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23 Jan is in January.
1002 Otto III King Italy and Germany and Holy Roman Emperor Died
1045 Marriage of Edward "The Confessor" and Edith of Wessex
1516 Ferdinand II King Aragon Dies Joanna Queen Castile Succeeds
1570 James Stewart 1st Earl of Moray Assassinated by Firearm
1661 Charles II Continues to Reward those who Supported His Restoration
1874 Wedding of Prince Alfred and Grand Duchess Maria of Russia
Events on the 23rd January
On 23rd January 1002 Otto III King Italy III King Germany III Holy Roman Emperor (age 21) died.
On 23rd January 1045 King Edward "The Confessor" of England (age 42) and Edith of Wessex Queen Consort England (age 19) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort England. The difference in their ages was 23 years. She the daughter of Godwin Godwinson 1st Earl Kent and Wessex (age 44) and Gytha Estrigen Countess Kent and Wessex. He the son of King Æthelred II of England and Emma aka Ælfgyfu of Normandy Queen Consort England (age 60).
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 23rd January 1045. In the same year also King Edward (age 42) took to wife Edgitha (age 19), the daughter of Earl Godwin (age 44), ten nights before Candlemas.
On 23rd January 1302 Ferdinand IV King Castile IV King Leon (age 16) and Constance Burgundy Queen Consort Castile Queen Consort Leon (age 12) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Castile, Queen Consort Leon. She the daughter of Denis I King Portugal (age 40) and Elisabeth Barcelona Queen Consort Portugal (age 31). He the son of Sancho IV King Castile IV King Leon and Maria Molina Queen Consort Castile Queen Consort Leon. They were half first cousin once removed. He a great x 4 grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
On 23rd January 1305 Bishop Henry Woodlock was elected Bishop of Winchester.
On 23rd January 1378 Louis Wittelsbach III Elector Palatine was born to Rupert King Germany (age 25).
Paston Letters Volume 3 430. 23rd January 1461. 3.430. Clement Paston To John Paston
To hys rythe worchypfwll broder, John Paston.
Rythe reverent and worchypfwl broder, I recomawnde to yow, certyfyyng yow that yowr letter was delyveryd to me the xxiii. day of Januar abowthe none seasson, and Rychard Calle rode in the mornyng, and therfor I brak [opened] yowr letter, if ther wer any aftr mater; and I dede Christofer Hauswan goo to my Lord of Cawnterbure2 to tell him, as yowr letter rehersyd, and my Lord seyd he hadde spokyn with yowr man ther of the day be fore, and if the Byshop of Norwyche wod not doo so mwche for him, he hys the les behold to him. Notwithstandyng, he sayd, he wold save yow harmles agens John Yowng; but and ye do well remember thys Lord have many maters to thynge on, and if it be forgeten, the harm is yowrs, and also if the word [world] torn, John Yong will not doo at hys prayer.
And my Lord Fitzwater (age 35)3 is ryden northewards, and it is sayd in my Lord of Cawnterberys howse that he hethe takyn ijc. [200] of Andrew Troloppys4 men. And as for Colt,5 and Sir Jamys Strangwysse, and Sir Thomas Pykeryng, they be takyn or ellys dede. The comyn voysse is that they be de dede. Hopton6 and Hastyngs7 be with the Erle of Marche, and wer no at the fewlde.8 Wat word that ever he have fro my Lords that be here, it is well doo, and best for yow, to see that the contre be allweys redy to come bothe fote 250men and hors men, qwen they be sent for; for I have herd seyde the ferthere Lords will be here soner that men wen, I have arde sayde, er iij. weks to an ende; and also that ye xwld come with more men, and clenlier arayed than anoder man of yowr cwntre xwld, for it ly the more up on yowr worchyp, and towcheythe yow more nere than odermen of that cwntre, and also ye be mor had in favour with my Lords here. In this cwntre every man is well wyllyng to goo with my Lords here, and I hope God xall helpe hem, for the pepill in the northe robbe and styll, and ben apoyntyd to pill all thys cwntre, and gyffe a way menys goods and lufflods in all the sowthe cwntre, and that wyll ask a myscheffe. My Lords that ben here have as moche as they may do to kep down all thys cwntre more than iiij. or v. schers, for they wold be up on the men in northe, for it ys for the welle of all the sowthe.
I pray yow recomawnde me to my moder, and that I prayed her of her blyssyng. I pray yow exscwse me to her that I wryte her no letter, for thys was y now a doo. I dare not pray yow to recomawnde me to my swster yowr wyff, and the masenger I trow be so wysse he can not doyt. Ye mwst pay him for hys labor, for he taryd all nyt in thys town for thys letter.
Wrytyn the xxiij. day of Janware in haste, wan I was not well at hesse. God have [you] in Hys keping.
By Clement Paston, Yowr broder.
Note 1. [From Fenn, i. 202.] This letter appears to have been written after the battle of Wakefield, when the victorious army, led on by Margaret of Anjou, was marching southwards.
Note 2, Archbishop Bourchier.
Note 3, Sir John Radcliff of Attleborough, styled Lord Fitzwalter in right of his wife [Elizabeth Fitzwalter Baroness Dinham 8th Baroness Fitzwalter (age 30)], only daughter and heiress of Walter Fitzwalter, seventh lord. This John was at the battle of Ferrybridge on the 29th March 1461, and died, probably of his wounds, on the 6th April following.—See G. E. C.'s Complete Peerage.
Note 4. Andrew Trollope, whose desertion of the Duke of York at Ludlow in 1459 caused the dispersion of the Yorkist leaders. He was killed at the battle of Towton in March 1461, fighting on the Lancastrian side.
Note 5. Thomas Colt.—See Rolls of Parliament, v. 348.
Note 6. Walter Hopton.—See Rolls of Parliament, v. 368.
Note 7. William, son of Sir Leonard Hastings.—See Rolls of Parliament, ib.
Note 8. The battle of Wakefield.
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Parliament Rolls Richard III. Be it remembered that on Friday, 23 January in the first year of the reign of King Richard the third (age 31) since the conquest, that is, on the first day of parliament, with the lord king sitting on the royal throne in the Painted Chamber [Map] within his palace of Westminster, then being present many lords spiritual and temporal, and the commons of the realm of England, assembled at the aforesaid parliament at the king's command, the venerable father John, Bishop of Lincoln, chancellor of England memorably declared and announced the reasons for summoning the aforesaid parliament, taking as his theme: 'In the body there are many limbs, but not all have the same function'. In which words he gravely and very astutely explained the fealty which subjects of the king and the functions individual members owe to the principal member, asserting that there are three kinds of body, namely the natural, the aggregate and the politic, and going on to suggest that one coin, the tenth, had been lost from the most precious fabric of the body politic of England and that to hunt for it and find it would require the king and all the lords spiritual and temporal to be very assiduous and diligent during this parliament; concluding that after the finding of the tenth coin, which signifies perfection, our body politic of England would endure gloriously and for a long time, healthy, safe and free from all damage or injury; the king, the great men of the realm and the commons eternally cherishing peace outward and inward and the author of that peace. At the end of which declaration and announcement, the aforesaid chancellor in the king's name firmly ordered the commons to assemble on the following day in their common house as usual and elect one of their number as their speaker, and to present the man thus elected to the same lord king. The same chancellor announced moreover that the said lord king, wishing justice to be done more swiftly both to denizens and aliens wishing to complain in the said parliament, had appointed and assigned certain receivers of the petitions to be presented in the same parliament in the following form ...
On 23rd January 1484 Margaret Beaufort Countess Richmond (age 40) was subject to an attainder in the first Parliament of Richard III for her involvement. Whilst the Act was described as an Attainder Richard in effect transferred all of Margaret's property to her husband Thomas Stanley 1st Earl of Derby (age 49) as follows:
An act for the attainder of Margaret, countess of Richmond:
Because Margaret, countess of Richmond, mother of the king's great rebel and traitor, Henry, earl of Richmond, has lately conspired, leagued and committed high treason against our sovereign lord King Richard III in various ways, and in particular by sending messages, writings and tokens to the said Henry, urging, instigating and stirring him by them to come into this realm to make war upon our said sovereign lord; to which urging, instigation and stirring the said Henry applied himself, as experience has recently shown. Also, the said countess supplied great sums of money within the city of London as well as elsewhere in this realm to be employed in the execution of the said treason and malicious purpose; and the said countess also conspired, leagued and plotted the destruction of our said sovereign lord, and knew of and assented to, and assisted in the treason planned and committed by Henry, late Duke of Buckingham, and his supporters, for which he and some of his supporters have been attainted by an act in this present parliament. Nevertheless, our said sovereign lord, of his special grace, mindful of the good and faithful service which Thomas, Lord Stanley, has given and intends to give our said sovereign lord, and for the sincere love and trust which the king has in him, and for his sake, remits and will forbear the great punishment of attainting the said countess, which she or anyone else doing the same has deserved; and in consideration of the foregoing, our said sovereign lord wills that it be enacted, ordained and decreed, by the assent of the lords spiritual and temporal and the commons assembled in this present parliament, and by authority of the same, that the said countess henceforth shall be legally unable to have, inherit or enjoy any manors, lands or tenements, or other hereditaments or possessions whatsoever, and also henceforth shall be unable to bear or have any name of estate or dignity; and that the said countess shall forfeit to our said sovereign lord the king and his heirs all the castles, manors, lordships, lands, tenements, rents, services, reversions and other hereditaments and possessions, whatsoever they may be, of which the said countess, or anyone else to her use, is now seised or possessed of estate of fee-simple, fee-tail, term of life, in dower or otherwise. And be it ordained by the said authority that all the said castles, manors, lordships, lands, tenements, rents, services, reversions and other hereditaments with the appurtenances of which the said countess, or anyone else to her use, is now seised of estate of fee-simple or fee-tail, shall remain to the said Thomas for term of his life, and after his death to our said sovereign lord the king and his heirs. And moreover, all the lordships, manors, lands, tenements, rents, services and reversions of which the said countess, or any other person to her use, is now seised of estate, term of her life or in dower, shall remain to the said Thomas during her life. And if the said Thomas dies during the lifetime of the said countess, they shall remain to the king; saving to every person and persons, except the said countess and her heirs, their right, title and interest in the said lands and tenements.
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23rd January 1513. VENICE. [Copy of a letter received in February, 1512-13.] From Nicolo di Favri to Francesco Gradenigo, London, 23 Jan.-Description of English life and weather. Wrote on 10 Dec. that the camps were disarming. One was in Spain where the King of Spain failed to keep his promise of co-operation and the Spaniards shot at the English who went to eat grapes in a vineyard. Another, under the Lord Treasurer, was in Scotland, whose King made terms; and a third at sea. A French and an English ship were both burnt while fighting together, but whereas the French lost 200 gentlemen the English lost only the captain. Parliament (which met on All Saints Day), and continual resort of its members to the Ambassador's house. Great service done by the Ambassador. His straits for money. Frenchmen in England ill-treated. Taxation. The King and his affection for the Ambassador. News, just come, of four victories of the Spaniards over the French, and death of Mons. de la Palisse.
Note 2. [Note of letters received 1 March 1513.]From Andrea Badoer [, London], 23 Jan.-The King makes very great preparations against France, and the Council has decided that he may go in person. Every day he goes to hasten the Fleet and especially the great ship he is making. There is news that the Duke of Brunswick, captain of the Emperor and Madame Margaret, has been routed by the Duke of Guelders and lost two captains, one of whom, Mons. de Reselich, has been ransomed.
On 23rd January 1516 Ferdinand II King Aragon (age 63) died. His daughter Joanna (age 37) succeeded Queen Aragon.
Wriothesley's Chronicle. 23rd January 1516. The King of Spayne (age 63) died.
Wriothesley's Chronicle. 23rd January 1552. Saterday, the 23 of January, beinge the first day of Hilary Tearme, and allso the first day of the Session of the Parliament at Westminster, Doctor Goodricke, Bishopp of Ely and custos of the Kinges great seale of England, was sworne in the Chauncery Lord Chauncellor of England, the Lord Treasurer of England giuinge him his oath.
Chronicle of Queen Jane and Two Years of Queen Mary 1554. 23rd January 1554. Note, that on tuyseday the xxiijth of January, the lorde Robert Dudley (age 21), sone to the late duke of Northumberland, was brought out of the Tower to the yeldhall, wher he was arrayned and condempned.
Chronicle of Greyfriars. 23rd January 1554. Item the xxiij. of Januarij was condemnyd at the yelde-halle of London lorde Robert Dudley (age 21).
On 23rd January 1570 James Stewart 1st Earl of Moray Regent (age 39) was assassinated at Linlithgow by James Hamilton of Bothwellhaugh, a supporter of Mary Queen of Scots (age 27). His daughter Elizabeth (age 4) succeeded 2nd Countess Moray. As he was passing in a cavalcade in the main street below, Hamilton fatally wounded him with a carbine shot from a window of his uncle Archbishop Hamilton's (age 57) house. He was the first head of government to be assassinated by a firearm.
Diary of Anne Clifford. 23rd January 1617. Upon the 23rd my Lord (age 27) went up betimes to London again. The same day the Child put on her red baize coats.
Diary of Anne Clifford. 23rd January 1619. The 23rd I came from London to Knole in a litter, the Child riding all the way in her coach, I went through the City and over the bridge, but she crossed the water. We found my Lord (age 29) at Knole, who had stayed there all this time since his coming from London.
On 23rd January 1649 King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland (age 48) was tried at Westminster Hall [Map] by Henry Mildmay (age 56). The fifty-nine signatories of his Death Warrant were:
14 Major-General William Goffe
21 Admiral Richard Deane
42 John Jones
45 Major General Charles Fleetwood
54 Gregory Clement
55 John Downes
57 Thomas Scot
58 John Carew
The commissioners who sat at the trial but did not sign the Death Warrant included:
William Monson 1st Viscount Monson (age 50)
James Harington 3rd Baronet (age 41)
The Captain of the Guard was Daniel Axtell (age 27). The guards included Francis Hacker, Matthew Tomlinson (age 31).
The Solicitor-General was John Cook (age 41).
On 23rd January 1655 John Mallorie of Studley Royal (age 45) died. He was buried in Ripon Cathedral [Map].
John Mallorie of Studley Royal: In 1610 he was born.
In early 1661 King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 30) rewarded of further tranche of those who supported his Restoration ...
On 2nd January 1661 Henry Bedingfield 1st Baronet (age 46) was created 1st Baronet Bedingfield of Oxburgh in Norfolk.
On 10th January 1661 Andrew Rutherford 1st Earl Teviot was created 1st Baron Rutherford with special remainder to his heirs and assignees whatsoever, and that under what provisions, restrictions, and conditions the said Lord Rutherford should think fit.
On 23rd January 1661 John Cole 1st Baronet (age 41) was created Baronet Cole of Newland.
On 23rd February 1661 Edward Smythe 1st Baronet (age 41) was created 1st Baronet Smythe.
On 4th March 1661 Compton Reade 1st Baronet (age 36) was created 1st Baronet Reade of Barton in Berkshire. Mary Cornwall Lady Reade (age 31) by marriage Lady Reade of Barton in Berkshire.
On 10th March 1661 Brian Broughton 1st Baronet (age 42) was created 1st Baronet Broughton of Broughton in Staffordshire.
On 20th March 1661 Thomas Rich 1st Baronet (age 60) was created 1st Baronet Rich of Sonning in Berkshire.
On 29th March 1661 Robert Cholmondeley 1st Viscount Cholmondeley (age 21) was created 1st Viscount Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath.
On 30th March 1661 James Butler 1st Duke Ormonde (age 50) was created 1st Duke Ormonde by King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. Elizabeth Preston Duchess Ormonde (age 45) by marriage Duchess Ormonde.
On 30th March 1661 John Fettiplace 1st Baronet (age 35) was created 1st Baronet Fettiplace of Childrey in Berkshire. Anne Wenman Lady Fettiplace (age 31) by marriage Lady Fettiplace of Childrey in Berkshire.
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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23rd January 1665. Up, and with Sir W. Batten (age 64) and Sir W. Pen (age 43) to White Hall; but there finding the Duke (age 31) gone to his lodgings at St. James's for all together, his Duchesse (age 27) being ready to lie in, we to him, and there did our usual business. And here I met the great newes confirmed by the Duke's own relation, by a letter from Captain Allen (age 53). First, of our own loss of two ships, the Phoenix and Nonesuch, in the Bay of Gibraltar: then of his, and his seven ships with him, in the Bay of Cales, or thereabouts, fighting with the 34 Dutch Smyrna fleete; sinking the King Salamon, a ship worth a £150,000 or more, some say £200,000, and another; and taking of three merchant-ships. Two of our ships were disabled, by the Dutch unfortunately falling against their will against them; the Advice, Captain W. Poole, and Antelope, Captain Clerke: The Dutch men-of-war did little service. Captain Allen did receive many shots at distance before he would fire one gun, which he did not do till he come within pistol-shot of his enemy. The Spaniards on shore at Cales did stand laughing at the Dutch, to see them run away and flee to the shore, 34 or thereabouts, against eight Englishmen at most. I do purpose to get the whole relation, if I live, of Captain Allen himself. In our loss of the two ships in the Bay of Gibraltar, it is observable how the world do comment upon the misfortune of Captain Moone of the Nonesuch (who did lose, in the same manner, the Satisfaction), as a person that hath ill-luck attending him; without considering that the whole fleete was ashore. Captain Allen led the way, and Captain Allen himself writes that all the masters of the fleete, old and young, were mistaken, and did carry their ships aground. But I think I heard the Duke say that Moone, being put into the Oxford, had in this conflict regained his credit, by sinking one and taking another. Captain Seale of the Milford hath done his part very well, in boarding the King Salamon, which held out half an hour after she was boarded; and his men kept her an hour after they did master her, and then she sunk, and drowned about 17 of her men.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23rd January 1666. Up and to the office and then to dinner. After dinner to the office again all the afternoon, and much business with me. Good newes beyond all expectation of the decrease of the plague, being now but 79, and the whole but 272. So home with comfort to bed. A most furious storme all night and morning.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23rd January 1667. Up, and with Sir W. Batten (age 66) and Sir W. Pen (age 45) to White Hall, and there to the Duke of York (age 33), and did our usual business. Having done there, I to St. James's, to see the organ Mrs. Turner (age 44) told me of the other night, of my late Lord Aubigney's; and I took my Lord Bruncker (age 47) with me, he being acquainted with my present Lord Almoner, Mr. Howard (age 38), brother to the Duke of Norfolke (age 38); so he and I thither and did see the organ, but I do not like it, it being but a bauble, with a virginal! joining to it: so I shall not meddle with it.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23rd January 1667. Having done with the discourse, we away, and my Lord and I walking into the Park back again, I did observe the new buildings: and my Lord, seeing I had a desire to see them, they being the place for the priests and Fryers, he took me back to my Lord Almoner (age 38); and he took us quite through the whole house and chapel, and the new monastery, showing me most excellent pieces in wax-worke: a crucifix given by a Pope to Mary Queen of Scotts, where a piece of the Cross is1 two bits set in the manner of a cross in the foot of the crucifix: several fine pictures, but especially very good prints of holy pictures. I saw the dortoire [dormitory] and the cells of the priests, and we went into one; a very pretty little room, very clean, hung with pictures, set with books. The Priest was in his cell, with his hair clothes to his skin, bare-legged, with a sandal! only on, and his little bed without sheets, and no feather bed; but yet, I thought, soft enough. His cord about his middle; but in so good company, living with ease, I thought it a very good life. A pretty library they have. And I was in the refectoire, where every man his napkin, knife, cup of earth, and basin of the same; and a place for one to sit and read while the rest are at meals. And into the kitchen I went, where a good neck of mutton at the fire, and other victuals boiling. I do not think they fared very hard. Their windows all looking into a fine garden and the Park; and mighty pretty rooms all. I wished myself one of the Capuchins. Having seen what we could here, and all with mighty pleasure, so away with the Almoner in his coach, talking merrily about the difference in our religions, to White Hall, and there we left him. I in my Lord Bruncker's (age 47) coach, he carried me to the Savoy, and there we parted. I to the Castle Tavern, where was and did come all our company, Sir W. Batten (age 66), Sir W. Pen (age 45), Sir R. Ford (age 53), and our Counsel Sir Ellis Layton, Walt Walker, Dr. Budd, Mr. Holder, and several others, and here we had a bad dinner of our preparing, and did discourse something of our business of our prizes, which was the work of the day.
Note 1. Pieces of "the Cross" were formerly held in such veneration, and were so common, that it has been often said enough existed to build a ship. Most readers will remember the distinction which Sir W. Scott represents Louis XI (with great appreciation of that monarch's character), as drawing between an oath taken on a false piece and one taken on a piece of the true cross. Sir Thomas More, a very devout believer in relics, says ("Works", p. 119), that Luther wished, in a sermon of his, that he had in his hand all the pieces of the Holy Cross; and said that if he so had, he would throw them there as never sun should shine on them:-and for what worshipful reason would the wretch do such villainy to the cross of Christ? Because, as he saith, that there is so much gold now bestowed about the garnishing of the pieces of the Cross, that there is none left for poore folke. Is not this a high reason? As though all the gold that is now bestowed about the pieces of the Holy Cross would not have failed to have been given to poor men, if they had not been bestowed about the garnishing of the Cross! and as though there were nothing lost, but what is bestowed about Christ's Cross!" "Wolsey, says Cavendish, on his fall, gave to Norris, who brought him a ring of gold as a token of good will from Henry, "a little chaine of gold, made like a bottle chain, with a cross of gold, wherein was a piece of the Holy Cross, which he continually wore about his neck, next his body; and said, furthermore, 'Master Norris, I assure you, when I was in prosperity, although it seem but small in value, yet I would not gladly have departed with the same for a thousand pounds.'" Life, ed. 1852, p. 167. Evelyn mentions, "Diary", November 17th, 1664, that he saw in one of the chapels in St. Peter's a crucifix with a piece of the true cross in it. Amongst the jewels of Mary Queen (age 28) of Scots was a cross of gold, which had been pledged to Hume of Blackadder for £1000 (Chalmers's "Life", vol. i., p. 31 ). B.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23rd January 1668. At the Office all the morning; and at noon find the Bishop of Lincolne (age 60) come to dine with us; and after him comes Mr. Brisband; and there mighty good company. But the Bishop a very extraordinary good-natured man, and one that is mightily pleased, as well as I am, that I live so near Bugden, the seat of his bishopricke, where he is like to reside: and, indeed, I am glad of it. In discourse, we think ourselves safe for this year, by this league with Holland, which pleases every body, and, they say, vexes France; insomuch that D'Estrades; the French Embassador in Holland, when he heard it, told the States that he would have them not forget that his master is at the head of 100,000 men, and is but 28 years old; which was a great speech. The Bishop tells me he thinks that the great business of Toleration will not, notwithstanding this talk, be carried this Parliament; nor for the King's taking away the Deans' and Chapters' lands to supply his wants, they signifying little to him, if he had them, for his present service. He gone, I mightily pleased with his kindness, I to the office, where busy till night, and then to Mrs. Turner's (age 45), where my wife, and Deb., and I, and Batelier spent the night, and supped, and played at cards, and very merry, and so I home to bed. She is either a very prodigal woman, or richer than she would be thought, by her buying of the best things, and laying out much money in new-fashioned pewter; and, among other things, a new-fashioned case for a pair of snuffers, which is very pretty; but I could never have guessed what it was for, had I not seen the snuffers in it.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23rd January 1669. So to the office, where all the morning till noon, when word brought me to the Board that my Lord Sandwich (age 43) was come; so I presently rose, leaving the Board ready to rise, and there I found my Lord Sandwich, Peterborough, and Sir Charles Harbord (age 29); and presently after them comes my Lord Hinchingbrooke (age 21), Mr. Sidney (age 18), and Sir William Godolphin (age 33). And after greeting them, and some time spent in talk, dinner was brought up, one dish after another, but a dish at a time, but all so good; but, above all things, the variety of wines, and excellent of their kind, I had for them, and all in so good order, that they were mightily pleased, and myself full of content at it: and indeed it was, of a dinner of about six or eight dishes, as noble as any man need to have, I think; at least, all was done in the noblest manner that ever I had any, and I have rarely seen in my life better anywhere else, even at the Court.
John Evelyn's Diary. 23rd January 1678. Dined with the Duke of Norfolk (age 49), being the first time I had seen him since the death of his elder brother, who died at Padua in Italy, where he had resided above thirty years. The Duke had now newly declared his marriage to his concubine (age 35), whom he promised me he never would marry. I went with him to see the Duke of Buckingham (age 49), thence to my Lord Sunderland (age 36), now Secretary of State, to show him that rare piece of Vosterman's (son of old Vosterman), which was a view, or landscape of my Lord's palace, etc., at Althorpe [Map] in Northamptonshire.
John Evelyn's Diary. 23rd January 1683. Sir Francis North (age 45), son to the Lord North, and Lord Chief Justice, being made Lord Keeper on the death of the Earl of Nottingham, the Lord Chancellor, I went to congratulate him. He is a most knowing, learned, and ingenious man, and, besides being an excellent person, of an ingenious and sweet disposition, very skillful in music, painting, the new philosophy, and politer studies.
John Evelyn's Diary. 23rd January 1686. I din'd at my Lady Arlington's (age 52), groome of the stole to the Queene Dowager (age 47), at Somerset House [Map], where din'd the Countesses of Devonshire (age 40), Dover (age 76), &c. in all 11 ladys of quality, no man but myselfe being there.
On 23rd January 1688 Ulrika Eleonora Palatinate Zweibrücken Queen Consort Sweden was born to Charles XI King Sweden (age 32) and Ulrika Eleonora Oldenburg (age 31).
On 23rd January 1698 Ernest Augustus Hanover Elector Brunswick-Lüneburg (age 68) died.
On 23rd January 1727 William Talbot 1st Earl Talbot (age 16) was educated at Exeter College, Oxford University.
After 23rd January 1760. Church of St Mary Magdalene, Eardisley [Map]. Monument to William Barnesley of Eardisley Park (deceased) and his wife Elizabeth Price (age 53).
Elizabeth Price: In 1707 she was born to Walter Price of Kaevenblane. On 26th August 1723 William Barnesley of Eardisley Park and she were married at the Fleet Prison [Map]. There was no issue from the marriage. On 8th April 1773 she died. She was buried at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Eardisley [Map]
After the death of John Hoppner (age 51) on 23rd January 1810 William Owen (age 41) became portrait painter to the Prince of Wales (age 47).
On 23rd January 1831 Horace Beckford aka Pitt-Rivers 3rd Baron Rivers (age 53) drowned himself in The Serpentine, Hyde Park having reneged on a pledge to never play cards again. His son George (age 20) succeeded 4th Baron Rivers of Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire.
On 23rd January 1874 Prince Alfred Windsor (age 29) and Maria Holstein Gottorp Romanov (age 20) were married. He the son of Prince Albert Saxe Coburg Gotha and Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom (age 54). They were third cousin once removed. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King George I of Great Britain and Ireland.
On 23rd January 1874 Unknown Painter. The Wedding of Prince Alfred Windsor (age 29) and Maria Holstein Gottorp Romanov (age 20).
On 23rd January 1878 Alfonso XII King Spain (age 20) and Maria de las Mercedes Queen Consort Spain (age 17) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Spain. She the daughter of Antoine Orléans Duke Montpensier (age 53) and Infanta Luisa Fernanda Duchess of Montpensier (age 45). He the son of Francisco de Asís King Consort Spain (age 55) and Isabella II Queen Spain (age 47). They were half first cousins.
22-23rd January 1879. The Battle of Rorke's Drift was an engagement in the Anglo-Zulu War in which the British successfully defended the mission station of Rorke's Drift, under the command of Lieutenants John Chard of the Royal Engineers and Gonville Bromhead, of the 24th Regiment of Foot.
On 23 and 24th January 1900 the Battle of Spion Kop was fought between British and Boer forces.
Robert Calverley Bewicke fought.
On 23rd January 1943 Richard Neville 8th Baron Braybrooke (age 25) was killed in action unmarried. His first cousin Henry (age 45) succeeded 9th Baron Braybrooke of Braybrooke in Northamptonshire.
Births on the 23rd January
On 23rd January 1378 Louis Wittelsbach III Elector Palatine was born to Rupert King Germany (age 25).
On 23rd January 1570 Christoph Wittelsbach was born to William Wittelsbach V Duke Bavaria (age 21) and Renata Lorraine Duchess Bavaria (age 25). Coefficient of inbreeding 2.86%.
On 23rd January 1612 George "Fairy Earl" Fitzgerald 16th Earl of Kildare was born to Edward Fitzgerald.
On 23rd January 1628 Francis Annesley was born to Francis Annesley 1st Viscount Valentia (age 42) and Jane Stanhope Viscountess Valentia (age 22).
On 23rd January 1647 Seymour Shirley 5th Baronet was born to Robert Shirley 4th Baronet (age 18) and Catherine Okeover.
On 23rd January 1688 Ulrika Eleonora Palatinate Zweibrücken Queen Consort Sweden was born to Charles XI King Sweden (age 32) and Ulrika Eleonora Oldenburg (age 31).
On 13th January 1724 or 23rd January 1724 Sophia Antonia Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel Duchess Saxe Coburg Saalfeld was born to Ferdinand Albert II Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (age 43) and Princess Antoinette of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (age 27).
On 23rd January 1726 James Johnstone 4th Baronet was born to James Johnstone 3rd Baronet (age 28) and Barbara Murray.
On 23rd January 1738 John Perceval 3rd Earl Egmont was born to John Perceval 2nd Earl Egmont (age 26) and Catherine Cecil Countess Egmont (age 16).
On 23rd January 1738 Charles Tottenham aka Loftus 1st Marquess Ely was born to John Tottenham 1st Baronet (age 23) and Elizabeth Loftus.
On 23rd January 1748 Margaret Butler was born to Somerset Butler 1st Earl Carrick (age 29) and Juliana Boyle.
On 23rd January 1753 Thomas Brooke-Pechell 2nd Baronet was born to Paul Pechell 1st Baronet (age 28) and Mary Brooke Lady Pechell.
On 23rd January 1753 Charles Warwick Bamlfylde 5th Baronet was born to Richard Warwick Bampfylde 4th Baronet (age 30).
On 23rd January 1761 Maria Forbes Countess Clarendon was born to John Forbes (age 46) and Mary Capell.
On 23rd January 1765 Thomas Thynne 2nd Marquess of Bath was born to Thomas Thynne 1st Marquess of Bath (age 30) and Elizabeth Bentinck Marchioness Bath (age 29).
On 23rd January 1765 Henry Legge was born to William Legge 2nd Earl Dartmouth (age 33) and Frances Catherine Gounter Nicoll Countess Dartmouth (age 32).
On 23rd January 1770 George Thynne 2nd Baron Carteret was born to Thomas Thynne 1st Marquess of Bath (age 35) and Elizabeth Bentinck Marchioness Bath (age 34).
On 23rd January 1782 Thomas Stanley-Massey-Stanley 9th Baronet was born to Thomas Stanley-Massey-Stanley 7th Baronet (age 27).
On 23rd January 1783 George Thicknesse-Touchet 20th Baron Audley 17th Baron Tuchet was born to George Thicknesse 19th Baron Audley 16th Baron Tuchet (age 25) and Elizabeth Delaval Baroness Audley (age 26).
On 23rd January 1787 William Cust was born to Brownlow Cust 1st Baron Brownlow (age 42) and Frances Bankes Baroness Brownlow.
On 23rd January 1790 Thomas Lister 2nd Baron Ribblesdale was born to Thomas Lister 1st Baron Ribblesdale (age 37) and Rebecca Fielding Baroness Ribblesdale (age 18).
On 23rd January 1792 Charles Mills 1st Baronet was born to William Mills (age 41) and Elizabeth Digby (age 34).
On 23rd January 1795 Admiral Henry John Rous was born to John Rous 1st Earl Stradbrooke (age 44).
On 23rd January 1807 Edward Thynne was born to Thomas Thynne 2nd Marquess of Bath (age 42) and Isabella Elizabeth Byng Marchioness Bath (age 33).
On 23rd January 1816 Mary Agnes Blanche Ashburnham was born to George Ashburnham 3rd Earl Ashburnham (age 55) and Charlotte Percy Countess Ashburham (age 40).
On 23rd January 1830 Thomas Edward Lloyd-Mostyn was born to Edward Lloyd aka Lloyd-Mostyn 2nd Baron Mostyn (age 35).
On 23rd January 1831 Somerset Gough-Calthorpe 7th Baron Calthorpe was born to Frederick Gough 4th Baron Calthorpe (age 40) and Charlotte Sophia Somerset 4th Baroness Calthorpe (age 35).
On 23rd January 1842 William Tate 2nd Baronet was born to Henry Tate 1st Baronet (age 22).
On 23rd January 1851 Charles George Lascelles was born to Henry Thynne Lascelles 4th Earl Harewood (age 26) and Elizabeth Joanna Burgh (age 24).
On 23rd January 1869 Lieutenant Neville Windsor Hill-Trevor was born to Arthur Edwin Hill aka Hill-Trevor 1st Baron Trevor (age 49) and Mary Catherine Curzon Baroness Trevor (age 31).
On 23rd January 1875 Gerald Berkeley Portman 7th Viscount Portman was born to William Henry Portman 2nd Viscount Portman (age 45) and Mary Selina Wentworth-Fitzwilliam Viscountess Portman (age 39).
On 23rd January 1885 William Hope Nelson was born to William Nelson 1st Baronet (age 33).
On 23rd January 1906 Princess May of Teck was born to Alexander Teck 1st Earl Athlone (age 32) and Princess Alice Countess Athlone (age 22) at Claremont House Esher, Surrey. She a great granddaughter of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.
On 23rd January 1914 Captain Michael Frederick Laud Robinson was born to Frederick Villiers Laud Robinson 10th Baronet (age 33).
On 23rd January 1916 Harold Hood 2nd Baronet was born to Joseph Hood 1st Baronet (age 52).
On 23rd January 1918 Richard Newton Rycroft 7th Baronet was born to Nelson Edward Oliver Rycroft 6th Baronet (age 31).
On 23rd January 1924 David William Anthony Blyth Macpherson 2nd Baron Strathcarron was born to James Ian Macpherson 1st Baron Strathcarron (age 43).
On 23rd January 1988 Edward Corfton 8th Baron Crofton was born to Patrick Crofton 7th Baron Crofton (age 36).
Marriages on the 23rd January
On 23rd January 1045 King Edward "The Confessor" of England (age 42) and Edith of Wessex Queen Consort England (age 19) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort England. The difference in their ages was 23 years. She the daughter of Godwin Godwinson 1st Earl Kent and Wessex (age 44) and Gytha Estrigen Countess Kent and Wessex. He the son of King Æthelred II of England and Emma aka Ælfgyfu of Normandy Queen Consort England (age 60).
On 23rd January 1302 Ferdinand IV King Castile IV King Leon (age 16) and Constance Burgundy Queen Consort Castile Queen Consort Leon (age 12) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Castile, Queen Consort Leon. She the daughter of Denis I King Portugal (age 40) and Elisabeth Barcelona Queen Consort Portugal (age 31). He the son of Sancho IV King Castile IV King Leon and Maria Molina Queen Consort Castile Queen Consort Leon. They were half first cousin once removed. He a great x 4 grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
On 23rd January 1581 James "The Bonnie Earl" Stewart 2nd Earl of Moray (age 16) and Elizabeth Stewart 2nd Countess Moray (age 15) were married. She by marriage Lord Doune. He by marriage 2nd Earl Moray. She the daughter of James Stewart 1st Earl of Moray Regent and Agnes Keith Countess Moray and Mar (age 50). They were third cousins. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.
On 23rd January 1652 John Wray 3rd Baronet (age 32) and Elizabeth Willoughby Lady D'Ewes and Glentworth (age 27) were married. She by marriage Lady Wray of Glentworth in Lincolnshire.
On 23rd January 1653 George Monck 1st Duke Albemarle (age 44) and Anne Clarges Duchess Albermarle (age 33) were married.
On 23rd January 1691 John Newton 3rd Baronet (age 40) and Susanna Wharton Lady Newton (age 40) were married.
On 23rd January 1693 George Carpenter 1st Baron Carpenter (age 35) and Alice Caulfeild Baroness Carpenter (age 32) were married.
On 23rd January 1730 John Campbell 3rd Earl Breadalbaine and Holland (age 33) and Arbella Pershall Countess Breadalbaine and Holland were married. He the son of John Campbell 2nd Earl Breadalbaine and Holland (age 67) and Henrietta Villiers Countess Breadalbaine and Holland.
On 23rd January 1768 Charles Dormer 8th Baron Dormer (age 42) and Elizabeth Hamilton Baroness Dormer were married.
On 23rd January 1770 Archbishop John Moore (age 39) and Catherine Eden (age 28) were married.
On 23rd January 1874 Prince Alfred Windsor (age 29) and Maria Holstein Gottorp Romanov (age 20) were married. He the son of Prince Albert Saxe Coburg Gotha and Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom (age 54). They were third cousin once removed. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King George I of Great Britain and Ireland.
On 23rd January 1878 Alfonso XII King Spain (age 20) and Maria de las Mercedes Queen Consort Spain (age 17) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Spain. She the daughter of Antoine Orléans Duke Montpensier (age 53) and Infanta Luisa Fernanda Duchess of Montpensier (age 45). He the son of Francisco de Asís King Consort Spain (age 55) and Isabella II Queen Spain (age 47). They were half first cousins.
On 23rd January 1883 Arthur Chichester 8th Baronet (age 60) and Rosalie Amelia Chamberlayne were married.
On 23rd January 1883 Sydney Holland 2nd Viscount Knutsford (age 27) and Mary Ashburnham Viscountess Knutsford (age 23) were married at St George's Church, Hanover Square. She the daughter of Bertram Ashburnham 4th Earl Ashburnham and Katherine Charlotte Baillie Countess Ashburnham (age 63).
On 23rd January 1923 Robert Walker 4th Baronet (age 32) and Esme Ethel Alice d'Beaumont Lady Walker were married. She by marriage Lady Walker of Sand Hutton in Yorkshire.
Deaths on the 23rd January
On 23rd January 1002 Otto III King Italy III King Germany III Holy Roman Emperor (age 21) died.
On 23rd January 1324 Fulk Strange 1st Baron Strange Blackmere (age 57) died at Black Mere, Whitchurch. His son John (age 17) succeeded 2nd Baron Strange Blackmere. Ankaret Boteler Baroness Strange Blackmere (age 15) by marriage Baroness Strange Blackmere.
On 23rd January 1387 Maud Burghesh Baroness Grey Rotherfield (age 72) died at Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire [Map].
On 23rd January 1423 Margaret Wittelsbach Duchess Burgundy (age 60) died.
On 23rd January 1483 Elizabeth Ferrers 6th Baroness Ferrers Groby (age 64) died. Her grandson Thomas (age 28) succeeded 7th Baron Ferrers of Groby. Cecily Bonville Marchioness Dorset (age 22) by marriage Baroness Ferrers of Groby.
On 23rd January 1516 Ferdinand II King Aragon (age 63) died. His daughter Joanna (age 37) succeeded Queen Aragon.
On 23rd January 1528 Helen Campbell Countess Eglinton (age 68) died.
On 23rd January 1544 William Fitzalan 11th or 18th Earl of Arundel (age 68) died. He was buried at Arundel Castle [Map]. His son Henry (age 31) succeeded 12th or 19th Earl Arundel, 9th Baron Maltravers, 9th Baron Arundel. Mary Arundell Countess Arundel by marriage Countess Arundel.
On 23rd January 1554 Elizabeth Hussey Baroness Hungerford (age 57) died.
On 23rd January 1570 James Stewart 1st Earl of Moray Regent (age 39) was assassinated at Linlithgow by James Hamilton of Bothwellhaugh, a supporter of Mary Queen of Scots (age 27). His daughter Elizabeth (age 4) succeeded 2nd Countess Moray. As he was passing in a cavalcade in the main street below, Hamilton fatally wounded him with a carbine shot from a window of his uncle Archbishop Hamilton's (age 57) house. He was the first head of government to be assassinated by a firearm.
On 23rd January 1576 Bishop James Pilkington (age 56) died at Bishop Auckland, County Durham [Map].
On 23rd January 1637 Alice Spencer Countess Derby (age 87) died.
On 23rd January 1650 Philip Herbert 4th Earl Pembroke 1st Earl Montgomery (age 65) died at Whitehall Palace [Map]. He was buried at Salisbury Cathedral [Map]. His son Philip (age 29) succeeded 5th Earl Pembroke, 2nd Earl Montgomery.
On 23rd January 1698 Ernest Augustus Hanover Elector Brunswick-Lüneburg (age 68) died.
On 23rd January 1705 Martha Carey Countess Middleton (age 70) died.
On 23rd January 1712 Thomas Pelham 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton (age 59) died. His son Thomas (age 18) succeeded 2nd Baron Pelham of Laughton, 5th Baronet Pelham of Laughton.
On 23rd January 1720 Thomas Southwell 1st Baron Southwell (age 55) died.
On 23rd January 1742 William Stawell 3rd Baron Stawell (age 60) died. His brother Edward succeeded 4th Baron Stawell of Somerton in Somerset.
On 23rd January 1747 Pattee Byng 2nd Viscount Torrington (age 47) died. He was buried at Bing Vault, All Saints Church, Southill. His brother George (age 45) succeeded 3rd Viscount Torrington.
On 23rd January 1752 John Wray 12th Baronet (age 62) died. He was buried at Ripon Cathedral [Map]. His son Cecil (age 17) succeeded 13th Baronet Wray of Glentworth in Lincolnshire.
On 23rd January 1795 John Hynde Cotton 4th Baronet (age 78) died. His son Charles (age 37) succeeded 5th Baronet Cotton of Landwade in Cambridgeshire.
On 23rd January 1810 John Hoppner (age 51) died.
On 23rd January 1820 John Howard 15th Earl Suffolk (age 80) died. His son Thomas (age 43) succeeded 16th Earl Suffolk, 9th Earl Berkshire, 9th Viscount Andover in Hampshire, 9th Baron Howard of Charlton in Wiltshire. Elizabeth Jane Dutton Countess Suffolk and Berkshire (age 45) by marriage Countess Suffolk, Countess Berkshire.
On 23rd January 1820 Edward Augustus Hanover 1st Duke Kent and Strathearn (age 52) died at Woolbrook Cottage Sidmouth, Devon.
On 23rd January 1820 John Howard 15th Earl Suffolk 8th Earl Berkshire (age 80) died.
On 23rd January 1824 Brooke Boothby 6th Baronet (age 79) died at Boulogne sur Mer [Map]. His brother William (age 77) succeeded 7th Baronet Boothby of Broadlow Ash in Derbyshire. On 3rd February 1824 he was buried at St Oswald's Church, Ashbourne [Map].
On 23rd January 1831 Horace Beckford aka Pitt-Rivers 3rd Baron Rivers (age 53) drowned himself in The Serpentine, Hyde Park having reneged on a pledge to never play cards again. His son George (age 20) succeeded 4th Baron Rivers of Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire.
On 23rd January 1833 Edward Pellew 1st Viscount Exmouth (age 75) died. He was buried at St James the Apostle Church, Christow. His son Pownoll (age 46) succeeded 2nd Viscount Exmouth, 2nd Baron Exmouth of Canonteign, 2nd Baronet Pellew of Treverry in Cornwall. He died in December of the same year. Georgiana Janet Dick Viscountess Pellew (age 33) by marriage Viscountess Exmouth.
On 23rd January 1841 Henry Perceval 5th Earl Egmont (age 45) died. His half first cousin once removed George (age 46) succeeded 6th Earl Egmont, 6th Viscount Perceval of Kanturk in County Cork, 6th Baron Perceval of Burton in County Cork, 10th Baronet Perceval of Kanturk in County Cork, 5th Baron Lovel and Holland of Enmore in Somerset.
On 23rd January 1844 Francis Burdett 5th Baronet (age 73) died ten days after the death of his wife Sophia Coutts Lady Burdett; he had refused food after she had died. His son Robert (age 47) succeeded 6th Baronet Burdett of Bramcote in Warwickshire.
On 23rd January 1854 Ralph Franco aka Lopes 2nd Baronet (age 65) died. His son Massey (age 35) succeeded 3rd Baronet Lopes of Maristow-House in Devon.
On 23rd January 1865 Corisande Armandine Sophie Léonie Hélène Gramont Countess Tankerville (age 82) died.
On 23rd January 1874 Henry Villiers Stuart (age 70) died. Baron Stuart de Decies of Dromana within the Decies in County Waterford extinct as a consequence of there being uncertainty about the validity of his marriage to Theresia Pauline Ott. His son Henry Windsor Villiers-Stuart (age 46) was not allowed to inherit the title.
On 23rd January 1874 Edith Maud Rawdon-Hastings 10th Countess Loudon (age 40) died. Her son Charles (age 19) succeeded 11th Earl Loudon, 22nd Baron Botreaux, 21st Baron Hungerford, 19th Baron Moleyns and 19th Baron Hastings. Alice Elizabeth Fitzalan Howard Countess Loudon by marriage Countess Loudon.
On 23rd January 1874 George Strickland 7th Baronet (age 91) died. His son Charles (age 54) succeeded 8th Baronet Strickland of Boynton in Yorkshire. Esther Ann Strickland inherited Whitby Manor
On 23rd January 1885 John Jervis 4th Viscount St Vincent (age 34) died. His brother Carnegie (age 29) succeeded 5th Viscount St Vincent of Meaford in Staffordshire.
On 23rd January 1889 Alexandre Cabanel (age 65) died.
On 23rd January 1892 Henry Stapleton 9th Baron Beaumont (age 43) died without issue. His brother Miles (age 41) succeeded 10th Baron Beaumont.
On 23rd January 1902 William Parker 2nd Baronet (age 77) died. His son William (age 13) succeeded 3rd Baronet Parker of Shenstone.
On 23rd January 1910 William Jocelyn 6th Earl Roden (age 67) died unmarried. His brother Robert (age 64) succeeded 7th Earl Roden
On 23rd January 1911 John Thomas Blight (age 75) died.
On 23rd January 1916 John Leslie 1st Baronet (age 93) died. His son John (age 58) succeeded 2nd Baronet Leslie of Glaslough in County Monaghan. Leonie Blanche Jerome Lady Leslie (age 57) by marriage Lady Leslie of Glaslough in County Monaghan.
On 23rd January 1916 Susan Isabel Elton Smith Countess Wilton (age 74) died.
On 23rd January 1939 Evelyn Henrietta Leigh Baroness Alington died.
On 23rd January 1942 Albert Holden Illingworth 1st Baron Illingworth (age 76) died. Baron Illingworth of Denton in Yorkshire extinct.
On 23rd January 1943 Richard Neville 8th Baron Braybrooke (age 25) was killed in action unmarried. His first cousin Henry (age 45) succeeded 9th Baron Braybrooke of Braybrooke in Northamptonshire.
On 23rd January 1972 Dorothy Gough-Calthorpe Countess of Malmesbury (age 86) died.
On 23rd January 1989 John Lyon-Dalberg-Acton 3rd Baron Acton (age 81) died. His son Richard (age 47) succeeded 4th Baron Acton of Aldenham in Shropshire, 11th Baronet Acton of Aldenham Hall.
On 23rd January 2005 Morys George Lyndhurst Bruce 4th Baron Aberdare (age 85) died. His son Alastair (age 57) succeeded 5th Baron Aberdare of Duffryn in Glamorganshire.