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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22 Dec is in December.
1135 Coronation of King Stephen
1541 Catherine Howard Tyburn Executions
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1060. This year was a great earthquake on the Translation of St. Martin, and King Henry (age 52) died in France. Kinsey, Archbishop of York, died on the eleventh before the calends of January; and he lies at Peterboorugh [Map]. Bishop Aldred succeeded to the see, and Walter to that of Herefordshire. Dudoc also died, who was Bishop of Somersetshire; and Gisa the priest was appointed in his stead.
On 22nd December 1060 Archbishop Cynesige died.
On 26th December 1135 King Stephen I England (age 41) was crowned King of England by Archibishop of Canterbury William de Corbeil (age 65).
The date of his coronation described differently by many Chroniclers:
Florence of Worcester: "on the thirteenth of the calends of January" i.e. 20th December 1135.
Orderic Vitalis: "on the eighteenth of the calends of January" i.e. 15th December 1135; the editor provided a note suggesting this date is incorrect and the correct date is the 26th December 1135.
The Annals of Winchester: "on the 22nd day after the death of his uncle, on the 1st of January." We should note that if King Henry died on the 1st December this date would refer to the 22nd or 23rd of December.
Roger of Wendover's Flowers of History: "on the day of the proto-martyr St. Stephen" i.e. 26th December 1135.
Chronicle of Richard Baker: "and so upon St. Stephen's day, in Anno 1135" i.e. 26th December 1135.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle: "on midwinter day" i.e. probably 21st or 22nd of December, possibly the 25th.
Matthew Paris Chronica Majora: "on the Feast of Saint Stephen" i.e. 26th December 1135.
Gervase on Canterbury: "on the eleventh day before the Kalends of January [22nd December 1135] at Westminster."
Chronicle of Gervase of Canterbury. Meanwhile, while the body of King Henry was being thus embalmed in Normandy, awaiting transfer to England, Stephen, younger brother of Theobald, Count of Blois, a man of great vigor and daring, nephew of King Henry through his sister, and himself Count of Boulogne and of Mortain, crossed the sea with swift sailing. Repulsed by the men of Dover, and shut out by the people of Canterbury, he was received with honor in England by the Londoners and certain of the leading men of London. When, therefore, there was held there a quick and earnest discussion between Stephen and the higher nobles of England, in the presence of William, Archbishop of Canterbury, concerning the succession to the kingdom, the said William, archbishop and primate of England, hesitated to place the crown upon anyone, because of the oath that had been sworn to King Henry's daughter. But then there stood forth one of the most powerful men of England, swearing and declaring that he himself had been present when King Henry, of his own free will and in good faith, had released that oath. On hearing this, the aforesaid Stephen was elected king by nearly all, and so was crowned by William, Archbishop of Canterbury, on the eleventh day before the Kalends of January [22nd December 1135] at Westminster. At his coronation, however, amid the solemnities of the Mass, there occurred a sad omen of things to come. For when the aforesaid archbishop, after the "Agnus Dei," was consecrating the sacraments of the body and blood of the Savior, the kiss of peace, which Holy Church is accustomed to give among the people, was utterly forgotten. Stephen, however, as has been said, consecrated as the new king, held his court there in royal fashion on the day of the Lord's Nativity.
Dum igitur cadaver Henrici regis hoc modo in Normannia condiretur, in Angliam transferendum, Stephanus Theodbaldi Blesensis comitis frater, junior eo, vir magnæ strenuitatis et audaciæ, regis Henrici ex sorore nepos, comes vero Boloniæ et Moritonii, celeri navigio trans mare vectus, a Dourensibus repulsus, et a Cantuarinis is received exclusus, a Londoniensibus et quibusdam primoribus Londoners, Angliæ cum honore susceptus est. Cum autem ibidem inter ipsum Stephanum et sublimiores Angliæ proceres, præsente Willelmo Cantuariensi archiepiscopo, de successione regni sermo citus et efficax consereretur, et Willelmus Cantuariensis archiepiscopus et primas hesitation Angliæ, propter jusjurandum filiæ regis Henrici factum, diadema regni cuiquam imponere formidaret, astitit Henry had quidam ex potentissimis Angliæ, jurans et dicens se præsentem affuisse. ubi rex Henricus idem juramentum in bona fide sponte relaxasset. Quo audito, prædictus Stephanus a cunctis fere in regem electus est, et sic a Willelmo Cantuariensi archiepiscopo coronatus undecimo kalendas Januarii apud Westmonasterium. In cujus coronatione inter missarum solennia triste contigit præsagium futurorum. Nam cum præfatus archiepiscopus post "Agnus Dei" corporis et sanguinis Salvatoris sacramenta conficeret, osculum pacis quod in populo dare sacrosancta consuevit ecclesia oblivioni penitus traditum est. Stephanus autem, ut prælibatum est, novus rex consecratus, tenuit ibidem curiam suam more regio in die Dominicæ Nativitatis.
Deeds of King Stephen. [22nd December 1135] Thus, being persuaded by such arguments, and by certain others, which I pass over for brevity, the archbishop consecrated and anointed him king of England and Normandy, in the presence of the bishops and the large company of clergy who were there assembled. When this at last became known, and the report was spread widely and openly through England, nearly all the chief men of the whole realm gladly and reverently received him; and, being enriched by him with many gifts and enlarged with lands, they, with solemn oaths and after doing homage, wholly devoted themselves to his service.
Talibus itaque sed et aliis nonnullis ratiociniis, quæ breviandi causa prætereo, impulsus archiepiscopus, regem eum in Angliam et Normanniam, cum episcopis frequentique, qui intererat, clericatu, sacravit et inunxit. Quibus tandem cognitis, celebrique sermone per Anglian divulgatis, omnes fere primi totius regni læte eum et veneranter recepere, plurimisque ab eo muneribus donati, sed et terris amplificati, liberali cum jurejurando, præmisso hominio, ejus sese servitio ex toto manciparunt.
Note 1. Gervase, i. 94, says that a great noble swore that he heard Henry release his subjects from the oath. Hugh Bigod was the man: "When, therefore, there was held there a quick and earnest discussion between Stephen and the higher nobles of England, in the presence of William, Archbishop of Canterbury, concerning the succession to the kingdom, the said William, archbishop and primate of England, hesitated to place the crown upon anyone, because of the oath that had been sworn to King Henry's daughter. But then there stood forth one of the most powerful men of England, swearing and declaring that he himself had been present when King Henry, of his own free will and in good faith, had released that oath."
Note 2. William of Malmesbury: "Stephen, therefore, was crowned king of England on Sunday the eleventh before the kalends of January [22nd December 1135], the twenty-second day after the decease of his uncle, anno Domini 1135, in the presence of three bishops, that is, the archbishop, and those of Winchester and Salisbury; but there were no abbats, and scarcely any of the nobility." The Chronicle of Battle Abbey gives the same date: "In the year of the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ 1135, not long after the death of the noble King Henry, Stephen, count of Boulogne, his nephew, succeeded to the kingdom of England — his claims having the support of some of the chief men of the realm. He was anointed and crowned at Westminster, on the 11th of the calends of January, by William, archbishop of Canterbury." Other writers state that Stephen's coronation took place on the 26th of December. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says on Midwinter Day.
On 22nd December 1163 Bishop Robert Melun (age 63) was consecrated Bishop of Hereford by Archbishop Thomas Becket (age 44) at Canterbury Cathedral [Map].
On 22nd December 1391 Engelbert La Marck III Count La Marck (age 58) died. His brother Adolph (age 57) succeeded III Count de la Marck. Margaret Jülich Countess Cleves and Mark (age 41) by marriage Countess La Marck.
On 22nd December 1476 Isabel Neville Duchess Clarence (age 25) died from childbirth at Warwick Castle [Map]. The cause of death uncertain but likely a consequence of the birth of her fourth child Richard in early October. She was buried in Tewkesbury Abbey [Map]. The Founders Book of Tewkesbury Abbey Folio 39v records her death. George York 1st Duke of Clarence (age 27) believed she had been murdered by Ankarette Hawkeston aka Twynyho. See Trial and Execution of Ankarette Twynyho.
In 1485 William was authorised by letters patent of Richard Ill to found and endow the almshouse [of Browne's Hospital, Stamford [Map]], but after his death and that of his wife Margaret, in 1489, the management of the Hospital passed to her brother, Thomas Stokke, Canon of York and Rector of Easton-on-the-Hill, just outside Stamford. Stokke obtained new letters patent from Henry VII in 1493 and the chapel was consecrated by the Bishop of Lincoln on 22nd December, 1494 [who died eight days later!].
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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Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1534. 22nd December 1534. 1563. John [Fisher] (age 65) Bishop of Rochester to [Cromwell (age 49)]. Cleop. E. VI. 172. B. M. Arch. XXV. 93.
Does not wish to displease the King. When last before him and the other commissioners he swore to the part concerning the succession for the reason he then gave, but refused to swear to some other parts, because his conscience would not allow him to do so. "I beseech you to be good master unto me in my necessity, for I have neither shirt nor sheet nor yet other clothes that are necessary for me to wear, but that be ragged and rent too shamefully. Notwithstanding, I might easily suffer that if they would keep my body warm. But my diet also God knows how slender it is at many times. And now in mine age my stomach may not away but with a few kind of meats, which if I want I decay forthwith, and fall into coughs and diseases of my body, and cannot keep myself in health." His brother provides for him out of his own purse, to his great hindrance. Beseeches him to pity him, and move the King to take him into favour and release him from this cold and painful imprisonment. Desires to have a priest within the Tower to hear his confession "against this holy time;" and some books to stir his devotion more effectually. Wishes him a merry Christmas. At the Tower, 22 Dec. Signed.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1541. 22nd December 1541. 1470. Trial of lord William Howard, and Others for Misprision of Treason.
File of documents in Baga de Secretis Pouch XIII., Bundle 2, consisting of three special commissions, each directed to Sir Edw. Mountagu, Sir Ric. Ryche, Sir Ric. Longe, Sir Thos. Pope, Sir Roger Cholmeley, serjeant-at-law, Ric. Pollard, Robt. Chydley, and Robt. Acton, and each dated 12 Dec. 33 Hen. VIII., to hold sessions of oyer and terminer in cos. Surrey, Midd., and Kent, respectively; with precepts, jury panels, &c., made thereupon. The indictments taken before these Commissioners, at Southwark 16 Dec., Westm. 15 Dec., and Deptford 16 Dec., all similar in effect, viz.:
That Katharine queen of England, formerly called Kath. Howard, one of the daughters of lord Edmund Howard, before her marriage with the King, led an unlawful, carnal, voluptuous, and licentious life with divers persons, in the house of Agnes duchess of Norfolk, at Lambeth, Surr. (where she was brought up), especially with Francis Derham, of Lambeth, and Henry Manak, of Streteham (instances given); which, after the marriage, the said Katharine and Francis confessed, alleging in excuse a secret contract of marriage between them; which evil life and contract they did, 31 May 32 Hen. VIII., and at other times, traitorously conceal from the King, until the said Katharine (the King believing her to be chaste and free from other matrimonial yoke), at Otelands, 28 July 32 Hen. VIII., arrogantly contracted and coupled herself in marriage with the King. And after the marriage the said Katharine traitorously retained the said Francis, and one Kath. Tylney, who was procuratrix between them and knew of their carnal life, in her service, at Otelands, 29 Nov. 32 Hen. VIII., and appointed Kath. Tylney one of her chamberers, and favoured them and gave them gifts, employing the said Francis in her secret affairs more than others.
Moreover the said Kath. Tylney, Alice wife of Ant. Restwold, Joan wife of Wm. Bulmer, Anne wife of Hen. Howard, Robt. Damporte, Malena Tylney, and Marg. wife of John Benett, knowing of the said evil and carnal life of the said Katharine with Derham and others, and also that the King intended to marry her, and that the Queen had after her marriage retained Derham in her service, falsely concealed the same.
And Agnes duchess of Norfolk, widow (with whom the said Katharine Howard was from her youth brought up), lord William Howard and Margaret his wife, Katharine wife of Henry earl of Bridgewater, Edw. Walgrave, and Wm. Asshby, knowing of the said misconduct of the Queen, falsely concealed it, and so commended her pure and honest conditions that the King believed her to be chaste.
And moreover, after the said Katharine and Derham were apprehended, and Derham and also Damporte put in the Tower, the said Duchess and Wm. Asshby broke certain coffers of the said Derham and Damporte in the Duchess's custody at Lambeth, 14 Nov. 33 Hen. VIII., and took out divers goods, writings and letters, which they detained and concealed four days.
Special commission to lord chancellor Audeley, the duke of Suffolk, the earls of Southampton, Sussex, and Hertford, lords Russell and St. John, Sir Thos. Cheyney, Sir John Gage, Sir Thos. Wriothesley, Sir Ric. Riche, Sir Edw. Mountagu, Sir John Baker, and Sir Thos. Pope; for the trial of lord William Howard, of Lambeth, uncle of Katharine, queen of England, and one of the King's councillors, Margaret Howard, his wife, Kath. Tylney, gentlewoman, Alice wife of Ant. Restwold, gent., Joan, wife of Wm. Bulmer, gent., Anne wife of Henry Howard, esq., Robt. Damporte, gent., Malena Tylney, widow, Margaret wife of John Benett, gent., Edw. Waldegrave, gent., and Wm. Assheby, gent., all described as of Lambeth, who stand indicted, before justices (named) in cos. Midd., Surr., and Kent, of misprision of treason. Westm., 21 Dec. 33 Hen. VIII.
Writs of venire, habeas corpus, &c., thereupon and —
Record of pleas at Westm., 22 Dec. 33 Hen. VIII., reciting the indictments, &c. Kath. Tylney, Alice Restwold, Joan Bulmer, Anne Howard, Malena Tylney, Marg. Benett, Marg. Howard, Edw. Waldegrave and Wm. Asshby being brought to the bar by Sir John Gage, respectively pleaded Guilty and had judgment, viz., perpetual imprisonment and loss of goods. Likewise lord Wm. Howard, and Robt. Damporte were brought to the bar, and pleaded Not Guilty. Venire awarded instanter and jury of Surrey sworn, but before they retired to consult upon their verdict and after evidence given, lord William withdrew his former plea and pleaded Guilty and the jury proceeded to the trial of Damporte, whom they found Guilty. Verdict on both as before, viz., imprisonment and loss of goods. Endd. as delivered of record by lord Chancellor Audeley, on Monday after the quinzaine of St. Michael 34 Hen. VIII.
Holinshed's Chronicle [1525-1582]. 22nd December 1541. The two and twentith of December were arreigned in the Kings bench at Westminster, the ladie Margaret Howard (age 26), wife to the lord William Howard (age 31), Katharine Tilneie, & Alice Restwold gentlewomen, Joane Bulmer (age 22), wife to Anthonie Bulmer gentleman, Anne Howard, wife to Henry Howard esquier, and brother to the late queene, Malein Tilneie widow, Margaret Benet, wife to John Benet gentleman, Edward Walgraue gentleman, William Ashbie gentleman; all these were condemned of misprision of treason, for concealing the queenes misdemeanour. And the same daie in the afternoone, the lord William Howard, and Damport a gentleman were likewise arreigned, and condemned of the same offense, and as well these as the other were adiudged to lose their goods, & the profits of their lands during life, and to remaine in perpetuall prison.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 22nd December 1556. The xxij day of Desember the Quen('s) (age 40) grace [removed] from Sant James thrugh the parke, and toke [her barge] unto Lambyth unto my lord cardenalles (age 56) place, [where] her grace dynyd with hym and dyvers of the [council]; and after dener her grace toke her gornay to Grenwyche [Map], to kepe her Cryustynmus ther.
On 22nd December 1572 François Clouet (age 62) died.
Diary of Anne Clifford. 22nd December 1617. The 22nd my Lord (age 28) and all the household removed to London, the Child going before in a litter.
On 22nd December 1622 Francesco IV Gonzaga Duke of Mantua (age 36) died. His brother Ferdinando (age 35) succeeded Duke Mantua.
On 22nd December 1623 Margaret Maria Catherine Habsburg Spain died.
On 22nd December 1634 Mariana of Austria Queen Consort Spain was born to Ferdinand III Holy Roman Emperor (age 26) and Maria Anna of Spain Holy Roman Empress (age 28). Coefficient of inbreeding 15.19%. She married 1649 her uncle Philip IV King Spain, son of Philip III King Spain and Margaret of Austria Queen Consort Spain, and had issue.
In December 1660 King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 30) rewarded of further tranche of those who supported his Restoration by awarding them Baronetcies...
On 3rd December 1660 George Winn 1st Baronet (age 53) was created 1st Baronet Winn of Nostel in Yorkshire.
On 22nd December 1660 John Keyt 1st Baronet (age 44) was created 1st Baronet Keyt of Ebrington in Gloucestershire for having raised a troop of horse to fight in the Royalist cause.
On 24th December 1660 William Frankland 1st Baronet (age 20) was created 1st Baronet Frankland of Thirkleby in Yorkshire.
John Evelyn's Diary. 22nd December 1660. The marriage of the Chancellor's (age 51) daughter (age 23) being now newly owned, I went to see her, she being Sir Richard Browne's (age 55) intimate acquaintance when she waited on the Princess of Orange (age 29); she was now at her father's, at Worcester House, in the Strand. We all kissed her hand, as did also my Lord Chamberlain (age 58) (Manchester) and Countess of Northumberland (age 37). This was a strange change-can it succeed well?-I spent the evening at St. James's, whither the Princess Henrietta (age 16) was retired during the fatal sickness of her sister, the Princess of Orange, now come over to salute the King (age 30) her brother. The Princess gave my wife (age 25) an extraordinary compliment and gracious acceptance, for the "Character" she had presented her the day before, and which was afterward printed.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 22nd December 1663. Up and there comes my she cozen Angier, of Cambridge, to me to speak about her son. But though I love them, and have reason so to do, yet, Lord! to consider how cold I am to speak to her, for fear of giving her too much hopes of expecting either money or anything else from me besides my care of her son. I let her go without drinking, though that was against my will, being forced to hasten to the office, where we sat all the morning, and at noon I to Sir R. Ford's (age 49), where Sir R. Browne (age 58) (a dull but it seems upon action a hot man), and he and I met upon setting a price upon the freight of a barge sent to France to the Duchess of Orléans (age 19). And here by discourse I find them greatly crying out against the choice of Sir J. Cutler (age 60) to be Treasurer for Paul's upon condition that he give £1500 towards it, and it seems he did give it upon condition that he might be Treasurer for the work, which they say will be worth three times as much money, and talk as if his being chosen to the office will make people backward to give, but I think him as likely a man as either of them, or better.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 22nd December 1663. This day I hear for certain that my Baroness Castlemaine's (age 23) is turned Papist, which the Queene (age 54) for all do not much like, thinking that she do it not for conscience sake. I heard to-day of a great fray lately between Sir H. Finch's (age 41) coachman, who struck with his whip a coachman of the King's to the losse of one of his eyes; at which the people of the Exchange [Map] seeming to laugh and make sport with some words of contempt to him, my Lord Chamberlin (age 61) did come from the King (age 33) to shut up the 'Change [Map], and by the help of a justice, did it; but upon petition to the King it was opened again.
John Evelyn's Diary. 22nd December 1664. I went to the launching of a new ship of two bottoms, invented by Sir William Petty (age 41), on which were various opinions; his Majesty (age 34) being present, gave her the name of the "Experiment": so I returned home, where I found Sir Humphry Winch (age 42), who spent the day with me.
John Evelyn's Diary. 22nd December 1664. This year I planted the lower grove next the pond at Sayes Court [Map]. It was now exceedingly cold, and a hard, long, frosty season, and the comet was very visible.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 22nd December 1664. Thence to the 'Change [Map]; and there, among the merchants, I hear fully the news of our being beaten to dirt at Guinny, by De Ruyter (age 57) with his fleete. The particulars, as much as by Sir G. Carteret (age 54) afterwards I heard, I have said in a letter to my Lord Sandwich (age 39) this day at Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map]; it being most wholly to the utter ruine of our Royall Company, and reproach and shame to the whole nation, as well as justification to them in their doing wrong to no man as to his private [property], only takeing whatever is found to belong to the Company, and nothing else.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 22nd December 1664. But coming a little too soon, I out again, and tooke boat down to Redriffe [Map]; and just in time within two minutes, and saw the new vessel of Sir William Petty's (age 41) launched, the King (age 34) and Duke (age 31) being there1. It swims and looks finely, and I believe will do well. The name I think is Twilight, but I do not know certainly.
Note 1. Pepys was wrong as to the name of Sir William Petty's new doublekeeled boat. On February 13th, 1664-65, he gives the correct title, which was "The Experiment".
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 22nd December 1665. Thence to my lodging, making up my Journall for 8 or 9 days, and so my mind being eased of it, I to supper and to bed. The weather hath been frosty these eight or nine days, and so we hope for an abatement of the plague the next weeke, or else God have mercy upon us! for the plague will certainly continue the next year if it do not.
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 1 Chapters 1-60 1307-1342
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel offer one of the most vivid and immediate accounts of 14th-century Europe, written by a knight who lived through the events he describes, and experienced some of them first hand. Covering the early decades of the Hundred Years’ War, this remarkable chronicle follows the campaigns of Edward III of England, the politics of France and the Low Countries, and the shifting alliances that shaped medieval warfare. Unlike later historians, Jean le Bel writes with a strong sense of eyewitness authenticity, drawing on personal experience and the testimony of fellow soldiers. His narrative captures not only battles and sieges, but also the realities of military life, diplomacy, and the ideals of chivalry that governed noble society. A key source for Jean Froissart, Le Bel’s chronicle stands on its own as a compelling and insightful work, at once historical record and literary achievement. This translation builds on the 1905 edition published in French by Jules Viard, adding extensive translations from other sources Rymer's Fœdera, the Chronicles of Adam Murimuth, William Nangis, Walter of Guisborough, a Bourgeois of Valenciennes, Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke and Richard Lescot to enrich the original text and Viard's notes.
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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 22nd December 1665. But I was more at a letter from my Lord Duke of Albemarle (age 57) to-day, pressing us to continue our meetings for all Christmas, which, though every body intended not to have done, yet I am concluded in it, who intended nothing else. But I see it is necessary that I do make often visits to my Lord Duke, which nothing shall hinder after I have evened my accounts, and now the river is frozen I know not how to get to him.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 22nd December 1667. Thence to my office, and there did a little business, and so to church, where a dull sermon, and then home, and Cozen Kate Joyce come and dined with me and Mr. Holliard (age 58); but by chance I offering occasion to him to discourse of the Church of Rome, Lord! how he run on to discourse with the greatest vehemence and importunity in the world, as the only thing in the world that he is full of, and it was good sport to me to see him so earnest on so little occasion. She come to see us and to tell me that her husband is going to build his house again, and would borrow of me £300, which I shall upon good security be willing to do, and so told her, being willing to have some money out of my hands upon good security.
On 22nd December 1670 Anna Sophie Saxe Coburg Altenburg was born to Frederick Saxe Coburg Altenburg I Duke Saxe Gotha Altenburg (age 24) and Duchess Magdalena Sibylle of Saxe Gotha Altenburg (age 22) at Gotha. She married 15th October 1691 Prince Louis Frederick I of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt and had issue.
John Evelyn's Diary. 22nd December 1674. Was at the repetition of the "Pastoral", on which occasion Mrs. Blagg (age 22) had about her near £20,000 worth of jewels, of which she lost one worth about £80, borrowed of the Countess of Suffolk (age 52). The press was so great, that it is a wonder she lost no more. The Duke (age 41) made it good.
John Evelyn's Diary. 22nd December 1685. Our patent for executing the office of Privy Seal during the absence of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, being this day seal'd by the Lord Chancellor (age 40), we went afterwards to St James's, where the Court then was on occasion of building at Whitehall; his Ma* (age 52) deliver'd the seale to my Lord Tiviot and myselfe, the other Commissioners not being come, and then gave us his hand to kisse. There were the two Venetian Ambassadors, and a world of company; amongst the rest the first Popish Nuncio that had ben in England since the Reformation, so wonderfully were things chang'd, to the universal jealousy.
On 22nd December 1702 Jean Etienne Liotard was born to Antoine Liotard and Anne Sauvage in Geneva. His parents exiled French Huguenots. He married 1757 Marie Fargues.
On 22nd December 1766 Henry Charles Somerset 6th Duke Beaufort was born to Henry Somerset 5th Duke Beaufort (age 22) and Elizabeth Boscawen Duchess Beaufort (age 19). He married 16th May 1791 his half fourth cousin once removed Charlotte Sophia Leveson-Gower Duchess Beaufort, daughter of Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Marquess Stafford and Susanna Stewart Marchioness Stafford, and had issue.
On 22nd December 1800 Bishop John Jenkinson (age 19) matriculated Christ Church College, Oxford University. He was awarded BA in 1804, MA in 1807 and DD in 1817.
On 22nd December 1813 Algernon St Maur 14th Duke of Somerset was born to Edward Seymour 11th Duke of Somerset (age 38) and Charlotte Hamilton Duchess Somerset (age 41). He married 17th May 1845 Horatia Isabella Harriet Morier Duchess Somerset and had issue.
On 22nd December 1828 Nikolaus Glücksburg was born to Friedrich Wilhelm Glücksburg Duke Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Glücksburg (age 43) and Louise Caroline Hesse-Kassel Duchess Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Glücksburg (age 39). He a great x 2 grandson of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland.
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 22nd December 1834 Prince Hoare (age 79) died.
Archaeologia Volume 30 Section 12. 12. Description of some Gold Ornaments recently found in Ireland, in a Letter from Lord Albert Conyngham (age 37), F.S.A., to Sir Henry Ellis, K.H., F.R.S., Secretary. Read 22nd December 1842.
Bifrons, December 19th, 1842. My Dear Sir Henry,
The golden ornaments which you will receive to-morrow evening to exhibit to the Society of Antiquaries, should you consider them sufficiently interesting, I have numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6. (Plate XII.)
The first five were accidentally found by a labouring man about a fortnight since, within a few yards of the entrance to the caves at New Grange. They were at the depth of two feet from the surface of the ground, and without any covering or protection from the earth about them. Another labouring man, hearing of this discovery, carefully searched the spot whence they were taken, and found a denarius of Geta, and two other coins of small brass, but quite defaced; they are all in my possession.
The Collar which I have marked 6 was found in the neighbourhood of Ardrah, in the county of Donegal. I understood that a labourer found it concealed in the cleft of a rock ; but the person who brought it to me made a condition of selling it to me, that I would neither inquire the finder's name nor the precise spot where it was found, the finder of the collar fearing that the money he received from me would be forced from him by his landlord or his agent, should his name be known.
I remain, my dear Sir Henry, Very sincerely yours, Albert Conyngham.
On 21 and 22nd December 1845 the Battle of Ferozeshah was a victory by the British East India Company over the Sikh Empire.
On 22nd December 1845 Albert Sidney Pelham-Clinton was born to Henry Pelham-Clinton 5th Duke Newcastle-under-Lyne (age 34) and Susan Harriet Catherine Hamilton Duchess Newcastle under Lyne (age 31). He married before Frances Evelyn Stotherd.
On or before 22nd December 1852 Elizabeth Calder Marshall was born to William Calder Marshall (age 39) and Margaret Calder (age 36). She was baptised on 22nd December 1852 at St Michael's Church Pimlico who were described as living at 47 Ebury Street, Chester Square.
The Diary of George Price Boyce 1859. 22nd December 1859. Miss Annie Miller (age 24) called on me in the evening in an excited state to ask me to recommend her someone to sit to. She was determined on sitting again in preference to doing anything else. All was broken off between her and Hunt (age 32). I pitied the poor girl very much, by reason of the distraction of her mind and heart.
Called on Hunt in the evening to tell him of her visit and that, finding she was resolved on sitting again, I should ask her to sit to me instead of to any stranger. He said it seemed now as if she could do nothing else for she rejected (naturally enough) all his efforts to find employment through friends. Finding he could not get her to do what he wanted to make her a desirable wife for him, nor to wean herself from old objectionable habits, he had broken off the engagement; but the whole affair had preyed on his mind for years. The interview was friendly throughout. I had another long look at the "Christ and the Doctors" picture.
On 22nd December 1870 a total Eclipse of the Sun occurred. The path of totality was visible from parts of modern-day southern Portugal, southern Spain, northern Morocco, northern Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, Greece, northwestern Turkey, southeastern Bulgaria, southeastern Ukraine, and western Russia
In 1870, William Kingdon Clifford (age 25) was part of an expedition to Italy to observe the solar eclipse of 22 December 1870. During that voyage he survived a shipwreck along the Sicilian coast.
On 22nd December 1878 Ernest Augustus Hanover 3rd Duke Cumberland and Teviotdale (age 33) and Thyra Glücksburg Duchess Cumberland and Teviotdale (age 25) were married. She by marriage Duchess Cumberland and Teviotdale. She the daughter of King Christian IX of Denmark (age 60) and Queen Louise Hesse-Kassel of Denmark (age 61). He the son of George V King Hanover and Marie Saxe Altenburg Queen Consort Hanover. They were fourth cousins. He a great grandson of King George III of Great Britain and Ireland. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland.
On 22nd December 1899 Hugh Lupus Grosvenor 1st Duke Westminster (age 74) died. His grandson Hugh (age 20) succeeded 2nd Duke Westminster, 4th Marquess Westminster, 5th Earl Grosvenor, 11th Baronet Grosvenor of Eaton in Cheshire. Monument in Grosvenor Chapel, St Mary's Church, Eccleston [Map] sculpted by Leon Joseph Chavalliaud (age 41).
On 22nd December 1906 Delaval Beresford (age 44) died in a railway accident at Enderlin, North Dakota. He was buried in Clonegam, Portlaw, County Waterford.
22nd December 1910. Bassano Ltd. Photograph of Roger Grey 10th Earl Stamford 6th Earl Warrington (age 14).
On 22nd December 1915 Arthur Hughes (age 83) died in Kew Green, London. He was buried in Richmond Cemetery.
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 22nd December 1918 Charles Edward Perugini (age 79) died.
After 22nd December 1935. St Michael's Church, Chenies [Map]. Grave of Fannie Gallaher, secretary for many years to Adeline Marie Somers Duchess Bedford.
On 22nd December 1937 Violet Lindsay Duchess Rutland (age 81) died.
22nd December 1944. Taking off at 16:36 from Coningsby for a raid against Politz, on their return their Lancaster III (Reg no. PB533 OL-), due to fog, was instructed to divert to Metheringham. Visibility was poor here too and they crashed at 0246 and PB533 was Destroyed By Fire on overshoot in fog on return from mission to Politz while trying to land. Seven of the crewmen were killed and one injured.
Pilot: Squadron Leader Leslie Hatcher DFC AFM RAF 129148 [Killed] (NCO:968424 Commission Gazetted: Tuesday 22 September, 1942)
Flight Engineer: Flight Sergeant Henry John Naldrett RAFVR 1867537 [Killed]
Bomb Aimer: Warrant Officer Robert Frederick Goodman RAFVR 1319008 [Killed]
Bomb Aimer: Pilot Officer Edward Marron RAFVR 184624 [Killed] (NCO:808151 Commission Gazetted: Tuesday 31 October, 1944)
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner: Flight Lieutenant Charles Summerscales (age 18) DFC RAFVR 170015 [Killed] (NCO:1050387 Commission Gazetted: Tuesday 22 February, 1944)
Mid-Upper Gunner: Warrant Officer Frederick James Bell RAFVR 972074 [Killed]
Rear Gunner: Flight Lieutenant Mervyn Frederick Ingmire DFC RAFVR 185574 [Injured] (NCO:1164444 Commission Gazetted: Tuesday 21 November, 1944)
Crew: Flight Lieutenant Alan John Booker DFC RAFVR 145424 [Killed] (NCO:1152368 Commission Gazetted: Tuesday 16 January, 1945)
P/O Ingmire escaped with a broken arm and fractured shoulder. He was admitted to Rauceby hospital for treatment. He later gained a DFC.
After 22nd December 1950. St Mary's Church, Chirk [Map]. Memorials to Charles Edward Hill-Trevor 3rd Baron Trevor (deceased) and his wife Phyllis May Sims Baroness Trevor (age 47).
Charles Edward Hill-Trevor 3rd Baron Trevor: On 22nd December 1863 he was born to Arthur Edwin Hill aka Hill-Trevor 1st Baron Trevor and Mary Catherine Curzon Baroness Trevor. On 19th May 1923 Arthur William Hill-Trevor 2nd Baron Trevor died. His half brother Charles succeeded 3rd Baron Trevor of Brynkinalt in Denbighshire. On 27th July 1927 Charles Edward Hill-Trevor 3rd Baron Trevor and Phyllis May Sims Baroness Trevor were married. She by marriage Baroness Trevor of Brynkinalt in Denbighshire. The difference in their ages was 39 years. On 22nd December 1950 Charles Edward Hill-Trevor 3rd Baron Trevor died. His son Charles succeeded 4th Baron Trevor of Brynkinalt in Denbighshire.
Phyllis May Sims Baroness Trevor: In 1903 she was born. In 1991 she died.
On 22nd December 1951 Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor 6th Duke Westminster was born to Robert George Grosvenor 5th Duke Westminster (age 41) and Viola Maud Lyttelton Duchess Westminster (age 39). Coefficient of inbreeding 1.63%. He married 1978 Natalia Phillips Duchess of Westminster and had issue.
On 22nd December 1975 Yevonde Cumbers aka Madame Yevonde (age 82) died.
On 22nd December 2020 Stella Tennant (age 50) committed suicide.
On 22nd December 1369 Thomas Bardolf 5th Baron Bardolf was born to William Bardolf 4th Baron Bardolf (age 20) and Agnes Poynings Baroness Bardolf. He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward I of England. He married before 8th July 1382 his half sixth cousin Avice Cromwell Baroness Bardolf, daughter of Ralph Cromwell 1st Baron Cromwell and Maud Bernake, and had issue.
On 22nd December 1621 Thomas Cave 1st Baronet was born to Thomas Cave of Croft Castle (age 35) and Elizabeth Croft (age 26) at Croft Castle, Herefordshire [Map]. He married (1) 11th May 1641 Katherine Haslewood (2) before 1651 Penelope Wenman Lady Cave, daughter of Thomas Wenman 2nd Viscount Wenman, and had issue.
On 22nd December 1634 Mariana of Austria Queen Consort Spain was born to Ferdinand III Holy Roman Emperor (age 26) and Maria Anna of Spain Holy Roman Empress (age 28). Coefficient of inbreeding 15.19%. She married 1649 her uncle Philip IV King Spain, son of Philip III King Spain and Margaret of Austria Queen Consort Spain, and had issue.
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 22nd December 1638 William Kerr was born to William Kerr 1st Earl Lothian (age 33) and Anne Kerr 3rd Countess of Lothian.
On 22nd December 1670 Anna Sophie Saxe Coburg Altenburg was born to Frederick Saxe Coburg Altenburg I Duke Saxe Gotha Altenburg (age 24) and Duchess Magdalena Sibylle of Saxe Gotha Altenburg (age 22) at Gotha. She married 15th October 1691 Prince Louis Frederick I of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt and had issue.
On 22nd December 1678 William North 6th Baron North was born to Charles North 1st Baron Grey, 5th Baron North (age 42) and Catherine Grey Baroness North and Grey of Rolleston (age 47) in Caldecote. The date somewhat suspicious given his mother Catherine Grey Baroness North and Grey of Rolleston was forty-seven at the time and her first and only child.
On 22nd December 1702 Jean Etienne Liotard was born to Antoine Liotard and Anne Sauvage in Geneva. His parents exiled French Huguenots. He married 1757 Marie Fargues.
On 22nd December 1730 Charles Wheler 7th Baronet was born to William Wheler 5th Baronet (age 26) and Penelope Glynne Lady Wheler. He married 20th January 1762 Lucy Strange Lady Wheler and had issue.
On 22nd December 1736 Charles Agar 1st Earl Normanton was born to Henry Agar (age 34) and Anne Ellis (age 29). He married before 1778 Jane Benson Countess Northampton and had issue.
On 22nd December 1741 Alexander Bannerman 6th Baronet was born to Alexander Bannerman (age 26).
On 22nd December 1744 John Wrottesley 8th Baronet was born to Richard Wrottesley 7th Baronet (age 23) and Mary Leveson-Gower Lady Wrottesley. He married 1770 his half third cousin twice removed Frances Courtenay Lady Wrottesley, daughter of William Courtenay 7th Earl Devon and Frances Finch Countess Devon, and had issue.
On 22nd December 1761 John Williams 1st Baronet was born. He married 21st October 1791 Margaret Williams Lady Williams and had issue.
On 22nd December 1762 Dudley Ryder 1st Earl of Harrowby was born to Nathaniel Ryder 1st Baron Harrowby (age 27) and Elizabeth Terrick Baroness Harrowby. He married 1795 Susanna Leveson-Gower Countess Harrowby Lincolnshire, daughter of Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Marquess Stafford and Susanna Stewart Marchioness Stafford, and had issue.
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 1 Chapters 1-60 1307-1342
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel offer one of the most vivid and immediate accounts of 14th-century Europe, written by a knight who lived through the events he describes, and experienced some of them first hand. Covering the early decades of the Hundred Years’ War, this remarkable chronicle follows the campaigns of Edward III of England, the politics of France and the Low Countries, and the shifting alliances that shaped medieval warfare. Unlike later historians, Jean le Bel writes with a strong sense of eyewitness authenticity, drawing on personal experience and the testimony of fellow soldiers. His narrative captures not only battles and sieges, but also the realities of military life, diplomacy, and the ideals of chivalry that governed noble society. A key source for Jean Froissart, Le Bel’s chronicle stands on its own as a compelling and insightful work, at once historical record and literary achievement. This translation builds on the 1905 edition published in French by Jules Viard, adding extensive translations from other sources Rymer's Fœdera, the Chronicles of Adam Murimuth, William Nangis, Walter of Guisborough, a Bourgeois of Valenciennes, Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke and Richard Lescot to enrich the original text and Viard's notes.
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On 22nd December 1766 Henry Charles Somerset 6th Duke Beaufort was born to Henry Somerset 5th Duke Beaufort (age 22) and Elizabeth Boscawen Duchess Beaufort (age 19). He married 16th May 1791 his half fourth cousin once removed Charlotte Sophia Leveson-Gower Duchess Beaufort, daughter of Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Marquess Stafford and Susanna Stewart Marchioness Stafford, and had issue.
On 22nd December 1769 William Paget was born to Henry Bayly-Paget 1st Earl Uxbridge (age 25) and Jane Champagné Countess Uxbridge (age 27).
On 22nd December 1780 Thomas Foley 3rd Baron Foley was born to Thomas Foley 2nd Baron Foley (age 38) and Henrietta Stanhope Baroness Foley (age 24). He a great x 3 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. He married 18th August 1806 his fourth cousin Cecilia Olivia Geraldine Fitzgerald Baroness Foley, daughter of William Robert Fitzgerald 2nd Duke Leinster and Emilia St George Duchess Leinster, and had issue.
On 22nd December 1799 Augusta Hervey was born to Frederick William Hervey 1st Marquess of Bristol (age 30) and Elizabeth Albana Upton (age 24). She married 18th September 1832 her sixth cousin Frederick Charles William Seymour and had issue.
On 22nd December 1807 Edward Bootle-Wilbraham was born to Edward Bootle-Wilbraham 1st Baron Skelmersdale.
On 22nd December 1809 John Hamner 1st Baron Hamner was born to Thomas Hanmer 2nd Baronet (age 62) and Margaret Kenyon Lady Hanmer. He married 1833 Georgiana Chetwynd Baroness Hamner, daughter of George Chetwynd 2nd Baronet and Hannah Maria Sparrow.
On 22nd December 1812 Charles Henry John Rich 3rd Baronet was born to Charles Henry Rich 2nd Baronet (age 28) and Francs-Maria Lethbridge Lady Rich.
On 22nd December 1813 Algernon St Maur 14th Duke of Somerset was born to Edward Seymour 11th Duke of Somerset (age 38) and Charlotte Hamilton Duchess Somerset (age 41). He married 17th May 1845 Horatia Isabella Harriet Morier Duchess Somerset and had issue.
On 22nd December 1820 Harriet Jacqueline Buller Lady Salusbury-Trelawny was born to Anthony Buller (age 40) at Calcutta, India. She was baptised on 22nd December 1820 at Calcutta, India. She married (1) 1859 Edward George Walpole Keppel (2) 17th December 1872 her fourth cousin John Salusbury Salusbury-Trelawny 9th Baronet, son of William Lewis Trelawny aka Salusbury-Trelawny 8th Baronet and Patience Christian Carpenter Lady Trelawny.
On 22nd December 1825 Mary Pleydell-Bouverie was born to William Pleydell-Bouverie 3rd Earl Radnor (age 46) and Judith St John-Mildmay Countess Radnor (age 35).
On 22nd December 1828 Nikolaus Glücksburg was born to Friedrich Wilhelm Glücksburg Duke Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Glücksburg (age 43) and Louise Caroline Hesse-Kassel Duchess Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Glücksburg (age 39). He a great x 2 grandson of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland.
This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.
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On 22nd December 1832 Edward Chandos Leigh was born to Chandos Leigh 1st Baron Leigh (age 41). He married 1st June 1871 Katherine Fanny Rigby and had issue.
On 22nd December 1836 Greville Theophilus Howard was born to Charles Howard 17th Earl Suffolk 10th Earl Berkshire (age 31) and Isabella Catherine Mary Howard-Molyneux-Howard Countess Suffolk and Berkshire (age 30). He married before 28th July 1880 Audrey Jane Charlotte Townshend, daughter of John Townshend 4th Marquess Townshend and Elizabeth Jane Stuart.
On 22nd December 1840 Henry Chaplin 1st Viscount Chaplin was born to Reverend Henry Chaplin (age 51) and Caroline Horatia Ellice (age 25). He married 15th November 1876 Florence Sutherland Leveson-Gower, daughter of George Leveson-Gower 3rd Duke Sutherland and Anne Hay Mackenzie Duchess Sutherland, and had issue.
On 22nd December 1845 Albert Sidney Pelham-Clinton was born to Henry Pelham-Clinton 5th Duke Newcastle-under-Lyne (age 34) and Susan Harriet Catherine Hamilton Duchess Newcastle under Lyne (age 31). He married before Frances Evelyn Stotherd.
On 22nd December 1863 Charles Edward Hill-Trevor 3rd Baron Trevor was born to Arthur Edwin Hill aka Hill-Trevor 1st Baron Trevor (age 44) and Mary Catherine Curzon Baroness Trevor (age 26). He married 27th July 1927 Phyllis May Sims Baroness Trevor.
On 22nd December 1866 Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Courtenay Brabazon Throckmorton was born to Richard Acton Throckmorton 10th Baronet (age 27).
On 22nd December 1878 Norah Jacintha Phipps Lady Fuller was born to Charles Nicholas Paul Phipps (age 33) and Clare Emily Hervey-Bathurst (age 24). She married 5th July 1898 John Michael Fleetwood Fuller 1st Baronet and had issue.
On 22nd December 1879 Myra Rowena Sibell Orde-Powlett Marchioness of Exeter was born to William Thomas Orde-Powlett 4th Baron Bolton (age 34) and Algitha Frederica Lumley Baroness Bolton (age 32). She married 16th April 1901 William Cecil 5th Marquess Exeter, son of Brownlow Henry George Cecil 4th Marquess Exeter and Isabella Whichcote Marchioness of Exeter, and had issue.
On 22nd December 1898 Hugh Molyneux 7th Earl of Sefton was born to Osbert Molyneux 6th Earl Sefton (age 27) and Helena Mary Bridgeman Countess Sefton (age 23).
On 22nd December 1951 Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor 6th Duke Westminster was born to Robert George Grosvenor 5th Duke Westminster (age 41) and Viola Maud Lyttelton Duchess Westminster (age 39). Coefficient of inbreeding 1.63%. He married 1978 Natalia Phillips Duchess of Westminster and had issue.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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On 22nd December 1969 Massey Lopes 4th Baron Roborough was born to Henry Massey Lopes 3rd Baron Roborough (age 29).
On 22nd December 1582 Philip Wodehouse 1st Baronet and Grizell Yelverton (age 17) were married.
On 22nd December 1713 Thomas Clifford Earl Newburgh (age 26) and Charlotte Livingstone 3rd Countess Newburgh (age 19) were married. He by marriage Earl of Newburgh. She the daughter of Charles Livingston 2nd Earl of Newburgh and Frances Brudenell Countess Newburgh.
On 22nd December 1798 Henry Every 9th Baronet (age 21) and Penelope Mosley Lady Every (age 19) were married. She by marriage Lady Every of Egginton in Derbyshire.
On 22nd December 1832 William Meredyth Somerville 1st Baron Meredyth and Athlumney (age 30) and Maria Harriet Conyngham were married. She the daughter of Henry Conyngham 1st Marquess Conyngham (age 65) and Elizabeth Denison Marchioness Conyngham (age 63).
On 22nd December 1878 Ernest Augustus Hanover 3rd Duke Cumberland and Teviotdale (age 33) and Thyra Glücksburg Duchess Cumberland and Teviotdale (age 25) were married. She by marriage Duchess Cumberland and Teviotdale. She the daughter of King Christian IX of Denmark (age 60) and Queen Louise Hesse-Kassel of Denmark (age 61). He the son of George V King Hanover and Marie Saxe Altenburg Queen Consort Hanover. They were fourth cousins. He a great grandson of King George III of Great Britain and Ireland. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland.
On 22nd December 1880 Thomas George Fermor-Hesketh 7th Baronet (age 31) and Florence Emily Sharon (age 22) were married at Ralston Hall.
On 22nd December 1960 George Townshend 7th Marquess Townshend (age 44) and Ann Frances Darlow Marchioness Townshend were married. She by marriage Marchioness Townshend. He the son of John Townshend 6th Marquess Townshend and Gwladys Sutherst Marchioness Townshend.
On 22nd December 1060 Archbishop Cynesige died.
On 22nd December 1267 Mathilde Reginar Countess Holland and Palatine (age 67) died.
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 22nd December 1391 Engelbert La Marck III Count La Marck (age 58) died. His brother Adolph (age 57) succeeded III Count de la Marck. Margaret Jülich Countess Cleves and Mark (age 41) by marriage Countess La Marck.
On 22nd December 1397 Guy Chatillon II Count Blois died.
On 22nd December 1476 Isabel Neville Duchess Clarence (age 25) died from childbirth at Warwick Castle [Map]. The cause of death uncertain but likely a consequence of the birth of her fourth child Richard in early October. She was buried in Tewkesbury Abbey [Map]. The Founders Book of Tewkesbury Abbey Folio 39v records her death. George York 1st Duke of Clarence (age 27) believed she had been murdered by Ankarette Hawkeston aka Twynyho. See Trial and Execution of Ankarette Twynyho.
On 22nd December 1499 Henry Vavasour (age 78) died. His son William de jure 12th Baron Vavasour.
On 22nd December 1572 François Clouet (age 62) died.
On 22nd December 1622 Francesco IV Gonzaga Duke of Mantua (age 36) died. His brother Ferdinando (age 35) succeeded Duke Mantua.
On 22nd December 1623 Margaret Maria Catherine Habsburg Spain died.
On 22nd December 1661 Patrick Maule 1st Earl Panmure (age 76) died.
On 10th December 1674 John Vaughan of Transgoed (age 71) died at Serjeants' Inn. He was buried at Temple Church, London [Map] on 22nd December 1674. His marble monument was destroyed in WWII. Edward Stillingfleet (age 39) preached his funeral sermon. His son Edward Vaughan (age 39) inherited a Cardiganshire estate worth £1,200 each year.
On 22nd December 1684 Francis Hawley 1st Baron Hawley (age 76) died. His grandson Francis (age 11) succeeded 2nd Baron Hawley of Donsmore, 2nd Baronet Hawley of Buckland in Somerset.
On 22nd December 1691 William Leveson-Gower 4th Baronet (age 44) died. His son John (age 16) succeeded 5th Baronet Gower of Stittenham in Yorkshire.
On 22nd December 1707 Frances Howard Lady Winchcombe died.
On 22nd December 1736 William Robinson 1st Baronet (age 81) died. He was buried at St Columba's Church, Topcliffe [Map]. His son Metcalfe succeeded 2nd Baronet Robinson of Newby in Yorkshire although he died four days later.
On 22nd December 1741 William Leman 3rd Baronet (age 56) died. His second cousin Tanfield (age 27) succeeded 4th Baronet Leman of Northaw in Hertfordshire.
On 22nd December 1749 Bishop Richard Smalbroke (age 77) died. He was buried at Lichfield Cathedral [Map].
Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
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On 22nd December 1754 William Anne Keppel 2nd Earl Albermarle (age 52) died. His son George (age 30) succeeded 3rd Earl Albermarle, 3rd Viscount Bury in Lancashire, 3rd Baron Ashford of Ashford in Kent.
On 22nd December 1763 William Lowther 2nd Baronet (age 69) died. Baronet Lowther of Swillington in West Yorkshire extinct.
On 22nd December 1789 George Nassau Clavering-Cowper 3rd Earl Cowper (age 51) died. His son George (age 13) succeeded 4th Earl Cowper, 4th Baron Cowper of Wingham in Kent, 6th Baronet Cowper of Ratling Court in Kent.
On 22nd December 1815 Alan Hyde Gardner 2nd Baron Gardner (age 45) died. His son Alan (age 5) succeeded 3rd Baron Gardner.
On 22nd December 1822 Charles Moore 1st Marquess Drogheda (age 92) died. His son Edward (age 52) succeeded 2nd Marquess Drogheda, 7th Earl Drogheda, 9th Viscount Moore of Drogheda, 9th Baron Moore of Mellefont in Louth.
On 22nd December 1822 George Jackson aka Duckett 1st Baronet (age 97) died. His son George (age 45) succeeded 2nd Baronet Jackson aka Duckett of Hartham House in Wiltshire.
On 22nd December 1825 Sarah Windsor Lady Champion de Crespigny (age 62) died.
On 22nd December 1834 Prince Hoare (age 79) died.
On 22nd December 1835 Henrietta Antonia Clive Lady Williams-Wynn died.
On 22nd December 1838 John Villiers 3rd Earl Clarendon (age 81) died. His nephew George (age 38) succeeded 4th Earl Clarendon, 4th Baron Hyde of Hindon in Wiltshire 1756.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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On 22nd December 1854 Harriet Murray Marchioness Camden (age 41) died.
On 22nd December 1856 Barbara Reynell Countess Donoughmore died.
On 22nd December 1859 Robert Haldane-Duncan 1st Earl of Camperdown (age 74) died.
On 22nd December 1869 George Ives Irby 4th Baron Boston (age 67) died at 12 Wilton Crescent, Belgravia. His son Florance (age 32) succeeded 5th Baron Boston, 6th Baronet Irby of Whaplode and Boston.
On 22nd December 1870 Thomas Aston Clifford-Constable 2nd Baronet (age 63) died. His son Frederick (age 42) succeeded 3rd Baronet Clifford of Tixal in Staffordshire.
On 22nd December 1899 Hugh Lupus Grosvenor 1st Duke Westminster (age 74) died. His grandson Hugh (age 20) succeeded 2nd Duke Westminster, 4th Marquess Westminster, 5th Earl Grosvenor, 11th Baronet Grosvenor of Eaton in Cheshire. Monument in Grosvenor Chapel, St Mary's Church, Eccleston [Map] sculpted by Leon Joseph Chavalliaud (age 41).
On 22nd December 1900 John Baptist Dormer 12th Baron Dormer (age 70) died. His nephew Roland (age 38) succeeded 13th Baron Dormer of Wyng in Buckinghamshire, 13th Baronet Dormer of Wyng in Buckinghamshire. Marie Hanem Eywaz Baroness Dormer by marriage Baroness Dormer of Wyng in Buckinghamshire.
On 22nd December 1909 Robert Collier 2nd Baron Monkswell (age 64) died. His son Robert succeeded 3rd Baron Monkswell of Monkswell in Devon.
On 22nd December 1915 Arthur Hughes (age 83) died in Kew Green, London. He was buried in Richmond Cemetery.
On 22nd December 1918 Charles Edward Perugini (age 79) died.
On 22nd December 1932 Walter James 3rd Baron Northbourne (age 63) died at Betteshanger, Northbourne. His son Walter (age 36) succeeded 4th Baron Northbourne of Betteshanger in Kent and Jarrow Grange in County Durham, 5th Baronet James of Langley Hall and Denford Court in Berkshire. Katherine Louise Nickerson Baroness Northbourne by marriage Baroness Northbourne of Betteshanger in Kent and Jarrow Grange in County Durham.
On 22nd December 1937 Violet Lindsay Duchess Rutland (age 81) died.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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On 22nd December 1945 Clara Isabel Murray Baroness Doverdale (age 65) died.
On 22nd December 1950 Charles Edward Hill-Trevor 3rd Baron Trevor (age 87) died. His son Charles (age 22) succeeded 4th Baron Trevor of Brynkinalt in Denbighshire.
On 22nd December 1957 Merrik Raymond Burrell 7th Baronet (age 80) died. His son Walter (age 54) succeeded 8th Baronet Burrell of Valentine House in Essex.
On 22nd December 1974 Arthur Victor Agar-Robartes 8th Viscount Clifden (age 87) died without male issue. He was buried at St Hydroc's Church, Lanhydrock. Viscount Clifden of Gowran in County Kilkenny, Baron Robartes of Lanhydrock and of Truro in Cornwall extinct. His fourth cousin once removed Shaun (age 29) succeeded 9th Baron Mendip of Mendip in Somerset.
On 22nd December 1975 Yevonde Cumbers aka Madame Yevonde (age 82) died.
On 22nd December 1997 Hugh Seymour 8th Marquess Hertford (age 67) died. His son Henry (age 39) succeeded 9th Marquess Hertford, 9th Earl Hertford, 9th Earl of Yarmouth, 9th Viscount Beauchamp, 10th Baron Conway of Ragley in Warwickshire, 10th Baron Conway of Killultagh in Antrim.