coke (age 42) inherited his estates.

On 31 Aug 1753 Edward Coke (age 34) died.

Monument in Church of St Mary the Virgin, Tittleshall [Map] commissioned by wife and mother Margaret Tufton Countess Leicester (age 58). Erected in 1760. Sculpted by Charles Atkinson. Gadrooned sarcophagus on pedestal with a carved and painted achievement above surrounded by extravagant mantling. Flanked by pair of composite columns supporting a dentilated pediment. Carved bust figures to the sides of the Earl and Countess by Louis Francois Roubiliac (age 56).

Edward Coke: On 02 Feb 1719 he was born to Thomas William Coke 1st Earl of Leicester and Margaret Tufton Countess Leicester. On 01 Apr 1747 Edward Coke and Mary Campbell were married. She the daughter of John Campbell 2nd Duke Argyll. He the son of Thomas William Coke 1st Earl of Leicester and Margaret Tufton Countess Leicester.

On 20 Apr 1898 Brigadier-General Charles FitzClarence (age 32) and Violet Spencer-Churchill (age 34) were married at the Citadel Church, Cairo. He a great grandson of King William IV of the United Kingdom.

The London Gazette 31353. Capt. J. H. M. the Marquis of Granby (age 32), from the 4th Bn., Leicester Regt., to be Capt. 20th Apr. 1919.

On 20 Apr 1947 Christian X King Denmark (age 76) died.

On 16 Aug 1956 Major Henry Anthony Birkbeck (age 71) died. On 20 Apr 1917 Gervase William Birkbeck was killed in action. Memorials in All Saints Church, West Acre [Map].

Major Henry Anthony Birkbeck: On 29 Jan 1885 he was born to Henry Birkbeck.

Gervase William Birkbeck: Around 1887 he was born to Henry Birkbeck.

On 20 Apr 1978 Robert Fellows (age 37) and Jane Spencer (age 21) were married at the Royal Military Chapel, Wellington Barracks. Her sister Diana (age 16) attended as bridesmaid. She the daughter of John Spencer 8th Earl Spencer (age 54) and Frances Ruth Roche Countess Spencer (age 42).

Births on the 20th April

Before 20 Apr 1176 Gilbert Clare 3rd Earl Pembroke was born to Richard "Strongbow" Clare 2nd Earl Pembroke (age 46) and Aoife NI Diarmait Macmurrough Countess Pembroke and Buckingham (age 31).

On 20 Apr 1609 Mary Noel was born to Edward Noel 2nd Viscount Campden (age 27) and Juliana Hicks Viscountess Campden (age 22).

Around 20 Apr 1621 Christopher Roper 4th Baron Teynham was born to John Roper 3rd Baron Teynham (age 29) and Mary Petre (age 20).

Before 20 Apr 1658 Catherine Sondes Countess Rockingham was born to George Sondes 1st Earl Feversham (age 58).

On 20 Apr 1721 Amelia Anne Murray was born to John Murray 1st Duke Atholl (age 61) and Mary Ross Duchess Atholl (age 33).

On 20 Apr 1757 Elizabeth Anne Burrell Duchess Hamilton Duchess Brandon was born to Peter Burrell (age 32) and Elizabeth Lewis.

On 20 Apr 1757 Reverend William Nelson 1st Earl Nelson was born to Reverend Edmund Nelson (age 35).

On 20 Apr 1792 Captain George William St John-Mildmay was born to Henry Paulet St John-Mildmay 3rd Baronet (age 27) and Jane Mildmay. She was a twin with Judith St John-Mildmay Countess Radnor (age 2).

On 20 Apr 1796 Francis Baring 1st Baron Northbrook was born to Thomas Baring 2nd Baronet (age 23) and Mary Ursula Sealy Lady Baring (age 22).

On 20 Apr 1798 Maria Liddell Marchioness Normanby was born to Thomas Liddell 1st Baron Ravensworth (age 23) and Maria Susannah Simpson Baroness Calthorpe (age 25).

On 20 Apr 1801 John Stuart-Wortley-Mackenzie 2nd Baron Wharncliffe was born to James Archibald Stuart-Wortley-Mackenzie 1st Baron Wharncliffe (age 24) and Elizabeth Caroline Mary Crichton Baroness Wharncliffe (age 23).

On 20 Apr 1805 Franz Xaver Winterhalter was born.

On 20 Apr 1806 Joanna Hobhouse was born to Benjamin Hobhouse 1st Baronet (age 49) and Amelia Parry.

On 20 Apr 1848 William Bulkeley Barrington 9th Viscount Barrington was born to Percy Barrington 8th Viscount Barrington (age 22) and Louisa Higgins. He was educated at Eton College [Map].

On 20 Apr 1868 Reverend Francis Cooke Caulfield Heathcote 9th Baronet was born to Reverend Gilbert Vyvyan Heathcote (age 37) and Helen Maxwell Cunningham.

On 20 Apr 1884 Beatrice Windsor Duchess Galliera was born to Prince Alfred Windsor (age 39) and Maria Holstein Gottorp Romanov (age 30) at Eastwell Park, Kent. She a granddaughter of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.

On 20 Apr 1905 George Nelson 8th Earl Nelson was born to Edward Nelson 5th Earl Nelson (age 44).

On 20 Apr 1910 Alvaro Antonio Orléans Galliera was born to Alfonso Orléans Galliera Duke Galliera (age 23) and Beatrice Windsor Duchess Galliera (age 26) at Coburg. He a great grandson of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.

On 20 Apr 1911 Richard Hanbury-Tracy 6th Baron Sudeley was born to Algernon Hanbury-Tracy (age 40).

On 20 Apr 1958 Crispian Barlow 8th Baronet was born to Christopher Hilaro Barlow 7th Baronet (age 28).

Marriages on the 20th April

On 20 Apr 1630 Christopher Yelverton 1st Baronet (age 28) and Anne Twysden were married.

On 20 Apr 1636 Thomas Pope 3rd Earl Downe (age 38) and Beatrix Poole were married at Wroxton, Oxfordshire. He the son of William Pope 1st Earl Downe and Anne Hopton Baroness Wentworth.

On 20 Apr 1663 James Scott 1st Duke Monmouth 1st Duke Buccleuch (age 14) and Anne Scott Duchess Monmouth and Buccleuch (age 12) were married. She by marriage Duchess Monmouth. She the daughter of Francis Scott 2nd Earl Buccleuch and Margaret Leslie Countess Buccleuch and Wemyss (age 42). He the illegitmate son of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 32) and Lucy Walter.

On 20 Apr 1681 Richard Newport 2nd Earl Bradford (age 36) and Mary Wilbraham Countess Bradford (age 19) were married. He the son of Francis Newport 1st Earl Bradford (age 61) and Diana Russell Countess Bradford.

On 20 Apr 1693 Charles Barrington 5th Baronet (age 22) and Bridget Monson Lady Barrington (age 19) were married at St Bride's Church. She by marriage Lady Barrington of Barrington Hall.

After 20 Apr 1704 Martin Lumley 3rd Baronet and Elizabeth Rawlinson were married.

On 20 Apr 1710 Alan Brodrick 1st Viscount Midleton (age 54) and Anne Trevor (age 38) were married. She by marriage Viscountess Midleton of Midleton in Cork.

On 20 Apr 1736 James Campbell 5th Baronet (age 58) and Margaret Campbell Lady Campbell (age 32) were married. She by marriage Lady Campbell of Auchinbreck. The difference in their ages was 25 years.

On 20 Apr 1770 George Keppel 3rd Earl Albermarle (age 46) and Anne Miller Countess Albermarle (age 44) were married at Yattendon Castle [Map]. She by marriage Countess Albermarle. He the son of William Anne Keppel 2nd Earl Albermarle and Anne Lennox Countess Albermarle (age 66). He a great grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 20 Apr 1771 Thomas Brand Baron Dacre (age 21) and Gertrude Trevor Roper 19th Baroness Dacre of Gilsland (age 20) were married. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 20 Apr 1774 William Middleton 5th Baronet (age 36) and Jane Monck Lady Middleton were married. She by marriage Lady Middleton of Belsay Castle in Northumberland.

On 11 Mar 1799 Thomas Bruce 11th Earl Kincardine 7th Earl Elgin (age 32) and Mary Nisbet Countess Elgin (age 20) were married. She by marriage Countess Elgin. They had two sons and three daughters. They divorced before 20 Apr 1808 she having been accused of having an affair with Robert Ferguson of Raith (age 29) whom she subsequently married. The Earl sued Ferguson in both England and Scotland and won £10,000. He the son of Charles Bruce 9th Earl Kincardine 5th Earl Elgin.

On 20 Apr 1800 John Gladstone 1st Baronet (age 35) and Anne MacKenzie Robertson (age 28) were married at St Peter's Church, Liverpool.

On 20 Apr 1808 Robert Ferguson of Raith (age 38) and Mary Nisbet Countess Elgin (age 30) were married.

Before 20 Apr 1819 Alexander Hood 2nd Baronet (age 25) and Amelia Anne Bateman Lady Hood were married. She by marriage Lady Hood of Tidlake in Surrey.

On 20 Apr 1843 Thomas Coke 2nd Earl of Leicester (age 20) and Juliana Whitbread Countess Leicester (age 17) were married. She by marriage Countess of Leicester. He the son of Thomas Coke 1st Earl of Leicester and Anne Amelia Keppel Countess Leicester (age 40). He a great x 4 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 20 Apr 1844 Orlando Bridgeman 3rd Earl Bradford (age 24) and Selina Weld-Forester Countess Bradford were married. He the son of George Bridgeman 2nd Earl Bradford (age 54) and Georgina Elizabeth Moncrieffe Countess Bradford.

On 20 Apr 1875 Reverend George Boughey 5th Baronet (age 37) and Theodosia Mary Royds (age 34) were married. They were second cousins.

On 20 Apr 1898 Brigadier-General Charles FitzClarence (age 32) and Violet Spencer-Churchill (age 34) were married at the Citadel Church, Cairo. He a great grandson of King William IV of the United Kingdom.

On 20 Apr 1978 Robert Fellows (age 37) and Jane Spencer (age 21) were married at the Royal Military Chapel, Wellington Barracks. Her sister Diana (age 16) attended as bridesmaid. She the daughter of John Spencer 8th Earl Spencer (age 54) and Frances Ruth Roche Countess Spencer (age 42).

Deaths on the 20th April

On 20 Apr 689 King Cædwalla of Wessex (age 30) died. He is said to have been buried at St Martin's Church, Ludgate.

On 20 Apr 1176 Richard "Strongbow" Clare 2nd Earl Pembroke (age 46) died at Dublin [Map]. He was buried at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin [Map]. His son Gilbert Clare 3rd Earl Pembroke succeeded 3rd Earl Pembroke although being a minor he was never invested with the title.

On 20 Apr 1396 Alianore Strange Baroness Grey Ruthyn (age 65) died at Ruthyn.

On 20 Apr 1417 Elizabeth Mortimer Baroness Camoys (age 46) died. She was buried at St George's Church Trotton.

On 20 Apr 1541 Robert Stewart 1st Earl Albany died being only eight days old.

On 20 Apr 1647 John Hobart 2nd Baronet (age 54) died. His nephew John Hobart 3rd Baronet (age 19) succeeded 3rd Baronet Hobart of Intwood in Norfolk.

On 20 Apr 1661 Anne Fleming Countess Dalhousie died.

On 20 Apr 1678 Francis Seymour 5th Duke of Somerset (age 20) was killed. He was unmarried and childless. He was shot dead by Genoese Horatio Botti whose wife Seymour was said to have insulted at Lerici. His brother Charles Seymour 6th Duke of Somerset (age 15) succeeded 6th Duke Somerset, 6th Earl Hertford, 6th Baron Beauchamp of Hatch Beauchamp in Somerset, 4th Baron Seymour of Trowbridge.

On 20 Apr 1690 Maria Anna Victoria Wittelsbach Duchess Burgundy (age 29) died.

On 20 Apr 1701 Orlando Bridgeman 1st Baronet (age 51) died. His son Orlando Bridgeman 2nd Baronet (age 22) succeeded 2nd Baronet Bridgeman of Ridley in Cheshire.

On 20 Apr 1708 Damaris Cudworth Lady Masham (age 49) died.

On 20 Apr 1712 Catherine Cavendish Countess Isle Thanet (age 47) died.

On 20 Apr 1713 John Hay 2nd Marquess Teviotdale (age 68) died. His son Charles Hay 3rd Marquess Teviotdale (age 43) succeeded 3rd Marquess Teviotdale, 4th Earl Tweeddale.

On 20 Apr 1718 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet (age 64) died. He was buried at Greenwich, Kent [Map] on 01 May 1718. His son Theophilus Biddulph 3rd Baronet (age 33) succeeded 3rd Baronet Biddulph of Westcombe in Kent.

On 20 Apr 1720 George Gordon 1st Earl Aberdeen (age 82) died. His son William Gordon 2nd Earl Aberdeen (age 41) succeeded 2nd Earl Aberdeen. Anne Gordon Duchess Mantua by marriage Duchess Mantua.

On 20 Apr 1741 Henry O'Brien 8th Earl Thomond (age 52) died without issue. He was buried in St Mary's Cathedral, Limerick, County Limerick.

On 20 Apr 1759 Thomas William Coke 1st Earl of Leicester (age 61) died. Earl of Leicester and Baron Lovel of Minster Lovell extinct. Wenman Roberts aka Coke (age 42) inherited his estates.

On 31 Aug 1753 Edward Coke (age 34) died.

Monument in Church of St Mary the Virgin, Tittleshall [Map] commissioned by wife and mother Margaret Tufton Countess Leicester (age 58). Erected in 1760. Sculpted by Charles Atkinson. Gadrooned sarcophagus on pedestal with a carved and painted achievement above surrounded by extravagant mantling. Flanked by pair of composite columns supporting a dentilated pediment. Carved bust figures to the sides of the Earl and Countess by Louis Francois Roubiliac (age 56).

Edward Coke: On 02 Feb 1719 he was born to Thomas William Coke 1st Earl of Leicester and Margaret Tufton Countess Leicester. On 01 Apr 1747 Edward Coke and Mary Campbell were married. She the daughter of John Campbell 2nd Duke Argyll. He the son of Thomas William Coke 1st Earl of Leicester and Margaret Tufton Countess Leicester.

On 20 Apr 1792 John Bourke 2nd Earl of Mayo (age 63) died. His brother Bishop Joseph Bourke 3rd Earl of Mayo (age 56) succeeded 3rd Earl Mayo. Elizabeth Meade Countess Mayo by marriage Countess Mayo.

On 20 Apr 1845 Cecilia Anne Parke Lady Ridley died.

On 20 Apr 1845 Thomas Phillips (age 74) died.

On 20 Apr 1866 Frederick Adair Roe 1st Baronet (age 77) died. Baronet Roe of Brundish in Suffolk extinct.

On 20 Apr 1920 Louisa Erskine Holmes Viscountess Wolseley (age 77) died.

On 20 Apr 1931 Cosmo Edmund Duff-Gordon 5th Baronet (age 68) died without issue. His brother Henry William Duff Gordon 6th Baronet (age 65) succeeded 6th Baronet Duff-Gordon of Halkin in Aberdeenshire. Maud Emily Hammersley Lady-Duff-Gordon by marriage Lady Duff-Gordon of Halkin in Aberdeenshire.

On 20 Apr 1935 Lucy "Madame Lucille" Christiana Sutherland Lady Duff-Gordon (age 71) died.

On 20 Apr 1947 Wathen Arthur Waller 5th Baronet (age 65) died. His second cousin Edmund Waller 6th Baronet (age 75) succeeded 6th Baronet Waller of Braywick Lodge in Berkshire. Muriel Grace Adderley Lady Waller (age 64) by marriage Lady Waller of Braywick Lodge in Berkshire.

On 20 Apr 1947 Christian X King Denmark (age 76) died.

On 20 Apr 1949 George Bingham 5th Earl Lucan (age 88) died.

On 20 Apr 1985 Ralph Stawell Dutton 8th Baron Sherborne (age 86) died unmarried. He was buried at All Saints Church, Hinton Ampner [Map]. Baron Sherborne extinct. He gave his estates, including Hinton Ampner House, Winchester, to the National Trust.