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23 Dec is in December.
1069 Murder of Robert de Comines Earl Northumbria
1135 Coronation of King Stephen
1230 Death of Berengaria of Navarre
1392 Death of Isabella of Castile
1588 "Day of the Dagger" Assassination of Henry 1st Duke Guise
1600 Baptism of Prince Charles
1644 Execution of Alexander Carew 2nd Baronet
1815 "Emma" published by Jane Austen
Events on the 23rd December
On 23rd December 619 Boniface V Pope was elected Pope.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1069. This year died Aldred, Archbishop of York; and he is there buried, at his see [Map]. He died on the day of Protus and Hyacinthus, having held the see with much dignity ten years wanting only fifteen weeks. Soon after this came from Denmark three of the sons of King Sweyne (age 50) with two hundred and forty ships, together with Earl Esborn and Earl Thurkill, into the Humber; where they were met by the child Edgar (age 18), and Earl Waltheof, and Merle-Sweyne, and Earl Gospatric with the Northumbrians, and all the landsmen; riding and marching full merrily with an immense army: and so all unanimously advanced to York; where they stormed and demolished the castle, and won innumerable treasures therein; slew there many hundreds of Frenchmen, and led many with them to the ships; but, ere that the shipmen came thither, the Frenchmen had burned the city, and also the holy minster of St. Peter [Map] had they entirely plundered, and destroyed with fire. When the king heard this, then went he northward with all the force that he could collect, despoiling and laying waste the shire withal; whilst the fleet lay all the winter in the Humber, where the king could not come at them. The king was in York on Christmas Day, and so all the winter on land, and came to Winchester at Easter. Bishop Egelric, who was at Peterborough, was this year betrayed, and led to Westminster; and his brother Egelwine was outlawed. This year also died Brand, Abbot of Peterborough, on the fifth before the calends of December.
. After this the king [King William II of England (age 35)] returned from Northumbria into Wessex through Mercia, and kept the earl with him until nearly Christmas, but refused to fulfil the conditions of the treaty which had been made between them; at which the earl was so much dissatisfied that he hastened back to Normandy on the tenth of the calends of January [23rd December 1091], taking Edgar the etheling (age 40) with him.
In 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 20th or 21st of December but possibly the 25th.
Matthew Paris Chronica Majora: "on the Feast of Saint Stephen" i.e. 26th December 1135.
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On 23rd December 1230 Berengaria of Navarre Queen Consort England (age 65) died. She the widow of King Richard "Lionheart" I of England who she had married in 1191 in Cyprus whilst he was on Crusade. She had been brought to Cyprus by his mother Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England who was near seventy at the time. Their marriage started with his taking Jerusalem then being captured and held hostage for three years. There were no children of the marriage. She is believed to have never set foot in England. She didn't marry again.
On 23rd December 1392 Isabella of Castile Duchess York (age 37) died. She was buried at King's Langley Priory, Hertfordshire [Map]. She the wife of Edmund of Langley 1st Duke of York (age 51). Isabella had travelled to England with her sister Constance of Castile Duchess of Lancaster (age 38) who had married Edmund's elder brother John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster (age 52). Isabella and Edmund's marriage was not, apparently, a happy one. She is known to have had an affair with John Holland 1st Duke Exeter (age 40) who may have been the father of Richard of Conisbrough 1st Earl Cambridge (age 7) progenitor of the House of York.
On 23rd December 1543 Henry VIII (age 52) enobled his new wife's (age 31) brother (age 31) and uncle (age 60) at ceremony in the Presence Chamber, Hampton Court Palace [Map]. Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 26) and Edward Stanley 3rd Earl of Derby (age 34) were present. Christopher Barker read the Patents.
William Parr 1st Baron Parr of Horton was created 1st Baron Parr of Horton. William was sixty with five daughters. He died four years later at which time the Barony became extinct.
William Parr 1st Marquess Northampton was created 1st Earl Essex. His estranged wife Anne Bourchier 7th Baroness Bourchier (age 26) was daughter of the last Earl of Essex of the Fifth Creation. A somewhat curious choice given his wife had eloped the year previous year with John Lyngfield, the prior of Tandbridge, Surrey [Map], by whom she had an illegitimate child.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 23rd December 1552. The xxiij day of Desember the Kynges (age 15) grace removyd from Westmynster unto Grenwyche [Map] to kepe ys Crystymas, and so he begane to kepe Halle, and ys grasse had a lord of myss-rulle, keepyng goodly pastyme, for ys grace('s) plesur, and with alle passtyme as have bene sene.
Note. The king's lord of misrule. This important officer was "a gentleman, wise and learned, named George Ferrers." (Holinshed, 1st edit. p. 1709.) He was a member of Lincoln's Inn. (Stowe's Chronicle, p. 608.) Many curious documents respecting his revels in this and subsequent years are printed in Kempe's Loseley Manuscripts, 8vo. 1835, pp. 24, et seq. George Ferrers was probably the same person who, being member of Parliament for Plymouth in 1542, was arrested for debt in the city of London, and committed to the counter: whereupon he was reclaimed by the house of commons, and the sheriffs committed to the Tower: see a long narrative in the histories of London.
The procession of the lord of misrule, or "lord of merry disports" (as he was also called), into London, which occurs subsequently in this page, is also described in Stowe's Chronicle, p. 608: "hee was received by sergeant Vawce, lord of misrule to John Mainard one of the sheriffes of London."
Henry Machyn's Diary. 23rd December 1558. The xxiij day of Desember was the obseque at Westmynster[with the] sam herse that was for quen Mare (deceased), was for Charles the V., Emporowre of Rome, was durge, and the morow masse with .. mornars and (blank) was the cheyff morner.
Note. P. 184. Obsequies of the emperor. The emperor's ambassador was present as chief mourner. The ceremonial is in the College of Arms, I. 14, f. 3, and I. 15, f. 284.
On 23rd December 1588 Henry 1st Duke Guise (age 37), leader of the Catholic League, was assassinated at the Château de Blois by the King's bodyguard whilst Henry III King France (age 37) looked on.
On 23rd December 1600 the future King Charles I was baptised at Holyrood Palace [Map]. He was created Duke Albany.
Diary of Anne Clifford. 23rd December 1616Upon the 23rd my Lady Manners came in the morning to dress my head. I had a new black wrought taffety gown which my Lady St. Fohn's tailor made. She used often to come to me and I to her and was very kind one to another. About 5 o'clock in the evening my Lord (age 27) and I and the Child went in the great coach to Northampton House1 where my Lord Treasurer2 and all the company commended her and she went down into my Lady Walden's chamber where my Coz. Clifford saw her and kissed her but I stayed with my Lady Suffolk.
All this time of my being at London I was much sent to, and visited by many, being unexpected that ever matters should have gone so well with me and my Lord, everybody persuading me to hear and make an end. Since the King had taken the matter in hand so as now.
Note 1. Now Northumberland House.
Note 2. Thomas Howard Earl of Suffolk.
John Evelyn's Diary. 5th December 1643. The Earl of Norwich (age 58) came as Ambassador extraordinary: I went to meet him in a coach and six horses, at the palace of Monsieur de Bassompière, where I saw that gallant person, his gardens, terraces, and rare prospects. My lord was waited on by the master of the ceremonies, and a very great cavalcade of men of quality, to the Palais Cardinal, where on the 23d he had audience of the French king (age 5), and the queen Regent his mother (age 42), in the golden chamber of presence. From thence, I conducted him to his lodgings in Rue St. Denis, and so took my leave.
On 19th November 1644 Alexander Carew 2nd Baronet (age 36) was tried for treason, for attempting to betray the Parliamentary cause, by court-martial and convicted at Guildhall [Map].
On 23rd December 1644 Alexander Carew 2nd Baronet was beheaded at Tower Hill [Map]. He was buried at St Augustine's Church, Hackney. His son John (age 9) succeeded 3rd Baronet Carew of Antony in Cornwall.
All About History Books
The 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." Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback.
On 23rd December 1658 Ferdinand Thomas Charles Habsburg Spain was born to Philip IV King Spain (age 53) and Mariana of Austria Queen Consort Spain (age 24). He died ten months later. Coefficient of inbreeding 25.39%.
John Evelyn's Diary. 23rd December 1661. I heard an Italian play and sing to the guitar with extraordinary skill before the Duke (age 28).
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23rd December 1661. Early up and by coach (before daylight) to the Wardrobe, and took up Mr. Moore, and he and I to Chelsy to my Lord Privy Seal (age 55), and there sealed some things, he being to go out of town for all Christmas to-morrow.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23rd December 1662. By and by comes James Pearce Surgeon, who among other things tells me that my Baroness Castlemaine's (age 22) interest at Court increases, and is more and greater than the Queen's (age 24); that she hath brought in Sir H. Bennet (age 44), and Sir Charles Barkeley (age 32); but that the Queen is a most good lady, and takes all with the greatest meekness that may be. He tells me too that Mr. Edward Montagu (age 27) is quite broke at Court with his repute and purse; and that he lately was engaged in a quarrell against my Lord Chesterfield (age 28): but that the King (age 32) did cause it to be taken up. He tells me, too, that the King is much concerned in the Chancellor's (age 53) sickness, and that the Chancellor is as great, he thinks, as ever he was with the King. He also tells me what the world says of me, "that Mr. Coventry (age 34) and I do all the business of the office almost:" at which I am highly proud. He being gone I fell to business, which was very great, but got it well over by nine at night, and so home, and after supper to bed.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23rd December 1663. Up betimes and my wife; and being in as mourning a dress as we could, at present, without cost, put ourselves into, we by Sir W. Pen's (age 42) coach to Mrs. Turner's (age 40), at Salisbury Court, Fleet Street, where I find my Lord's coach and six horses. We staid till almost eleven o'clock, and much company came, and anon, the corps being put into the hearse, and the scutcheons set upon it, we all took coach, and I and my wife and Auditor Beale in my Lord Sandwich's (age 38) coach, and went next to Mrs. Turner's mourning coach, and so through all the City and Shoreditch, I believe about twenty coaches, and four or five with six and four horses. Being come thither, I made up to the mourners, and bidding them a good journey, I took leave and back again, and setting my wife into a hackney out of Bishopsgate Street, I sent her home, and I to the 'Change [Map] and Auditor Beale about his business.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23rd December 1664. This day Sir W. Batten (age 63) sent and afterwards spoke to me, to have me and my wife come and dine with them on Monday next: which is a mighty condescension in them, and for some great reason I am sure, or else it pleases God by my late care of business to make me more considerable even with them than I am sure they would willingly owne me to be. God make me thankfull and carefull to preserve myself so, for I am sure they hate me and it is hope or fear that makes them flatter me. It being a bright night, which it has not been a great while, I purpose to endeavour to be called in the morning to see the Comet, though I fear we shall not see it, because it rises in the east but 16 degrees, and then the houses will hinder us.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23rd December 1666. Lord's Day. Up and alone to church, and meeting Nan Wright at the gate had opportunity to take two or three 'baisers', and so to church, where a vain fellow with a periwigg preached, Chaplain, as by his prayer appeared, to the Earl of Carlisle (age 37)? Home, and there dined with us Betty Michell and her husband.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23rd December 1667. So to the Commissioners of the Treasury, and there I had a dispute before them with Sir Stephen Fox (age 40) about our orders for money, who is very angry, but I value it not. But, Lord! to see with what folly my Lord Albemarle (age 59) do speak in this business would make a man wonder at the good fortune of such a fool.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23rd December 1667. Thence meeting there with Creed, he and I to the Exchange [Map], and there I saw Carr stand in the pillory for the business of my Lord Gerard (age 49), which is supposed will make a hot business in the House of Commons, when they shall come to sit again, the Lords having ordered this with great injustice, as all people think, his only fault being the printing his petition before, by accident, his petition be read in the House. Here walked up and down the Exchange [Map] with Creed, and then home to dinner, and there hear by Creed that the Bishops of Winchester and of Rochester, Kent [Map], and the Dean of the Chapel, and some other great prelates, are suspended: and a cloud upon the Archbishop ever since the late business in the House of Lords; and I believe it will be a heavy blow to the Clergy. This noon I bought a sermon of Dr. Floyd's, which Creed read a great part of to me and Mr. Hollier (age 58), who dined with me, but as well writ and as good, against the Church of Rome, as ever I read; but, Lord! how Hollier, poor man, was taken with it. They gone I to the office, and there very late with Mr. Willson and my people about the making of a new contract for the victualler, which do and will require a great deal of pains of me, and so to supper and to bed, my wife being pretty well all this day by reason of her imposthume being broke in her cheek into her mouth. This day, at the 'Change [Map], Creed shewed me Mr. Coleman, of whom my wife hath so good an opinion, and says that he is as very a rogue for women as any in the world; which did disquiet me, like a fool, and run in my mind a great while.
John Evelyn's Diary. 23rd December 1675. Lady Sunderland (age 34) gave me ten guineas, to bestow in charities.
John Evelyn's Diary. 23rd December 1683. The smallpox very prevalent and mortal; the Thames frozen.
On 23rd December 1688 King James II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 55) abdicated King England Scotland and Ireland. His daughter Mary (age 26) succeeded II Queen England Scotland and Ireland. His nephew William (age 38) succeeded IIi King England Scotland and Ireland.
John Evelyn's Diary. 20th December 1690. Dr. Hough (age 39), President of Magdalen College, Oxford, who was displaced with several of the Fellows for not taking the oath imposed by King James, now made a Bishop. Most of this month cold and frost. One Johnson (age 42), a Knight, was executed at Tyburn [Map] for being an accomplice with Campbell (age 30), brother to Lord Argyle (age 32), in stealing a young heiress (age 13).1
Note 1. This execution occurred on the 23rd December 1690.
On 23rd December 1690 John Johnston 3rd Baronet (age 42) was executed at Tyburn [Map] for having assisted Captain James Campbell (age 30) in the abduction and forced marriage of Mary Wharton (age 13). See John Evelyn's Diary.
On 23rd December 1705 Louise Dorothea Hohenzollern (age 25) died in childbirth.
On 23rd December 1735 Rowland Fleetwood (age 95) died. He was buried at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
Rowland Fleetwood: Around 1640 he was born to Thomas Fleetwood 2nd Baronet.
All About History Books
The 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. Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback.
On 23rd December 1739 John Vanderbank (age 45) died of tuberculosis in Holies Street. He was buried in St Marylebone Church.
On 23rd December 1753 Thomas Gresley 5th Baronet (age 30) died of smallpox. His brother Nigel (age 26) succeeded 6th Baronet Gresley of Drakelow in Derbyshire. Elizabeth Wynn Lady Gresley by marriage Lady Gresley of Drakelow in Derbyshire.
On 23rd December 1762 Maria Johanna Gabriela of Austria (age 12) died of smallpox.
On 23rd December 1765 George Paulett 12th Marquess Winchester (age 43) was appointed Groom Porter to King George III (age 27) which office he held until it was abolished on 14 November 1782.
The London Gazette 12146. 23rd December 1780. Also like Letters Patent, containing His Majesty's Grants of the Dignity of a Viscount of the said Kingdom unto the following Noblemen, and their Heirs Male, by the Names, Stiles and Titles as undermentioned, viz.
James Baron Lifford, His Majesty's Chancellor of Ireland, Viscount Lifford, of Lifford, in the County of Donegall.
Otway Lord Desart, Viscount Desart, of Desert, in the County of Kilkenny.
John Baron Erne, Viscount Erne, of Crum Castle, in the County of Fermanagh.
Barry Lord Farnham, Viscount Farnham, of Farnham, in the County of Cavan.
Simon Lord Irnham (age 67), Viscount Carhampton, of Castlehaven, in the County of Cork.
Bernard Lord Bangor (age 61), Viscoount Bangor, of Castleward, in the County of Downe. [Ann Bligh Viscountess Bangor by marriage Viscountess Bangor of Castleward in County Downe.]
Penyston Lord Melbourne (age 35), Viscount Melbourne, of Kilmore, in the County of Cavan. [Elizabeth Milbanke Viscountess Melbourne (age 29) by marriage Viscountess Melbourne of Kilmore in County Cavan.]
James Lord Clifden (age 46), Viscount Clifden, of Gowran, in the County of Kilkenny.
John Lord Naas (age 80), Viscount Mayo, of Monecrouer.
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The London Gazette 12146. St. James's, 23rd December 1780. The King has been pleased to order Letters Patent to be passed under the Great Seal of the Kingdom of Ireland, containing His Majesty's Grants of the Dignity of a Baron of the said Kingdom unto the following Gentlemen, and their Heirs Male, of the Names, Stiles and Titles as undermentioned viz.
James Dennis, Esq; Chief Baron of His Majesty's Court of Exchequer in Ireland, Baron Tracton, of Tracton Abbey, in the County of Cork.
Sir Robert Tilson Deane, Bart. Baron Muskery, in the County of Cork.
Armar Lowry Corry (age 40), Esq; Baron Belmore, of Castlecoole, in the County of Fermanagh.
Thomas Knox, Esq; Baron Welles, of Dungannon, in the County of Tyrone.
John Baker Holroyd (age 45), Esq; Baron Sheffield, of Dunamore, in the County of Meath.
On 23rd December 1809 Robert Horsley of Bolam House in Northumberland (age 60) died. Monument at St Andrew's Church, Bolam [Map] to Robert Horsley, his wife Catherine, who died in 1818, and five of their children. His daughter Charlotte Philadelphia Horsley (age 35) inherited Bolam Hall, Northumberland [Map].
Robert Horsley of Bolam House in Northumberland: Around 1749 he was born to John Horlsey. Before 1809 Robert Horsley of Bolam House in Northumberland commissioned the building of Bolam Hall, Northumberland [Map].
Charlotte Philadelphia Horsley: On 20th January 1774 she was born to Robert Horsley of Bolam House in Northumberland. On 26th July 1810 John Horsley Beresford 2nd Baron Decies and she were married.
On 23rd December 1815 the book "Emma" by Jane Austen (age 40) was first published (Note. the title page stated 1816).
On 23rd December 1861 Prince Albert Saxe Coburg Gotha (deceased) was buried at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle [Map].
The Times. 24th December 1861. Yesterday, with little of the pomp and pageantry of a State ceremonial, but with every outward mark of respect, and with all the solemnity which befitted his high station and his public virties, the mortal remains of the husband (deceased) of our Queen (age 42) were interred in the last resting-place of England's Sovereigns-the Chapel Royal of St. George's, Windsor [Map]. By the express desire of his Royal Highness the funeral was of the plainest and most private character; but in the Chapel, to do honour to his obsequies, were assembled all the chiefest men of the State, and throughout England, by every sign of sorrow and imourning, the nation manifested its sense of the loss wlhich it has sustaiined. Windsor itself wore an aspect of the most profound gloom. Every shop was closed and every blind drawn down. The streets were silent and almost deserted, and all wvho appeared abroad were dressed in the deepest mourning. The great bell of Windsor Castle [Map] clanged out: its doleful sound at intervals from an early hour, and minute bells were tolled also at St. John's Church. At the parish church of Cleover and at St. John's there were services in the morning and: aternoon, and the day was observed throughout the Royal borough in the strictest manner. The weather was in character with the occasion, a chill, damp air, with a dull leaden sky above, increased the gloom which hung over all. There were but few visitors in the town, for the procession did not pass beyond the immediate precincts of the Chapel and Castle, and none were admitted except those connected with the Castle andi their friends. At 11 o'clock a strong force of the A division took possession of the avenues leading to the Chapel Royal, and from that time only the guests specially invited and those who were to take part in the ceremonial were allowed to pass. Shortly afterwards a of honour of the Grenadier Guards, of which regiment his Royal Highness was Colonel, with the colonrs of the regiment shrouded in crape, marched in and took up its position before the principal entrance to the Chapel Royal. Another guard of honour from the same regiment was also on duty in the Quadrangle at the entrance to the State apartments. They were speedily followed by a squadron of the 2nd Life Guards dismounted, and by two companies of the Fusileer Guards, who were drawn uip in single file along each side of the road by which the procession was to pass, from the Norman gateway to the Chapel door. The officers wore the deepest military mourning-scarves, sword-knots, and rosettes of crape. In the Rome Park was stationed a troop of Horse Artillery, which commenced firing minute guns at the end of the Long Walk, advancing slowly until it reached the Castle gates just at the close of the ceremony. The Ministers, the officers of the Queen's Household, and other distinguished personages who had been honoured with an invitation to attend the ceremonial, reached Windsor a special train from Paddington. They were met by carriages provided for them at the station, and began to arrive at the Chapel Royal soon after 11 o'clock. The Earl of Derby (age 62), the Archbishop of Canterbury (age 81), Earl Russell (age 69), and the Duke of Buccleuch were among the first to make their appearance, and as they alighted at the door of the Chapel they were received by the proper officials and conducted to the seats appointed for them in the Choir. In the Great Quadrangle were drawn up the hearse and the mourning coaches, and, all the preparations having been completed within the Castle, the procession began to be formed shortly before 12 o'clock. It had been originally intended that it should leave the Castle by the St. George's gate, and, proceeding down Castle-hill, approach the Chapel through Henry VII.'s gateway, but at a late hour this arrangement was changed, and the shorter route by the Norman gatewvay was chosen.
The crowd which had gradually collected at the foot of Castle-hill, owing to this change, saw nothing of the procession but the empty carriages as they returned to the Castle after setting down at the Chapel. The few spectators who were fortunate enough to gain admission to the Lower Ward stood in a narrow fringe along the edge of the flags in front of the houses of the Poor Knights, and their presence was the only exception to the strict privacy of the ceremonial. The Prince of Wales (age 20) and the other Royal mourners assembled in the Oak Room, but did not form part of the procession. They were conveyed to the Chapel in private carriages before the coffin was placed in the hearse, passing through St. George's gatewayinto the Lower Ward. In the first carriage were the Prince of Wales, Prince Arthur (age 11), and the Duke of Saxe Coburg (age 8). The Crown Prince of Prussia (age 30), the Duke of Brabant (age 26), and the Count of Flanders (age 24) followed in the next; and in the others were the Duke de Nemours (age 47), Prince Louis of Hesse (age 24), Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar (age 38), and the Maharajah Dhuleep Singh, with the gentlemen of their respective suites. Scarcely had they alighted at the door of Wolsey's Chapel, from which they were conducted through the Chapter Room to the door of the Chapel Royal to be in readiness to meet the coffin, when the first minute gun fired in tlhe distance, and the rattle of the troops reversing arms announced that the procession had started, and exactly at 12 o'clock the first mourning coach moved from under the Norman gateway. First came nine mourning coaches, each drawn by four horses, conveying the Physicians, Equerries, and other members of the household of the late Prince. In the last were the Lord Steward (age 63) (Earl St. Germans), the Lord Chamberlain (age 56) (Viscount Sidney), and the Master of the Horse (age 57) (the Marquis of Ailesbury). The carriages and trappings were of the plainest description; the horses had black velvet housings and feathers, but on the carriages there, were no feathers or ornaments of any kind. The mourning coaches were followed by one of the Queen's carriages, drawn by six horses, and attended by servants in State liveries, in which was the Groom of the Stole (age 26), Earl Spencer, carrying the crown, and a Lord of the Bedchamber, Lord George Lennox, carrying the baton, sword, and hat of his late Royal Highness. Next escorted by a troop of the 2nd Life Guards, came the hearse, drawn by six black horses, which, like the carriages, was quite plain and unornamented. On the housings of the horses and on the sides of the hearse were emblazoned the scutcheons of Her Majesty and of the Prince, each surmounted by a, crown, the Prince's arms being in black and Her Majesty's in white. The procession was closed by four State carriages.
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On 23rd December 1862 Matthew Blakiston 3rd Baronet (age 79) died. Monument in St Oswald's Church, Ashbourne [Map]. His son Matthew (age 51) succeeded 4th Baronet Blakiston of the City of London.
Matthew Blakiston 3rd Baronet: On 13th May 1783 he was born to Matthew Blakiston 2nd Baronet. On 20th September 1806 Matthew Blakiston 2nd Baronet died. His son Matthew succeeded 3rd Baronet Blakiston of the City of London. Before 15th January 1811 Matthew Blakiston 3rd Baronet and Lucy Mann Lady Blakiston were married. She by marriage Lady Blakiston of the City of London.
Matthew Blakiston 4th Baronet: On 15th January 1811 he was born to Matthew Blakiston 3rd Baronet. On 3rd December 1883 Matthew Blakiston 4th Baronet died unmarried at Sandybrook Cottage, Ashbourne. His nephew Horace succeeded 5th Baronet Blakiston of the City of London.
After 23rd December 1882. Memorial at St Peter's Church, Tawstock [Map] to Henry Bourchier Wrey 9th Baronet (deceased). In loving memory of the Revd Sir Henry Bourchier Wrey, 9th Baronet, 40 years Rector of Tawstock, Born 5th June 1797, Died 23rd December 1882. Married first, Ellen Maria Toke, Daughter of Nicholas Roundell Toke Esqre of Godinton, Kent; Married secondly, Jane 3rd daughter of H. Lamb Esqre, of Ryton Hall, Durham. Throughout his honored life, he ever was benevolent, just and courteous, deservedly loved and respected. He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief. Also in loving memory of the above Ellen Maria Wrey, who died March 1st 1864, and the above Jane Wrey, who died July 26th 1889.
Henry Bourchier Wrey 9th Baronet: On 5th June 1797 he was born to Bourchier Wrey 7th Baronet and Anne Osborn Lady Wrey. On 27th September 1827 Henry Bourchier Wrey 9th Baronet and Ellen Maria Toke were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. They were first cousins. On 11th September 1879 Bourchier Wrey 8th Baronet died. His half brother Henry succeeded 9th Baronet Wrey of Trebitch in Cornwall. On 23rd December 1882 Henry Bourchier Wrey 9th Baronet died. His son Henry succeeded 10th Baronet Wrey of Trebitch in Cornwall.
On 23rd December 1883 Colonel Edward Chaplin (age 41) died.
Colonel Edward Chaplin: On 28th March 1842 he was born to Reverend Henry Chaplin and Caroline Horatia Ellice. On 18th January 1877 Colonel Edward Chaplin and Gwendolen Theresa Chetwynd-Talbot were married. She the daughter of Charles Chetwynd-Talbot 19th Earl of Shrewsbury 4th Earl Talbot and Anna Theresa Cockerell Countess Shrewsbury and Waterford.
On 23rd December 1888 Vincent van Gogh severed his left ear with a razor. He bandaged the wound, wrapped the ear in paper, and delivered the package to a woman at a brothel he and Gauguin both frequented.
The Times. 24th December 1895. The Duke of Leeds (deceased) died at Hornby Castle [Map], yesterday morning at 5 o'clock. He recently contracted a severe chill, which led to an attack of bronchitis. He took to his bed about a week ago and gradually sank. George Godolphin Osborne, ninth Duke of Leeds in the peerage of England, Marquis of Carmarthen, Earl of Danby, Viscount Latimer, and Baron Osbome of Kiveton, all in the peerage of England; Viscount Osbome and Viscount Dunblane in the peerage of Scotland; and Baron Godolphin of Paraham Royal, in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, a baronet, and a Prince or the Holy Roman Empire, was born in Paris in 1828, the eldest son of the eighth duke. He married, in 1861, the Hon. Fanny Georgiana Pitt (age 58), daughter of the fourth Baron Rivers, who was born in 1836 and was Lady of the Bedchamber to the Princess of Wales from 1863 to 1873. He was appointed captain in the North Yorks Militia in 1852, and resigued in 1859, but was reappoined in 1861. He succeeded to the family honours in 1872, and has issue living three sons and five daughters. The family descends from Sir Edward Osborne, knight, who was Vice-President of the Council of the North in 1629 and Lieutenant-General of the forces raised there against the Parliamentary Army in 1841. His son was Treasurer of the Navy and Lord High Chancellor, and as Earl of Danby was impeeched by the Commons in 1679. The fifth duke married Amelia, in her own right Baroness Conyers, but this title left the main line in 1859 on the death of the seventh duke. The late duke was nephew of the late Rev. Lord Sydney Godolphin Osborne, who wrote much over the familiar signature "S.G.O.," and brother of Lord Francis George Godolphin Osborne (age 65), who was rector of Great Elm, but joined the Church of Rome in 1875. The Duke of Leeds is succeeded by his eldest surviving son (age 33), the Marquis of Carmarthen, who was born in 1862, was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge, and was formerly a lieutenant in the Yorkshire Hussars. Lord Carmarthen unsuccessfully contested the Newmarket Division of Cambridgeshire as a Conservative in 1886, and has sat since July, 1887, for the Brixton Division of Lambeth, in which constituency his sucoession to the peerage now creates a vacancy. Lord Carmarthen was an assistant Private Secretary to the Secretary for the Colonies (Lord Knutsford) from 1886 to 1888. He was appointed Treasurer of the Household on the formation of the present Ministry. He married, in 1884, Lady Katherine Frances Lambton (age 33), daughter of the second Earl of Durham, and has issue four daughters.
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Memorials to the Mack family at St Margaret's Church, Paston [Map].
On 18th May 1933 Hugh Paston Mack died.
On 23rd December 1917 Lieutenant Commander Ralph Michael Mack (age 34) was killed in action when his destoyer Tornado was mined.
On 29th April 1943 Rear-Admiral Philip John Mack (age 50) died in a plane crash.
Hugh Paston Mack: On 22nd March 1828 he was born to John Mack of Paston Hall.
Lieutenant Commander Ralph Michael Mack: On 11th October 1883 he was born to Hugh Paston Mack.
Rear-Admiral Philip John Mack: On 6th October 1892 he was born to Major Philip Paston Mack. On 15th September 1905 Rear-Admiral Philip John Mack joined the Royal Navy as a naval cadet at the Osborne and Britannia Royal Naval Colleges. On 9th August 1910 Rear-Admiral Philip John Mack was posted to the battlecruiser Indomitable as a midshipman, transferring to the cruiser Amethyst on 15th July 1913 having been promoted to sub-lieutenant on 15th June 1913.
On 23rd December 1942 Arthur Patrick Spencer Chichester (age 28) was killed in action.
On 23rd December 1946 Alice "Kiki" Preston aka Gwynne (age 48) committed suicide by jumping out of a window of her fifth-floor apartment in the Stanhope Hotel.
On 23rd December 1947 Walter Brattain and H. R. Moore demonstrated the first working transistor; the commencement of the Computer Age.
The Times. 24th December 1959. From Our Correspondent STAMFORD BRIDGE [Map], Dec. 23. The Earl of Halifax (deceased) died to-night at his home at Garrowby, near York. He was 78 and had been suffering from a chest complaint. Lord (age 53) and Baroness Feversham (age 49), Lord (age 47) and Lady Irwin (age 43), Lady Clarissa Duncombe (age 21), and Baroness Bingley were at Garrowby when he died. Baroness Feversham said he had suffered from poor breathing for some time and that had been aggravated by a chest infection. Last July Lord Halifax broke his hip when walking in his garden and was flown to London for an operation at University College Hospital. He made a remarkable recovery from the accident. In September he and Lady Halifax celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. The funeral will be in private. A memorial service and requiem will be held in York Minster [Map] next Monday at 11 a.m. The date of a service in London is to be announced later. Obituary on page 8. MR. SELWYN LLOYD'S TRIBUTE Mr. Selwyn Lloyd, Foreign Secretary, in a tribute to Lord Halifax last night, said: "He held high office, as Viceroy of India, Foreign Secretary, and finally as Ambassador to Washington. He adorned each of these offices with his integrity, his idealism, and his ability. He was a great public servant. He will be deeply mourned." WASHINGTON, Dec. 23. Mr. Douglas Dillon, the acting Secretary of State, to-night issued this statement: "The many Americans who knew Lord Halifax deeply regret his passing. He was ever a staunch friend of this country and during his years of public life contributed greatly to the strengthening of Anglo-American relations. He is particularly remembered for his dedicated service to the cause of humanity during the crucial war years as British Ambassador in Washington." Reuter.
Births on the 23rd December
On 23rd December 1173 Louis Wittelsbach I Duke Bavaria was born to Otto Wittelsbach I Duke Bavaria (age 56) and Agnes Loon Duchess Bavaria (age 23) at Kelheim.
On 23rd December 1621 Heneage Finch 1st Earl Nottingham was born to Heneage Finch (age 41) and Frances Bell. He was educated at Westminster School [Map] and Christ Church College, Oxford University.
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The 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." Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback.
On 23rd December 1658 Ferdinand Thomas Charles Habsburg Spain was born to Philip IV King Spain (age 53) and Mariana of Austria Queen Consort Spain (age 24). He died ten months later. Coefficient of inbreeding 25.39%.
On 23rd December 1703 Stephen Cornwallis was born to Charles Cornwallis 4th Baron Cornwallis (age 28) and Charlotte Butler Baroness Cornwallis (age 24).
On 23rd December 1714 William Howard was born to Henry Bowes Howard 4th Earl Berkshire 11th Earl Suffolk (age 28) and Catherine Graham Countess Berkshire and Suffolk. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.26%.
On 23rd December 1741 William Twisden was born to Roger Twisden 5th Baronet (age 36).
On 23rd December 1769 Martin Archer Shee was born in Dublin [Map].
On 23rd December 1789 George Sholto Douglas 17th Earl Morton was born to John Douglas (age 33) and Frances Lascelles (age 27).
On 23rd December 1794 Richard Cavendish was born to Richard Cavendish 2nd Baron Waterpark (age 29) and Juliana Cooper Baroness Waterpark (age 27).
On 23rd December 1801 Edward Hoare 4th Baronet was born to Joseph Wallis Hoare 3rd Baronet (age 26) and Harriet O'Brien (age 26).
On 23rd December 1804 Robert Dallas 2nd Baronet was born to George Dallas 1st Baronet (age 46) and Margaret Catherine Blackwood Lady Dallas.
On 23rd December 1809 Admiral Edward Howard 1st Baron Lanerton was born to George Howard 6th Earl Carlisle (age 36) and Georgiana Cavendish Countess Carlisle (age 26).
On 23rd December 1823 John Yarde-Buller was born to John Yarde-Buller 1st Baron Churston (age 24).
On 23rd December 1830 Henry Flower Every 10th Baronet was born to Henry Every (age 31) and Caroline Flower (age 23).
On 23rd December 1844 Theodesia Selina Dallas Countess Cottenham was born to Robert Dallas 2nd Baronet (age 40).
On 23rd December 1851 Carl Ferdinand Meyer 1st Baronet was born at Hamburg.
On 23rd December 1854 Adrian Scott Stokes was born at Southport, Lancashire.
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The Deeds of King Henry V, or in Latin 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.
Available at Amazon as eBook or Paperback.
On 23rd December 1854 Edward William Dolman Scott 3rd and 4th Baronet was born to Francis Edward Scott 2nd and 3rd Baronet (age 30).
On 23rd December 1860 Florence Anita Coote Countess Northbrook was born to Eyre Coote.
On 23rd December 1860 George Lambton was born to George Frederick D'Arcy Lambton 2nd Earl Durham (age 32) and Beatrix Frances Hamilton Countess Durham (age 25).
On 23rd December 1862 Somerset Frederick Gough-Calthorpe 8th Baron Calthorpe was born to Somerset Gough-Calthorpe 7th Baron Calthorpe (age 31).
On 23rd December 1868 Robert Fitzgerald was born to Charles William Fitzgerald Fitzgerald 4th Duke Leinster (age 49) and Caroline Leveson-Gower Duchess Leinster (age 41).
On 23rd December 1871 Mary Carolyn Campbell Cuyler Lady Egerton was born.
On 23rd December 1876 Henry Cusack Hawyley 6th Baronet was born to Henry Michael Hawley 5th Baronet (age 28).
On 23rd December 1881 Leila Georgina Egerton was born to Francis Egerton 3rd Earl Ellesmere (age 34) and Katherine Louisa Phipps Countess Ellesmere (age 31).
On 23rd December 1886 Edmund Antrobus was born to Edmund Antrobus 4th Baronet (age 37) and Florence Caroline Mathilde Sartoris Lady Antrobus (age 30).
On 23rd December 1889 John Frankland-Payne-Gallwey 4th Baronet was born to Captain Edwin Payne-Gallwey (age 39).
On 23rd December 1891 Charles Samuel Rowley 6th Baronet was born to Joshua Thellusson Rowley 5th Baronet (age 53) and Louisa Brownlow Lady Rowley (age 30).
On 23rd December 1894 William Grosvenor 3rd Duke Westminster was born to Henry George Grosvenor (age 33) and Dora Mina Erskine-Wemyss (age 38). On 25th December 1894 his mother died from childbirth. He a great x 2 grandson of King William IV of the United Kingdom.
On 23rd December 1906 Irene Helen Pratt was born to John Pratt 4th Marquess Camden (age 34) and Joan Marion Neville Marchioness Camden (age 29).
On 23rd December 1918 Margaret Elizabeth Mcconnel Duchess Roxburghe was born to Frederick Bradshaw Mcconnel at Coleraine, County Londonderry.
On 23rd December 1941 Nigel George Paulet 18th Marquess of Winchester was born to George Cecil Paulet (age 36).
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The 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. Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback.
On 23rd December 1958 Peter Maxwell 27th Baron de Ros of Helmsley was born to Commander John David Maxwell (age 29) and Georgiana Ross 26th Baroness de Ros of Helmsley (age 25).
Marriages on the 23rd December
On 23rd December 1605 William Knollys 1st Earl Banbury (age 61) and Elizabeth Howard Countess Banbury (age 22) were married. She by marriage Baroness Knollys. The difference in their ages was 39 years. She the daughter of Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 44) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 41). They were third cousin once removed.
On 23rd December 1611 Marmaduke Wyvill 2nd Baronet (age 16) and Isabel Gascoigne (age 15) were married.
On 23rd December 1662 Josceline Percy 11th Earl of Northumberland (age 18) and Elizabeth Wriothesley Countess Northumberland (age 16) were married. She by marriage Countess of Northumberland. She the daughter of Thomas Wriothesley 4th Earl of Southampton 2nd Earl Chichester (age 55) and Elizabeth Leigh Countess Southampton. He the son of Algernon Percy 10th Earl of Northumberland (age 60) and Elizabeth Howard Countess Northumberland (age 39). They were fifth cousins.
On 23rd December 1740 Admiral Charles Knowles 1st Baronet (age 38) and Mary Alleyn were married. He the illegitmate son of Charles Knollys 4th Earl Banbury.
On 23rd December 1746 John Rawdon 1st Earl Moira (age 26) and Anne Hill were married.
On 23rd December 1797 George Grey 6th Earl Stamford 2nd Earl Warrington (age 32) and Henrietta Charteris Countess Stamford and Warrington were married. He the son of George Grey 5th Earl Stamford 1st Earl Warrington (age 60) and Henrietta Bentinck Countess Stamford and Warrington (age 60).
On 23rd December 1832 Ernest Saxe Coburg Gotha I Duke Saxe Coburg Gotha (age 48) and Marie Württemberg Duchess Saxe Coburg Gotha (age 33) were married. She by marriage Duchess Saxe Coburg Gotha. She the daughter of Alexander Württemberg Duke Württemberg (age 61) and Antoinette Ernestine Amalie Saxe Coburg Gotha Duchess Württemberg. He the son of Francis Saxe Coburg Gotha I Duke Saxe Coburg Gotha and Augusta Reuss Duchess Saxe Coburg Gotha. They were uncle and niece.
On 23rd December 1868 Henry George Percy 7th Duke Northumberland (age 22) and Edith Campbell Duchess Northumberland (age 19) were married. She the daughter of George Douglas Campbell 8th Duke Argyll (age 45) and Elizabeth Georgiana Leveson-Gower Duchess Argyll. He the son of Algernon George Percy 6th Duke Northumberland (age 58) and Louisa Drummond Duchess Northumberland. They were fifth cousins.
Deaths on the 23rd December
All About History Books
The 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. Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback.
On 23rd December 766 Bishop Frithbert died.
On 23rd December 1230 Berengaria of Navarre Queen Consort England (age 65) died. She the widow of King Richard "Lionheart" I of England who she had married in 1191 in Cyprus whilst he was on Crusade. She had been brought to Cyprus by his mother Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England who was near seventy at the time. Their marriage started with his taking Jerusalem then being captured and held hostage for three years. There were no children of the marriage. She is believed to have never set foot in England. She didn't marry again.
On 27th November 1245 Walter Marshal 5th Earl Pembroke (age 46) died at Goodrich Castle, Gloucestershire [Map]. He was buried at Tintern Abbey [Map] next to his mother Isabel Clare Countess Pembroke His brother Anselm (age 37) succeeded 6th Earl Pembroke although he only enjoyed the title for one month dying on 23rd December 1245.
On 23rd December 1245 Anselm Marshal 6th Earl Pembroke (age 37) died at Chepstow Castle [Map]. He was buried at Tintern Abbey [Map] next to his brother Walter Marshal 5th Earl Pembroke (deceased), who had died only a month before, and mother Isabel Clare Countess Pembroke. Earl Pembroke extinct.
On 23rd December 1304 Matilda Habsburg Duchess Bavaria (age 51) died at Munich.
On 23rd December 1340 Hugh Courtenay 1st or 9th Earl Devon (age 64) died. His son Hugh (age 37) succeeded 10th Earl Devon, 5th Baron Okehampton, 2nd Baron Courtenay. Margaret Bohun Countess Devon (age 29) by marriage Countess Devon.
On 23rd December 1392 Isabella of Castile Duchess York (age 37) died. She was buried at King's Langley Priory, Hertfordshire [Map]. She the wife of Edmund of Langley 1st Duke of York (age 51). Isabella had travelled to England with her sister Constance of Castile Duchess of Lancaster (age 38) who had married Edmund's elder brother John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster (age 52). Isabella and Edmund's marriage was not, apparently, a happy one. She is known to have had an affair with John Holland 1st Duke Exeter (age 40) who may have been the father of Richard of Conisbrough 1st Earl Cambridge (age 7) progenitor of the House of York.
On 23rd December 1397 Philip Artois (age 4) died. His brother Charles (age 3) succeeded Count Eu.
On 23rd December 1473 Fadrique Enríquez Count Melgar Count Rueda (age 83) died. His son Alonso (age 38) succeeded 3rd Admiral Castile.
On 23rd December 1518 Alice Lovell 10th Baroness Marshal 9th Baroness Morley (age 51) died at Hallingbury Morley, Essex. Her son Henry (age 37) succeeded 11th Baron Marshal, 10th Baron Morley. Alice St John Baroness Marshal Baroness Morley by marriage Baroness Marshal, Baroness Morley.
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The 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. Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback.
On 23rd December 1530 Richard Neville 2nd Baron Latimer of Snape (age 62) died. He was buried at St Michaels Church, Well. His son John (age 37) succeeded 3rd Baron Latimer of Snape. Elizabeth Musgrave Baroness Latimer Snape (age 32) by marriage Baroness Latimer of Snape.
On 23rd December 1559 Bishop Henry Morgan died at Wolvercot, Oxfordshire. He was buried at Wolvercote Cemetery Oxford [Map].
On 23rd December 1588 Henry 1st Duke Guise (age 37), leader of the Catholic League, was assassinated at the Château de Blois by the King's bodyguard whilst Henry III King France (age 37) looked on.
On 23rd December 1622 Francis Radclyffe 1st Baronet (age 57) died. His son Edward (age 33) succeeded 2nd Baronet Radclyffe of Derwentwater in Cumberland.
On 23rd December 1636 Thomas Fairfax 1st Viscount Fairfax (age 62) died. His son Thomas (age 37) succeeded 2nd Viscount Fairfax of Emley in Tipperary. Alathea Howard Viscountess Fairfax by marriage Viscountess Fairfax of Emley in Tipperary.
On 19th November 1644 Alexander Carew 2nd Baronet (age 36) was tried for treason, for attempting to betray the Parliamentary cause, by court-martial and convicted at Guildhall [Map].
On 23rd December 1644 Alexander Carew 2nd Baronet was beheaded at Tower Hill [Map]. He was buried at St Augustine's Church, Hackney. His son John (age 9) succeeded 3rd Baronet Carew of Antony in Cornwall.
On 23rd December 1690 John Johnston 3rd Baronet (age 42) was executed at Tyburn [Map] for having assisted Captain James Campbell (age 30) in the abduction and forced marriage of Mary Wharton (age 13). See John Evelyn's Diary.
On 23rd December 1700 Francis Aungier 1st Earl of Longford (age 68) died.
On 23rd December 1704 Margaret Spencer Baroness Arundel Wardour (age 77) died.
On 23rd December 1732 Thomas Howard 8th Duke of Norfolk (age 49) died. His brother Edward (age 46) succeeded 9th Duke Norfolk, 20th or 27th Earl Arundel, 10th Earl Surrey, 7th Earl Norfolk, 4th Earl Norwich, 20th Baron Mowbray, 21st Baron Segrave, 18th Baron Furnivall, 22nd Baron Strange Blackmere, 19th Baron Talbot, 17th Baron Maltravers, 17th Baron Arundel, 4th Baron Howard of Castle Rising and Earl Marshal. Mary Blount Duchess Norfolk (age 21) by marriage Duchess Norfolk.
On 23rd December 1734 Henry Newport 3rd Earl Bradford (age 51) died at St James's Palace [Map]. His brother Thomas (age 38) succeeded 4th Earl Bradford, 4th Viscount Newport of Bradford in Shropshire, 5th Baron Newport of High Ercall in Shropshire.
On 23rd December 1739 John Vanderbank (age 45) died of tuberculosis in Holies Street. He was buried in St Marylebone Church.
On 23rd December 1744 Élisabeth Charlotte Bourbon Duchess Lorraine (age 68) died.
On 23rd December 1753 Thomas Gresley 5th Baronet (age 30) died of smallpox. His brother Nigel (age 26) succeeded 6th Baronet Gresley of Drakelow in Derbyshire. Elizabeth Wynn Lady Gresley by marriage Lady Gresley of Drakelow in Derbyshire.
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The Deeds of King Henry V, or in Latin 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.
Available at Amazon as eBook or Paperback.
On 23rd December 1767 James Chamberlayne 4th Baronet died without male issue. His brother Henry succeeded 5th Baronet Chamberlayne of Wickham in Oxfordshire.
On 23rd December 1779 Augustus John Hervey 3rd Earl Bristol (age 55) died due to a gout in the stomach in St James' Square. His brother Frederick (age 49) succeeded 4th Earl Bristol, 5th Baron Hervey of Ickworth in Suffolk. Elizabeth Davers Countess Bristol (age 46) by marriage Countess Bristol.
On 23rd December 1782 Thomas Clarges 3rd Baronet (age 31) died. His son Thomas (age 2) succeeded 4th Baronet Clarges of St Martin's in the Fields in Middlesex.
On 23rd December 1810 William Douglas 4th Duke Queensberry (age 86) died. His second cousin twice removed Francis (age 38) succeeded 4th Earl March. He, Francis, assumed the additional surname Douglas. Earl Ruglen extinct.
On 23rd December 1832 Charles Henry Sloane 2nd Earl Cadogan (age 83) died unmarried in Enfield [Map]. His half brother George (age 49) succeeded 3rd Earl Cadogan, 3rd Viscount Chelsea, 5th Baron Cadogan.
On 23rd December 1843 Maria Stella Chiappini Baroness Newborough (age 70) died.
On 23rd December 1853 George Perfect Harding (age 72) died.
On 23rd December 1862 Matthew Blakiston 3rd Baronet (age 79) died. Monument in St Oswald's Church, Ashbourne [Map]. His son Matthew (age 51) succeeded 4th Baronet Blakiston of the City of London.
Matthew Blakiston 3rd Baronet: On 13th May 1783 he was born to Matthew Blakiston 2nd Baronet. On 20th September 1806 Matthew Blakiston 2nd Baronet died. His son Matthew succeeded 3rd Baronet Blakiston of the City of London. Before 15th January 1811 Matthew Blakiston 3rd Baronet and Lucy Mann Lady Blakiston were married. She by marriage Lady Blakiston of the City of London.
Matthew Blakiston 4th Baronet: On 15th January 1811 he was born to Matthew Blakiston 3rd Baronet. On 3rd December 1883 Matthew Blakiston 4th Baronet died unmarried at Sandybrook Cottage, Ashbourne. His nephew Horace succeeded 5th Baronet Blakiston of the City of London.
On 23rd December 1872 Charles Stourton 19th Baron Stourton (age 70) died. His son Alfred (age 43) succeeded 20th Baron Stourton.
On 23rd December 1875 Thomas Vesey 3rd Viscount Vesci (age 72) died. His son John (age 31) succeeded 4th Viscount Vesci of Abbeyleix in Queen's County, 5th Baron Knapton, 6th Baronet Vesey of Abbeyleix. Evelyn Charteris Viscountess Vesci (age 26) by marriage Viscountess Vesci of Abbeyleix in Queen's County.
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The 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. Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback.
On 23rd December 1877 Thomas Wright (age 67) died.
On 23rd December 1882 Henry Bourchier Wrey 9th Baronet (age 85) died. His son Henry (age 53) succeeded 10th Baronet Wrey of Trebitch in Cornwall.
On 23rd December 1889 Paul William Molesworth 10th Baronet (age 68) died. His son Lewis (age 36) succeeded 11th Baronet Molesworth of Pencarrow in Cornwall.
On 23rd December 1895 George Godolphin Osborne 9th Duke Leeds (age 67) died at Hornby Castle [Map]. His son George (age 33) succeeded 10th Duke Leeds, 10th Earl of Danby, 10th Viscount Osborne, 10th Viscount Latimer, 10th Baron Osborne of Kinderton, 11th Baronet Osborne of Kiveton, 4th Baron Godolphin of Farnham Royal in Buckinghamshire. Katherine Frances Lambton Duchess Leeds (age 33) by marriage Duchess Leeds.
On 23rd December 1897 Euphemia "Effie" Gray Lady Millais (age 69) died at Bowerswell House, Kinnoul [Map]. She was buried at Kinnoull Parish Church [Map] next to her son George Millais.
On 23rd December 1901 Edward Onslow Ford (age 49) died.
On 23rd December 1916 Arthur Purey Cust (age 88) died.
On 23rd December 1923 Frederic Henley 4th Baron Henley 2nd Baron Northington (age 74) died. His brother Anthony (age 65) succeeded 5th Baron Henley, 3rd Baron Northington of Watford in Northamptonshire.
On 23rd December 1928 Arthur Ramsay 14th Earl Dalhousie (age 50) died at Brechin Castle, Brechin.
On 23rd December 1931 Walter John Trevelyan 8th Baronet (age 65) died. His son Willoughby (age 29) succeeded 9th Baronet Trevelyan of Nettlecombe.
On 23rd December 1932 William Bagot 4th Baron Bagot (age 75) died at Blithfield Hall. His second cousin Gerald (age 66) succeeded 5th Baron Bagot of Bagot's Bromley in Staffordshire, 10th Baronet Bagot of Blithfield Hall.
On 23rd December 1959 Edward Frederick Lindley Wood 1st Earl Halifax (age 78) died. His son Charles (age 47) succeeded 2nd Earl Halifax, 6th Baronet Wood of Barnsley in Yorkshire. Ruth Alice Hannah Mary Primrose Countess Halifax (age 43) by marriage Viscountess Halifax.
On 23rd December 1964 Stephen de Yarburgh-Bateson 5th Baron Deramore (age 61) died. His brother Richard (age 53) succeeded 6th Baron Deramore of Belvoir in County Down, 7th Baronet Bateson of Belvoir Park in County Down.
On 23rd December 1976 Willoughby John Trevelyan 9th Baronet (age 74) died. Baronet Trevelyan of Nettlecombe extinct.
On 23rd December 1989 John Cavendish 5th Baron Chesham (age 73) died. His son Nicholas (age 48) succeeded 6th Baron Chesham.
All About History Books
The 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. Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback.
On 23rd December 1996 Charles Cornwall-Legh 5th or 8th Baron Grey of Codnor (age 93) died. His son Richard (age 60) succeeded 6th or 9th Baron Grey of Codnor.
On 23rd December 1999 Alexander Ronald George Strutt 4th Baron Belper (age 87) died. His son Richard (age 58) succeeded 5th Baron Belper.
On 23rd December 2002 James Michael Langham 15th Baronet (age 70) died. His son John (age 42) succeeded 16th Baronet Langham of Cottesbrooke in Northamptonshire.