Move mouse over images to see a larger image.

Move mouse over links to preview the link.

On this Day in History ... 23rd September

23 Sep is in September.

1338 French Raid on Walcheren

1450 Jack Cade's Rebellion

1459 Battle of Blore Heath

1535 Sweating Sickness Outbreak

1642 Battle of Powick Bridge

1683 Rye House Plot

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 23rd September

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 788. This year Elwald, king of the Northumbrians, was slain by Siga, on the eleventh day before the calends of October; and a heavenly light was often seen on the spot where he was slain. He was buried in the church of Hexham [Map]; and Osred, the son of Alred, who was his nephew, succeeded him in the government. This year there was a synod assembled at Acley.

On 23 Sep 1338 a French fleet attacked an English fleet unloading cargo at Walcheren. Five large and powerful English cogs, including Edward III's (age 25) flagships the Cog Edward and the Christopher were captured. The captured crews were executed and the ships added to the French fleet.

On 23 Sep 1434 Yolande Valois Duchess Savoy was born to Charles "Victorious" VII King France (age 31) and Marie Valois Anjou Queen Consort France (age 29). Coefficient of inbreeding 3.89%.

Chronicle of Gregory 1450. 23 Sep 1450. Ande that same year was slayne Tresham, the man of lawe, that was Speker of the Parlymentt, and his son [Thomas Tresham (age 30)] was soore woundyde in Northehampton schyre. And by the King and his counselle a Parlyment was ordaynyde to be-gyn on Syn Leonarde is day nexte folowynge. In the mene tyme many strange and woundyrfulle bylle were sete in dyvers placys, some at the kyngys owne chambyr doore at Westemyster, in his palysse, and some at the halle dore at Westemyster, ande some at Poulys chyrche dore, and in many othyr dyvers placys of London.

On 23 Sep 1450 William Tresham was killed while travelling to meet Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York (age 39) by a group of men as a result of a propery dispute before he was tried for treason. His son Thomas Tresham (age 30) escaped albeit severly injured.

Chronicle of Robert Fabyan 1459. 23 Sep 1459. And in processe of time after, as he was riding towarde Salysbury (age 59), or, after some, from his lodging toward London, the lord Audley (age 61), with a strong company, was assigned to meet with him, and as a prisoner to bring him unto London. Whereof the said Earl being warned, gathered unto him the more men, and keeping his journey, met with the said Lord Audley at a place callyd Blore Heth, where both companies ran together and had there a strong bickering; whereof in the end the Earl was victour, and slew there the Lord Audley and many of his retinue. At this skirmish were the. ii. sons of the said Earl sore wounded, named Sir Thomas (age 29) and Sir John (age 28); the which shortly after, as they were going homewarde, were by some of the queen's party taken, and as prisoners sent unto Chester.

On 23 Sep 1459 John Sutton 1st Baron Dudley (age 58) attempted to ambush John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu (age 28) at Blore Heath, Staffordshire [Map] whilst he was travelling to Ludlow [Map] to join up with the main Yorkist army; the Battle of Blore Heath. Forewarned by scouts he arranged his troops into battle order. The Yorkist army included John Conyers (age 48), Thomas Harrington (age 59), James Harrington (age 29), Richard Neville Earl Salisbury (age 59), William Stanley (age 24), Roger Kynaston of Myddle and Hordley (age 26), John Savile, Walter Strickland (age 48) and John Wenlock 1st Baron Wenlock (age 59).

The Lancastrian army included brothers John Dutton, Thomas Dutton (age 38) and Peter Dutton who were killed.

James Tuchet 5th Baron Audley, 2nd Baron Tuchet (age 61) was killed by Roger Kynaston of Myddle and Hordley. His son John Tuchet 6th Baron Audley, 3rd Baron Tuchet (age 33) succeeded 6th Baron Audley of Heighley in Staffordshire, 3rd Baron Tuchet. Anne Echingham Baroness Audley Heighley (age 39) by marriage Baroness Audley of Heighley in Staffordshire, Baroness Audley of Heighley in Staffordshire.

John Sutton 1st Baron Dudley and Edmund Sutton (age 34) were captured. Lionel Welles 6th Baron Welles (age 53) fought.

Richard Molyneux of Sefton was killed.

John Egerton (age 55) was killed.

After the battle Margaret of Anjou Queen Consort England (age 29) took refuge at Eccleshall Castle, Staffordshire [Map].

After the battle Thomas Harrington, John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu and Thomas Neville (age 29) were captured at Acton Bridge, Tarporley [Map] and imprisoned at Chester Castle [Map] having been detached from the main Yorkist force.

William Troutbeck (age 23) was killed.

Click to read complete text ...

Chronicle of Gregory 1459. 23 Sep 1459. Ande this year was done a grete jornaye at the Blowre Hethe by the Erle of Saulysbury (age 59) ande the Quenys galentys. And that day the King made vij knyghtys, first, Syr Robert Molyners, Syr John Daune, Syr Thomas Uttyng, Syr John Brembly, Syr Jon Stanley, Syr John Grysly, and Syr Rychard Hardon; and v of thes knyghtys were slayne full manly in the fylde, and many men of yemonry soore hurte, and a full nobylle knyght, the Lord Audeley (age 61), and Syr Thomas Hamdon, knyght, was the getynge of the fylde, and Thomas Squyer and Counteroller of the Pryncys house full sore hurte. And [the] batayle or jornay lastyd alle the aftyr none, fro one of the clocke tylle v aftyr non, and the chasse lastyd unto vij at the belle in the mornynge. And men were maymyd many one in the Quenys party. There were in the Quenys party vM [Note. 5000], and in that othyr party vC [Note. 500], a grete wondyr that evyr they might stonde the grete multytude not ferynge, the King beyng with yn x myle and the quene (age 29) with yn v myle at the castelle of Egyllyssale [Map]. But the Erle of Saulysbury hadde ben i-take, save only a Fryer Austyn schot gonnys [Note. shot guns] alle that nyght in a parke that was at the backe syde of the fylde, and by this mene the erle come to Duke of Yorke (age 48). And in the morowe they founde nothyr man ne ehylde in that parke but the fryer, and he said that for fere he a-bode in that parke alle that nyght. But in the mornyng, by-twyne the fylde and Chester, Syr John Dawne is son that was at home in his fadyrs place hadde worde that his fadyr was slayne; a-non he raysyd his tenantys and toke by-syde a lytyl towne i-namyd Torperlay [Map] Syr Thomas Nevyle (age 29), Syr John Nevyle (age 28), and Syr Thomas Haryngdon (age 59), and brought them unto the castelle of Chester, ande there they a-boode tylle the batayle of Northehampton was done, &c.

Hall's Chronicle 1459. [23 Sep 1459]. The lord Audeley (age 61), accordyng to his commission, assembled aboue. x. M. men, and knowyng by his espials whiche way therle [Richard Neville Earl Salisbury (age 59)] kept, approched nere to hym on a faire plain called Blore Heath, within a mile of the toune of Drayton, in the countrey of Salope, commonly called Shropshire. The erle perceiuing by the liuery of the souldiors, that he was circumuented and likely to be trapped with the quenes power, determined rather there to abide the aduenture, with fame and honor, then farther to flie, with losse & reproche: & so encamped hymself all the night, on the side of a litle broke not very brode, but somewhat depe. In the mornyng earely, beyng the daie of. s. Tecle, he caused his souldiors to shote their rliorhtes, towarde the Lorde Awdeleys company, whiche laie on the otherside of the saied water, and then he and all his company, made a signe of retraite. The lorde Awdeley, remembryng not onely the trust that he was put in, but also the Quenes terrible commaundement, (whiche was to bryng to her presence, therle of Salisbury, quicke or ded) blewe vp his trumpet, and did set furth his voward, & sodainly passed the water. Therle of Salisbury, whiche knewe the slaightes, stratagemes, and the pollecies of warlike affaires, sodainly returned, and shortly encountred with the Lorde Awdeley and his chief Capitaines, or the residewe of his armie could passe the water. The fight was sore and dreadfull. Therle desiryng thesauyng of his life, and his aduersaries couetyng his destruccion, fought sore for the obteinyng of their purpose, but in conclusion, the erles army as men desperate of aide and succor, so egerly fought, that thei slewe the lorde Awdeley, and all his capitaines, and discomfited all the remnaunt of his people. In this battail wer slain, xxiiij. C. persos, but the greatest plague lighted on the Chesshire men, because one halfe of the shire, was one the one part, and the other on the other part, of whiche numbre wer sir Thomas Dutton, sir Ihon Dunne, & sir Hugh Venables. But therles twoo sonnes, the one called sir Ihon Neuell (age 28), and the other sir Thomas (age 29), wer sore woiided, whiche soberly iorniyng into the Northcountrey thinkyng there to repose them selfes, wer in their iorney appreheded, by the quenes frendes, and conueyed to Chester: but their kepers deliuered them shortly, or els the Marchemen had destroyed the Gayles. Such fauor had the commons of Wales, to the duke of Yorkes band and his 'affinitie, that thei could suffre no wrong to be doen, nor euil worde to be spoken of hym or his frendcs.

Chronicle of St Albans by Abbot John Whethamstede. 23rd September 1459. Battle of Blore Heath.

Indeed, even in that grave and significant conflict, which the Earl of Salisbury (age 59), with a small band of common people, was recently known to have engaged in against the Lord Audley (age 61) and almost the entire militia of the Counties of Chester and Shropshire, where the multitude yielded to the few, though the few were skilled, valiant, and well exercised warriors, the multitude, numbering barely ten thousand, was defeated, conquered, and put to flight. Reflecting on this, the King, along with the saying of Seneca, "It is not the number of persons, but rather the virtue of the few, that wins battles and overthrows enemies," deliberated within himself. He resolved to attempt other means before resorting to arms. He dispatched a suitable and capable messenger to them, offering peace through the mouth of a certain relative of theirs, namely, Richard Beauchamp , the Bishop of Salisbury. He offered them the opportunity to reconsider their intentions, to send their people back, and to repent of their actions. Furthermore, he himself was willing to grant a general pardon for all their individual transgressions, treating them henceforth as dear kinsmen and more favourably than ever before.

Chronicle of England by Jean de Waurin Volume 6. 23rd September 1459. Battle of Blore Heath. See note below.

When the Earl of Salisbury, the Earl of Warwick, and their troops approached towards a point at daybreak where the army of Exeter and Lord Beaumont were positioned behind a great forest hedge, with only the tips of their banners visible, they stationed themselves on foot behind a forest that formed a barrier on one side, while on the other side they had placed their wagons and their horses tied together, and behind them they had made a good trench for security, and in front of them they had set up their shields in the English fashion. Once they had arranged themselves in battle formation, the army of Exeter, all mounted, came to face them, eagerly planning to catch Warwick and his company by surprise, with little effort and danger. Warwick and his retinue, after confessing and being prepared to die, kissed the ground they had walked on, from which they ate, deciding that they would both live and die on it. When the lords of Exeter and Beaumont found themselves so close to their enemies that they could use their arrows, they began shooting so swiftly and mercilessly that it was horrifying, and so rapidly that wherever their arrows landed, they attached themselves firmly so that they killed many horses and about twenty or twenty-two men from Warwick's company, and from Exeter's company, five to six hundred.

The men of Exeter retreated about the length of an archer's shot, but shortly after, they fiercely charged impetuously upon the said Warwick. During this charge, about a hundred men from Exeter's side and ten from Warwick's side were killed. Then Lord Beaumont and his company, considering that fighting on horseback brought little honour and even less advantage, dismounted about four thousand men who joined the battle against Warwick. They fought hand to hand for a good half hour, hoping to be reinforced by their mounted troops. However, seeing the resistance faced by their foot soldiers, the mounted troops withdrew from the field, leaving those on foot to face the enemy alone. Consequently, a knight from Beaumont's retinue, who commanded about five hundred men, began shouting with his men: "Warwick, Warwick!" and attacked Beaumont's own company, causing them to retreat further. At this moment, Warwick, seeing this turn of events, ordered his men to advance, which they did. Eventually, the forces of Lord Beaumont were defeated. According to the reports of the heralds, about two thousand men from Beaumont's side were killed in this engagement, and fifty-six from Warwick's side. Lord Beaumont himself, Lord Welles , and twelve other knights were captured, while the rest fled. This battle took place in the month of September, three or four days before the feast of Saint Michael .

Note. Waurin's account of the Battle of Blore Heath is confusing. The Lancastrian army was commanded by James Tuchet, 5th Baron Audley, who was killed, and John Sutton, 1st Baron Dudley, who was captured, rather than the Duke of Exeter and Lord Beaumont. The Earl of Warwick was not present at the Battle of Blore Heath. The mid battle change of allegiance "Warwick, Warwick!" appears to be an event from the Battle of Northampton, at which the Earl of Warwick and the Lord Beaumont fought.

On 23 Sep 1461 Charles "Viana" IV King Navarre (age 40) died. His sister Blanche Trastámara II Queen Navarre (age 37) succeeded II Queen Navarre.

Letters and Papers 1535. 23 Sep 1535. R. O. 413. John Wylliamson to Cromwell.

I have received your letter by John Gresham, with seven pieces of diaper. I have been with Mr. Malete divers times concerning your livery coat, and he says the pattern of the coat for the privy chamber is not yet come, and therefore I have had a coat of "new color sad" to be made for you after my own device. I have sent your letter to Mr. Williams at Hampton Court, and he says that we shall have all that he can do in that behalf. Your works draw to an end. I have delivered to Thomas Thacker, for your buildings, &c. £100. They have been viewed by Mr. Vaghan, and, I trust, will be found as I have written. Sir Ric. a Lee, Sir John, and I are diligent in forwarding your works. One of your masons, dwelling against your great gate in Friar Austins, is sick of the plague. Three corses were buried at Hackney last St. Matthew's Day. Sir Thomas Greene is diligent. My mother and all are well. At the Rolls, 23 Sept. Signed.

P. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.

On 23 Sep 1607 Princess Mary Stewart (deceased) was buried in the Henry VII Chapel in Westminster Abbey [Map] opposite her sister Sophia's tomb in a private ceremony. Her effigy, created by Maximilian Colt (age 32), represented a young girl, clad in a mature dress, with the traditional ruff, carved in ivory.

On 23 Sep 1642 Maurice Palatinate Simmern (age 21) was wounded at during the Battle of Powick Bridge.

Lawrence Carey (age 32) was killed.

Charles Lucas (age 29) was wounded.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23 Sep 1660. Lord's Day. my wife got up to put on her mourning to-day and to go to Church this morning. I up and set down my journall for these 5 days past. This morning came one from my father's (age 59) with a black cloth coat, made of my short cloak, to walk up and down in. To church my wife and I, with Sir W. Batten (age 59), where we heard of Mr. Mills a very good sermon upon these words, "So run that ye may obtain". After dinner all alone to Westminster. At Whitehall I met with Mr. Pierce and his wife (she newly come forth after childbirth) both in mourning for the Duke of Gloucester (deceased). She went with Mr. Child to Whitehall chapel and Mr. Pierce with me to the Abbey, where I expected to hear Mr. Baxter or Mr. Rowe preach their farewell sermon, and in Mr. Symons's pew I sat and heard Mr. Rowe. Before sermon I laughed at the reader, who in his prayer desires of God that He would imprint his word on the thumbs of our right hands and on the right great toes of our right feet. In the midst of the sermon some plaster fell from the top of the Abbey, that made me and all the rest in our pew afeard, and I wished myself out. After sermon with Mr. Pierce to Whitehall, and from thence to my Lord, but Diana did not come according to our agreement. So calling at my father's (where my wife had been this afternoon but was gone home) I went home. This afternoon, the King having news of the Princess being come to Margate, Kent [Map], he and the Duke of York went down thither in barges to her.

John Evelyn's Diary. 23 Sep 1660. In the midst of all this joy and jubilee, the Duke of Gloucester (deceased) died of the smallpox, in the prime of youth, and a prince of extraordinary hopes.

John Reresby's Diary 05 Aug 1665. 05 Aug 1665. His royal highness (age 31) and his duchess (age 28) came down to York, where they stayed till September the 23rd, when the Duke went for Oxford, where the King (age 35) was to meet the Parliament. The Duchess went not till some time after. Most of the gentry attended at York whilst their liighnesses were there. The Duke passed his time in shooting and other exercises, the Duchess in receiving the ladies, which she did very obligingly. One evening having a little snake (which I kept in bran in a box) in my hand as I was in the presence, one of the maids of honour seeing of it was frightened. The Duchess, hearing the noise, and what was the occasion, desired to see the snake, and took it into her hand without any fear. This Duchess was Chancellor Hyde's (age 56) daughter, and she was a very handsome woman, and had a great deal of wit; therefore it was not without reason that Mr. Sydney (age 24), the handsomest youth of his time, of the Duke's bedchamber, was so much in love with her, as appeared to us all, and the Duchess not unkind to him, but very innocently. He was afterwards banished the Court for another reason, as was reported.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23 Sep 1665. Thence down to Greenwich, Kent [Map] to the office, and there wrote several letters, and so to my Lord Sandwich (age 40), and mighty merry and he mighty kind to me in the face of all, saying much in my favour, and after supper I took leave and with Captain Cocke (age 48) set out in the yacht about ten o'clock at night, and after some discourse, and drinking a little, my mind full of what we are going about and jealous of Cocke's outdoing me.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23 Sep 1665. Thence took leave, leaving my Lord Sandwich (age 40) to go visit the Bishop of Canterbury (age 67), and I and Sir W. Batten (age 64) down to the Tower [Map], where he went further by water, and I home, and among other things took out all my gold to carry along with me to-night with Captain Cocke (age 48) downe to the fleete, being £180 and more, hoping to lay out that and a great deal more to good advantage.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23 Sep 1665. Up, and to my Lord Sandwich (age 40), who did advise alone with me how far he might trust Captain Cocke (age 48) in the business of the prize-goods, my Lord telling me that he hath taken into his hands 2 or £3000 value of them: it being a good way, he says, to get money, and afterwards to get the King's allowance thereof, it being easier, he observes, to keepe money when got of the King (age 35) than to get it when it is too late. I advised him not to trust Cocke too far, and did therefore offer him ready money for a £1000 or two, which he listens to and do agree to, which is great joy to me, hoping thereby to get something!

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23 Sep 1665. Here we dined, and I did hear my Lord Craven (age 57) whisper, as he is mightily possessed with a good opinion of me, much to my advantage, which my good Lord did second, and anon my Lord Craven did speak publiquely of me to the Duke (age 31), in the hearing of all the rest; and the Duke did say something of the like advantage to me; I believe, not much to the satisfaction of my brethren; but I was mightily joyed at it.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23 Sep 1665. Thence by coach to Lambeth, Surrey [Map], his Lordship, and all our office, and Mr. Evelyn (age 44), to the Duke of Albemarle (age 56), where, after the compliment with my Lord very kind, we sat down to consult of the disposing and supporting of the fleete with victuals and money, and for the sicke men and prisoners; and I did propose the taking out some goods out of the prizes, to the value of £10,000, which was accorded to, and an order, drawn up and signed by the Duke (age 31) and my Lord, done in the best manner I can, and referred to my Lord Bruncker (age 45) and Sir J. Minnes (age 66), but what inconveniences may arise from it I do not yet see, but fear there may be many.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23 Sep 1666. Soon as eat a bit Mr. Wayth and I by water to White Hall, and there at Sir G. Carteret's (age 56) lodgings Sir W. Coventry (age 38) met, and we did debate the whole business of our accounts to the Parliament; where it appears to us that the charge of the war from September 1st, 1664, to this Michaelmas, will have been but £3,200,000, and we have paid in that time somewhat about £2,200,000; so that we owe above £900,000: but our method of accounting, though it cannot, I believe, be far wide from the mark, yet will not abide a strict examination if the Parliament should be troublesome. Here happened a pretty question of Sir W. Coventry, whether this account of ours will not put my Lord Treasurer (age 59) to a difficulty to tell what is become of all the money the Parliament have 'give' in this time for the war, which hath amounted to about £4,000,000, which nobody there could answer; but I perceive they did doubt what his answer could be. Having done, and taken from Sir W. Coventry the minutes of a letter to my Lord Treasurer, Wayth and I back again to the office, and thence back down to the water with my wife and landed him in Southwarke [Map], and my wife and I for pleasure to Fox-Hall, and there eat and drank, and so back home, and I to the office till midnight drawing the letter we are to send with our accounts to my Lord Treasurer, and that being done to my mind, I home to bed.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23 Sep 1667. Thence to the Excise office, and so to the Exchange [Map], and did a little business, and so home and took up my wife, and so carried her to the other end, where I 'light at my Lord Ashly's (age 46), by invitation, to dine there, which I did, and Sir H. Cholmly (age 35), Creed, and Yeabsly, upon occasion of the business of Yeabsly, who, God knows, do bribe him very well for it; and it is pretty to see how this great man do condescend to these things, and do all he can in his examining of his business to favour him, and yet with great cunning not to be discovered but by me that am privy to it. At table it is worth remembering that my Lord tells us that the House of Lords is the last appeal that a man can make, upon a poynt of interpretation of the law, and that therein they are above the judges; and that he did assert this in the Lords' House upon the late occasion of the quarrel between my Lord Bristoll (age 54) and the Chancellor (age 58), when the former did accuse the latter of treason, and the judges did bring it in not to be treason: my Lord Ashly did declare that the judgment of the judges was nothing in the presence of their Lordships, but only as far as they were the properest men to bring precedents; but not to interpret the law to their Lordships, but only the inducements of their persuasions: and this the Lords did concur in. Another pretty thing was my Lady Ashly's speaking of the bad qualities of glass-coaches; among others, the flying open of the doors upon any great shake: but another was, that my Lady Peterborough (age 45) being in her glass-coach, with the glass up, and seeing a lady pass by in a coach whom she would salute, the glass was so clear, that she thought it had been open, and so ran her head through the glass, and cut all her forehead! After dinner, before we fell to the examination of Yeabsly's business, we were put into my Lord's room before he could come to us, and there had opportunity to look over his state of his accounts of the prizes; and there saw how bountiful the King (age 37) hath been to several people and hardly any man almost, Commander of the Navy of any note, but hath had some reward or other out of it; and many sums to the Privy-purse, but not so many, I see, as I thought there had been: but we could not look quite through it. But several Bedchamber-men and people about the Court had good sums; and, among others, Sir John Minnes (age 68) and Lord Bruncker (age 47) have £200 a-piece for looking to the East India prizes, while I did their work for them.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23 Sep 1667. By and by my Lord come, and we did look over Yeabsly's business a little; and I find how prettily this cunning Lord can be partial and dissemble it in this case, being privy to the bribe he is to receive. This done; we away, and with Sir H. Cholmly (age 35) to Westminster; who by the way told me how merry the King (age 37) and Duke of York (age 33) and Court were the other day, when they were abroad a-hunting. They come to Sir G. Carteret's (age 57) house at Cranbourne, and there were entertained, and all made drunk; and that all being drunk, Armerer did come to the King, and swore to him, "By God, Sir", says he, "you are not so kind to the Duke of York of late as you used to be".-"Not I?" says the King. "Why so?"-"Why", says he, "if you are, let us drink his health".-"Why, let us", says the King. Then he fell on his knees, and drank it; and having done, the King began to drink it. "Nay, Sir", says Armerer, "by God you must do it on your knees!" So he did, and then all the company: and having done it, all fell a-crying for joy, being all maudlin and kissing one another, the King the Duke of York, and the Duke of York the King: and in such a maudlin pickle as never people were: and so passed the day. But Sir H. Cholmly tells me, that the King hath this good luck, that the next day he hates to have any body mention what he had done the day before, nor will suffer any body to gain upon him that way; which is a good quality. Parted with Sir H. Cholmly at White Hall, and there I took coach and took up my wife at Unthanke's, and so out for ayre, it being a mighty pleasant day, as far as Bow, and so drank by the way, and home, and there to my chamber till by and by comes Captain Cocke (age 50) about business; who tells me that Mr. Bruncker is lost for ever, notwithstanding my Lord Bruncker (age 47) hath advised with him, Cocke, how he might make a peace with the Duke of York and Chancellor (age 58), upon promise of serving him in the Parliament but Cocke says that is base to offer, and will have no success neither. He says that Mr. Wren hath refused a present of Tom Wilson's for his place of Store-keeper of Chatham, Kent [Map], and is resolved never to take any thing; which is both wise in him, and good to the King's service. He stayed with me very late, here being Mrs. Turner (age 44) and W. Batelier drinking and laughing, and then to bed.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23 Sep 1668. At my office busy all the morning. At noon comes Mr. Evelyn (age 47) to me, about some business with the Office, and there in discourse tells me of his loss, to the value of £500, which he hath met with, in a late attempt of making of bricks1 upon an adventure with others, by which he presumed to have got a great deal of money: so that I see the most ingenious men may sometimes be mistaken.

Note 1. At the end of the year 1666 a Dutchman of the Prince of Orange's party, named Kiviet (age 41), came over to England with proposals for embanking the river from the Temple [Map] to the Tower with brick, and was knighted by the King (age 38). He was introduced to Evelyn, whom he persuaded to join with him in a great undertaking for the making of bricks. On March 26th, 1667, the two went in search of brick-earth, and in September articles were drawn up between them for the purpose of proceeding in the manufacture. In April, 1668, Evelyn subscribed 50,000 bricks for the building of a college for the Royal Society, in addition to £50 given previously for the same purpose. No more information on the subject is given in Evelyn's "Diary".

John Evelyn's Diary. 23 Sep 1680. Came to my house some German strangers and Signor Pietro, a famous musician, who had been long in Sweden in Queen Christina's (age 53) Court; he sung admirably to a guitar, and had a perfect good tenor and bass, and had set to Italian composure many of Abraham Cowley's pieces which showed extremely well. He told me that in Sweden the heat in some part of summer was as excessive as the cold in winter; so cold, he affirmed, that the streets of all the towns are desolate, no creatures stirring in them for many months, all the inhabitants retiring to their stoves. He spoke high things of that romantic Queen's learning and skill in languages, the Majesty (age 50) of her behavior, her exceeding wit, and that the histories she had read of other countries, especially of Italy and Rome, had made her despise her own. That the real occasion of her resigning her crown was the nobleman's importuning her to marry, and the promise which the Pope had made her of procuring her to be Queen of Naples, which also caused her to change her religion; but she was cheated by his crafty Holiness,43 working on her ambition; that the reason of her killing her secretary at Fontainebleau, was, his revealing that intrigue with the Pope. But, after all this, I rather believe it was her mad prodigality and extreme vanity, which had consumed those vast treasures the great Adolphus, her father, had brought out of Germany during his [campaigns] there and wonderful successes; and that, if she had not voluntarily resigned, as foreseeing the event, the Estates of her kingdom would have compelled her to do so.

John Evelyn's Diary. 23 Sep 1683. There was this day a collection for rebuilding Newmarket, consumed by an accidental fire, which removing his Majesty (age 53) thence sooner than was intended, put by the assassins, who were disappointed of their rendezvous and expectation by a wonderful providence. This made the King more earnest to render Winchester the seat of his autumnal field diversions for the future, designing a palace there, where the ancient castle stood; infinitely indeed preferable to Newmarket for prospects, air, pleasure, and provisions. The surveyor has already begun the foundation for a palace, estimated to cost £35,000, and his Majesty is purchasing ground about it to make a park, etc.

Combermere Papers. In 1685 Sir Robert (age 50) was committed to the Tower [Map] on a charge of treasonable correspondence with the Electress Sophia (age 54). The following is a copy of the warrant for his committal:

Robert Earl of Sunderland Baron Spencer & c & c

These are in His Majesty's name to authorize and require you to receive into your custodie the bodie of Sir Robert Cotton of Cheshire herewith sent to you for dangerous and treasonable practices !Keep him safe and close till he be discharged by due course of law for which this shall be your warrant.

Given at the Court at Windsor the 23rd daye of September 1685

SUNDERLAND [Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland (age 44)]

To the Lieutenant of the Tower

John Evelyn's Diary. 23 Sep 1700. I went to visit Mr. Pepys (age 67) at Clapham, Surrey, where he has a very noble and wonderfully well-furnished house, especially with Indian and Chinese curiosities. The offices and gardens well accommodated for pleasure and retirement.

On 23 Sep 1713 Ferdinand VI King Spain was born to Philippe V King Spain (age 29) and Maria Luisa Savoy (age 25) at the Royal Alcázar of Madrid. He a great x 2 grandson of King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland. Coefficient of inbreeding 5.82%.

On 23 Sep 1779 John Mosley 3rd Baronet (age 73) died. Baronet Mosley of Rolleston in Staffordshire extinct. Memorial at St Mary's Church, Rolleston on Dove [Map].

John Mosley 3rd Baronet: In or after 1706 he was born to Oswald Mosley 1st Baronet and Elizabeth Thornhaugh. On 26 Feb 1757 Oswald Mosley 2nd Baronet died. His brother John Mosley 3rd Baronet succeeded 3rd Baronet Mosley of Rolleston in Staffordshire. In 1777 he was appointed Rector of St Mary's Church, Rolleston on Dove.

On 23 Sep 1880 George Henry Cavendish (age 70) died in Ashford Hall [Map]. He was buried in the Cavendish Plot, St Peter's Church, Edensor [Map].

George Henry Cavendish: George Henry Cavendish and Louisa Lascelles were married. She the daughter of Henry Lascelles 2nd Earl Harewood and Henrietta Sebright Countess Harewood. On 19 Aug 1810 he was born to William Cavendish and Louisa Ocallaghan.

Diary of WEV Young. 23 Sep 1930. Pages 129-131.

Mr Gray (age 58) called me into the hut at five o’clock and paid me off, remarking as he did so that funds this time were very short (I hope he will get enough for his own "honorarium"). Mrs Gray (age 55) also joined in with a few well chosen remarks, plainly intended for my edification, although addressed to her spouse – "Really dear: I cannot keep on making up the expenses of the excavations, my purse will not allow it. I had to make up five pounds for the Ham Hill work." … In the presence of Sir Joseph and Lady Bowley, I listened meekly to all this … behaving myself with that gruelling humility one should do, in the presence of their superiors, then touching my ragged cap I backed away, and took my leave.

Births on the 23rd September

On 23 Sep 1383 Mary Talbot was born to Richard Talbot 7th Baron Strange Blackmere 4th Baron Talbot (age 22) and Ankaret Strange 7th Baroness Strange Blackmere, Baroness Talbot (age 22) at Hatford, Cheshire. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Edward I of England.

On 23 Sep 1434 Yolande Valois Duchess Savoy was born to Charles "Victorious" VII King France (age 31) and Marie Valois Anjou Queen Consort France (age 29). Coefficient of inbreeding 3.89%.

On 23 Sep 1571 Christine Wittelsbach was born to William Wittelsbach V Duke Bavaria (age 22) and Renata Lorraine Duchess Bavaria (age 27). Coefficient of inbreeding 2.86%.

After 23 Sep 1632 Elizabeth Wharton Countess Lindsey was born to Philip Wharton 4th Baron Wharton (age 19) and Elizabeth Wandesford Baroness Wharton (age 19).

On 23 Sep 1691 John Tufton was born to Thomas Tufton 6th Earl of Thanet (age 47) and Catherine Cavendish Countess Isle Thanet (age 26).

On 23 Sep 1703 Sophia Von Keilmansegg Viscountess Howe was born to Johan Adolf Von Kielmansegg (age 34) and Sophia Charlotte Hanover Countess of Darlington and Leinster (age 28).

On 23 Sep 1713 Ferdinand VI King Spain was born to Philippe V King Spain (age 29) and Maria Luisa Savoy (age 25) at the Royal Alcázar of Madrid. He a great x 2 grandson of King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland. Coefficient of inbreeding 5.82%.

On 23 Sep 1749 Watkin Williams-Wynn 4th Baronet was born to Watkin Williams-Wynn 3rd Baronet (age 57) and Frances Shackerley Lady Williams-Wynn (age 28).

On 23 Sep 1773 Mary Copley was born to John Singleton Copley (age 35).

On 23 Sep 1781 Juliane Anna Feodorovna Saxe Coburg Gotha was born to Francis Saxe Coburg Gotha I Duke Saxe Coburg Gotha (age 31) and Augusta Reuss Duchess Saxe Coburg Gotha (age 24).

On 23 Sep 1781 George Baring was born to Francis Baring 1st Baronet (age 41) and Harriet Herring Lady Baring (age 31). He was baptised on 24 Oct 1781 at St Gabriel's Church.

On 23 Sep 1783 Johnathan Frederick Pollock 1st Baronet was born.

On 23 Sep 1801 Richard Williams-Bulkeley 10th Baronet was born to Robert Williams 9th Baronet (age 37) and Anne Hughes.

On 23 Sep 1845 René de Saint-Marceaux was born at Reims.

On 23 Sep 1907 Frederick Cambridge was born to Adolphus Cambridge Duke Teck (age 39) and Margaret Evelyn Grosvenor Duchess Teck (age 34) at Vienna [Map]. He a great x 2 grandson of King George III of Great Britain and Ireland.

On 23 Sep 1928 Sarah Gray Stuart was born to Francis Douglas Stuart 18th Earl of Moray (age 36).

On 23 Sep 1929 James George Alexander Bannerman Carnegie 3rd Duke of Fife was born to Charles Alexander Carnegie 11th Earl of Southesk (age 36) and Princess Maud Duff Countess Southesk (age 36). He a great grandson of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom.

Marriages on the 23rd September

On 23 Sep 1454 Charles Artois Count of Eu (age 60) and Helen Melun Countess Eu (age 84) were married. She by marriage Countess Eu. The difference in their ages was 24 years; she, unusually, being older than him. He the son of Philip Artois Count of Eu and Marie Valois I Duchess Auverge. He a great x 4 grandson of King Henry III of England.

On 23 Sep 1584 Robert Sidney 1st Earl of Leicester (age 20) and Barbara Gamage Countess Leicester (age 21) were married. She her father's heir to his considerable fortune. He, the father, had died some twenty-five days before. The marriage took place apparently against the wishes of Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 51).

On 23 Sep 1632 Philip Wharton 4th Baron Wharton (age 19) and Elizabeth Wandesford Baroness Wharton (age 19) were married. She by marriage Baroness Wharton.

On 23 Sep 1731 Robert Smyth of Isfield 2nd Baronet (age 22) and Louisa Carolina Isabella Hervey (age 16) were married. She the daughter of John Hervey 1st Earl Bristol (age 66) and Elizabeth Felton Countess Bristol (age 54).

On 23 Sep 1751 John Howe 2nd Baron Chedworth (age 37) and Martha Parker (age 35) were married.

On 23 Sep 1757 Joseph Moyle aka Copley 1st Baronet (age 42) and Mary Buller Lady Copley (age 30) were married.

On 23 Sep 1792 Charles Talbot 15th Earl of Shrewsbury (age 39) and Elizabeth Hoey Countess Shrewsbury and Waterford were married.

On 23 Sep 1845 Frederick Hervey-Bathurst 3rd Baronet (age 38) and Clare Emily Brooke were married.

On 23 Sep 1868 Walter Stafford Northcote 2nd Earl Iddesleigh (age 23) and Elizabeth Lucy Meysey-Thompson (age 24) were married. He the son of Stafford Henry Northcote 1st Earl Iddesleigh (age 49) and Cecilia Frances Farrer Countess Iddesleigh.

Deaths on the 23rd September

On 23 Sep 1390 John Metz I Duke Lorraine (age 44) died. His son Charles Metz II Duke Lorraine (age 26) succeeded II Duke Lorraine.

On 23 Sep 1448 Adolph La Marck I Duke Cleves (age 75) died.

On 23 Sep 1459 John Sutton 1st Baron Dudley (age 58) attempted to ambush John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu (age 28) at Blore Heath, Staffordshire [Map] whilst he was travelling to Ludlow [Map] to join up with the main Yorkist army; the Battle of Blore Heath. Forewarned by scouts he arranged his troops into battle order. The Yorkist army included John Conyers (age 48), Thomas Harrington (age 59), James Harrington (age 29), Richard Neville Earl Salisbury (age 59), William Stanley (age 24), Roger Kynaston of Myddle and Hordley (age 26), John Savile, Walter Strickland (age 48) and John Wenlock 1st Baron Wenlock (age 59).

The Lancastrian army included brothers John Dutton, Thomas Dutton (age 38) and Peter Dutton who were killed.

James Tuchet 5th Baron Audley, 2nd Baron Tuchet (age 61) was killed by Roger Kynaston of Myddle and Hordley. His son John Tuchet 6th Baron Audley, 3rd Baron Tuchet (age 33) succeeded 6th Baron Audley of Heighley in Staffordshire, 3rd Baron Tuchet. Anne Echingham Baroness Audley Heighley (age 39) by marriage Baroness Audley of Heighley in Staffordshire, Baroness Audley of Heighley in Staffordshire.

John Sutton 1st Baron Dudley and Edmund Sutton (age 34) were captured. Lionel Welles 6th Baron Welles (age 53) fought.

Richard Molyneux of Sefton was killed.

John Egerton (age 55) was killed.

After the battle Margaret of Anjou Queen Consort England (age 29) took refuge at Eccleshall Castle, Staffordshire [Map].

After the battle Thomas Harrington, John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu and Thomas Neville (age 29) were captured at Acton Bridge, Tarporley [Map] and imprisoned at Chester Castle [Map] having been detached from the main Yorkist force.

William Troutbeck (age 23) was killed.

Click to read complete text ...

On 23 Sep 1461 Charles "Viana" IV King Navarre (age 40) died. His sister Blanche Trastámara II Queen Navarre (age 37) succeeded II Queen Navarre.

On 23 Sep 1571 Bishop John Jewel (age 49) died at Monkton Farleigh, Wiltshire. He was buried at Salisbury Cathedral [Map].

On 23 Sep 1623 Samuel Peyton 1st Baronet (age 32) died. His son Thomas Peyton 2nd Baronet (age 10) succeeded 2nd Baronet Peyton of Knowlton in Kent.

On 23 Sep 1625 John Leventhorpe 1st Baronet (age 65) died. His son Thomas Leventhorpe 2nd Baronet (age 33) succeeded 2nd Baronet Leventhorpe of Shingey Hall in Hertfordshire.

On 23 Sep 1655 Elizabeth Vernon Countess Southampton (age 83) died at Hodnet, Shropshire.

On 23 Sep 1695 Frances Pierrepont Duchess Newcastle upon Tyne (age 65) died.

On 23 Sep 1744 Susannah Hanmer Lady Bunbury (age 68) died.

On 23 Sep 1747 Henrietta Nassau 2nd Countess Cowper (age 34) died.

On 23 Sep 1779 John Mosley 3rd Baronet (age 73) died. Baronet Mosley of Rolleston in Staffordshire extinct. Memorial at St Mary's Church, Rolleston on Dove [Map].

John Mosley 3rd Baronet: In or after 1706 he was born to Oswald Mosley 1st Baronet and Elizabeth Thornhaugh. On 26 Feb 1757 Oswald Mosley 2nd Baronet died. His brother John Mosley 3rd Baronet succeeded 3rd Baronet Mosley of Rolleston in Staffordshire. In 1777 he was appointed Rector of St Mary's Church, Rolleston on Dove.

On 23 Sep 1842 Henry Roper-Curzon 15th Baron Teynham (age 53) died without issue. His brother George Henry Roper-Curzon 16th Baron Teynham (age 44) succeeded 16th Baron Teynham of Teynham in Kent.

On 23 Sep 1842 Maria Digby Countess Ilchester died.

On 23 Sep 1851 Sophia Sherard Lady Whichcote (age 55) died.

On 23 Sep 1856 Jane Cornwallis Baroness Braybrook (age 57) died.

On 23 Sep 1900 John Croker Barrow 3rd Baronet (age 67) died. His son Francis Barrow 4th Baonet (age 38) succeeded 4th Baronet Barrow of Ulverstone in Lancashire.

On 23 Sep 1919 John Henry Kennaway 3rd Baronet (age 82) died. His son John Kennaway 4th Baronet (age 40) succeeded 4th Baronet Kennaway of Hyderabad.

On 23 Sep 1926 Katherine Louisa Phipps Countess Ellesmere (age 76) died.

On 23 Sep 1996 Stuart Piggott (age 86) died.

On 23 Sep 2011 Elizabeth Mather-Jackson Viscountess Cowdray died.