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20 Feb is in February.
1447 Death of Humphrey of Lancaster
1462 Vere Plot to Murder Edward IV
1613 Marriage of Elizabeth Stewart and Frederick V Elector Palatine
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy. Finally, in the year of the Lord 1070, he [William FitzOsbern] went with Philip, King of the Franks (age 18), into Flanders, wishing to assist Baldwin, nephew of Queen Matilda. But Robert the Frisian (age 38), supported by the army of Emperor Henry, attacked with his forces1 at dawn on the tenth day before the Kalends of March [20th February 1071], on Septuagesima Sunday, catching them unprepared; and while Philip fled with the French, he [Robert] slew Baldwin (age 16) [Arnulf2], his nephew, and Count William (age 51) with his own men’s weapons. Now let us return to the course of our history.
Denique anno ab Incarnatione Domini 1070 cum Philippo rege Francorum Flandriam perrexit, volens Balduino Mathildis reginæ nepoti subvenire. Robertus autem Frisio cum exercitu Henrici imperatoris sociato cuneis suis, x Kal. Martii, Dominico Septuagesimæ imparatos mane præoccupavit et Philippo cum Francis fugiente, Balduinum nepotem suum, et Willelmum comitem telis suorum occidit. Postea Flandriæ ducatum diu tenuit, moriensque filiis suis, Roberto Hierosolymitano et Philippo dereliquit. Nunc ad ordinem historiæ redeamus.
Note 1. William was killed at the Battle of Cassel.
Note 2. It was Arnulf, Count of Flanders, son of Baldwin VI Count of Flanders that was killed by his uncle Robert the Frisian at the Battle of Cassel.
On 20th February 1171 Conan "The Young" Penthièvre IV Duke Brittany (age 33) died. His daughter Constance (age 10) succeeded Duchess Brittany, 3rd Countess Richmond.
Around 20th February 1304 a chevauchée of English knights including Robert Clifford 1st Baron Clifford (age 29), William Latimer 2nd Baron Latimer of Corby (age 28), John Mohun 1st Baron Dunster (age 35), John Segrave 2nd Baron Segrave (age 48) and the future King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland (age 29) attempted, unsuccessfully, to capture Simon Fraser and William Wallace at Happrew, Peebles.
On 20th February 1358 Eleanor Barcelona Queen Consort Castile was born to Peter IV King Aragon (age 38) and Eleanor Barcelona Queen Consort Aragon. Coefficient of inbreeding 2.45%. She married before 4th October 1379 her third cousin once removed John I King Castile and had issue.
On 20th February 1364 King David II of Scotland (age 39) and Margaret Drummond Queen Consort Scotland (age 24) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Scotland. He the son of King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland and Elizabeth Burgh Queen Consort Scotland.
On 20th February 1375 Rupert Pipan Wittelsbach was born to Rupert King Germany (age 22).
On 20th February 1377 Marie Chatillon Countess Pembroke (age 74) drew up her will at Braxted Park, Essex.
On 20th February 1383 Thomas Mowbray 1st Duke of Norfolk (age 14) and Elizabeth Strange Countess Nottingham (age 21) were married. She by marriage Countess Nottingham. They were second cousin once removed. He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward I of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King John of England.
On 20th February 1447 Humphrey Lancaster 1st Duke Gloucester (age 56) was arrested on a charge of treason by John Beaumont 1st Viscount Beaumont (age 37), Humphrey Stafford 1st Duke of Buckingham (age 44), Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset (age 41), Richard Neville Earl Salisbury (age 47) and Ralph Boteler 6th and 1st Baron Sudeley (age 58).
On 20th February 1462 Aubrey de Vere (age 21) was executed at Tower Hill [Map].
On 20th February 1513 John King of Denmark Norway and Sweden (age 58) died. His son Christian (age 31) succeeded II King of Denmark, II King Norway.
Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses
Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.
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On 20th February 1523 Alice aka Agnes Cotell (age 38) and William Mathewe were hanged at Tyburn [Map] for the murder of her first husband John Cotell.
Annales of England by John Stow. 20th February 1523. The 20 of February, the ladie Alice Hungerford (age 38) a knights wife, for murdering her husband, was led from the tower of London to Holborn, and there put in a cart with one of her servants and so carried to Tyburn [Map], and both hanged. He was buried in the Greyfriers church at London.
On 20th February 1547 King Edward VI of England and Ireland (age 9) was crowned VI King of England at Westminster Abbey [Map] by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer (age 57).
John Russell 1st Earl Bedford (age 62) was appointed Lord High Steward. Henry Fitzalan 12th or 19th Earl of Arundel (age 34) was appointed Constable of England.
Anthony Browne 1st Viscount Montagu (age 18), George Vernon "King of the Peak" (age 39), Richard Devereux (age 34) and William Sharington (age 52) were created Knight of the Bath.
Francis Hastings 2nd Earl Huntingdon (age 33), Edward Courtenay, William Sharington, John Shelton (age 44) and Walter Buckler were knighted.
Edward Dymoke (age 39) attended as the King's Champion.
Alexander Unton (age 53) and Edward Rogers (age 49) were knighted.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 20th February 1558. The xx day of Feybruary dyd pryche [at Paul's] crosse [Map] docthur Watsun (age 43) bysshope of Lyncoln, and mad a godly sermon, for ther wer [present ten] bysshopes, be-syd my lord mare and the althermen and juges, and men of the law, and gret [audience] ther was.
On 20th February 1613 The Masque of the Inner Temple and Gray's Inn was performed at the Banqueting House, Whitehall Palace [Map] as part of the wedding festivities. The masque was sponsored by the Inner Temple and Gray's Inn both of whom spent around £1200.
After 20th February 1613 Frederick Palatinate Simmern V Elector Palatine Rhine (age 16) and Princess Elizabeth Stewart Queen Bohemia (age 16) commenced their journey to his home at Heidelburg. They visited Prince Maurice I of Orange (age 45). They arrived in Heidelburg on 12th June 1613 amidst widespread celebration.
John Harington 1st Baron Harington (age 73) and Anne Keilway Baroness Harington (age 59)
Sisters Elizabeth Apsley and Alice Apsley travelled as Maids of Honour to Princess Elizabeth Stewart Queen Bohemia.
Diary of Anne Clifford. 20th February 1616. Upon the 20th came my Lord of Russell and my Cousin George. In all this time of my troubles my Coz. Russell (age 23) was exceeding careful and kind to me.
On 20th February 1631 Ferdinand III Holy Roman Emperor (age 22) and Maria Anna of Spain Holy Roman Empress (age 24) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Bohemia. She the daughter of Philip III King Spain and Margaret of Austria Queen Consort Spain. He the son of Ferdinand of Spain II Holy Roman Emperor (age 52) and Maria Anna Wittelsbach Holy Roman Empress. They were first cousins.
On 20th February 1632 Thomas Osborne 1st Duke Leeds was born to Edward Osborne 1st Baronet (age 35) and Anne Walmesley Lady Osborne (age 32). He married 1651 Bridget Bertie Duchess Leeds, daughter of Montagu Bertie 2nd Earl Lindsey and Martha Cockayne Countess Holderness, and had issue.
On 17th December 1632 Francis Manners 6th Earl of Rutland (age 54) died at Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire [Map]. On 20th February 1633 he was buried at St Mary the Virgin Church, Bottesford, Leicestershire [Map]. His daughter Katherine (age 30) succeeded 18th Baroness Ros Helmsley. His brother George (age 52) succeeded 7th Earl of Rutland. Frances Carey Countess Rutland (age 61) by marriage Countess of Rutland.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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On 20th February 1638 James Ogilvy 1st Earl Findlater (age 43) was re-created 1st Earl Findlater with a special remainder to his eldest daughter's husband, Sir Patrick Ogilvy, provided Sir Patrick styled himseld Lord Deskford and Inchmartine..
On 20th February 1640 Essex Devereux (age 25) drowned when attempting to cross the River Teme with a friend. He was buried at St Edburga's Church, Leigh [Map].
On 20th February 1640 Henry Berkeley of Bruton (age 61) was elected MP Ilchester
John Glanville (age 54) was elected Speaker of the House of Commons.
The Three Days' Battle aka Battle of Portland took place between 18th and 20th February 1653. The English fleet was attacked by the Dutch fleet.
Vice-Admiral William Goodson captained the Entrance.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20th February 1660. Monday. In the morning at my lute. Then to my office, where my partner and I made even our balance. Took him home to dinner with me, where my brother John (age 19) came to dine with me. After dinner I took him to my study at home and at my Lord's, and gave him some books and other things against his going to Cambridge. After he was gone I went forth to Westminster Hall [Map], where I met with Chetwind, Simons, and Gregory. And with them to Marsh's at Whitehall to drink, and staid there a pretty while reading a pamphlet1 well writ and directed to General Monk (age 51), in praise of the form of monarchy which was settled here before the wars. They told me how the Speaker Lenthall (age 68) do refuse to sign the writs for choice of new members in the place of the excluded; and by that means the writs could not go out to-day. In the evening Simons and I to the Coffee Club, where nothing to do only I heard Mr. Harrington (age 49), and my Lord of Dorset (age 37) and another Lord, talking of getting another place as the Cockpit [Map], and they did believe it would come to something. After a small debate upon the question whether learned or unlearned subjects are the best the Club broke up very poorly, and I do not think they will meet any more. Hence with Vines, &c. to Will's, and after a pot or two home, and so to bed.
Note 1. This pamphlet is among the Thomason Collection of Civil War Tracts (British Museum), and dated in MS. this same day, February 20th- "A Plea for Limited Monarchy as it was established in this Nation before the late War. In an Humble Address to his Excellency General Monck. By a Zealot for the good old Laws of his Country, before any Faction or Caprice, with additions". "An Eccho to the Plea for Limited Monarchy, &c"., was published soon afterwards.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20th February 1662. This morning came Mr. Child to see me, and set me something to my Theorbo, and by and by come letters from Tangier [Map] from my Lord, telling me how, upon a great defete given to the Portuguese there by the Moors, he had put in 300 men into the town, and so he is in possession, of which we are very glad, because now the Spaniard's designs of hindering our getting the place are frustrated. I went with the letter inclosed to my Lord Chancellor (age 53) to the House of Lords, and did give it him in the House.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20th February 1665. Thence to the office, and there found Bagwell's wife, whom I directed to go home, and I would do her business, which was to write a letter to my Lord Sandwich (age 39) for her husband's (age 28) advance into a better ship as there should be occasion. Which I did, and by and by did go down by water to Deptford, Kent [Map], and then down further, and so landed at the lower end of the town, and it being dark 'entrer en la maison de la femme de Bagwell [entered into Bagwell's wife's house]', and there had 'sa compagnie [her company]', though with a great deal of difficulty, 'neanmoins en fin j'avais ma volont d'elle [nevertheless in the end I had my way with her]', and being sated therewith, I walked home to Redriffe [Map], it being now near nine o'clock, and there I did drink some strong waters and eat some bread and cheese, and so home. Where at my office my wife comes and tells me that she hath hired a chamber mayde, one of the prettiest maydes that ever she saw in her life, and that she is really jealous of me for her, but hath ventured to hire her from month to month, but I think she means merrily.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20th February 1665. Up, and with Sir J. Minnes (age 65) to attend the Duke (age 31), and then we back again and rode into the beginning of my Chancellor's (age 56) new house, near St. James's; which common people have already called Dunkirke-house, from their opinion of his having a good bribe for the selling of that towne. And very noble I believe it will be. Near that is my Lord Barkeley (age 63) beginning another on one side, and Sir J. Denham (age 50) on the other.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20th February 1666. Up, and to the office; where, among other businesses, Mr. Evelyn's (age 45) proposition about publique Infirmarys was read and agreed on, he being there: and at noon I took him home to dinner, being desirous of keeping my acquaintance with him; and a most excellent humoured man I still find him, and mighty knowing.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20th February 1666. After dinner I took him by coach to White Hall, and there he and I parted, and I to my Lord Sandwich's (age 40), where coming and bolting into the dining-room, I there found Captain Ferrers going to christen a child of his born yesterday, and I come just pat to be a godfather, along with my Lord Hinchingbrooke (age 18), and Madam Pierce, my Valentine, which for that reason I was pretty well contented with, though a little vexed to see myself so beset with people to spend me money, as she of a Valentine and little Mrs. Tooker, who is come to my house this day from Greenwich, Kent [Map], and will cost me 20s., my wife going out with her this afternoon, and now this christening. Well, by and by the child is brought and christened Katharine, and I this day on this occasion drank a glasse of wine, which I have not professedly done these two years, I think, but a little in the time of the sicknesse. After that done, and gone and kissed the mother in bed, I away to Westminster Hall [Map], and there hear that Mrs. Lane is come to town.
Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke
Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson.
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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20th February 1667. Thence with my tallies home, and a little dinner, and then with my wife by coach to Lincoln's Inn Fields, sent her to her brother's (age 27), and I with Lord Bellasses (age 52) to the Chancellor's (age 58). Lord Bellasses tells me how the King of France (age 28) hath caused the stop to be made to our proposition of treating in The Hague; that he being greater than they, we may better come and treat at Paris: so that God knows what will become of the peace!
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20th February 1667. By and by, come to my Chancellor (age 58), who heard mighty quietly my complaints for lack of money, and spoke mighty kind to me, but little hopes of help therein, only his good word. He do prettily cry upon Povy's (age 53) account with sometimes seeming friendship and pity, and this day quite the contrary. He do confess our streights here and every where else arise from our outspending our revenue. I mean that the King (age 36) do do so.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20th February 1668. Up, and to the office a while, and thence to White Hall by coach with Mr. Batelier with me, whom I took up in the street. I thence by water to Westminster Hall [Map], and there with Lord Brouncker (age 48), Sir T. Harvy (age 42), Sir J. Minnes (age 68), did wait all the morning to speak to members about our business, thinking our business of tickets would come before the House to-day, but we did alter our minds about the petition to the House, sending in the paper to them. But the truth is we were in a great hurry, but it fell out that they were most of the morning upon the business of not prosecuting the first victory; which they have voted one of the greatest miscarriages of the whole war, though they cannot lay the fault anywhere yet, because Harman (age 43) is not come home. This kept them all the morning, which I was glad of. So down to the Hall, where my wife by agreement stayed for me at Mrs. Michell's, and there was Mercer and the girl, and I took them to Wilkinson's the cook's in King Street (where I find the master of the house hath been dead for some time), and there dined, and thence by one o'clock to the King's house: a new play, "The Duke of Lerma", of Sir Robert Howard's (age 42): where the King (age 37) and Court was; and Knepp and Nell (age 18) spoke the prologue most excellently, especially Knepp, who spoke beyond any creature I ever, heard. The play designed to reproach our King with his mistresses, that I was troubled for it, and expected it should be interrupted; but it ended all well, which salved all. The play a well-writ and good play, only its design I did not like of reproaching the King, but altogether a very good and most serious play.
On 20th February 1670 Johann Leopold Habsburg Spain was born to Leopold Habsburg Spain I Holy Roman Emperor (age 29) and Margaret Theresa Habsburg Holy Roman Empress (age 18). He died the same day. Coefficient of inbreeding 30.98%.
On 20th February 1672 Doddington Greville Duchess Manchester was born to Robert Greville 4th Baron Brooke (age 33) and Ann Dodington Baroness Brooke (age 30). She married 19th February 1690 Charles Montagu 1st Duke Manchester, son of Robert Montagu 3rd Earl Manchester and Anne Yelverton Countess Manchester, and had issue.
John Evelyn's Diary. 20th February 1676. Dr. Gunning (age 62), Bishop of Ely, preached before the King (age 45) from St. John xx. 21, 22, 23, chiefly against an anonymous book, called "Naked Truth", a famous and popular treatise against the corruption in the Clergy, but not sound as to its quotations, supposed to have been the Bishop of Hereford and was answered by Dr. Turner, it endeavoring to prove an equality of order of Bishop and Presbyter.
On 20th February 1684 Roger Pratt (age 64) died.
In 20th February 1685 Sophie Amalie Hanover Queen Consort Denmark (age 56) died.
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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On 20th February 1703 John Churchill (age 17) died of smallpox.
Memoirs of Sir Isaac Newton's Life. 20th February 1721. A Lincolnshire feast was held at the Ship tavern, Temple bar. when I went into the dining room above stairs, where the better sort of company was; it was talkd, that there was an old gentleman belowstairs whom they fancied to be Sir Isaac Newton (age 78). I instantly went down, & finding it to be so, sat down with him. they above sent to desire us to walk up into the chief room. I answerd, the chief room was where Sir Isaac Newton sat. upon which the upper room was immediately left to the ordinary company, and the better sort came to us.
Sir Isaac enjoy'd himself extremely in this society of his countrymen; & talkd much, & pleasantly. particularly I remember one part of the conversation turn'd upon musick, of which Sir Isaac was fond; & of the opera's then beginning to be in vogue among us. it was no wonder, his soul should be delighted with harmony. Sir Isaac said they were very fine entertainments; but that "there was too much of a good thing; it was like a surfiet at dinner. I went to the last opera," says he, "The first act gave me the greatest pleasure. The second quite tired me: at the third I ran away." He left 5 guineas, & desired the stewards to call upon him for every subscription relating to his countrymen .
About this time upon the request of my friend Mr Maurice Johnson, he readily enterd himself a member of the literary society at Spalding, which still subsists. he made them a present of books: desirous of incouraging every laudable attempt to promote learning, in any branch.
He carryed me with him in his chariot to see the coinage at the Mint, in the Tower: their method of weighing to an extreme nicety, & the rest of thir operations.
On 20th February 1723 Hayman Rooke was born. He was baptised at St Martin in the Fields Church [Map] on 19th March 1723.
On 20th February 1743 Robert Fitzgerald 19th Earl of Kildare (age 67) died. His son James (age 21) succeeded 20th Earl Kildare.
On 20th February 1746 Anne Pulteney Duchess Southampton Duchess of Cleveland (age 82) died. She was buried in the Duke of Ormonde Vault, King Henry VII Chapel, Westminster Abbey.
On 20th February 1773 Charles Emmanuel III King Sardinia (age 71) died at Turin.
On 20th February 1785 Rowland Winn 5th Baronet (age 45) died in a carriage accident. His son Rowland (age 9) succeeded 6th Baronet Winn of Nostel in Yorkshire.
On 20th February 1792 Eliza Courtenay was born illegitimately to Charles Grey 2nd Earl Grey (age 27) and Georgiana Spencer Duchess Devonshire (age 34) at Aix en Provence whilst she, Georgiana Spencer Duchess Devonshire was married to William Cavendish 5th Duke Devonshire (age 44). The Duchess was forced to relinquish the child shortly after her birth, to be raised by Charles Grey's parents, Charles Grey 1st Earl Grey (age 62) and Elizabeth Grey Countess Grey (age 48). The surname Courtenay was derived from her great-uncle, her maternal grandmother's brother, William Poyntz (age 57). She married 10th December 1814 Robert Charles Ellice and had issue.
The London Gazette 13868. Whitehall, February 20 [1796]. The King has been pleased to grant thc Dignities of Viscount, Earl and Marquis of the Kingdom of Great Britain to the Right Honorable John Earl of Bute (age 51), His Majesty's Ambassador Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Spain, and to the Heirs Male of his Body lawfully begotten, by the Names, Stile and Titles of Viscount Mountjoy, of the Isle of Wight, Earl of Windsor, and Marquis of the Isle of Bute. [Charlotte Jane Windsor Marchioness Bute (age 50) by marriage Marchioness of the Isle of Bute.]
Anne Boleyn. Her Life as told by Lancelot de Carle's 1536 Letter.
In 1536, two weeks after the execution of Anne Boleyn, her brother George and four others, Lancelot du Carle, wrote an extraordinary letter that described Anne's life, and her trial and execution, to which he was a witness. This book presents a new translation of that letter, with additional material from other contemporary sources such as Letters, Hall's and Wriothesley's Chronicles, the pamphlets of Wynkyn the Worde, the Memorial of George Constantyne, the Portuguese Letter and the Baga de Secrets, all of which are provided in Appendices.
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On 20th February 1798 Richard Westmacott (age 22) and Dorothy Margaret Wilkinson were married. He the son of Richard "The Elder" Westmacott (age 51) and Sarah Vardy.
On 20th February 1843 Claud Hamilton was born to James Hamilton 1st Duke of Abercorn (age 32) and Louisa Jane Russell Duchess Abercorn (age 30). He married 20th July 1878 his half fifth cousin once removed Caroline Chandos-Pole.
On 20th February 1847 Ellen Terry was born to Benjamin Terry (age 29). She married 20th February 1864 George Frederick Watts.
Thomas Bateman 1846. On February 20th 1847 was opened a barrow [Map] [Brundcliffe Barrow [Map]] near Bruncliff in Hartington parish which was raised to a height of upwards of three feet above a grave or cist cut in the rock and descending about two feet below the natural surface thus giving a depth of rather more than five feet of factitious earth from the summit to the floor of the tumulus. About eighteen inches beneath the turf was a deposit of calcined animal bones accompanied by a great quantity of charred wood. From the discovery of a perfect tooth amongst these remains it appears that the victim in this instance had been a young horse. About the same level occurred a small piece of pottery and a point or tine of a stag's horn. Upon the floor of the grave lay a human skeleton which appeared to have been extended at full length and to have been laid upon its back with the arms straight down the sides; this however is not quite certain, as the decayed and mouldering state of the bones rendered any very accurate observations impossible. To the left of the pelvis lay a narrow-necked vessel of red clay having a lip for the convenience of pouring out liquid; this was placed in a horizontal position with the mouth towards the upper part of the skeleton; in contact with it lay a curved iron knife, six inches in length, with a wooden haft much decayed. Close to the tibia or leg-bone was placed an article principally composed of iron and wood, the use of which is by no means obvious, upon one part of it is a small silver cell or settings which had retained a stone or gem of some description.
From the very evident traces of decayed planks around the bones, it is highly probable that the body had been protected by them, if not inclosed in a coffin of more regular construction. The vessel appears to have had a handle, which was broken off and smoothed down previous to its interment; it bears marks of being a copy from a classical model, and has been turned upon a potter's wheel, an invention probably unknown to the Celtic tribes previous to the Roman conquest.
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On 20th February 1864 George Frederick Watts (age 46) and Ellen Terry (age 17) were married. The difference in their ages was 29 years.
On 20th February 1867 Louise Windsor Duchess Fife was born to King Edward VII of the United Kingdom (age 25) and Alexandra of Denmark Queen Consort England (age 22) at Marlborough House. She married 27th July 1889 her half third cousin Alexander Duff 1st Duke Fife, son of James Duff 5th Earl Fife and Agnes Georgiana Elizabeth Hay Countess Fife, and had issue.
On 20th February 1872 Alexandra Louisa Godolphin Osborne was born to George Godolphin Osborne 9th Duke Leeds (age 43) and Fanny Georgiana Pitt-Rivers Duchess Leeds (age 35). Coefficient of inbreeding 3.94%. She married (1) 16th January 1906 Cecil Walter Paget (2) 20th January 1928 Alfred William Sharpe Pocklington.
The Times. 20th February 1891. We regret to announce that EARL BEAUCHAMP (deceased), Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, died suddenly yesterday at Madresfield Court, his Worcestershire seat. He was taken ill while at luncheon, after a journey to a neighbouring town, and died before medical aid could be obtained, the cause of death being heart disease. His death will be felt as a serious loss, both in the English Church and in the Conservative party. A strong and moderately "high" Churchman, he took a leading position in his own diocese and in the Church at large in the promotion and defence of Anglican interests and; though he did not come prominently before the public as a politician, he exercised for many years considerable influence in the councils of the Tory' leaders. Frederic Lygon was the second son of the fourth Earl Beauchamp by Lady Susan Caroline Eliot, daughter of the secoud earl of St. Germans. He was born in 1830, and was educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford. In 1852 he was elected a Fellow of All Souls, and the received tho degree of D.C.L. from his University in 1870. As the Hon. Frederick Lygon, he entered Parliament as member for Tewkesbury in 1857, for which place be sat till 1863, when be was elected for West Worcestershire. At his elder brother's death, without issue, in 1866, he succeeded to the peerage as sixth Earl. Both as a member of the House of Commons and as a peer he hold posts in Conservative Governments. In 1859 he was for a short time a Lord of the Admiralty. During the whole of Mr. Disraeli's Ministry which lasted from 1874 to 1880 he was Lord Steward of the Queen's Household. On the return of the Conservatives to power in 1885 he ras Paymaster-General of the Forces for the few months that the Government lasted, and he returned the same post when the general election put an end to Mr. Gladstone's short-lived Administration in 1886. He did not, however, remain in the Goverornent for a year, as he resigned in June, 1887. Since 1876 he had been Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire. The deceased earl was twice married, 1st, in 1868, to Lady Mary Catharine, only daughter of the sixth Earl Stanhope (she died in 1876), and, secondly, to Lady Emily Annora Charlotte (age 37), daughter of the third Earl Mdanvers (age 66). He is succeeded by his eldest son, William, Viscount Elmley, who was born in 1872.
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On 20th February 1916 William Maw Egley (age 90) died.
Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses
Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.
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On 20th February 1920 Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy was born to Joseph Patrick Kennedy (age 31) and Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald (age 29) at Brookline Massachusetts. She married 6th May 1944 William Cavendish, son of Edward William Spencer Cavendish 10th Duke Devonshire and Mary Alice Gascoyne-Cecil Duchess Devonshire.
On 20th February 1928 Jean Ann Kennedy was born to Joseph Patrick Kennedy (age 39) and Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald (age 37).
On 20th February 1930 Hugh "Bendor" Grosvenor 2nd Duke Westminster (age 50) and Loelia Mary Ponsonby Duchess Westminster (age 28) were married. She by marriage Duchess Westminster. His third marriage; her first. Winston Churchill (age 55) was best man. They were married until 1947 when the marriage was dissolved. No issue. The difference in their ages was 22 years. They were fourth cousin once removed.
On 20th February 1930 Richard Bethell 3rd Baron Westbury (age 77) committed suicide. He jumped out of the bedroom window of his seventh floor St James's apartment after a long period of illness. He left a note that read: "I really cannot stand any more horrors and hardly see what good I am going to do here, so I am making my exit." His death was ruled "suicide while of unsound mind." His grandson Richard (age 15) succeeded 4th Baron Westbury of Westbury in Wiltshire.
The Times. 21st February 1930. THE DUKE OF WESTMINSTER AND MISS PONSONBY. The marriage of the Duke of Westminster (age 50) and Miss Loelia Mary Ponsonby (age 28), daughter of Sir Frederick (age 62) and Lady Ponsonby, of Great Tangley Manor Guildford, and St. James's Palace [Map], took place at Prince's-row Register Office yesterday. Among those present were Mr. Winston Churchill (age 55), Lady Serena James (age 28), Mrs Walter Rubens, Colonel (age 65) and Mrs. Guy Wyndham, Captain and Mrs. Cowes, Mrs. Basil Kerr, Mr. and Mrs. George Drummond, and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Guinness. The Duke and Duchess left for their honeymoon in the Duke's steam yacht the Cutty Sark, wlhich was moored at Deptford [Map].
On 20th February 1932 Victoria Friederike Oldenburg Duchess Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Glücksburg (age 72) died.
After 20th February 1936. St Wilfrid's Church, Kirkharle [Map]. Memorial to Dr Joseph Goodall of Mirlaw House, Capheaton [Map].
20th February 1945. St Cuby's Church, Duloe [Map]. Grave of William Richard Tambling, RAF. Killed on Active Service. Aged twenty-six years.
Wireless Operator on Martinet TT.I MS690 which crashed.
Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes
Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.
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On 20th February 1358 Eleanor Barcelona Queen Consort Castile was born to Peter IV King Aragon (age 38) and Eleanor Barcelona Queen Consort Aragon. Coefficient of inbreeding 2.45%. She married before 4th October 1379 her third cousin once removed John I King Castile and had issue.
On 20th February 1375 Rupert Pipan Wittelsbach was born to Rupert King Germany (age 22).
On 20th February 1389 William Botreaux 3rd Baron Botreaux was born to William Botreaux 2nd Baron Botreaux (age 22) and Elizabeth St Lo Baroness Botreaux (age 25) at Walton, Kilmersdon. He married (1) before 1411 Elizabeth Beaumont Baroness Botreaux, daughter of John Beaumont 4th Baron Beaumont and Katherine Everingham Baroness Beaumont, and had issue (2) before 1458 Margaret Ros Baroness Botreaux Baroness Burgh, daughter of Thomas Ros 8th Baron Ros Helmsley and Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset.
On 20th February 1608 Arthur Capell 1st Baron Capell Hadham was born to Henry Capell (age 29) and Theodosia Montagu at Hadham Hall, Hertfordshire. He married 28th November 1627 Elizabeth Morrison Baroness Capell Hadham, daughter of Charles Morrison 1st Baronet and Mary Hicks Lady Cooper and Morrison, and had issue.
On 20th February 1617 Margaret Montgomerie Countess Glencairn was born to Alexander Seton aka Montgomerie 6th Earl Eglinton (age 29) and Anne Livingstone Countess Eglinton. She married after January 1661 her fifth cousin once removed William Cunningham 9th Earl Glencairn, son of William Cunningham 8th Earl Glencairn and Jean Kerr Countess Glencairn.
On 20th February 1632 Thomas Osborne 1st Duke Leeds was born to Edward Osborne 1st Baronet (age 35) and Anne Walmesley Lady Osborne (age 32). He married 1651 Bridget Bertie Duchess Leeds, daughter of Montagu Bertie 2nd Earl Lindsey and Martha Cockayne Countess Holderness, and had issue.
On 20th February 1670 Johann Leopold Habsburg Spain was born to Leopold Habsburg Spain I Holy Roman Emperor (age 29) and Margaret Theresa Habsburg Holy Roman Empress (age 18). He died the same day. Coefficient of inbreeding 30.98%.
On 20th February 1672 Doddington Greville Duchess Manchester was born to Robert Greville 4th Baron Brooke (age 33) and Ann Dodington Baroness Brooke (age 30). She married 19th February 1690 Charles Montagu 1st Duke Manchester, son of Robert Montagu 3rd Earl Manchester and Anne Yelverton Countess Manchester, and had issue.
On 20th February 1684 Edward Bayly 1st Baronet was born to Nicholas Bayly (age 53).
On 20th February 1712 Cordell Firebrace 3rd Baronet was born to Charles Firebrace 2nd Baronet (age 32) and Margaret Cordell.
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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On 20th February 1717 Bridget Wallop was born to John Wallop 1st Earl Portsmouth (age 26) and Bridget Bennet Viscountess Lymington (age 20).
On 20th February 1723 Hayman Rooke was born. He was baptised at St Martin in the Fields Church [Map] on 19th March 1723.
On 20th February 1729 Charles Boyle was born to John Boyle 5th Earl Cork (age 22) and Henrietta Hamilton Countess Cork.
On 20th February 1745 Stephen Fox 2nd Baron Holland was born to Henry Fox 1st Baron Holland (age 39) and Caroline Lennox 1st Baroness Holland (age 21). He a great x 2 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. He married before 21st November 1773 his sixth cousin Mary Fitzpatrick, daughter of John Fitzpatrick 1st Earl Upper Ossory and Evelyn Leveson-Gower Countess Upper Ossory, and had issue.
On 20th February 1772 Amelia Hobart Marchioness Londonderry was born to John Hobart 2nd Earl Buckinghamshire (age 48) and Caroline Conolly Countess Buckinghamshire. She married 1794 Robert Stewart 2nd Marquess Londonderry, son of Robert Stewart 1st Marquess Londonderry and Sarah Frances Seymour-Conway.
On 20th February 1773 Edward Harley 5th Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer was born to Bishop John Harley (age 44). He married 3rd March 1794 Jane Elizabeth Scott Countess of Oxford and Mortimer and had issue.
On 20th February 1780 Lucy Rachel Stanhope was born to Charles Stanhope 3rd Earl Stanhope (age 26) and Hester Pitt (age 24).
On 20th February 1786 Reverend Charles Boothby was born to William Boothby 7th Baronet (age 39).
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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On 20th February 1786 George Legge was born to George Legge 3rd Earl Dartmouth (age 30) and Frances Finch Countess Dartmouth (age 25). He died aged three in 1789.
On 20th February 1787 John Coutenay Honywood 5th Baronet was born to John Honywood 4th Baronet (age 30) and Frances Courtenay (age 24).
On 20th February 1792 Eliza Courtenay was born illegitimately to Charles Grey 2nd Earl Grey (age 27) and Georgiana Spencer Duchess Devonshire (age 34) at Aix en Provence whilst she, Georgiana Spencer Duchess Devonshire was married to William Cavendish 5th Duke Devonshire (age 44). The Duchess was forced to relinquish the child shortly after her birth, to be raised by Charles Grey's parents, Charles Grey 1st Earl Grey (age 62) and Elizabeth Grey Countess Grey (age 48). The surname Courtenay was derived from her great-uncle, her maternal grandmother's brother, William Poyntz (age 57). She married 10th December 1814 Robert Charles Ellice and had issue.
On 20th February 1816 Robert Jocelyn was born to Robert Jocelyn 3rd Earl Roden (age 27) and Maria Frances Catherine Stapleton Countess Roden. He married 9th April 1841 Frances Elizabeth Cowper, daughter of Peter Nassau Clavering-Cowper 5th Earl Cowper and Emily Lamb Countess Cowper, and had issue.
On 20th February 1824 Velters Cornewall 4th Baronet was born to George Cornewall 3rd Baronet (age 50) and Jane Naper Lady Cornewall.
On 20th February 1826 Mary Emma Brodrick Countess Enniskillen was born. She married 1865 William Willoughby Cole 3rd Earl Enniskillen, son of John Cole 2nd Earl Enniskillen and Charlotte Paget Countess Enniskillen.
On 20th February 1829 Odo Russell 1st Baron Ampthill was born to George Russell (age 38) and Elizabeth Anne Rawdon. He married 5th May 1868 his fifth cousin once removed Emily Theresa Villiers Baroness Ampthill, daughter of George William Villiers 4th Earl Clarendon and Katherine Grimston Countess Clarendon, and had issue.
On 20th February 1834 Francis Wood 3rd Baronet was born to Reverend John Page-Wood 2nd Baronet (age 38).
On 20th February 1836 Anna Theresa Cockerell Countess Shrewsbury and Waterford was born to Richard Howe Cockerell (age 38) and Theresa Howe Newcomen (age 27). She married 15th February 1855 Charles Chetwynd-Talbot 19th Earl of Shrewsbury 4th Earl Talbot, son of Henry John Chetwynd-Talbot 3rd Earl Talbot 18th Earl of Shrewsbury and Sarah Elizabeth Beresford Countess Talbot Shrewsbury Waterford, and had issue.
On 20th February 1843 Claud Hamilton was born to James Hamilton 1st Duke of Abercorn (age 32) and Louisa Jane Russell Duchess Abercorn (age 30). He married 20th July 1878 his half fifth cousin once removed Caroline Chandos-Pole.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 20th February 1845 Rosalind Frances Stanley Countess Carlisle was born to Edward John Stanley 2nd Baron Stanley and 1st Baron Eddisbury (age 42) and Henrietta Maria Dillon Baroness Stanley Alderley and Eddisbury (age 37) at Grosvenor Crescent, Belgravia. She married 1864 George Howard 9th Earl Carlisle and had issue.
On 20th February 1847 Ellen Terry was born to Benjamin Terry (age 29). She married 20th February 1864 George Frederick Watts.
On 20th February 1853 Sidney Herbert 14th Earl Pembroke 11th Earl Montgomery was born to Sidney Herbert 1st Baron Herbert Lea (age 42) at 49 Belgrave Square, Belgravia. He married 29th August 1877 his fifth cousin once removed Beatrix Louisa Lambton Countess Pembroke and Montgomery, daughter of George Frederick D'Arcy Lambton 2nd Earl Durham and Beatrix Frances Hamilton Countess Durham, and had issue.
On 20th February 1859 John Christopher Willoughby 5th Baronet was born to John Pollard Willoughby 4th Baronet (age 59).
On 20th February 1866 Arthur D'Arcy Gordon Bannerman 12th Baronet was born to Patrick Wilson Bannerman (age 32).
On 20th February 1867 Louise Windsor Duchess Fife was born to King Edward VII of the United Kingdom (age 25) and Alexandra of Denmark Queen Consort England (age 22) at Marlborough House. She married 27th July 1889 her half third cousin Alexander Duff 1st Duke Fife, son of James Duff 5th Earl Fife and Agnes Georgiana Elizabeth Hay Countess Fife, and had issue.
On 20th February 1872 Alexandra Louisa Godolphin Osborne was born to George Godolphin Osborne 9th Duke Leeds (age 43) and Fanny Georgiana Pitt-Rivers Duchess Leeds (age 35). Coefficient of inbreeding 3.94%. She married (1) 16th January 1906 Cecil Walter Paget (2) 20th January 1928 Alfred William Sharpe Pocklington.
On 20th February 1872 William Lygon 7th Earl Beauchamp was born to Frederick Lygon 6th Earl Beauchamp (age 41) and Mary Catherine Stanhope Countess Beauchamp (age 28). He married 1902 his half third cousin once removed Lettice Mary Elizabeth Grosvenor Countess Beauchamp and had issue.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 20th February 1895 Elaine Letitia Algitha Orde-Powlett was born to Lieutenant-Colonel William Orde-Powlett 5th Baron Bolton (age 25). She married 19th September 1922 Bishop Percy Herbert and had issue.
On 20th February 1900 Robert Annesley 9th Earl Annesley was born to Arthur Albert O'Donel Valentia Annesley (age 32).
On 20th February 1920 Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy was born to Joseph Patrick Kennedy (age 31) and Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald (age 29) at Brookline Massachusetts. She married 6th May 1944 William Cavendish, son of Edward William Spencer Cavendish 10th Duke Devonshire and Mary Alice Gascoyne-Cecil Duchess Devonshire.
On 20th February 1928 Jean Ann Kennedy was born to Joseph Patrick Kennedy (age 39) and Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald (age 37).
On 20th February 1934 John Raymond Burrell 9th Baronet was born to Walter Raymond Burrell 8th Baronet (age 30).
On 20th February 1934 Ziki Robertson 11th Baroness Wharton was born to David George Arbuthnot (age 28) and Elisabeth Kemeys-Tynte 10th Baroness Wharton (age 27). She married 17th November 1958 Henry MacLeod Robertson and had issue.
On 20th February 1938 George Cecil Weld-Forester 8th Baron Forester was born to Cecil George Weld-Forester 7th Baron Forester (age 38).
On 20th February 1954 Charles Montagu 5th Baron Swaythling was born to David Montagu 4th Baron Swaythling (age 25).
On 20th February 1960 Christopher George Wayne Codrington 4th Baronet was born to Simon Francis Bethell Codrington 3rd Baronet (age 36).
On 20th February 1364 King David II of Scotland (age 39) and Margaret Drummond Queen Consort Scotland (age 24) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Scotland. He the son of King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland and Elizabeth Burgh Queen Consort Scotland.
On 20th February 1383 Thomas Mowbray 1st Duke of Norfolk (age 14) and Elizabeth Strange Countess Nottingham (age 21) were married. She by marriage Countess Nottingham. They were second cousin once removed. He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward I of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King John of England.
On 20th February 1473 Ralph Neville 3rd Earl of Westmoreland (age 17) and Isabel Booth (age 16) were married. She by marriage Baroness Neville Raby. He the son of John Neville 1st Baron Neville of Raby and Anne Holland Countess Douglas and Avondale.
On 20th February 1609 Edward Barrett 1st Baron Barrett (age 27) and Jane Carey (age 15) were married. They were half first cousin once removed.
On 20th February 1631 Ferdinand III Holy Roman Emperor (age 22) and Maria Anna of Spain Holy Roman Empress (age 24) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Bohemia. She the daughter of Philip III King Spain and Margaret of Austria Queen Consort Spain. He the son of Ferdinand of Spain II Holy Roman Emperor (age 52) and Maria Anna Wittelsbach Holy Roman Empress. They were first cousins.
On 20th February 1703 Thomas Cave 3rd Baronet (age 21) and Margaret Verney Lady Cave were married at St Giles' in the Fields Church [Map].
On 20th February 1718 John Campbell 3rd Earl Breadalbaine and Holland (age 21) and Amabel Grey (age 19) were married. She the daughter of Henry Grey 1st Duke Kent (age 47) and Jemima Crew Marchioness Kent (age 42). He the son of John Campbell 2nd Earl Breadalbaine and Holland (age 55) and Henrietta Villiers Countess Breadalbaine and Holland.
On 20th February 1774 Thomas Reynolds 2nd Baron Ducie (age 40) and Margaret Ramsden Baroness Ducie were married. She by marriage Baroness Ducie.
On 20th February 1798 Richard Westmacott (age 22) and Dorothy Margaret Wilkinson were married. He the son of Richard "The Elder" Westmacott (age 51) and Sarah Vardy.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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On 20th February 1836 William Fitzherbert 4th Baronet (age 27) and Ann Alleyne Lady Fitzherbert (age 21) were married. She by marriage Lady Fitzherbert of Tissington in Derbyshire.
On 20th February 1843 John Beresford 4th Marquess Waterford (age 28) and Christiana Leslie Marchioness of Waterford (age 23) were married. He the son of Henry de la Poer Beresford 2nd Marquess Waterford and Susan Hussey Carpenter Marchioness Waterford.
On 20th February 1864 George Frederick Watts (age 46) and Ellen Terry (age 17) were married. The difference in their ages was 29 years.
On 20th February 1884 Geoffrey Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes 12th or 18th Baron Saye and Sele (age 25) and Marion Ruperta Murray Lawes Baroness Saye and Sele were married.
On 20th February 1930 Hugh "Bendor" Grosvenor 2nd Duke Westminster (age 50) and Loelia Mary Ponsonby Duchess Westminster (age 28) were married. She by marriage Duchess Westminster. His third marriage; her first. Winston Churchill (age 55) was best man. They were married until 1947 when the marriage was dissolved. No issue. The difference in their ages was 22 years. They were fourth cousin once removed.
On 20th February 1171 Conan "The Young" Penthièvre IV Duke Brittany (age 33) died. His daughter Constance (age 10) succeeded Duchess Brittany, 3rd Countess Richmond.
On 20th February 1263 John Plessis Earl Warwick died.
On 20th February 1374 Hugh Courtenay (age 29) died. His first cousin Edward (age 17) succeeded 4th Baron Courtenay.
On 20th February 1459 Thomas Stanley 1st Baron Stanley (age 54) died at Knowsley, Lancashire. He was buried at Burscough Priory [Map]. His son Thomas (age 24) succeeded King Mann, 2nd Baron Stanley. Eleanor Neville Baroness Stanley (age 12) by marriage Baroness Stanley.
On 20th February 1496 Bishop Richard Hill died.
On 20th February 1513 John King of Denmark Norway and Sweden (age 58) died. His son Christian (age 31) succeeded II King of Denmark, II King Norway.
On 20th February 1523 Alice aka Agnes Cotell (age 38) and William Mathewe were hanged at Tyburn [Map] for the murder of her first husband John Cotell.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 20th February 1552 Anne Parr Countess Pembroke (age 36) died at Baynard's Castle [Map]. She was buried at St Paul's Cathedral [Map].
On 20th February 1557 Agnes Stewart Countess Bothwell (age 88) died.
On 20th February 1616 Lucy Mervyn Baroness Audley and Tuchet died.
On 17th December 1632 Francis Manners 6th Earl of Rutland (age 54) died at Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire [Map]. On 20th February 1633 he was buried at St Mary the Virgin Church, Bottesford, Leicestershire [Map]. His daughter Katherine (age 30) succeeded 18th Baroness Ros Helmsley. His brother George (age 52) succeeded 7th Earl of Rutland. Frances Carey Countess Rutland (age 61) by marriage Countess of Rutland.
On 20th February 1684 Roger Pratt (age 64) died.
On 20th February 1725 Thomas Tipping 2nd Baronet (age 25) died. Baronet Tipping of Wheatfield in Oxfordshire extinct.
On 20th February 1730 George Browne 4th Baronet died. His son John succeeded 5th Baronet Browne of Caversham.
On 20th February 1743 Robert Fitzgerald 19th Earl of Kildare (age 67) died. His son James (age 21) succeeded 20th Earl Kildare.
Anne Boleyn. Her Life as told by Lancelot de Carle's 1536 Letter.
In 1536, two weeks after the execution of Anne Boleyn, her brother George and four others, Lancelot du Carle, wrote an extraordinary letter that described Anne's life, and her trial and execution, to which he was a witness. This book presents a new translation of that letter, with additional material from other contemporary sources such as Letters, Hall's and Wriothesley's Chronicles, the pamphlets of Wynkyn the Worde, the Memorial of George Constantyne, the Portuguese Letter and the Baga de Secrets, all of which are provided in Appendices.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 20th February 1746 Anne Pulteney Duchess Southampton Duchess of Cleveland (age 82) died. She was buried in the Duke of Ormonde Vault, King Henry VII Chapel, Westminster Abbey.
On 20th February 1768 James Lindsay 5th Earl Balcarres (age 76) died. His son Alexander (age 16) succeeded 6th Earl Balcarres.
On 20th February 1773 Charles Emmanuel III King Sardinia (age 71) died at Turin.
On 20th February 1785 Rowland Winn 5th Baronet (age 45) died in a carriage accident. His son Rowland (age 9) succeeded 6th Baronet Winn of Nostel in Yorkshire.
On 20th February 1799 Lionel Tollemache 5th Earl Dysart (age 64) died at Ham House, Richmond, Surrey without issue. His brother Wilbrahim (age 59) succeeded 6th Earl Dysart, 7th Baronet Talmash of Helmingham in Suffolk.
On 20th February 1812 Catherine Elizabeth Hamilton Countess Aberdeen (age 28) died.
On 20th February 1859 Mary Paget Countess Sandwich (age 46) died. Her remains were moved to All Saints Church, Barnwell [Map] on 16th June 1884.
On 20th February 1860 John Barker aka Barker-Mill 1st Baronet (age 56) died at Mottisfont Abbey [Map]. Baronet Barker of Mottisfont in Southampton extinct.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 20th February 1864 Frances Elizabeth Cornewall Viscountess Hereford (age 81) died.
On 20th February 1866 Henry Agar-Ellis 3rd Viscount Clifden (age 40) died. His son Henry (age 2) succeeded 4th Viscount Clifden of Gowran in County Kilkenny, 4th Baron Mendip of Mendip in Somerset, 3rd Baron Dover.
On 20th February 1867 John William Spencer Brownlow Egerton-Cust 2nd Earl Brownlow (age 24) died in Mentone Italy. His brother Adelbert (age 22) succeeded 3rd Earl Brownlow, 3rd Viscount Alford, 4th Baron Brownlow of Belton in Lincolnshire, 7th Baronet Cust of Stamford in Lincolnshire, and inherited Belton House [Map].
On 20th February 1902 William Thomas Wentworth-Fitzwilliam 6th and 4th Earl Fitzwilliam (age 86) died. His grandson William (age 29) succeeded 7th Earl Fitzwilliam, 5th Earl Fitzwilliam, 9th Baron Fitzwilliam of Liffer in Donegal. Maud Frederica Elizabeth Dundas Countess Fitzwilliam (age 24) by marriage Countess Fitzwilliam.
On 20th February 1912 John Gay Newton Alleyne 3rd Baronet (age 91) died. His grandson John (age 22) succeeded 4th Baronet Alleyne of Four Hills in Barbados.
On 20th February 1915 William Eden 7th and 5th Baronet (age 65) died. His son Timothy (age 22) succeeded 6th Baronet Eden of Maryland, 8th Baronet Eden of West Auckland.
On 20th February 1916 William Maw Egley (age 90) died.
On 20th February 1927 Robert Armine Morris 4th Baronet (age 78) died. His son Tankerville (age 34) succeeded 5th Baronet Morris of Clasemont in Glamorganshire.
Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses
Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.
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On 20th February 1928 Victor Hay 21st Earl of Erroll (age 51) died. His son Josslyn (age 26) succeeded 22nd Earl Erroll. Myra Idina Sackville Countess of Erroll (age 34) by marriage Countess Erroll.
On 20th February 1929 Charles Edward Cradock-Hartopp 5th Baronet (age 71) died. His nephew Charles (age 35) succeeded 6th Baronet Cradock-Hartopp.
On 20th February 1929 Henry Bruce 2nd Baron Aberdare (age 77) died. His son Clarence (age 43) succeeded 3rd Baron Aberdare of Duffryn in Glamorganshire.
On 20th February 1930 Richard Bethell 3rd Baron Westbury (age 77) committed suicide. He jumped out of the bedroom window of his seventh floor St James's apartment after a long period of illness. He left a note that read: "I really cannot stand any more horrors and hardly see what good I am going to do here, so I am making my exit." His death was ruled "suicide while of unsound mind." His grandson Richard (age 15) succeeded 4th Baron Westbury of Westbury in Wiltshire.
On 20th February 1932 Victoria Friederike Oldenburg Duchess Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Glücksburg (age 72) died.
On 20th February 1937 Charles Gordon 11th Marquess Huntly (age 89) died. His great nephew Douglas (age 29) succeeded 12th Marquess Huntly, 17th Earl Huntley, 8th Earl Aboyne.
On 20th February 1945 Francis James Boileau 5th Baronet (age 73) died. His son Gilbert (age 47) succeeded 6th Baronet Boileau of Tacolneston Hall in Norfolk.
On 20th February 1950 Wroth Periam Christopher Lethbridge 5th Baronet (age 86) died. His son Hector (age 51) succeeded 6th Baronet Lethbridge of Westaway House in Devon and Winkley Court in Somerset. Evelyn Diana Noel Lady Lethbridge (age 35) by marriage Lady Lethbridge of Westaway House in Devon and Winkley Court in Somerset.
On 20th February 1962 Lilian Florence Chetwynd Marchioness of Anglesey (age 85) died.
On 20th February 1978 Henry Philip Anthony Mary de Hoghton 13th Baronet (age 58) died. His brother Richard (age 33) succeeded 14th Baronet Hoghton of Hoghton Tower in Lancashire.
On 20th February 1992 Vera Ruby Tyrwhitt 15th Baroness Berners (age 90) died. Baron Berners abeyant between her two daughters Pamela Vivian Williams 16th Baron Berners (age 62) and Rosemary Tyrwhit Williams (age 60).