On this Day in History ... 25th December

Flowers of History. Before 25th December 1066. William, Duke of Normandy (age 38), proceeded to the city of London, was received with great exultation by both clergy and people, and was proclaimed king by universal acclamation, and on the day of the birth of our Lord he received the crown of the kingdom of England from Aeldred, archbishop of York. For he refused to accept the office of consecration from Stigand archbishop of Canterbury, although of ancient right that solemn office is known to belong to that see, because he had no legal right to occupy that pre-eminent dignity. Then, haying received homage and the oath of fealty, and hostages likewise, from the nobles, and being confirmed in his kingdom, be became the terror of all those who had aspired to the kingdom. And having arranged his affairs in the different cities and castles, and having placed his own servants in them, he sailed back to Normandy [Map] with the English hostages, and with inestimable treasures. And, when he put the hostages in prison, and committed them to the custody of safe keepers, he returned again to England, where he distributed with a liberal hand the estates and possessions of the Epglish among his Norman comrades who had helped him to subdue the country in the battle of Hastings; expelling all the legitimate owners successively, and becoming a tyrant rather than a king, he burdened the little that remained to them with the yoke of perpetual slavery. And when he saw himself now raised to such a lofty dignity, and confirmed in his proud kingdom, he became rapidly changed into another man; and, alas! alas! trampled under foot the nobles of the land, whom their hereditary blood had elevated from the times of old. And the nobles of the kingdom being indignant at this, fled, some of them to Malcolm, king of Scotland (age 35), others, preferring to end their unhappy lives rather than to endure a shameful slavery, sought the desert places and woods, and there living the life of wild beasts, and repenting of having made submission to the Normans, and being weighed down as to their inmost hearts with violent grief, though it was now too late, had recourse to the only hope left them, and prepared secret plots and intrigues. But the noble counts, the brothers Edwin and Morcar, and many other nobles, and many also of the bishops and clergy and many others, whom it would take too long to enumerate by name, when they saw that theirs was the weaker side, and as they disdained to become slaves, abandoned England altogether.

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Chronicon ex Chronicis by Florence and John of Worcester. The feast of our Lord's Nativity approaching, he marched the whole army to London that he might be proclaimed king there; and as Stigand, the primate of all England, lay under the censure of the apostolical pope for not having obtained the pall canonically, he was anointed by Aldred, archbishop of York, with great ceremony, at Westminster, on Christmas-day [25th December 1066], which that year fell on a Monday; having first, as the archbishop required, sworn before the altar of St. Peter the apostle, in the presence of the clergy and people, to protect the holy churches of God and their governors, and to rule the whole nation subject to him with justice and kingly providence, to make and maintain just laws, and straitly to forbid every sort of rapine and all unrighteous judgements.

History of the Dukes of Normandy by William of Jumieges. At length, seeing that they could no longer stand against him, the Londoners gave hostages and submitted themselves and all their possessions to the noble victor. Thus, in the year of the Lord's Incarnation 1066, William, Duke of the Normans, whom our words are insufficient to praise, won, as has been said above, a noble triumph over the English. Then, on Christmas Day [1066], he was chosen king by the lords of both Normans and English alike, anointed with holy oil by the bishops of the realm, and crowned with the royal diadem. The place where the battle was fought, as said above, is to this day called Battle. Thereafter, King William built there a monastery in honour of the Holy Trinity, and he established monks and the rule of the great monastery of Saint Martin of Tours, and he endowed it richly with the necessary resources for [prayers for] those slain of both sides.

Videntes demum Lundonii se diutius contra stare non posse, datis obsidibus, sc suaque omnia nobilissimo victori supposucre. Anno itaque ab Incarnatione Domini 1066 Willelmus, Northmannorum dux, quem stylus noster extollere non sufficit, nobile tropæum, ut supra dictum est, ex Anglis confecit. Deinde, in die Natalis Domini ab omnibus tam Northmannorum quam Anglorum proceribus rex est electus et sacro oleo ab episcopis regni delibutus, atque regali diademate coronatus. Locus vero ubi, sicut supra diximus, pugnatum est, exinde Bellum usque hodie vocatur. Porro, Willelmus rex ibi cœnobium in honore sanctæ Trinitatis construxit et monachos ac ordinem Majoris Monasterii Sancti Martini Turonensis statuit atque necessariis opibus pro interfectis utriusque partis affatim ditavit.

Note 1. Chronicon ex Chronicis: "The feast of our Lord's Nativity approaching, he marched the whole army to London that he might be proclaimed king there; and as Stigand, the primate of all England, lay under the censure of the apostolical pope for not having obtained the pall canonically, he was anointed by Aldred, archbishop of York, with great ceremony, at Westminster, on Christmas-day, which that year fell on a Monday; having first, as the archbishop required, sworn before the altar of St. Peter the apostle, in the presence of the clergy and people, to protect the holy churches of God and their governors, and to rule the whole nation subject to him with justice and kingly providence, to make and maintain just laws, and straitly to forbid every sort of rapine and all unrighteous judgements."

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Flowers of History. 25th December 1066. William (age 38) was consecrated king, and crowned on the day of the Nativity of our Lord, on the second day of the week, by Ealdred, archbishop of York, as I have said before, because Stigand, archbishop of Canterbury, had been suspended by pope Alexander (age 56) as a schismatic. At that time there was a very powerful officer, Eadric, surnamed Silvaticus, the son of Aelfric, the son of Edric Streona; and the chatelains of Hereford, and Richard, the son of Scrob, frequently laid waste his territories, because he disdained to submit to the king, but, as often as they attacked him they lost a great number of their soldiers and men-at-arms. Therefore Edric invited Bleothwin and Biwathe, kings of Wales, to come to his assistance; and, about the day of The Assumption of the blessed Virgin, he laid waste the province of Hereford, as far as the bridge over the river Wye, and carried off a large booty.

Christmas Court

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 25th December 1100. In this year at Christmas held the King Henry (age 32) his court in Westminster, and at Easter in Winchester, Hampshire [Map]. And soon thereafter were the chief men in this land in a conspiracy against the king; partly from their own great infidelity, and also through the Earl Robert (age 49) of Normandy, who with hostility aspired to the invasion of this land.

On 25th December 1100 Baldwin I King Jerusalem (age 42) was crowned I King Jerusalem.

Coronation of Eleanor of Aquitaine as Queen Consort Franks

On 25th December 1137 Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England (age 15) was crowned Queen Consort Franks.

Abergavenny Massacre

Around 25th December 1175, Christmas, William de Braose 4th Baron Bramber (age 31) invited the local Welsh nobles to his Christmas court at Abergavenny Castle [Map] as an act of reconciliation. Seisyll ap Dyfnwal Gwent and his elder son Geoffrey Gwent were murdered. William de Braose 4th Baron Bramber and his men then rode to Seisyll's home. There his younger son Cadwalladr Gwent (age 7) was murdered and his wife captured.

Capture of Richard I

Around 25th December 1192 King Richard "Lionheart" I of England (age 35) was captured near Vienna [Map] by Leopold V Duke of Austria (age 35) who blamed Richard for the death of his cousin Conrad of Montferrat. Further, Richard had offended Leopold by casting down his standard from the walls of Acre. Leopold imprisoned Richard at Dürnstein Castle [Map]. Leopold was excommunicated by Pope Celestine III for having imprisoned a crusader. He, Richard, had travelled from Aquileia [Map] which suggests he was taking an easterly route around the Alps rather than travelling westerly through Lombardy, or across the Alps, both of which would have been shorter.

The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy

The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.

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On 25 or 26th December 1251 King Alexander III of Scotland (age 10) and Margaret Queen of Scotland (age 11) were married at York Minster [Map]. She by marriage Queen Consort Scotland. The couple remained in York until Jan 1252 after which they travelled to Edinburgh. She the daughter of King Henry III of England (age 44) and Eleanor of Provence Queen Consort England (age 28). He the son of King Alexander II of Scotland and Marie Coucy (age 33). They were half fourth cousins. He a great x 3 grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.

Antony Bek Enthroned as Bishop of Durham

On 25th December 1285 Bishop Antony Bek (age 40) was enthroned at Durham Cathedral [Map].

Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke [-1360]. During the following Nativity of the Savior, the king, having celebrated Christmas at Cirencester, gathered an army and marched toward the Welsh Marches. On his way, he turned toward Gloucester, which had been occupied by certain barons prepared for rebellion. From there, he advanced through Worcester to Bridgnorth [Map],¹ where the castle was defended for some time but was ultimately taken by the king through a vigorous assault. Some of the castellans were killed, while others fled and were outlawed, with their possessions confiscated wherever they were found within the king's domain. Afterward, as the king proceeded to Shrewsbury, both Roger Mortimers [Roger de Mortimer of Wigmore and his namesake] submitted themselves to the reverence and peace of the royal majesty, upon which the king had them sent to the custody of the Tower of London. Maurice de Berkeley and Hugo de Audley, who had also surrendered to the king in the same manner as the Mortimers, were imprisoned in Wallingford Castle. The Earl of Hereford, Gilbert Talbot, Roger Damory, and all their allies withdrew to the Earl of Lancaster, who was awaiting them in the northern region.

In sequenti Nativitate Salvatoris rex, Cirencestrie celebrato Natali, cum exercitu collecto tendens in marchiam Wallie, declinavit Gloverniam, per quosdam barones paratos rebellioni ocupatam, per Wigorniam ad Briggenorthe dirigens exercitum, ubi, castro per tempus aliquot defenso set tandem per regem viriliter expugnato, castellanorum quibusdam occisis, quosdam fugatos utlagiavit et eorum possessiones ubicumque in suo regno repertas confiscavit. Exinde Salopiam rege progresso, uterque Rogerus de Mortuo mari ad reverenciam et pacem regie magestatis se offerebat, quos turris Londoniarum custodie rex transmisit. Mauricium vero de Berkleye et Hugonem Daudeleye, ad instar illorum de Mortuo mari regi subiectos, castro Walingfordie destinavit. Comes Herefordie, Gilbertus Talbot, Rogerus Damori, et omnes alii eiis aderentes ad comitem Lancastrie, in plaga boriali ipsos expectantem, se transtulerunt.

Note 1. Edward was at Worcester on the 4th January 1322. Bridgnorth was burnt by the barons' party. The king reached Shrewsbury in the middle of the month.

On 25th December 1322 James "The Just" II King Aragon (age 55) and Elisenda Montcada Queen Consort Aragon were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Aragon. He the son of Peter III King Aragon and Constance Hohenstaufen Queen Consort Aragon.

Coronation of Edward III

Froissart Book 1: 1307-1340. [25th December 1326] 21. As it had been agreed by the highest barons and the councils of the good towns, so it was done. The young King Edward was crowned with the royal crown in the palace at Westminster, near London — he who would later be so fortunate and glorious in arms. This took place in the year of grace 1326, on Christmas Day. He was then about sixteen years old, and he turned sixteen at the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul (25th January). There, the noble knight Sir John of Hainault was greatly honored and served by all the princes, nobles, and commoners of the realm. He and all the companions who had remained with him were given great and very rich gifts. Afterward, he and his companions stayed on, enjoying great feasts and festivities held by the lords and ladies present, until the day of the Epiphany (Feast of the Three Kings), when he heard that the King of Bohemia, the Count of Hainault (his brother), and a great number of French lords were preparing to gather at Condé-sur-l'Escaut for a tournament that had been announced there.

21. Ensi que acordé fu par les plus haus barons et par les consaulz des bonnes villes, fu il fait. Et fu adonc couronnés de couronne royal, ens ou palais de Wesmoustier, dalés Londres, li jones rois Edowars, qui tant fu de puis ewireus et fortunés en armes. Ce fu l'an de grasce Nostre Signeur mil trois cens vingt et sis, le jour dou Noel. Et pooit avoir adonc environ seize ans; il les eut à le Conversion saint Pol. Et là fu très grandement servis et honnourés li gentilz chevaliers messires Jehans de Haynau de tous les princes et de tous les nobles et non nobles dou pays. Et là [lui] [] furent donnet grans joiaus et très rices, et à tous les compagnons qui demoret estoient dalés lui. Et demora de puis il et si compagnon, en grandes festes et en grans solas des signeurs et des dames qui là estoient, jusques au jour des Trois Rois que il oy dire que li rois de Behagne, li contes de Haynau, ses frères, et grant plenté de signeurs de France se ordonnoient, pour estre à Condet sour Escaut, à un tournoi qui là estoit criés.

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Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke [-1360]. In the same year [1333], the king celebrated the feast of the Nativity of Christ at Wallingford with the queen, who was pregnant and later gave birth to their daughter Isabella (age 1) at Woodstock.¹ The king, having gone to York, held a parliament² which began on the Monday in the second week of Lent. Although the King of Scotland by conquest had been invited, he did not attend, but sent formal representatives in his place, namely, the Earls Henry de Beaumont and William de Montagu (age 32), along with certain other barons and knights, who explained to the king that the said Edward, King of Scotland by conquest, could not come to his presence without great peril and resistance from the Scots still hiding out in the islands.

Eodem anno rex celebravit festum Nativitatis Christi apud Walingford cum regina pregnante, que postmodum apud Wodestok peperit filiam suam Isabellam. Rex vero, profectus Eboracum, tenuit parliamentum, die Lune in secunda ebdomada Quadragesime incoatum; ad quod rex Scocie conquestor, licet invitatus, non accessit, set misit pro ipso excusatores solempnes, scilicet Henricum de Bello monte et Willelmum de Monte acuto comites, et quosdam alios barones et milites, qui nunciarunt regi Edwardum predictum Scocie conquestorem non sine grandi periculo atque resistencia contra Scotos in insulis latitantes ad eius presenciam posse accedere.

Note 1. Other sources have Isabella being born on 16th June 1332 at Woodstock Palace.

Note 2. The parliament of York sat from the 21st February to the 2nd March 1333.

John II King Castile Succeeds

On 25th December 1406 Henry III King Castile (age 27) died. His son John (age 1) succeeded II King Castile.

On 25th December 1424 Margaret Stewart Dauphine of France was born to King James I of Scotland (age 30) and Joan Beaufort Queen Consort Scotland (age 20) at Perth [Map]. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Edward III of England. She married 25th June 1436 her half fourth cousin once removed King Louis XI of France, son of Charles "Victorious" VII King France and Marie Valois Anjou Queen Consort France.

On 25th December 1461 Christina Queen Consort Denmark Norway and Sweden was born to Ernest Elector Saxony (age 20) and Elisabeth Wittelsbach Electress of Saxony (age 18). She married 6th September 1478 John King of Denmark Norway and Sweden and had issue.

On 25th December 1483 King Henry VII of England and Ireland (age 26) promised to marry Elizabeth York Queen Consort England (age 17) at a ceremony in Rennes Cathedral [Map].

On 25th December 1495 David Lindsay 1st Duke Montrose (age 55) died. Duke Montrose had been granted for life only and was, therefore, extinct. His son John succeeded 6th Earl Crawford.

Chronicle of Edward Hall [1496-1548]. 25th December 1537. The Kinges Majesty (age 46) kept his Christmas at Greenwich in his mourning apparel, and so was all the Court till the morrow after Candlemas day, and then he and all other changed.

The Life and Death of Llewelly Jewitt Chapter 7. In 1838, soon after he [Llewellynn Jewitt] had attained his majority, he went up to London, to join Fairholt in the work of illustrating the leading popular literature of the day, both by drawing and engraving, under the famous Stephen Sly, for Charles Knight and others. After a few months thus spent he found himself in a position to marry the truly charming young lady of his choice, Elizabeth Sage, whom he had left behind at Derby. His diligence in business was very great, and to save working time it was arranged that the wedding should take place in Derby on Christmas Day of that same year, 1838, and on that same day they started back from Derby, travelling all night — a bitterly cold night — to their London home.

On 25th December 1584 Margaret of Austria Queen Consort Spain was born to Charles Habsburg Spain II Archduke Austria (age 44) and Maria Anna Wittelsbach (age 33) at Graz. Coefficient of inbreeding 13.84%. She married 18th April 1599 her first cousin once removed Philip III King Spain, son of Philip "The Prudent" II King Spain and Anna of Austria Queen Consort Spain, and had issue.

Baptism of Prince Charles

On 25th December 1600 Alexander Livingston 1st Earl Linlithgow was created 1st Earl Linlithgow on the occasion of the Baptism of Prince Charles.

Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes

Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.

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On 25th December 1601 Ernest "The Pious" Saxe Gotha I Duke Saxe Gotha was born to Johann Wettin II Duke Saxe Weimar (age 31) and Dorothea Maria Anhalt at Altenburg. He married 24th October 1636 his first cousin once removed Elisabeth Sophie Saxe Altenburg Duchess Saxe Gotha, daughter of Johann Philipp Wettin Duke Saxe Altenburg and Elisabeth of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel Duchess of Saxe-Altenburg, and had issue.

Prince Henry's Welcome at Winchester

Diary of Anne Clifford. Before 25th December 1603. Before Xmas my cousin Frances was sent for from Nonsuch to North Hall by reason that her Grace was to go from thence to be brought up with the Lady Harrington in the country. All this time we were merry at North Hall. My cousin Frances Bouchier (age 16) and my cousin Frances Russell and I did use to walk much in the garden and were great with one another. Now there was much talk of a masque which the Queen (age 29) had at Winchester and how all the ladies about the Court had gotten such ill names that it was grown a scandalous place, and the Queen herself was much fallen from her former greatness and reputation she had in the world.

Note 1. The Diary appears to pass at once from 1603 to 1616.

Diary of Anne Clifford. 25th December 1617. The 25th Christmas Day Mr [blank in MS.] preached in the Chapel and my Lord (age 28) and I dined below, there being great housekeeping all this Xmas at Dorset House.

On 25th December 1627 Vincenzo Gonzaga II Duke of Mantua (age 33) died.

Birth of Isaac Newton

On 25th December 1642 Isaac Newton was born to Isaac Newton and Hannah Ayscough posthumously at Woolsthorpe Manor [Map]. His father had died three months before Isaac was born.

On 25th December 1651 Pedro Manuel Colón 7th Duke Veragua was born at Madrid [Map].

John Evelyn's Diary. 25th December 1651. The King (age 21) and Duke (age 18) received the Sacrament first by themselves, the Lords Byron (age 52) and Wilmot (age 39) holding the long towel all along the altar.

John Evelyn's Diary. 25th December 1655. I went to London, where Dr. Wild preached the funeral sermon of Preaching, this being the last day; after which Cromwell's (age 56) proclamation was to take place, that none of the Church of England should dare either to preach, or administer Sacraments, teach schools, etc., on pain of imprisonment, or exile. So this was the most mournful day that in my life I had seen, or the Church of England herself, since the Reformation; to the great rejoicing of both Papist and Presbyter.54 So pathetic was his discourse, that it drew many tears from the auditory. Myself, wife (age 20), and some of our family, received the Communion, God make me thankful, who hath hitherto provided for us the food of our souls as well as bodies! The Lord Jesus pity our distressed Church, and bring back the captivity of Zion!

John Evelyn's Diary. 25th December 1657. I went to London with my wife (age 22), to celebrate Christmas-day, Mr. Gunning (age 43) preaching in Exeter chapel [Map], on Micah vii. 2. Sermon ended, as he was giving us the Holy Sacrament, the chapel was surrounded with soldiers, and all the communicants and assembly surprised and kept prisoners by them, some in the house, others carried away. It fell to my share to be confined to a room in the house, where yet I was permitted to dine with the master of it, the Countess of Dorset (age 35), Baroness Hatton (age 45), and some others of quality who invited me. In the afternoon, came Colonel Whalley, Goffe, and others, from Whitehall [Map], to examine us one by one; some they committed to the marshal [Map], some to prison. When I came before them, they took my name and abode, examined me why, contrary to the ordinance made, that none should any longer observe the superstitious time of the nativity (so esteemed by them), I durst offend, and particularly be at common prayers, which they told me was but the mass in English, and particularly pray for Charles Stuart (age 27); for which we had no Scripture. I told them we did not pray for Charles Stuart, but for all Christian kings, princes, and governors. They replied, in so doing we prayed for the king of Spain, too, who was their enemy and a Papist, with other frivolous and ensnaring questions, and much threatening; and, finding no color to detain me, they dismissed me with much pity of my ignorance. These were men of high flight and above ordinances, and spoke spiteful things of our Lord's nativity. As we went up to receive the Sacrament, the miscreants held their muskets against us, as if they would have shot us at the altar; but yet suffering us to finish the office of Communion, as perhaps not having instructions what to do, in case they found us in that action. So I got home late the next day; blessed be God!

On 25th December 1660 Charles Somerset Marquess Worcester was born to Henry Somerset 1st Duke Beaufort (age 31) and Mary Capell Duchess Beaufort (age 30). He married 6th June 1682 Rebecca Child Marchioness Worcester and had issue.

John Evelyn's Diary. 25th December 1660. Preached at the Abbey [Map], Dr. Earle (age 59), Clerk of his Majesty's Closet, and my dear friend, now Dean of Westminster Abbey, on Luke II 13, 14, condoling the breach made in the public joy by the lamented death of the Princess (deceased).

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25th December 1662. By and by down to the chappell again where Bishopp Morley (age 64) preached upon the song of the Angels, "Glory to God on high, on earth peace, and good will towards men". Methought he made but a poor sermon, but long, and reprehending the mistaken jollity of the Court for the true joy that shall and ought to be on these days, he particularized concerning their excess in plays and gaming, saying that he whose office it is to keep the gamesters in order and within bounds, serves but for a second rather in a duell, meaning the groom-porter. Upon which it was worth observing how far they are come from taking the reprehensions of a bishopp seriously, that they all laugh in the chappell when he reflected on their ill actions and courses. He did much press us to joy in these publique days of joy, and to hospitality. But one that stood by whispered in my ear that the Bishopp himself do not spend one groat to the poor himself. The sermon done, a good anthem followed, with vialls, and then the King (age 32) came down to receive the Sacrament.

Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall

The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.

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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 16th January 1665. To the office a while, then to supper and to bed. This afternoon Secretary Bennet (age 47) read to the Duke of Yorke (age 31) his letters, which say that Allen (age 53)¹ has met with the Dutch Smyrna fleet at Cales², and sunk one and taken three. How true or what these ships are time will show, but it is good newes and the newes of our ships being lost is doubted at dales and Malaga. God send it false!

Note 1. Among the State Papers is a letter from Captain Thomas Allin to Sir Richard Fanshaw (age 36), dated from "The Plymouth, Cadiz Bay", December 25th, 1664, in which he writes: "On the 19th attacked with his seven ships left, a Dutch fleet of fourteen, three of which were men-of- war; sunk two vessels and took two others, one a rich prize from Smyrna; the others retired much battered. Has also taken a Dutch prize laden with iron and planks, coming from Lisbon (Calendar, Domestic, 1664-65, p. 122).

Note 2. The old form of the name Cádiz.

On 25th December 1667 Melusine Schulenburg 1st Duchess Munster 1st Duchess Kendal was born at Emden, Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt.

On 25th December 1676 William Cavendish 1st Duke Newcastle upon Tyne (age 84) died at Welbeck Abbey, Nottinghamshire [Map]. He was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map]. His son Henry (age 46) succeeded 2nd Duke Newcastle upon Tyne, 2nd Earl Newcastle upon Tyne, 10th Baron Ogle.Frances Pierrepont Duchess Newcastle upon Tyne (age 46) by marriage Duchess Newcastle upon Tyne.

                    On 25th December 1744 Henry Brydges 2nd Duke Chandos (age 36) and Anne Wells Duchess Chandos were married at Keith's Chapel, Mayfair. She by marriage Duchess Chandos. Two versions of their meeting are related... He the son of James Brydges 1st Duke Chandos and Mary Lake.
                
                    Notes & Queries 1870 4th Series, Vol. 6, p.179: Lord Omery remarked, on 15th January 1745, "Of her person & character people speak variously, but all agree that both are very bad." He was speaking of Anne, Duchess of Chandos. She was the daughter of one John Wells of Newbury (& St. Marylebone) whose arms appear as azure, three fountains proper, on her hatchment at Keynsham Church. She was chambermaid at the Pelican Inn Newbury, and married to Jeffries the Ostler there. There is a story about the Duchess told by an old lady of Newbury, who was ten years old at the time. Henry Bridges, 2nd Duke of Chandos, while on his way to London, dined at the Pelican Inn in Newbury, with a companion (it has been claimed that the Inn was the Marlborough Castle, but this is incorrect). After dinner there was a stir and a bustle in the Inn Yard. The explanation came that "A man is going to sell his wife and they are leading her up the yard with a halter round her neck". "We will go and see the sale, " said the Duke. On entering the yard, however, he was so smitten with the woman's beauty and the patient way she waited to be set free from her ill‑conditioned husband, the Inn's ostler, that he bought her himself. She was his mistress for some years. In August 1738 his wife died, and by 1744 the ostler was dead also, and the two were finally married at Mr. Keith's Chapel, Mayfair on 25th December 1744.
                
                    The Gentleman's Magazine 1832. The Duke of Chandos, while staying at a small country inn, saw the ostler beating his wife in a most cruel manner; he interfered and literally bought her for half a crown. She was a young and pretty woman; the Duke had her educated; and on the husband's death he married her. On her death-bed, she had her whole household assembled, told them her history, and drew from it a touching moral of reliance on Providence; as from the most wretched situation, she had been suddenly raised to one of the greatest prosperity; she entreated their forgiveness if at any time she had given needless offence, and then dismissed them with gifts; dying almost in the very act.

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On 25th December 1767 Isabel Hixon died. She was buried at St Wilfrid's Church, Kirkharle [Map].

Isabel Hixon: Around 1667 she was born.

On 25th December 1794 Harry Powlett 6th Duke Bolton (age 74) died without male issue. Duke Bolton extinct. His third cousin once removed George (age 72) succeeded 12th Marquess Winchester, 12th Earl Wiltshire, 12th Baron St John. Martha Ingoldsby Marchioness Winchester by marriage Marchioness Winchester. Most of his estates including Bolton Castle [Map] were inherited by his elder brother's illegitimate daughter Jean Mary (age 43) whose husband Thomas Orde (age 54) added the surname Powlett to his own.

On 25th December 1806 Christiana Bacon was born to John "The Younger" Bacon (age 29) and Susanna Sophia Taylor (age 24). She married 10th July 1827 Reverend John Medley.

On 25th December 1807 Brownlow Cust 1st Baron Brownlow (age 63) died. His son John (age 28) succeeded 2nd Baron Brownlow of Belton in Lincolnshire, 5th Baronet Cust of Stamford in Lincolnshire, and inherited Belton House [Map]. Monument in St Peter and St Paul Church, Belton [Map] sculpted by Richard "The Elder" Westmacott (age 60).

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On 25th December 1809 Reverend Richard Kaye 6th Baronet (age 73) died. Baronet Kaye of Woodsome Hall in Yorkshire extinct.

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On 25th December 1850 Thomas Francis Dicksee (age 31) and Eliza Bernard (age 24) were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. His address given as 23 Howland Street, Fitzroy Square, hers as 4 Church Place.

Eliza Bernard: Around 1826 she was born to John Bernard. He, John, a Turner and Dishing Tackle Manufacturer according to her marriage certificate. In 1879 she died.

The History of William Marshal, Earl of Chepstow and Pembroke, Regent of England. Book 1 of 2, Lines 1-10152.

The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.

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On 25th December 1850 George Granville Campbell was born to George Douglas Campbell 8th Duke Argyll (age 27) and Elizabeth Georgiana Leveson-Gower Duchess Argyll. He married 9th May 1879 Sybil Lascelles Alexander.

On 25th December 1890 Archbishop William Thomson (age 71) died.

On 23rd December 1894 William Grosvenor 3rd Duke Westminster was born to Henry George Grosvenor (age 33) and Dora Mina Erskine-Wemyss (age 38). On 25th December 1894 his mother died from childbirth. He a great x 2 grandson of King William IV of the United Kingdom.

On 25th December 1901 Alice Christabel Montagu-Douglas-Scott Duchess Gloucester was born to John Scott 7th Duke Buccleuch 9th Duke Queensberry (age 37) and Margaret Alice "Molly" Bridgeman Duchess Buccleuch Duchess Queensbury (age 29). She married 6th November 1935 Henry Windsor 1st Duke Gloucester, son of King George V of the United Kingdom and Victoria Mary Teck Queen Consort England, and had issue.

On 25th December 1933 Walter William Ouless (age 85) died.

On 25th December 1936 Alexandra Windsor was born to Prince George Windsor 1st Duke Kent (age 34) and Princess Marina Glücksburg Duchess Kent (age 30). She a granddaughter of King George V of the United Kingdom. Coefficient of inbreeding 2.04%. She married 24th April 1963 Angus James Bruce Ogilvy, son of David Ogilvy 12th Earl of Airlie and Alexandra Bridget Coke Countess Airlie, and had issue.

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On 25th December 1962 All Saints' Church, Branston [Map] was damaged by fire. The Church was rehallowed on 17th March 1966.

On 25th December 1988 Edward Pelham-Clinton 10th Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyne (age 68) died. Duke Newcastle under Lyme extinct. His ninth cousin twice removed Edward (age 75) succeeded 18th Earl Lincoln.

Births on the 25th December

On 25th December 1281 Alice Lacy Countess Leicester, and Lancaster 5th Countess of Salisbury 5th Countess Lincoln was born to Henry Lacy 4th Earl Lincoln, Earl Salisbury (age 30) and Margaret Longespée 4th Countess of Salisbury and Lincoln at Denbigh Castle. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England. She married (1) 1294 her half second cousin twice removed Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln, son of Edmund "Crouchback" Plantagenet 1st Earl of Leicester 1st Earl Lancaster and Blanche Capet Queen Navarre (2) 1324 her second cousin twice removed Eubulus Strange, son of Roger Strange 5th Baron Strange Knockin and Aline Fitzalan Baroness Strange Knockin (3) 1336 Hugh de Freyne Earl of Lincoln and Salisbury.

On 25th December 1317 John Beaumont 2nd Baron Beaumont was born to Henry Beaumont Earl Buchan (age 38) and Alice Comyn Baroness Beaumont. He married 6th November 1330 his fourth cousin Eleanor Plantagenet Countess Arundel and Surrey, daughter of Henry Plantagenet 3rd Earl of Leicester 3rd Earl Lancaster and Maud Chaworth, and had issue.

Anne Boleyn. Her Life as told by Lancelot de Carle's 1536 Letter.

In 1536, two weeks after the execution of Anne Boleyn, her brother George and four others, Lancelot du Carle, wrote an extraordinary letter that described Anne's life, and her trial and execution, to which he was a witness. This book presents a new translation of that letter, with additional material from other contemporary sources such as Letters, Hall's and Wriothesley's Chronicles, the pamphlets of Wynkyn the Worde, the Memorial of George Constantyne, the Portuguese Letter and the Baga de Secrets, all of which are provided in Appendices.

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On 25th December 1321 William Zouche 2nd Baron Zouche Harringworth was born to Eudo Zouche (age 24). He married before 16th July 1334 his second cousin once removed Elizabeth Ros Baroness Zouche Harringworth, daughter of William Ros 2nd Baron Ros Helmsley and Margery Badlesmere Baroness Ros of Helmsley, and had issue.

On 25th December 1400 John Sutton 1st Baron Dudley was born to John Sutton 4th Baron Sutton (age 20) and Constance Blount Baroness Sutton Dudley (age 20) at Dudley Castle [Map]. He was baptised at Barton under Needlewood, Staffordshire. He married after 14th March 1420 Elizabeth Berkeley Baroness Cherleton Baroness Dudley and had issue.

On 25th December 1516 Richard Bertie Baron Willoughby was born to Thomas Bertie (age 36). He married after 1551 Catherine Willoughby Duchess Suffolk, daughter of William Willoughby 11th Baron Willoughby and Maria de Salinas Baroness Willoughby, and had issue.

On 25th December 1610 Charles Howard 3rd Earl Nottingham was born to Charles Howard 1st Earl Nottingham (age 74) and Margaret Stewart 1st Countess Nottingham (age 19). He married before 30th June 1627 Arabella Smith Countess Nottingham.

Birth of Isaac Newton

On 25th December 1642 Isaac Newton was born to Isaac Newton and Hannah Ayscough posthumously at Woolsthorpe Manor [Map]. His father had died three months before Isaac was born.

On 25th December 1650 Philippe Carteret 2nd Baronet was born to Philippe Carteret 1st Baronet (age 30) and Anne Dumaresq Baroness Carteret (age 23) at St Ouen Jersey. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.37%. He married 1676 Lady Elizabeth Carteret and had issue.

On 25th December 1651 Pedro Manuel Colón 7th Duke Veragua was born at Madrid [Map].

Memoires of Jacques du Clercq

This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.

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On 25th December 1667 Melusine Schulenburg 1st Duchess Munster 1st Duchess Kendal was born at Emden, Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt.

On 25th December 1682 Charles Willoughby 14th Baron Willoughby of Parham was born to Francis Willoughby.

On 25th December 1688 Christopher Musgrave 5th Baronet was born to Philip Musgrave (age 27) and Mary Legge. He married 1711 Julia Chardin and had issue.

On 25th December 1699 William Hervey was born to John Hervey 1st Earl Bristol (age 34) and Elizabeth Felton Countess Bristol (age 23).

On 25th December 1707 Joseph Hoare 1st Baronet was born to Edward Hoare (age 30). He married before 14th March 1745 Catherine Somerville and had issue.

On 25th December 1717 George Augustus Eliott 1st Baron Heathfield was born to Gilbert Eliott 3rd Baronet (age 37). He married 8th September 1748 Anne Pollexfen Drake, daughter of Francis Drake 4th Baronet and Anne Heathcote Lady Drake, and had issue.

On 25th December 1741 William Hesse-Kassel was born to Frederick Hesse-Kassel (age 21) and Mary Hanover (age 18). He a grandson of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland. He died aged less than one years old.

On 25th December 1744 John Parnell 2nd Baronet was born to John Parnell 1st Baronet (age 24) and Anne Ward Lady Parnell. He married 19th July 1774 his third cousin once removed Laetitia Charlotte Brooke, daughter of Arthur Brooke 1st Baronet and Margaret Fortescue, and had issue.

On 25th December 1749 Thomas Dashwood was born to James Dashwood 2nd Baronet (age 36) and Elizabeth Spencer Lady Dashwood (age 33). He married before 1791 Charlotte Auriol and had issue.

On 25th December 1750 Henry Lawson 6th Baronet was born to Henry Lawson 4th Baronet (age 38).

Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans

Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.

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On 25th December 1751 Martha Venables-Vernon was born to George Venables-Vernon 1st Baron Vernon (age 42) and Martha Harcourt Baroness Vernon of Kinderton (age 36).

On 25th December 1753 George Rodney 2nd Baron Rodney was born to George Brydges Rodney 1st Baron Rodney (age 35) and Jane Compton (age 23). He married 1781 Anne Harley Baroness Rodney and had issue.

On 25th December 1753 Thomas Villiers 2nd Earl Clarendon was born to Thomas Villiers 1st Earl Clarendon (age 44) and Charlotte Capell Countess Clarendon.

On 25th December 1755 Isabella Rachel Seymour-Conway was born to Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Marquess Hertford (age 37) and Isabella Fitzroy Countess Hertford (age 29). She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 25th December 1760 George Ashburnham 3rd Earl Ashburnham was born to John Ashburnham 2nd Earl Ashburnham (age 36) and Elizabeth Crowley Countess Ashburham. He married (1) 28th August 1784 his fourth cousin twice removed Sophia Thynne, daughter of Thomas Thynne 1st Marquess of Bath and Elizabeth Bentinck Marchioness Bath, and had issue (2) 25th July 1795 Charlotte Percy Countess Ashburham, daughter of Algernon Percy 1st Earl Beverley and Isabella Susan Burrell Countess Beverley, and had issue.

On 25th December 1761 Francis North 4th Earl Guildford was born to Frederick North 2nd Earl Guildford (age 29) and Anne Speke Countess Guilford (age 21).

On 25th December 1767 Henry Lascelles 2nd Earl Harewood was born to Edward Lascelles 1st Earl Harewood (age 27) and Anne Chaloner Baroness Harewood (age 25) at Stapleton Darrington. He married September 1794 Henrietta Sebright Countess Harewood and had issue.

On 25th December 1781 William Howard was born to Frederick Howard 5th Earl Carlisle (age 33) and Margaret Caroline Leveson-Gower Countess Carlisle.

On 25th December 1789 John Neville 3rd Earl Abergavenny was born to Henry Neville 2nd Earl Abergavenny (age 34) and Mary Robinson Countess Abergavenny (age 29).

On 25th December 1796 Charles George Perceval was born to Charles George Perceval 1st and 2nd Baron Arden (age 40) and Margaretta Elizabeth Wilson Baroness Arden (age 28). He married (1) 21st April 1829 Mary Knapp (2) 13th September 1842 Frances Agnes Trevelyan, daughter of Archdeacon George Trevelyan and Harriet Neave, and had issue.

Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses

Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.

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On 25th December 1799 Edwin Lascelles was born to Henry Lascelles 2nd Earl Harewood (age 32) and Henrietta Sebright Countess Harewood.

On 25th December 1806 Christiana Bacon was born to John "The Younger" Bacon (age 29) and Susanna Sophia Taylor (age 24). She married 10th July 1827 Reverend John Medley.

On 25th December 1808 George Thynne was born to Thomas Thynne 2nd Marquess of Bath (age 43) and Isabella Elizabeth Byng Marchioness Bath (age 35).

On 25th December 1830 Bishop John Gott was born to William Gott (age 33).

On 25th December 1834 Edward Cecil was born to Brownlow Cecil 2nd Marquess Exeter (age 39) and Frances Isabella Selina Poyntz Marchioness of Exeter (age 31).

On 25th December 1835 Henry Paget 4th Marquess Anglesey was born to Henry Paget 2nd Marquess Anglesey (age 38) and Henrietta Bagot Marchioness Anglesey. He married (1) 2nd February 1874 Blanche Mary Boyd and had issue (2) 26th June 1880 Mary Livingston "Minna" King Marchioness Anglesey.

On 25th December 1848 Edmund Antrobus 4th Baronet was born to Edmund Antrobus 3rd Baronet (age 30) and Marianne Georgiana Dashwood Lady Antrobus. He married 1886 Florence Caroline Mathilde Sartoris Lady Antrobus and had issue.

On 25th December 1849 Augusta Amelia Shirley Shirley was born to Washington Sewallis Shirley 9th Earl Ferrers (age 27) and Annabella Augusta Chichester Countess Ferrers. She married 19th August 1873 Archibald Palmer.

On 25th December 1854 Lieutenant-Colonel Gilbert Redvers Heathcote 8th Baronet was born to William Perceval Heathcote 6th Baronet (age 28). He married (1) 15th October 1891 his third cousin Pauline Trevelyan, daughter of Alfred Wilson Trevelyan 7th Baronet (2) 11th July 1901 Mabel Frances Silvertop Lady Heathcote.

On 25th December 1860 Frederick Arundell de la Pole 11th Baronet was born to William Edmund de la Pole 9th Baronet (age 44).

On 25th December 1870 Mary Kerr was born to Schomberg Henry Kerr Kerr 9th Marquess Lothian (age 37) and Victoria Alexandrina Montagu-Douglas-Scott Marchioness Lothian (age 26).

The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy

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On 25th December 1877 Henry Joseph Lawson 3rd Baronet was born to John Lawson 2nd Baronet (age 48). He married 22nd November 1899 Ursula Mary Howard and had issue.

On 25th December 1890 Christian Arthur Wellesley 4th Earl Cowley was born to Henry Arthur Mornington Wellesley 3rd Earl Cowley (age 24) and Violet Neville Countess Cowley (age 24).

On 25th December 1901 Vera Ruby Tyrwhitt 15th Baroness Berners was born to Major Rupert Tyrwhitt (age 42). She married 2nd August 1927 Harold Williams Baron Berners and had issue.

On 25th December 1905 Caryl Nicholas Hardinge 4th Viscount Hardinge was born to Henry Charles Hardinge 3rd Viscount Hardinge (age 48) and Mary Frances Neville Marchioness Abergavenny (age 36).

On 25th December 1908 Cynthia North was born to Frederick George North 8th Earl Guildford (age 32).

On 25th December 1916 Richard Edward Lygon was born to William Lygon 7th Earl Beauchamp (age 44) and Lettice Mary Elizabeth Grosvenor Countess Beauchamp (age 40).

On 25th December 1918 Valerie Mansfield Countess Macclesfield was born to Ralph Mansfield 4th Baron Sandhurst (age 26). She married 18th June 1938 George Parker 8th Earl Macclesfield, son of George Parker 7th Earl Macclesfield and Lilian Joanna Vere Boyle Countess Macclesfield, and had issue.

On 25th December 1928 John Roper-Curzon 20th Baron Teynham was born to Christopher John Roper-Curzon 19th Baron Teynham (age 32).

Marriages on the 25th December

The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy

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On 25th December 1357 John Sutton 2nd Baron Sutton (age 18) and Katherine Stafford Baroness Sutton Dudley (age 9) were married. She by marriage Baroness Sutton of Dudley. She the daughter of Ralph Stafford 1st Earl Stafford (age 56) and Margaret Audley Countess Stafford. They were half third cousin once removed. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Edward I of England.

On 25th December 1575 Archibald Douglas 8th Earl Angus 5th Earl Morton and Margaret Leslie Countess Angus and Morton (age 33) were married. She by marriage Countess Angus, Countess Morton. She the daughter of George Leslie 4th Earl Rothes. He the son of David Douglas 7th Earl Angus and Margaret Hamilton Countess Angus (age 50).

On 25th December 1577 Peregrine Bertie 13th Baron Willoughby (age 22) and Mary Vere Baroness Willoughby of Eresby were married. She the daughter of John de Vere 16th Earl of Oxford and Margery Golding Countess of Oxford. He the son of Richard Bertie Baron Willoughby (age 61) and Catherine Willoughby Duchess Suffolk (age 58).

On 25th December 1632 Baptist Noel 3rd Viscount Campden (age 21) and Anne Feilding were married. She the daughter of William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh (age 45) and Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh (age 49).

On 25th December 1688 Edmund Bacon 4th Baronet (age 16) and Philippa Bacon Lady Bacon were married. She by marriage Lady Bacon of Mildenhall in Suffolk. They were third cousins.

On 25th December 1704 John Tynte 2nd Baronet (age 21) and Jane Kemeys Lady Tynte (age 19) were married at St Michael's Church, Clapton-in-Gordano. She by marriage Lady Tynte of Halswell in Somerset.

                    On 25th December 1744 Henry Brydges 2nd Duke Chandos (age 36) and Anne Wells Duchess Chandos were married at Keith's Chapel, Mayfair. She by marriage Duchess Chandos. Two versions of their meeting are related... He the son of James Brydges 1st Duke Chandos and Mary Lake.
                
                    Notes & Queries 1870 4th Series, Vol. 6, p.179: Lord Omery remarked, on 15th January 1745, "Of her person & character people speak variously, but all agree that both are very bad." He was speaking of Anne, Duchess of Chandos. She was the daughter of one John Wells of Newbury (& St. Marylebone) whose arms appear as azure, three fountains proper, on her hatchment at Keynsham Church. She was chambermaid at the Pelican Inn Newbury, and married to Jeffries the Ostler there. There is a story about the Duchess told by an old lady of Newbury, who was ten years old at the time. Henry Bridges, 2nd Duke of Chandos, while on his way to London, dined at the Pelican Inn in Newbury, with a companion (it has been claimed that the Inn was the Marlborough Castle, but this is incorrect). After dinner there was a stir and a bustle in the Inn Yard. The explanation came that "A man is going to sell his wife and they are leading her up the yard with a halter round her neck". "We will go and see the sale, " said the Duke. On entering the yard, however, he was so smitten with the woman's beauty and the patient way she waited to be set free from her ill‑conditioned husband, the Inn's ostler, that he bought her himself. She was his mistress for some years. In August 1738 his wife died, and by 1744 the ostler was dead also, and the two were finally married at Mr. Keith's Chapel, Mayfair on 25th December 1744.
                
                    The Gentleman's Magazine 1832. The Duke of Chandos, while staying at a small country inn, saw the ostler beating his wife in a most cruel manner; he interfered and literally bought her for half a crown. She was a young and pretty woman; the Duke had her educated; and on the husband's death he married her. On her death-bed, she had her whole household assembled, told them her history, and drew from it a touching moral of reliance on Providence; as from the most wretched situation, she had been suddenly raised to one of the greatest prosperity; she entreated their forgiveness if at any time she had given needless offence, and then dismissed them with gifts; dying almost in the very act.

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Eliza Bernard: Around 1826 she was born to John Bernard. He, John, a Turner and Dishing Tackle Manufacturer according to her marriage certificate. In 1879 she died.

On 25th December 1861 Debonnaire John Monson 8th Baron Monson (age 31) and Augusta Louisa Caroline Ellis Baroness Monson (age 19) were married.

Deaths on the 25th December

Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses

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On 25th December 1147 Guy Montgomery II Count Ponthieu (age 27) died of disease whilst on Crusade. His son John (age 7) succeeded I Count Ponthieu.

On 25th December 1345 Margaret Mortimer Baroness Burford (age 50) died at Burford, Shropshire [Map].

On 25th December 1386 Roger Scales 4th Baron Scales (age 32) died. His son Robert (age 14) succeeded 5th Baron Scales.

John II King Castile Succeeds

On 25th December 1406 Henry III King Castile (age 27) died. His son John (age 1) succeeded II King Castile.

On 25th December 1462 William Zouche 5th Baron Zouche Harringworth (age 60) died. His son William (age 30) succeeded 6th Baron Zouche Harringworth.

On 25th December 1475 Elizabeth Howard Countess of Oxford (age 65) died at Stratford.

On 25th December 1486 John Barry 9th Baron Barry (age 51) was killed by Donogh MacCartie, Lord of Ealla. His son Thomas succeeded 10th Baron Barry.

On 25th December 1495 David Lindsay 1st Duke Montrose (age 55) died. Duke Montrose had been granted for life only and was, therefore, extinct. His son John succeeded 6th Earl Crawford.

On 25th December 1505 George Grey 2nd Earl Kent (age 51) died. His son Richard (age 24) succeeded 3rd Earl Kent, 6th Baron Grey of Ruthyn. Elizabeth Hussey Countess Kent by marriage Countess Kent.

On 25th December 1558 Elizabeth Capell Marchioness Winchester died.

On 25th December 1594 Gregory Fiennes 10th Baron Dacre Gilsland (age 55) died. He was buried at Chelsea Old Church. His sister Margaret (age 53) succeeded 11th Baroness Dacre Gilsland, 11th Baroness Multon of Gilsland. Samson Lennard Baron Dacre Gilsland (age 50) by marriage Baron Dacre Gilsland.

On 25th December 1627 Vincenzo Gonzaga II Duke of Mantua (age 33) died.

Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough

A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'

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On 25th December 1634 Lettice Knollys Countess Essex and Leicester (age 91) died. She was buried at the Beauchamp Chapel, St Mary's Church, Warwick [Map] with her husband Robert Dudley 1st Earl of Leicester - see Monument [Map] and Inscription [Map].

On 25th December 1677 Alice Moore Countess Clanbrassil died.

On 25th December 1717 Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers (age 67) died. His son Washington (age 40) succeeded 2nd Earl Ferrers, 8th Baronet Shirley of Staunton Harold in Leicestershire. Mary Levinge Countess Ferrers by marriage Countess Ferrers. His granddaughter Elizabeth (age 23) succeeded 15th Baroness Ferrers of Chartley.

On 25th December 1730 Henry Scott 1st Earl Deloraine (age 54) died. His son Francis (age 20) succeeded 2nd Earl Deloraine.

On 25th December 1732 William Paston 2nd Earl of Yarmouth (age 78) died. Earl of Yarmouth and Baronet Paston of Paston and Oxnead extinct.

On 25th December 1736 Louisa Carteret Viscountess Weymouth (age 24) died.

On 25th December 1749 John Lindsay 20th Earl of Crawford, 4th Earl Lindsay (age 47) died. His second cousin once removed George (age 26) succeeded 21st Earl Crawford, 5th Earl Lindsay.

On 25th December 1754 John Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Gower (age 60) died. His son Granville (age 33) succeeded 2nd Earl Gower, 3rd Baron Gower, 7th Baronet Gower of Stittenham in Yorkshire. Louisa Egerton Countess Gower (age 31) by marriage Countess Gower.

On 25th December 1771 Richard Butler 5th Baronet (age 72) died. His son Thomas succeeded 6th Baronet Butler of Cloughgrenan in County Carlow.

On 25th December 1781 Charles Cope 3rd Baronet (age 11) died. He was buried at Hanwell, Oxfordshire. His uncle Jonathan (age 23) succeeded 4th Baronet Cope of Bruern in Oxfordshire.

Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans

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On 25th December 1795 John Butler 17th Earl Ormonde 11th Earl Ossory (age 55) died. His son Walter (age 25) succeeded 18th Earl Ormonde, 12th Earl Ossory.

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On 25th December 1809 Reverend Richard Kaye 6th Baronet (age 73) died. Baronet Kaye of Woodsome Hall in Yorkshire extinct.

On 25th December 1847 Mary Elizabeth Townshend Countess Romney (age 47) died.

On 25th December 1860 John Savile 3rd Earl Mexborough (age 77) died. His son John (age 50) succeeded 4th Earl Mexborough of Lifford in County Donegal.

On 25th December 1890 Archbishop William Thomson (age 71) died.

On 25th December 1894 Arthur Edwin Hill aka Hill-Trevor 1st Baron Trevor (age 75) died. His son Arthur (age 42) succeeded 2nd Baron Trevor of Brynkinalt in Denbighshire.

On 25th December 1899 Frances Elizabeth Anson Marchioness Hertford (age 89) died.

On 25th December 1899 Henry Lopes 1st Baron Ludlow (age 71) died. His son Henry (age 31) succeeded 2nd Baron Ludlow of Heywood in Wiltshire.

On 25th December 1917 Edgar Reginald Saunders 11th Baronet (age 63) died. His brother Guy (age 61) succeeded 12th Baronet Sebright of Besford in Worcestershire.

On 25th December 1925 George St John Colthurst 6th Baronet (age 75) died. His son George (age 43) succeeded 7th Baronet Colthurst of Ardum in County Cork.

On 25th December 1926 Courtenay Robert Percy Vernon 3rd Baron Lyveden (age 68) died. His son Robert (age 34) succeeded 4th Baron Lyveden.

Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses

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On 25th December 1933 Walter William Ouless (age 85) died.

On 25th December 1951 John George Thorold 13th Baronet (age 81) died. His brother James (age 74) succeeded 14th Baronet Thorold of Marston in Lincolnshire.

On 25th December 1958 Verena Maud Lowther Viscountess Churchill Wychwood (age 93) died.

On 25th December 1970 John Evans 10th Baron Carbery (age 78) died without male issue.

On 25th December 1982 Charles Dutton 7th Baron Sherborne (age 71) died. His second cousin once removed Ralph (age 84) succeeded 8th Baron Sherborne and inherited Hinton Ampner House, Winchester.

On 25th December 2012 Rachel Leila Brand 27th Baroness Dacre (age 83) died. Her son James (age 60) succeeded 28th Baron Dacre Gilsland, 27th Baron Multon of Gilsland.