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On this Day in History ... 25th February

25 Feb is in February.

1308 Coronation of Edward II and Isabella

1536 Anne Boleyn's Miscarriage

1552 Trial and Execution of Edward Seymour Duke of Somerset and his Supporters

1601 Essex Rebellion

1662 Great Storm

1668 Buckingham Shrewsbury Duel

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 25th February

On 25 Feb 1259 Blanche Burgundy was born to Alfonso III King Portugal (age 48) and Beatrice Queen Consort Portugal (age 17). She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England. Coefficient of inbreeding 2.41%.

On 25 Feb 1264 Bishop Thomas Cantilupe (age 46) was appointed Lord Chancellor.

Adam Murimuth Continuation. 25 Feb 1308 ... both he and the queen were crowned by the Bishop of Winchester, Henry, by the commission of Lord Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury. And present at the said coronation were Charles (age 13), the brother of the queen (age 13), who later became King of France, Duke of Brittany, Henry (age 33), Count of Luxembourg, who later became Emperor, and Peter de Gavestone (age 24), who nobly appeared, surpassing all, incurred the envy and hatred of all. Also, Louis (age 31), the brother of the King of France (age 39), was there.

... tam ipse quam ipsa regina fuerunt coronati per episcopum Wyntoniensem Henricum, ex commissione domini Roberti archiepiscopi Cantuariensis. Et dicte coronationi interfuerunt Karolus, frater regine, qui postea fuit rex Francie, dux Britanniæ, Henricus comes Luceburgiæ, qui postea fuit imperator, et Petrus de Gavestone, qui nobiliter apparuit omnes transcendens, invidiam et odium omnium incurrebat. Item, Lodowycus, frater regis Francis, fuit ibidem

On 25 Feb 1308 King Edward II of England (age 23) was crowned II King of England at Westminster Abbey [Map] by Henry Woodlock, Bishop of Winchester. Isabella of France Queen Consort England (age 13) was crowned Queen Consort England.

Piers Gaveston 1st Earl Cornwall (age 24) carried the Royal Crown.

William Marshal 1st Baron Marshal (age 30) carried the Gilt Spurs.

Humphrey Bohun 4th Earl Hereford 3rd Earl Essex (age 32) carried the Royal Sceptre.

Henry Plantagenet 3rd Earl of Leicester 3rd Earl Lancaster (age 27) carried the Royal Rod.

Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 30) carried the sword Curtana.

Roger Mortimer 1st Earl March (age 20) carried the table bearing the Royal Robes.

Thomas Grey (age 28) and Robert Fitzwalter 1st Baron Fitzwalter (age 61) attended.

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On 25 Feb 1387 John Grey aka Marmion (age 44) died in Spain. In 1400 Elizabeth St Quentin (age 40) died.

Monument in St Nicholas Church, West Tanfield, North Yorkshire [Map]. Camail and Jupon Period. Lancastrian Esses Collar. Hip Belt. Feathered Crest on Great Helm. Angels Supporting Pillow. His bascinet has decorated edges with the camail appearig to attach inside the bascinet. Decorated flat band. She wearing a unusual headress which appears to be a cross between Gabled Headress and Bongrace. Her dress long with a Low Rounded Neckline and appears to be decoated with an armorial: vair at the top, chevrons at the bottom, which may be Marmion Arms or a variation of.

John Grey aka Marmion: In 1343 he was born to John Grey 1st Baron Grey and Avice Marmion Baroness Grey Rotherfield. Before 25 Feb 1387 John Grey aka Marmion and Elizabeth St Quentin were married. He a great x 4 grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

Elizabeth St Quentin: Before 1347 she was born to Herbert St Quentin and Mary Lisle.

Letters and Papers 1535. 25 Feb 1535. 263. Today the Duke of Suffolk (age 51) leaves secretly for Suffolk, I know not for what purpose. Norfolk (age 62) withdrew to his house 15 days ago very ill-pleased. The day before he left he complained to lord Montague (age 43) that he was held in no esteem, "et par avant avoit nulle choses de la dame du Roy1." The Marquis has been [word omitted] and only regrets that he has no opportunity of shedding his blood in the service of the Queen and Princess; "sil estoit question de quelque chose il ne seroit des derniers, et unyroit petite suyte2." The young lady who was lately in the King's favor is so no longer. There has succeeded to her place a cousin german of the concubine (age 34), daughter [either Margaret "Madge" Shelton, Anne Shelton or Mary Shelton (age 25)] of the present gouvernante (age 59) of the Princess. The Queen has been informed on good authority that the Waywode's man was seeking the marriage of the Princess with his master; but there is no great probability that he will succeed either in this or in obtaining money. I will inform your Majesty hereafter of whatever I may hear about this and about a gentleman lately come from the Duke of Holstein. I am informed letters have come from Gregory de Casale, who says the Pope told him that if the King would replace matters of the Church as they were, other things could be arranged; but all that is lost labor. So great is the obstinacy and avarice of the King, that he would sooner take back the Queen than restore what is due to the Church, from which he has taken, within the last month, 50,000 ducats, "emolument d'eslus"3.

Note 1. "and before had nothing of the King's lady."

Note 2. if it were a question of something it would not be among the last, and straight small continuation?

Note 3. first-fruits.

Letters and Papers 1535. 25 Feb 1535. Vienna Archives. 263. Chapuys to Charles V.

About eight days ago the Queen (age 49) your aunt wrote me a letter requesting me to beg the King to send her the Princess her daughter, to have her cured of her illness, which she thought would be easy with the aid of God and of her physician and apothecary. joined with the care which she herself would have of her. for she meant to be her nurse. with several honorable proposals (propoz) too long to write. Immediately on receipt of the said letter I sent to Cromwell for an audience of the King, which was assigned me for next morning. Then, after reading the Queen's letter to the King. I made several representations on the subject. reserving, however, the principal reasons (les principales). e.g., the report made to me by the physicians. both that I might use them another time, and also not to provoke him too much the first time, and thirdly, because I thought it best to keep a part of my reasons for Cromwell, who would know best how to urge them. The King heard me patiently and graciously. and, instead of answering as usual that he knew better than anyone else how to provide for his daughter, he very gently answered he wished to do his utmost to procure his daughter's health, and would proceed with the same diligence about it as he had begun, and that, since the Queen's physician could not assist, he would find others. But. on the other hand, while seeing to the health of his daughter, he must not forget what was due to his own honor, which would be injured if, by bad keeping, the Princess were taken out of this kingdom, or if she herself escaped, as she might easily do by night if she were with the Queen her mother: for he perceived some indication that your Majesty would be glad to withdraw the said Princess somehow, and that I knew well what had been put forward touching the marriage of his said daughter between your Majesty and the king of France, which put him all the more in doubt, and made him consider how to prevent this. I remarked that there was no probability that your Majesty would attempt to steal away the said Princess, for several reasons that I alleged, and that, during the five years these matters had lasted, there had not been the slightest indication of it. He then said there was no great occasion to put the Princess again in the Queen's hands, for it was she who had put it into her head to show such obstinacy and disobedience, as all the world knew; and although sons and daughters were bound to some obedience towards their mothers, their chief duty was to their fathers, and since the Princess could not have much help of the Queen, and it was clear the whole matter proceeded from the latter, she must submit to his pleasure. I did not wish to dispute with him on the subject, but asked that he would at least put the Princess under the care of her old gouvernante, the countess of Salisbury (age 61), whom she regarded as her second mother. He replied that the Countess was a fool, of no experience, and that if his daughter had been under her care during this illness she would have died, for she would not have known what to do, whereas her present governess is an expert lady even in such female complaints. Seeing that nothing could be done at that time, I said that besides the causes which I had told him moved me to press this subject, my principal object was to avoid the perplexity in which I saw him on Sunday before Shrovetide; and I begged he would believe it was mainly owing to the great desire I had to do him service. He thanked me, and showed himself very glad, especially when I took leave without "rencharge." He was so glad to get quit of the matter that he did not dare to ask my news until I was at the door of the room, when he begged also that I would communicate any intelligence as I received it. As it was not a holiday I had no thought of dining there, but I was unable to excuse myself. All the lords were in Council, and dined at Cromwell's house, except the duke of Richmond, who remained to entertain me. My men were also retained to dine, and great cheer shown them. All which was done merely to increase the jealousy of the French.

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Letters 1536. 25 Feb 1536. Vienna Archives. 351. Chapuys (age 46) to Charles V.

I forgot to write that among the news brought by Cromwell, he said it was reported in France that the good Queen (deceased) had been poisoned, and that the French alleged the said report came from the Spaniards; which news he could not report to me without some change of colour and bearing. I replied that I did not think there was a Spaniard in the said Court who would presume to publish such news there, and that the French must have spoken it as what they presumed themselves, and that some of the wiser heads among them, in order to speak more freely, had attributed it to the Spaniards. To which he said "que ainsi l'escriproit il." On my saying to Cromwell that to promote the amity which he spoke of, the way was not to persecute the Church and churchmen, he answered that they would proceed no further therein.

Letters 1536. 25 Feb 1536. Vienna Archives. 351. Chapuys (age 46) to Charles V.

The day before yesterday Cromwell sent to beg that I would come and speak with him in the Church of the Augustines, which adjoins my lodging and abuts on a large house he is building, which I politely declined to do, expecting that the King was going to perform some obsequies as had been reported; and also I had determined not to go out till I had done my duty to the Church by celebrating masses for the soul of the good Queen, meaning afterwards to go out today, feast of Saint Matthias; adding that if he would not come and see me he might send to tell me what he wanted to say. As soon as he received my answer he sent to tell me, by a secretary of his who carries all the messages between the King and him (que fait toutes les ambassades entre le roy et luy), that he would have been very glad to come to me if only to see how I did, but that it was unadvisable at this time, both to avoid the suspicion of the French and because he wished only to speak to me of himself and not by command of the King, and therefore he begged I would choose some place less suspect where we could talk together, and he would tell me things of great importance for the services of your Majesty and the King. Considering his reasons, especially the second, (for of the first I might make use, as well as himself, if it were not for my desire to satisfy the King his master, as I had several times informed him,) I sent to tell him that next day, yesterday, I would be very early at the Augustines, and that after the offices which I meant to celebrate there for the Queen I would return through the house which he is building, as it would be my most direct road home. Yesterday morning, before I had gone to the church, he had already come to the said house, which is about half a league distant from where he dwells now, and there I met him after having heard the office. After thanking me for the honor I had done him in coming to see him, and for making such a good report to your Majesty of him as Granvelle had informed their ambassador, he repeated the grand prologue he has usually made touching the advantage of the amity between your Majesty and the King his master, by which you might easily succeed in your enterprises both against the Turk and others, for if you and the King were thoroughly united no other prince in Christendom durst murmur, and that he considered continually night and day how to cement the said amity. For this reason he had continually done his best to prevent anything being treated with the French to your prejudice, or to that of the said amity, and said I might remember that when the King's commissioners went to Calais to meet the Admiral and the other French commissioners he had assured me that nothing would be treated to your disadvantage, neither was there, and he could clearly show that this was one of the articles contained in the charge of the bishop of Winchester, concerning which he could also show me a letter from the king of France, who never forbore to beg the King his master to move war against you and invade Flanders; but he was quite mistaken, for the King would never undertake such a dance, and of this I might be quite assured; and, moreover, that the King his master desired nothing more earnestly than your friendship, to which he was not only naturally inclined himself but strongly urged by his Council, especially by those who were pensionaries of France, such as the dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk and the Treasurer, as well as by those of the opposite party like the Earl of Wiltshire (age 59), the said councillors being indignant at the incredible ingratitude and wickedness of the French, and moved by the goodness and innumerable virtues of your Majesty, whose affairs are conducted by the grace and clemency of God, who seems to have taken your interests under His special care. Nor did they think you disinclined to reciprocate their friendship, considering the language used by Granvelle to their ambassador, and especially that it appeared by what they heard from Rome that your Majesty had not yet permitted the Pope to fulminate the censures, to do which his Holiness had been extremely urged by the cardinals since the death of the cardinal of Rochester. But although the King and his Council were well assured of your goodwill they thought if you [bore to them] onetenth part of the affection that all this people bore to you, your benevolence towards them would augment in such fashion that it would be impossible for the Pope, who was scarcely a friend of your Majesty, or any other power to persuade you to allow injury to be done to this kingdom; and since it had pleased God to remove from this world that which was the only hindrance to cordial amity, it was right that the servants of either Prince should do their utmost for the renewal and confirmation of the said amity; that he had great confidence that I would do my best to promote it, whereby I should acquire immortal fame; and he begged I would despatch some one in all diligence to inform you of the said matters, and to request that you would not lose the opportunity now that the door was open. I praised Cromwell's prudence and goodwill, and told him that hitherto I had not found in your Majesty any other desire than to continue and augment the said friendship, and that you only wished it restored to the condition of which he spoke; and as to despatching any one to your Majesty about such general conversation as we had had without any particular overture, it seemed like wasting time and trouble for nothing, for it was only the same song as ever; and, to cut the matter short, and show that something effectual was meant, it would be necessary to propose some overture. On this Cromwell said that I might feel quite assured there was no dissimulation in what he had said, and it would be very foolish in him to attempt it, for nothing could be gained thereby for his master; and as what he had said came of himself without commission from his master, I might see that he had no power to make any overture, which must come of your Majesty. And for himself, when I remarked that they had not yet replied to the first overtures your Majesty had made, he answered that there was no occasion to speak of those overtures now, as the Queen, to whom they chiefly related, was dead. I did not wish for the moment to say more than that, perhaps, the article of the validity of the Queen's sentence was still more necessary to be declared than previously; and on his asking why, I declined to tell him, saying I had not spoken assuredly, and would not insist upon the matter. Hereupon Cromwell began to praise the Bishop of Winchester, who had shown great judgment in avoiding the tricks and deceits of the French, and had wisely advised the King not to trust them, but to use every effort to ally himself with your Majesty, with which Cromwell said he was very much pleased, for the Bishop was bound to treat with the French, and to hear what they said; but when he had to treat with your Majesty his heart rebounded with pleasure. And here he showed such great anger that he could hardly explain himself, saying that the French had played such tricks upon the King that he would rather be hanged on the highest steeple of London than have done or thought the half of them; and, besides this, that the French, for their own advantage, had intimated to Likkerke that the King his master meant to send men against Flanders and against Denmark. Incidentally he told me that the marriage was spoken of between the duke of Angoulême and the duchess of Milan, and that your Majesty would invest Angoulême with the said duchy. I think all that he said is meant principally to interrupt the said alliance, of which I have the greater suspicion because the said Cromwell begged me to write it all to Likkerke as well as to your Majesty.

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Letters 1536. 25 Feb 1536. Vienna Archives. 351. Chapuys (age 46) to Charles V.

I learn from several persons of this Court that for more than three months this King has not spoken ten times to the Concubine (age 35), and that when she miscarried he scarcely said anything to her, except that he saw clearly that God did not wish to give him male children; and in leaving her he told her, as if for spite, that he would speak to her after she was "relevize1". The said Concubine attributed the misfortune to two causes: first, the King's fall; and, secondly, that the love she bore him was far greater than that of the late Queen, so that her heart broke when she saw that he loved others [Jane Seymour (age 27)]. At which remark the King was much grieved, and has shown his feeling by the fact that during these festive days he is here, and has left the other at Greenwich, when formerly he could not leave her for an hour.

Note 1. Possibly from 'relever' ie recovered?

Letters 1536. 25 Feb 1536. Vienna Archives. 352. Chapuys (age 46) to Granvelle.

I thank you for your good report to the ambassador of England touching what I several times wrote of Mr. Secretary Cromwell, who, as you will see by what I write to his Majesty, has formally thanked me for it. You will learn all the news here from my letters to his Majesty, save that Cromwell has told me that the French king insinuated to the King his master that the Emperor was quite content with what he had done against the duke of Savoy; and, moreover, that a Bible has been printed here in English, in which the texts that favor the Queen, especially Deut. xix., have been translated in the opposite sense. I am credibly informed that the Concubine (age 35), after her abortion, consoled her maids who wept, telling them it was for the best, because she would be the sooner with child again, and that the son she bore would not be doubtful like this one, which had been conceived during the life of the Queen; thereby acknowledging a doubt about the bastardy of her daughter. London, 25 Feb. 1535. Fr., from a modern copy, p. 1.

Diary of Edward VI. 25 Feb 1551. The lord marcus Dorset (age 34) apointed to be warden of the North borders, having three sub-wardens, the lord Ogley (Ogle in the Middle march,) and sir (Michael Strelley) in the East, and the lord Coniers in the Weast.1

Note 1. On the 19th April following the council addressed "a lettre to the lorde marquess of Dorset to authorise, by his particular comissions, his deputies wardeignes, so as he doo constitute these whiche before his departure he did chose, viz', for the "West marches the lorde Conyers, the Middle marches the lorde Ogle, and th'Este sir Michael Stirley [or Strelley]." (Council Book.) "Informations given by sir Robert Bowes to the marquis of Dorset, touching the Marches, and all things requisite for a Lord Warden to know," are preserved in the MS. Cotton. Caligula B. viii. fol. 106; and a larger treatise, "A Booke of the State of the Frontiers and Marches betwixt England and Scotland, written by sir Robert Bowes knight, at the request of the lord marquess Dorset," in MS. Cotton. Titus F. xui. has been printed partly in Hodgson's Northumberland, II. iii. 171, and partly in Raine's North Durham, pp. xxii. et seq.

Chronicle of Greyfriars. 26 Feb 1552. Item the xxvj. day of the same monyth, the which was fryday, was hanged at Towre hylle sir Myllys Partryge knyght, the wych playd wyth kynge Henry the viiite at dysse for the grett belfery that stode in Powlles church-yerdea; and sir Raffe Vane, theys too ware hanged. Also sir Myhyll Stonnappe (age 45) and sir Thomas Arndelle (age 50), theys too ware beheddyd at that same tyme. And theis iiij. knyghttes confessyd that they ware never gyltd for soche thynges as was layd unto their charge, and dyde in that same oppinion.

The daye before endyd the parlament.

Note a. "Neere unto this schoole (St. Paul's) on the north side thereof, was (of old time) a great and high Clochier or Bell-house, foure-square, builded of stone, and in the same a most strong frame of timber, with foure bells, the greatest that I have heard; these were called Jesus' bells, and belonged to Jesus' Chappell, but I know not by whose gifte. The same had a great spire of timber covered with lead, with the image of Saint Paul on the top, but was pulled down by sir Miles Partridge knight, in the reigne of Henry the Eighth. The common speech was, that hee did set one hundred pounds upon a cast at dice against it, and so wonne the said clochier and bells of the king, and then causing the bells to be broken as they hung, the rest was pulled downe." Stowe's Survay.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 25 Feb 1558. The xxv day of Feybruary cam rydyng to London my lade Elsabeth (age 24) the quen('s) (age 42) syster, with a gret compene of lordes and nobull men and nobull women, to here plasse calyd the Somersettplasse [Map] beyond Stron-bryge.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 25 Feb 1559. The xxv day of Feybruary dyd pryche Sandes (age 40).

On 12 Mar 1560. [Some sources say 25 Feb 1560] Catherine Blount (deceased) died. On 11 Aug 1580 Maurice Berkeley (age 54) died. Church of St Mary, Bruton [Map]. Elizabethan Period recumbent effigies of himself and his two wives Catherine Blount and Elizabeth Sands (age 27) in an Easter sepulchre-type recess with double round arched front, Corinthian pilasters and strapwork panels. Ruff. Panel with quartered arms 1 Berkeley Arms 2 probably Tiptoft Arms, possibly Wotton Arms 3 Unknown Arms 4 probably Babington Arms, possibly Zouche Arms differenced with a label three points, overall a Crescent.

Catherine Blount: John Champernowne and she were married. Around 1518 she was born to William Blount 4th Baron Mountjoy and Alice Keble Baroness Mountjoy. After 1541 Maurice Berkeley and she were married. Henry Machyn's Diary. 12 Mar 1560. The xij day of Marche was bered at Dyttun my lade Barkeley, the wyff of ser Mores Barthelay knyght, with a penon of armes and a iiij dosen of skochyons, and a harold of armes, master Rychemond.

Elizabeth Sands: In 1533 she was born to Anthony Sands of Throwley in Kent. In 1562 Maurice Berkeley and she were married. The difference in their ages was 27 years. On 16 Jun 1585 she died at Berkeley House. She was buried at the St James' Church, Clerkenwell where a monument was constructed. Before 16 Jun 1685 she was appointed Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland.

On 25 Feb 1561 Edward Talbot 8th Earl of Shrewsbury was christened.

On 25 Feb 1601 Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex (age 35) was beheaded at Tower Green, Tower of London [Map] as a consequence of his involvement in the Essex Rebellion. He was the last person to be executed at the Tower of London. Earl Essex forfeit. It isn't clear whether his other titles Viscount Hereford, Baron Ferrers of Chartley and Baron Bourchier were forfeit.

Diary of Anne Clifford 1619. 25 Feb 1619. My Lord (age 29) should have gone to London the 24th of this month but I entreated him to stay here the 25th, because on that day 10 years I was married, which I kept as a day of jubilee to me, so my Lord went not till the 27th, at which time he rid on horseback by reason of the great snow and was so ill after his journey that whereas he intended to return two or three days he stay’d nine or ten.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Feb 1661. Sir Wm. Pen (age 39) and I to my Lord Sandwich's (age 35) by coach in the morning to see him, but he takes physic to-day and so we could not see him. So he went away, and I with Luellin to Mr. Mount's chamber at the Cockpit [Map], where he did lie of old, and there we drank, and from thence to W. Symons where we found him abroad, but she, like a good lady, within, and there we did eat some nettle porrige, which was made on purpose to-day for some of their coming, and was very good. With her we sat a good while, merry in discourse, and so away, Luellin and I to my Lord's, and there dined. He told me one of the prettiest stories, how Mr. Blurton, his friend that was with him at my house three or four days ago, did go with him the same day from my house to the Fleet tavern by Guildhall [Map], and there (by some pretence) got the mistress of the house into their company, and by and by Luellin calling him Doctor she thought that he really was so, and did privately discover her disease to him, which was only some ordinary infirmity belonging to women, and he proffering her physic, she desired him to come some day and bring it, which he did.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Feb 1662. All the morning at the office. At noon with Mr. Moore to the Coffee-house, where among other things the great talk was of the effects of this late great wind; and I heard one say that he had five great trees standing together blown down; and, beginning to lop them, one of them, as soon as the lops were cut off, did, by the weight of the root, rise again and fasten. We have letters from the forest of Deane, that above 1000 Oakes and as many beeches are blown down in one walk there. And letters from my father tell me of £20 hurt done to us at Brampton.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Feb 1664. Up and to the office, where we sat, and thence with Mr. Coventry (age 36) by coach to the glasshouse and there dined, and both before and after did my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) accounts.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Feb 1666. He tells me my Lord of Suffolke (age 47), Lord Arlington (age 48), Archbishop of Canterbury (age 67), Lord Treasurer (age 58), Mr. Atturny Montagu (age 48), Sir Thomas Clifford (age 35) in the House of Commons, Sir G. Carteret (age 56), and some others I cannot presently remember, are friends that I may rely on for him. He tells me my Chancellor (age 57) seems his very good friend, but doubts that he may not think him so much a servant of the Duke of Yorke's (age 32) as he would have him, and indeed my Lord tells me he hath lately made it his business to be seen studious of the King's favour, and not of the Duke's, and by the King (age 35) will stand or fall, for factions there are, as he tells me, and God knows how high they may come.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Feb 1666. After dinner to talk to and again, and then to walke in the Parke, my Lord and I alone, talking upon these heads; first, he has left his business of the prizes as well as is possible for him, having cleared himself before the Commissioners by the King's commands, so that nothing or little is to be feared from that point, he goes fully assured, he tells me, of the King's favour. That upon occasion I may know, I desired to know, his friends I may trust to, he tells me, but that he is not yet in England, but continues this summer in Ireland, my Lord Orrery (age 44) is his father almost in affection.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Feb 1666. Lord's Day. My wife up between three and four of the clock in the morning to dress herself, and I about five, and were all ready to take coach, she and I and Mercer, a little past five, but, to our trouble, the coach did not come till six. Then with our coach of four horses I hire on purpose, and Leshmore to ride by, we through the City to Branford [Map] and so to Windsor, Berkshire [Map], Captain Ferrers overtaking us at Kensington, being to go with us, and here drank, and so through, making no stay, to Cranborne, about eleven o'clock, and found my Lord and the ladies at a sermon in the house; which being ended we to them, and all the company glad to see us, and mighty merry to dinner. Here was my Lord, and Lord Hinchingbrooke (age 18), and Mr. Sidney (age 15), Sir Charles Herbert (age 26), and Mr. Carteret (age 25), my Baroness Carteret (age 64), my Lady Jemimah, and Lady Slaning.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Feb 1666. The Duke of Albemarle's (age 57) post is so great, having had the name of bringing in the King (age 35), that he is like to stand, or, if it were not for him, God knows in what troubles we might be from some private faction, if an army could be got into another hand, which God forbid! It is believed that though Mr. Coventry (age 38) be in appearance so great against the Chancellor (age 57), yet that there is a good understanding between the Duke and him. He dreads the issue of this year, and fears there will be some very great revolutions before his coming back again. He doubts it is needful for him to have a pardon for his last year's actions, all which he did without commission, and at most but the King's private single word for that of Bergen; but he dares not ask it at this time, lest it should make them think that there is something more in it than yet they know; and if it should be denied, it would be of very ill consequence. He says also, if it should in Parliament be enquired into the selling of Dunkirke (though the Chancellor was the man that would have it sold to France, saying the King of Spayne had no money to give for it); yet he will be found to have been the greatest adviser of it; which he is a little apprehensive may be called upon this Parliament. He told me it would not be necessary for him to tell me his debts, because he thinks I know them so well. He tells me, that for the match propounded of Mrs. Mallett (age 15) for my Lord Hinchingbrooke (age 18), it hath been lately off, and now her friends bring it on again, and an overture hath been made to him by a servant of hers, to compass the thing without consent of friends, she herself having a respect to my Lord's family, but my Lord will not listen to it but in a way of honour. The Duke hath for this weeke or two been very kind to him, more than lately; and so others, which he thinks is a good sign of faire weather again. He says the Archbishopp of Canterbury (age 67) hath been very kind to him, and hath plainly said to him that he and all the world knows the difference between his judgment and brains and the Duke of Albemarle's, and then calls my Lady Duchesse (age 46) the veryst slut and drudge and the foulest worde that can be spoke of a woman almost.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Feb 1667. Lay long in bed, talking with pleasure with my poor wife, how she used to make coal fires, and wash my foul clothes with her own hand for me, poor wretch! in our little room at my Lord Sandwich's (age 41); for which I ought for ever to love and admire her, and do; and persuade myself she would do the same thing again, if God should reduce us to it. So up and by coach abroad to the Duke of Albemarle's (age 58) about sending soldiers down to some ships, and so home, calling at a belt-maker's to mend my belt, and so home and to dinner, where pleasant with my wife, and then to the office, where mighty busy all the day, saving going forth to the 'Change [Map] to pay for some things, and on other occasions, and at my goldsmith's did observe the King's new medall, where, in little, there is Mrs. Steward's (age 19) face as well done as ever I saw anything in my whole life, I think: and a pretty thing it is, that he should choose her face to represent Britannia by. So at the office late very busy and much business with great joy dispatched, and so home to supper and to bed.

The London Gazette 238. 25 Feb 1668. Whitehall, Feb. 25. This day His Majesty (age 37) was pleased to declare at the Board, that whereas, in contemplation of the eminent Services heretofore done to His Majesty by most of those persons who were engaged in the late Duel or Rencounter wherein William Jenkins was killed, He doth Graciously pardon the said Offence: Nevertheless, he is resolved from henceforth, that upon no pretence whatsoever, any pardon shall be hereafter granted to any person whatsoever for killing of any man, in any Duel or Rencounter but that the course of Law shall wholly take place in all such Cases; and His Majesty was pleased to command that this His solemn Declaration should be entred in the Council Book, and that publick notice of it be likewise hereby givern that no persons may for the future pretend ignorance thereof.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Feb 1668. At noon comes W. Howe to me, to advise what answer to give to the business of the prizes, wherein I did give him the best advice I could; but am sorry to see so many things, wherein I doubt it will not be prevented but Sir Roger Cuttance and Mr. Pierce will be found very much concerned in goods beyond the distribution, and I doubt my Lord Sandwich (age 42) too, which troubles me mightily. He gone I to dinner, and thence set my wife at the New Exchange, and I to Mr. Clerke, my solicitor, to the Treasury chamber, but the Lords did not sit, so I by water with him to the New Exchange, and there we parted, and I took my wife and Deb. up, and to the Nursery, where I was yesterday, and there saw them act a comedy, a pastorall, "The Faythful Shepherd", having the curiosity to see whether they did a comedy better than a tragedy; but they do it both alike, in the meanest manner, that I was sick of it, but only for to satisfy myself once in seeing the manner of it, but I shall see them no more, I believe.

John Evelyn's Diary. 25 Feb 1690. I went to Kensington, which King William (age 39) had bought of Lord Nottingham (age 42), and altered, but was yet a patched building, but with the garden, however, it is a very sweet villa, having to it the park and a straight new way through this park.

On 25 Feb 1699 Robert Shirley (age 25) died of smallpox.

On 25 Feb 1944 Sergeant Frederick Norman Bower (age 19) was killed. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Squadron 1662 HCU. Handley Page Halifax II W7866. Training. Took off 2144 Blyton for his first night solo and authorised to carry out circuits and landings. Eyewitnesses report that the Halifax appeared to climb quite normally to about 500 feet at which point it dived steeply and crashed into a wheat stack bursting into flames near Laughton village. A careful investigation of the wreckage could not find any technical defects. Sgt. K. Warmsley + Sgt. M A. Bowles + Sgt. C T. James + Sgt. F N. Bower. BCL Vol.8 W R. Chorley. Bomber Command Losses Roll of Honour has the following brief mention. 1866493 Sgt BOWER Frederick Norman. 25-02-44 1662 HCU.

From the Lincolnshire Incident Logs: Airborne 2144 from Blyton for the pilot's first night solo,and circuits/landing practise. Aircraft climbed out normally until it reached 500 feet, then dived steeply into a wheat stack, bursting into flames on impact. No fault was found on the aircraft by investigators. Sgt K. Walmsley KIA, Sgt M.A. Bowles KIA, Sgt C.T. James KIA, Sgt F.N. Bower KIA.

25 Feb 1944. War Grave of Sergeant Frederick Norman Bower (age 19) and grave of his parents Harry Edward Bower (age 59) and Helen Pedley (age 57) at Church of St John Wall, Staffordshire [Map].

Sergeant Frederick Norman Bower: Around 1925 he was born to Harry Edward Bower and Helen Pedley.

Harry Edward Bower: In 1885 he was born. In 1912 he and Helen Pedley were married. On 25 Jan 1966 he died.

Helen Pedley: On 10 Sep 1886 she was born. On 11 Jul 1965 she died.

Births on the 25th February

On 25 Feb 1259 Blanche Burgundy was born to Alfonso III King Portugal (age 48) and Beatrice Queen Consort Portugal (age 17). She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England. Coefficient of inbreeding 2.41%.

On 25 Feb 1475 Edward "Last Plantagenet" York 17th Earl Warwick was born to George York 1st Duke of Clarence (age 25) and Isabel Neville Duchess Clarence (age 23) at Warwick Castle [Map]. He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward III of England. Coefficient of inbreeding 5.41%.

On 25 Feb 1591 John Bererton was born to William Brereton 1st Baron Brereton (age 41) and Margaret Savage (age 42).

On 25 Feb 1725 Mary Walpole was born to Horatio Walpole 1st Baron Walpole (age 46) and Mary Magdalen Lombard (age 30).

On 25 Feb 1749 John Chetwynd-Talbot 1st Earl Talbot was born to John Talbot (age 37) and Catherine Chetwynd (age 26).

On 25 Feb 1773 Jacobo Fitz James Stuart 10th Duke Veragua 5th Duke Berwick was born to Carlos Fitz James Stuart 10th Duke Veragua 4th Duke Berwick (age 20) and Caroline Stolberg Gedern Duchess Veragua Duchess Berwick (age 18) at Paris [Map]. He a great x 3 grandson of King James II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 25 Feb 1789 Daniel Finch was born to Heneage Finch 4th Earl Aylesford (age 37) and Louisa Thynne Countess Aylesford (age 28).

On 25 Feb 1790 Captain Frederick Noel was born to Gerard Edwardes aka Noel 2nd Baronet (age 30) and Diana Middleton 2nd Baroness Barham (age 27).

On 25 Feb 1795 Edward Bligh 5th Earl Darnley was born to John Bligh 4th Earl Darnley (age 27).

On 25 Feb 1795 Augustus Dashwood was born to Henry Watkin Dashwood 3rd Baronet (age 49) and Helen Graham (age 32).

On 25 Feb 1805 Captain George Rowley was born to Admiral Charles Rowley 1st Baronet (age 34) and Elizabeth King (age 25).

On 25 Feb 1808 Priscilla Buxton was born to Thomas Fowell Buxton 1st Baronet (age 21) and Hannah Gurney Lady Buxton (age 25).

On 25 Feb 1812 Adelaide Augusta Lavinia Rawdon-Hastings was born to Francis Rawdon-Hastings 1st Marquess Hastings (age 57) and Flora Mure-Campbell Marchioness of Hastings (age 32).

On 25 Feb 1824 Francis Edward Scott 2nd and 3rd Baronet was born to Edward Dolman Scott 2nd Baronet (age 30) and Catherine Juliana Bateman Lady Scott (age 27).

On 25 Feb 1853 Edward Feetham Coates 1st Baronet was born.

On 25 Feb 1869 Josslyn Augustus Richard Gore-Booth 6th Baronet was born to Henry Gore-Booth 5th Baronet (age 25) and Georgina Mary Hill (age 27).

On 25 Feb 1881 Mabel Marguerite Annesley was born to Lt Colonel Hugh Annesley 5th Earl Annesley (age 50) and Priscilla Cecilia Moore Countess Annesley. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.25%.

On 25 Feb 1883 Princess Alice Countess Athlone was born to Leopold Saxe Coburg Gotha 1st Duke Albany (age 29) and Helena Waldeck Duchess Albany. She a granddaughter of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.

On 25 Feb 1885 Princess Alice of Battenburg was born to Prince Louis of Battenburg 1st Marquess Milford Haven (age 30) and Victoria Hesse Darmstadt Marchioness Milford Haven (age 21) at Windsor Castle [Map]. She a great granddaughter of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. Coefficient of inbreeding 3.61%.

On 25 Feb 1910 George James Ernest Lewis 3rd Baronet was born to George James Graham Lewis 2nd Baronet (age 42).

Marriages on the 25th February

On 24 or 25 Feb 1382 Alexander "The Wolf of Badenoch" Stewart 3rd Earl Buchan (age 39) and Euphemia 6th Countess of Ross were married. He by marriage Earl Ross. She the daughter of William 5th Earl Ross. He the son of King Robert II of Scotland (age 65) and Elizabeth Mure Queen Consort Scotland. They were second cousin once removed. He a great x 4 grandson of King John of England.

After 25 Feb 1440 James Hamilton 1st Lord Hamilton (age 25) and Euphemia Graham Lady Hamilton (age 32) were married. She the daughter of Patrick Graham and Eupheme Stewart 2nd Countess of Strathearn and Caithness.

On 25 Feb 1560 William Brooke 10th Baron Cobham (age 32) and Frances Newton Baroness Cobham (age 21) were married at Whitehall Palace [Map]. She by marriage Baroness Cobham. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England.

Before 25 Feb 1591 William Brereton 1st Baron Brereton (age 41) and Margaret Savage (age 42) were married. They were third cousins.

On 25 Feb 1639 Anthony Ashley-Cooper 1st Earl Shaftesbury (age 17) and Margaret Coventry were married.

Before 25 Feb 1663 William Crofts 1st Baron Crofts (age 52) and Dorothy Hobart (age 43) were married. They were fourth cousins. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.

On 25 Feb 1695 Francis North 2nd Baron Guildford (age 21) and Elizabeth Greville Baroness Guildford were married. She by marriage Baroness Guildford.

On 25 Feb 1707 Thomas Howard 6th Baron Howard (age 25) and Mary Wentworth were married.

On 25 Feb 1795 Herbert Croft 5th Baronet (age 44) and Elizabeth Lewis Lady Croft were married. The next day he was imprisoned at Exeter Jail for debt.

On 25 Feb 1862 Charles Fitzroy 3rd Baron Southampton (age 57) and Ismania Katharine Nugent Baroness Southampton were married. She by marriage Baroness Southampton. He a great x 4 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 25 Feb 1897 Alfred Jodrell 4th Baronet (age 50) and Jane Grimston Lady Jodrell (age 48) were married. She the daughter of James Walter Grimston 2nd Earl Verulam and Elizabeth Joanna Weyland Countess Verulam.

Deaths on the 25th February

On 25 Feb 1247 Henry Luxemburg IV Duke Limburg (age 52) died. His son Waleran Luxemburg IV Duke Limburg succeeded IV Duke Limburg. His son Adolf Luxemburg VII Count Berg succeeded VII Count Berg.

On 25 Feb 1355 John Cobham 2nd Baron Cobham (age 70) died at Cobham, Kent. His son John Cobham 3rd Baron Cobham (age 34) succeeded 3rd Baron Cobham. Margaret Courtenay Baroness Cobham by marriage Baroness Cobham.

On 25 Feb 1361 William Jülich V Duke Jülich (age 62) died. His son William Jülich I Duke Jülich (age 34) succeeded I Duke Jülich. Earl Cambridge extinct. The provenance of this title is vague. It isn't entirely clear when he was created Earl of Cambridge, or whether it was for life only, or if he renounced it; his son didn't succeed to it.

On 25 Feb 1601 Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex (age 35) was beheaded at Tower Green, Tower of London [Map] as a consequence of his involvement in the Essex Rebellion. He was the last person to be executed at the Tower of London. Earl Essex forfeit. It isn't clear whether his other titles Viscount Hereford, Baron Ferrers of Chartley and Baron Bourchier were forfeit.

On 25 Feb 1603 Katherine Carey Countess Nottingham (age 53) died at Arundel House [Map]. She was buried in Chelsea Old Church on 25 Apr 1603.

On 25 Feb 1618 Elizabeth Spencer Baroness Hunsdon and Eure (age 65) died.

Before 25 Feb 1658 William Goring 1st Baronet (age 62) died. He was buried on 25 Feb 1658. His son Henry Goring 2nd Baronet (age 31) succeeded 2nd Baronet Goring of Burton in Sussex.

On 25 Feb 1668 Mary Glynne Lady Anderson (age 19) died.

On 25 Feb 1700 James Douglas 2nd Marquess Douglas (age 54) died.

On 25 Feb 1713 William Paget 6th Baron Paget Beaudasert (age 76) died. On 25 Feb 1713 His son Henry Paget 1st Earl Uxbridge (age 50) succeeded 7th Baron Paget Beaudasert.

On 25 Feb 1809 John Murray 4th Earl Dunmore (age 79) died. His son George Murray 5th Earl Dunmore (age 46) succeeded 5th Earl Dunmore. Susan Hamilton Countess Dunmore (age 35) by marriage Countess Dunmore.

On 25 Feb 1834 Harry Trelawny 7th Baronet (age 77) died. His son William Lewis Trelawny aka Salusbury-Trelawny 8th Baronet (age 52) succeeded 8th Baronet Salusbury-Trelawny of Trelawny in Cornwall. Patience Christian Carpenter Lady Trelawny (age 46) by marriage Lady Trelawny of Trelawny in Cornwall.

On 25 Feb 1860 Peter Buckworth-Herne-Soame 7th Baronet (age 66) died. His brother John Buckworth-Herne-Soame 8th Baronet (age 65) succeeded 8th Baronet Buckworth-Herne-Soame of Sheen in Surrey. Lydia Haggaer Lady Buckworth-Herne-Soame by marriage Lady Buckworth-Herne-Soame of Sheen in Surrey.

On 25 Feb 1868 James Parke 1st Baron Wensleydale (age 85) died. Baron Wensleydale of Wensleydale in Yorkshire extinct; life creation only.

On 25 Feb 1895 Henry Bruce 1st Baron Aberdare (age 79) died. His son Henry Bruce 2nd Baron Aberdare (age 43) succeeded 2nd Baron Aberdare of Duffryn in Glamorganshire.

On 25 Feb 1900 Fitzpatrick Vernon 2nd Baron Lyveden (age 75) died without issue. His nephew Courtenay Robert Percy Vernon 3rd Baron Lyveden (age 42) succeeded 3rd Baron Lyveden.

On 25 Feb 1911 Augusta Emily Seymour-Conway Baroness Delamere (age 75) died.

On 25 Feb 1913 Horatio Nelson 3rd Earl Nelson (age 89) died. His son Thomas Nelson 4th Earl Nelson (age 55) succeeded 4th Earl Nelson of Trafalgar and Merson in Surrey, 4th Viscount Merton.

On 25 Feb 1935 Savile Crossley 1st Baron Somerleyton (age 77) died. His son Francis Savile Crossley 2nd Baron Somerleyton (age 45) succeeded 2nd Baron Somerleyton of Somerleyton in Suffolk, 3rd Baronet Crossley. Bridget Hoare Baroness Somerleyton (age 36) by marriage Baroness Somerleyton of Somerleyton in Suffolk.

On 25 Feb 1995 Victor Montagu 10th Earl Sandwich (age 88) died. His son John Montagu 11th Earl of Sandwich (age 51) succeeded 11th Earl Sandwich.