The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 1 Chapters 1-60 1307-1342
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel offer one of the most vivid and immediate accounts of 14th-century Europe, written by a knight who lived through the events he describes, and experienced some of them first hand. Covering the early decades of the Hundred Years’ War, this remarkable chronicle follows the campaigns of Edward III of England, the politics of France and the Low Countries, and the shifting alliances that shaped medieval warfare. Unlike later historians, Jean le Bel writes with a strong sense of eyewitness authenticity, drawing on personal experience and the testimony of fellow soldiers. His narrative captures not only battles and sieges, but also the realities of military life, diplomacy, and the ideals of chivalry that governed noble society. A key source for Jean Froissart, Le Bel’s chronicle stands on its own as a compelling and insightful work, at once historical record and literary achievement. This translation builds on the 1905 edition published in French by Jules Viard, adding extensive translations from other sources Rymer's Fœdera, the Chronicles of Adam Murimuth, William Nangis, Walter of Guisborough, a Bourgeois of Valenciennes, Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke and Richard Lescot to enrich the original text and Viard's notes.
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25 May is in May.
843 Battle of Blain aka Messac
1425 Purge of the Albany Stewarts
1455 First Battle of St Albans
1465 Coronation of Elizabeth Woodville
1532 Coronation of Anne Boleyn
1536 Trial of Anne and George Boleyn
1536 Betrothal of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour
1550 Visit of the French Ambassadors
1553 Grey and Dudley Triple Wedding
1557 Scarborough Castle Rebellion
1659 Cromwell Resigns his Protectorate
On 24th May 843 the Battle of Blain aka Messac was a battle between Brittany and the County of Nantes over control of Nantes which, at that time, was controlled by the Frankish Kingdom. The Franks were defeated.
Lambert Guideschi II Count Nantes commanded the Breton army.
Renaud Count of Herbauges, Poitiers and Nantes, who commanded the army of Nantes, was killed the following day.
On 21st May 1259 Bishop Fulk Basset (age 70) died of plague. On 25th May 1259 he was buried at St Paul's Cathedral [Map].
On 25th May 1300 Rudolph Habsburg III Duke Austria (age 18) and Blanche Capet Duchess Austria (age 22) were married. She by marriage Duchess Austria. She the daughter of King Philip III of France and Maria of Brabant Queen Consort France (age 44). He the son of Albert Habsburg I Duke Austria (age 44) and Elizabeth Carinthia Duchess Austria.
Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke [-1360]. In the year of our Lord 1315, the Scots, under the leadership of Edward Bruce,1 who had made himself be called King of Ireland by his followers, invaded Ireland with their banners unfurled. However, under the standard of Sir John de Birmingham, then Justiciar of Ireland for the King of England, they suffered a crushing defeat, and their so-called king, along with a great number of his forces, was slain.
Anno Christi MCCCXV Scoti sub ducatu Edwardi le Bruyus, qui se fecit a suis regem Hibernie nominari, vexillis desplicatis Hiberniam ingressi, sub vexillo domini Iohannis de Birmingham, tunc regis Anglie iusticiarii, cum suo seudo-rege fuerunt in numero maximo interfecti.
Note 1. Edward Bruce landed at Carrickfergus on the 25th May 1315; he was defeated and slain, near Dundalk, on the 14th of October 1318.
Inquisitions Post Mortem 118. 118. Henry duke of Lancaster.
Writ, Wyndesore, 25 March, 35 Edward III [1361].
On 25th May 1417 Catherine La Marck was born to Adolph La Marck I Duke Cleves (age 43) and Marie Valois Duchess Cleves (age 24). She married 23rd July 1423 Arnold Egmont Duke Guelders and had issue.
On 25th May 1425 Murdoch Stewart 2nd Duke Albany (age 63) and his son Walter Stewart (age 25) were beheaded at Heading Hill at Stirling Castle.
Chronicle of Gregory [1400-1467]. 25th May 1442. Ande the xxv day of May my Lord Talbot (age 59) toke his way towarde the see, for to passe yn to Fraunce whythe his retenowe.
On 25th May 1452 Archbishop John Stafford died.
Paston Letters V1 120 William Lomner to John Paston. 241. A.D. 1455, 25 May. — JOHN CRANE TO JOHN PASTON. [From Fenn, i. 100.]
This letter relates to the first battle of St. Alban's and the principal changes which took place immediately after it
Unto my worshipfull and welbeloved cosyn, John Pastony be this lettre delivred in hast.
Right worshipfull and entierly welbeloved Sir, I recommaunde me unto you, desiring hertly to here of your welfare. Furthermore lettyng you wete, as for such tydinges as we have here, such [these] thre Lordes be dede, the Duke of Somerset, the Erie of Northombrelonde, and the Lord Clyfford; and as for any other men of name, I knowe noon save only Quotton of Cammbrigeshire. As for any other Lordes, many of theym be hurt; and as for Fenyngley, he lyveth and fareth well, as fer as I can enquere, &c.
And as for any grete multytude of people that ther was, as we can tell, ther was at most slayn [x]a vj. score. And as for the Lordes that were with the Kyng, they and her men wer pilled and spoyled out of all their harneys and horses; and as for what rule we shall have yit I wote nett, save only ther be made newe certayn officers.
My Lord of Yorke, Constabil of Englande; my Lord of Warweke is made captayn of Calyes; my Lord Burgchier is made Treasorer of Englande; and as yit other tydinges have I none.
And as for our soverayn Lorde, thanked be God, he hathe no grete harme.
No more to you at this tyme, but I pray you send this lettyr to my Maistresse Paston, when ye have sene hit; preyng you to remembre my systir Margrete ageyne the tyme that she shal be made nonne.
Written at Lamehith, on Witsonday, &c. By your cosyn,
JOHN CRANE.
Note 1. In the original letter, the x is struck out, and vj placed after it in the same line. — F.
A Brief Latin Chronicle. At York, on the 25th day of the month of May [1464], were beheaded Lord Thomas Hussey, Thomas Gosse, Robert Merfyn, John Butler, Roger Water, the doorkeeper of King Henry, Thomas Fenwick, Robert Cockfield, William Bryte, William Dawson, and John Chapman.
Apud Eboracum XXVo die mensis Maii decapitati sunt dominus Thomas Husye, Thomas Gosse, Robertus Merfyn, Johannes Buttlere, Rogerus Water, janitor regis Henrici, Thomas Fenwyke, Robertus Cocfeld, Willelmus Bryte, Willelmus Dawson, Johannes Chapman.
A Brief Latin Chronicle. At York, on the 28th day of the month of May [1464], John Elderbek, Richard Cawerne, John Rosell, and Robert Conqueror were beheaded. In the meantime, that squire Treilboz was also captured and beheaded.
Apud Eboracum XXVIIJ die mensis Maii decapitati sunt Johannes Elderbek, Ricardus Cawerne, Johannes Rosell, Robertus Conquerore. Interim etiam captus est ille armiger Treilboz et decapitatus.
Chronicle of William of Worcester [1415-1482]. [25th May 1465]. And on Saturday, the Queen (age 28) rode in a litter through Cheapside and the high streets of London, with all the newly made knights before her, until they arrived at Westminster. And on the following Sunday, she was crowned Queen of England by Archbishop Thomas Bourchier (age 47) of Canterbury. And on Monday, the day after, there were great jousts at Westminster, and Lord Stanley had the honour. He had a ring with a ruby, a special honour. And Thomas Wingfield, esquire, and Roger Chamberlain jousted with lances before the King (age 23) at Westminster. Throughout the entire month of May, during the Queen's coronation, the Earl of Warwick (age 36) and Lord Hastings (age 34), along with other ambassadors of the King, were with Lord Charolais and other ambassadors of the Duke of Burgundy at Boulogne across the sea; and although they superficially celebrated greatly, they ultimately could not come to an agreement, because Lord Charolais at that time strongly favoured Queen Margaret's party.
Et in die Sabbati regina in uno horsleter equitabat per Chepe et altos vicos Londoniæ, et omnes novi milites ante, usque dum venerunt apud Westmonasterium. Et die Dominica sequente coronata fuit in reginam Angliæ a domino Thoma Boughcher, Cantu arise archiepiscopo. Et die Lunæ in crastino fuerunt magna hastiludia apud Westmonasterium; et dominus de Stanley habuit honorem. Habuit annulum cum rubio, honore extra. Et Thomas Wyngfeld, armiger, et Rogerus Chambirleyne hastiludebant cum lanceis coram rege apud Westmonasterium. Toto illo mense Maii tempore coronationis reginæ comes Warrwici ac dominus de Hastynges, et alii ambassiatores regis fuerunt cum domino Charleys ac aliis ambassiatoribus ducis Burgundiæ apud Boleyne supra mare; et quamvis superficialiter fecerint magna festa, finaliter non potuerunt concordare, quia dominus de Charoloys illo tempore multum favebat parti reginæ Margaretæ.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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Chronicle of Edward Hall [1496-1548]. 25th May 1522. On Sunday the twenty-fifth day of May, the Lord Marques of Dorset (age 44), the Bishop of Chichester (age 69), and the Lord de la Warr (age 65), with other noble men, at the water of Graveling, received the Emperor (age 22) in the name of the King of England, and so the Emperor embraced them, and he having in his company many noble men, came toward Calice, where at the Turnpike in the lordship of Marke, he was received of Sir Edward Guildford (age 48) Marshall of Calais, with fifty men of arms richly be seen, and also a hundred archers on horseback, then in passing forward toward Calais, the ordnance shot terribly, and into Calais he was received with procession, and then by the lord Barne deputy there, and the counsel of the town then was he received by the Mayor and Aldermen of the town, and then of the Mayor and Merchants of the Staple, and so conveyed to the Exchequer, and there lodged.
The Noble Triumphant Coronacyon of Quene Anne. 25th May 1532. Knyghtes made at Grenwyche the sonday before Whytsonday.
And the sondaye before this tryumphe beyng the xxv daye of Maye the Kynge made at his maner of Grenwyche all these Knyghtes.
Syr Christofer Danby
Syr Christofer Hylarde
Syr Brian Hastynges.
Syr Thomas Butteller.
Syr Willyam Walgrave.
Syr Wyllyam Feldeyng.
Syr Thomas Methven.
Letters and Papers. 25 May 1536. 964. John Husee to Lady Lisle (age 42).
I received your letter by my fellow Fyssher. Touching your weir Mr. Dygory is determined to do as much as the statute will bear, and as others do to theirs. This is Popley's counsel. As to your warren and free market I will set forth the same when I spy a time convenient. Mr. Degory and Bury have this day gone to Devonshire. Your woman shall be sent by Whitsunday, and shall bring with her the extract of Anthony Huse's cushion, to whose wife I will give your Ladyship's thanks. At Mr. Treasurer's coming I shall deliver him the puncheon of wine, and report by my next if it was thankfully received. If your Ladyship send Mr. Basset 5 marks or 4l. he will keep it as wisely as if he were 20 years older; but as he is to return after Whitsuntide you need not send it till then. My Lord never wrote to me for bows. You will receive by Petley 1,000 pins that Bury delivered me. I have written your Ladyship all that your counsel can yet say about lord Dawbny. London, 25 May.
As to the Queen's accusers my lady Worcester (age 34) is said to be the principal. "Your ladyship hath two nieces with the Queen, daughters to Mr. Arundell."
Hol., p. 1. Add.: In Calais.
Letters and Papers. Hears he has already espoused another lady [Jane Seymour (age 27)], who is a good Imperialist (I know not if she will continue), and to whom he paid great attention before the death of the other. As none but the organist [Mark Smeaton (deceased)] confessed, nor herself either, people think he invented this device to get rid of her. Any how, not much wrong can be done to her, even in being suspected as méchante, for that has long been her character. It is to be hoped, if hope be a right thing to entertain about such acts, that when he is tired of this one he will find some occasion of getting rid of her. I think wives will hardly be well contented if such customs become general. Although I have no desire to put myself in this danger, yet being of the feminine gender I will pray with the others that God may keep us from it.
Fr., from a modern copy, pp. 2. Headed: "Extrait d'une lettre de la Reine d'Hongrie au Roy des Romains en date du 25 Mai 1536."
Letters and Papers. 25 May [1536]. R. T. 145, No. 8. Gachard's Analectes Historiques, 1 S. 17. 965. Mary of Hungary to Ferdinand King of the Romans.
I hope the English will not do much against us now, as we are free from his lady (deceased), who was a good Frenchwoman. That the vengeance might be executed by the Emperor's subjects, he sent for the executioner of St. Omer, as there were none in England good enough.
Chronicle of Greyfriars. 25th May 1537. And the 25th day of the same month was drawn from the Tower of London [Map] unto Tyburn [Map] Sir John Bulmer knyght, Sir Stephen Hamertone knight, master Nicolas Tempest (age 57) squire, William Thurston Abbot of Fountains [Map] and Bachelor of Divinity, Doctor John Pekerynge Prior of the Blackfriars in York, Sir James Pekerelle Canon and Doctor of Divinity. And after Sir John Bowmer [and] Sir Stephen Hamertone ware but hanged and headed, and all the residue ware both hangyd, headed and quarted. And at that time was drawn from the Tower after, the Lady Margaret Bowmer (age 26) wife unto Sir John Bulmer, and he made her his wife, but she was the wife of one Cheney, for he sold her unto Sir Bowmer; and she was drawn when she came to Newgate into Smythfelde, and there burned the same fore-none. And that same day at Tyburn was a young Friar of the Blackfriars brought up, and for because he desired the heart of him that brought him up, to have it and to burn it, the Sheriff sent him to Newgate and there was a seneyt [?] or more.
Wriothesley's Chronicle [1508-1562]. 25th May 1544. Frydaye 25 Maii Sir Edward Courtney, Earle of Devonshire (age 17), was had out of the Tower [Map] at 3 of the clock in the morninge, Mr. Chamberlayne of Suffolke and Sir Tho. Tresham, knights, ridinge with him, with certeyne of the Queens garde and others, to Fodringay Castle [Map] in Northamptonshire, and he there to remayne under theyr custodie at the Queens pleasure.
This moneth allso divers persons both men and weomen were sett on the pillorie in Cheape for slaunderouse and seditiouse wordes speakinge against the Queene (age 28) and her Councell and had their eares nayled to the pillorie [Map].
Diary of Edward VI. 25th May 1550. The embassadours came to the court, where thei saw me take the oth for th'acceptation of the treaty1, and afterward dined with me; and after diner saw a pastime of tenne against tenne at the ring, wherof on th'on(e) sid(e) were the duke of Sowthfolk, the vice-dam, the lord Lisle (age 23), and seven other gentlemen, appareled in yelow; on the other, the lord Stra(nge), mons. Henadoy, and yeight other, in blew.
Note 1. "The next day, being Whitsunday, assigned for the taking of the oath and ratification, we, the marquesses of Dorset (age 33) and Northampton (age 38), the lord privy seal, and lord Paget, went again with barges to conduct them to the court, which then, what with our own nation and theirs, was very much replenished. The King's matie, after the communion and service in the chapel beneath, in the presence of mons. Chastillon, his colleagues, and us all of his highness' privy council, besides others standers-by, did read the oath and subscribe the same, with the circumstances thereto belonging; and that day the French commissioners, with their ambassador here resident, dined with the King, and were of his Matie most friendly entertained." (Narrative addressed to sir John Mason (age 47), as before.)
On 25th May 1553 a triple wedding was celebrated at Durham Place, the London townhouse of John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland (age 49), father of Guildford Dudley (age 18) and Katherine Dudley Countess Huntingdon (age 15)...
Guildford Dudley and Lady Jane Grey (age 17) were married. She the daughter of Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 36) and Frances Brandon Duchess of Suffolk (age 35). He the son of John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland and Jane Guildford Duchess Northumberland (age 44). They were third cousin once removed. She a great granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.
Henry Hastings 3rd Earl Huntingdon (age 18) and Katherine Dudley Countess Huntingdon were married. She the daughter of John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland and Jane Guildford Duchess Northumberland. He the son of Francis Hastings 2nd Earl Huntingdon (age 39) and Catherine Pole Countess Huntingdon (age 42). They were fourth cousin once removed.
Henry Herbert 2nd Earl Pembroke (age 15) and Catherine Grey Countess Hertford (age 12) were married. She the daughter of Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk and Frances Brandon Duchess of Suffolk. He the son of William Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke (age 52) and Anne Parr Countess Pembroke. They were fourth cousins. She a great granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 25th May 1554. The xxv day of May, wyche was the sam day, whent owt of the Towre [Map] northwarde the yerle of Devonshyre (age 27), and cared into Northhamtunshyre to a castyll called Fotheringay [Map] with serten of the gard, and dyvers knyghtes, by iij and iiij of the cloke in the mornyng.
On 25th May 1555 King Henry II of Navarre (age 52) died. His daughter Jeanne (age 26) succeeded III Queen Navarre.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 25th May 1557. The xxv day of May was raynyd at Westmynster one, a Frenche man, that was taken at Skarborow when that Thomas Stafford (age 24) was taken with ys adherentes, and cast to dee, and so cared to the Towre agayn.
Note. P. 135. Scarborough castle. Strype in his Memorials, vol. iii. Appen. lxxiii. has printed "the Names of the Prisoners taken in Scarborowe Castell the 28th of Apryll, An. 1557." Five were committed to the Tower of London, and twenty-seven remained in York Castle.
Note. Pp. 135, 136. Death and Funeral of sir Jaques Granado. He was a native of Brabant: having distinguished himself in the campaign in Scotland in 1547 (Holinshed, 1st edit. p. 1620), he was one of the knights made at its close by the duke of Somerset at Berwick, Sept. 28. (Ibid. p. 1633). An annuity of 50l. was granted March 10, 1549-50, to sir Jaques Granado and Magdalen his wife, and to the longer liver: see the patent printed in Rymer, xv. 210. He appears to have filled the office of equerry or some similar post, as in Oct. 1551, he had a passport to conduct sixteen horses sent by Edward VI. to the French king. His widow "Mawdelyn" became the second wife of sir Robert Chester, and his daughter Katharine was married to Edward Chester, sir Robert's son and heir. (MS. Harl. 897, f. 55b.)
Henry Machyn's Diary. 25th May 1559. The thursday the xxv day of May master John Whyt altherman and grocer ys chyld was cristened in lytyll sant Barthelmuw be-syd sant Antonys; thes wher the god-fathers' names, my lord marques of Wynchester (age 76) now lord tresorer of England, and my lord byshope of Wynchester docthur Whytt (age 49), and the god-moder my lade Laxtun, lat the wyffe of ser Wylliam Laxtun latt mare of London and grocer; and after ther was waferers [wafers] and epocras grett plente; and after they whent home to the plasse, with the chyld nam(ed) John Whytt; the wyche wyff was master Raff Grenway altherman and grocer of London wyff.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 25th May 1559. The xxv day they wher browt to the cowrt with musyke to dener, for ther was gret cher; and after dener to b[ear] and bull baytyng, and the Quen('s) (age 25) grace and the embassadurs stod in the galere lokyng of the pastym tyll vj at nyght; and after they whent by water unto Powll wharff, and landyd, and contenent unto ther logyng to the byshope of London('s) to soper, for ther wher gorgyus aparell as has bene sen in thes days.
Note. P. 197. Arrival of French ambassadors. These were, Charles cardinal of Lorraine, Anne due de Montmorenci, Jacques Marquis de Fronsac, Jehan de Morvillier bishop of Orleans, and the chevalier Claude de l'Aubespiere (see Rymer, xv. 503.)
Henry Machyn's Diary. 25th May 1562. The xxv day of May was bered master Godderyke (age 56) sqwyer, the wyche he ded at ys place with-in Whyt-freres, and cared unto sant Andrew's in Holborne [Map] to be bered; and ther was the compene of the Clarkes syngyng pryke-song, and then cam a morner careng ys pennon of armes, and then cam master Yorke beyryng ys cott armur, and after master Clarenshus (age 52); and then cam the corse with a ryche palle of tynsell and ryche cloth of sylver with armes of bokeram; and then the morners, and after the byshope of Canturbere (age 57) and the byshope of Ely (age 69) and the byshope of London (age 43), and next my lord keper (age 51) and my lord cheyffe justus of England and mony worshephull men, and after ij C [200] of the ines of the cowrt folowd; and the dene of Powlles (age 45) dyd pryche for hym.
Note. P. 283. Funeral of master Godderyke. It seems not improbable, from the attendance at this funeral, that this was a brother or near relative of the late bishop of Ely and lord chancellor. In the register of St. Andrew's he is styled sir Richard Goodricke. (Malcolm.)
On 25th May 1601 Archduchess Habsburg Spain was born to Ferdinand of Spain II Holy Roman Emperor (age 22) and Maria Anna Wittelsbach Holy Roman Empress (age 26). Coefficient of inbreeding 11.68%. He died aged less than one years old.
On 25th May 1601 Robert Beale (age 60) died at his home at Barnes Richmond, Surrey.
On 25th May 1603 Charles Habsburg Spain was born to Ferdinand of Spain II Holy Roman Emperor (age 24) and Maria Anna Wittelsbach Holy Roman Empress (age 28). Coefficient of inbreeding 11.68%. He died aged less than one years old.
On 25th May 1616 Carlo Dolci was born.
Diary of Anne Clifford. 25th May 1616. Upon the 25th my Lord of Somerset (age 29) was arraigned and condemned in the same place and stood much upon his innocency.
Diary of Anne Clifford. 25th May 1617. The 25th my Lord St. John's tailor came to me hither to take measure of me and to make me a new gown. In the afternoon my Coz. Russell (age 24) wrote me a letter to let me know how my Lord (age 28) had cancelled my jointure he made upon me last June when I went into the North, and by these proceedings I may see how much my Lord is offended with me and that my enemies have the upper hand of me. I am resolved to take all patiently, casting all my care upon Gop. His footman told me that my Coz. Russell and my Lady Bedford (age 37) were agreed, and my Lord Herbert and his Lady, and that the next week they were to seal the writings and the agreement, which I little expected.
On 25th May 1657 Edward Rodney (age 66) died. On 3rd August 1659 Frances Southwell died. Monument in Church of St Leonard, Rodney Stoke [Map].
Frances Southwell: she was born to Robert Southwell and Elizabeth Howard Countess Carrick. In May 1614 Edward Rodney and she were married at Somerset House [Map]. She the daughter of Robert Southwell and Elizabeth Howard Countess Carrick. They were half fourth cousin twice removed.
On 25th May 1659 Richard Cromwell Lord Protector (age 32) resigned as Lord Protector.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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On 25th May 1660 King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 29) arrived at Dover, Kent [Map].
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25th May 1660. By the morning we were come close to the land, and every body made ready to get on shore. The King and the two Dukes did eat their breakfast before they went, and there being set some ship's diet before them, only to show them the manner of the ship's diet, they eat of nothing else but pease and pork, and boiled beef. I had Mr. Darcy in my cabin and Dr. Clerke, who eat with me, told me how the King had given £50 to Mr. Sheply for my Lord's servants, and £500 among the officers and common men of the ship. I spoke with the Duke of York about business, who called me Pepys by name, and upon my desire did promise me his future favour. Great expectation of the King's (age 29) making some Knights, but there was none. About noon (though the brigantine that Beale made was there ready to carry him) yet he would go in my Lord's barge with the two Dukes. Our Captain steered, and my Lord went along bare with him. I went, and Mr. Mansell, and one of the King's footmen, with a dog that the King loved1, (which [dirted] the boat, which made us laugh, and me think that a King and all that belong to him are but just as others are), in a boat by ourselves, and so got on shore when the King did, who was received by General Monk (age 51) with all imaginable love and respect at his entrance upon the land of Dover. Infinite the crowd of people and the horsemen, citizens, and noblemen of all sorts. The Mayor of the town came and gave him his white staff, the badge of his place, which the King did give him again. The Mayor also presented him from the town a very rich Bible, which he took and said it was the thing that he loved above all things in the world. A canopy was provided for him to stand under, which he did, and talked awhile with General Monk and others, and so into a stately coach there set for him, and so away through the town towards Canterbury, without making any stay at Dover. The shouting and joy expressed by all is past imagination. Seeing that my Lord did not stir out of his barge, I got into a boat, and so into his barge, whither Mr. John Crew stepped, and spoke a word or two to my Lord, and so returned, we back to the ship, and going did see a man almost drowned that fell out of his boat into the sea, but with much ado was got out. My Lord almost transported with joy that he had done all this without any the least blur or obstruction in the world, that could give an offence to any, and with the great honour he thought it would be to him. Being overtook by the brigantine, my Lord and we went out of our barge into it, and so went on board with Sir W. Batten (age 59)2, and the Vice and Rear-Admirals. At night my Lord supped and Mr. Thomas Crew with Captain Stoakes, I supped with the Captain, who told me what the King had given us. My Lord returned late, and at his coming did give me order to cause the marke to be gilded, and a Crown and C. R. to be made at the head of the coach table, where the King to-day with his own hand did mark his height, which accordingly I caused the painter to do, and is now done as is to be seen.
Note 1. Charles II's love of dogs is well known, but it is not so well known that his dogs were continually being stolen from him. In the "Mercurius Publicus", June 28-July 5, 1660, is the following advertisement, apparently drawn up by the King himself: "We must call upon you again for a Black Dog between a greyhound and a spaniel, no white about him, onely a streak on his brest, and his tayl a little bobbed. It is His Majesties own Dog, and doubtless was stoln, for the dog was not born nor bred in England, and would never forsake His master. Whoesoever findes him may acquaint any at Whitehal for the Dog was better known at Court, than those who stole him. Will they never leave robbing his Majesty! Must he not keep a Dog? This dog's place (though better than some imagine) is the only place which nobody offers to beg". (Quoted in "Notes and Queries", 7th S., vii. 26, where are printed two other advertisements of Charles's lost dogs.)
Note 2. Clarendon describes William Batten as an obscure fellow, and, although unknown to the service, a good seaman, who was in 1642 made Surveyor to the Navy; in which employ he evinced great animosity against the King. The following year, while Vice-Admiral to the Earl of Warwick, he chased a Dutch man-of-war into Burlington Bay, knowing that Queen Henrietta Maria was on board; and then, learning that she had landed and was lodged on the quay, he fired above a hundred shot upon the house, some of which passing through her majesty's chamber, she was obliged, though indisposed, to retire for safety into the open fields. This act, brutal as it was, found favour with the Parliament. But Batten became afterwards discontented; and, when a portion of the fleet revolted, he carried the "Constant Warwick", one of the best ships in the Parliament navy, over into Holland, with several seamen of note. For this act of treachery he was knighted and made a Rear-Admiral by Prince Charles. We hear no more of Batten till the Restoration, when he became a Commissioner of the Navy, and was soon after M.P. for Rochester. See an account of his second wife, in note to November 24th, 1660, and of his illness and death, October 5th, 1667. He had a son, Benjamin, and a daughter, Martha, by his first wife. B.
John Evelyn's Diary. 25th May 1662. I went this evening to London, in order to our journey to Hampton Court [Map], to see the Queen (age 23); who, having landed at Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map], had been married to the King (age 31) a week before by the Bishop of London (age 63).
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25th May 1663. So by and by to dinner, and then carried my wife and Ashwell to St. James's, and there they sat in the coach while I went in, and finding nobody there likely to meet with the Duke, but only Sir J. Minnes (age 64) with my Lord Barkely (age 61) (who speaks very kindly, and invites me with great compliments to come now and then and eat with him, which I am glad to hear, though I value not the thing, but it implies that my esteem do increase rather than fall), and so I staid not, but into the coach again, and taking up my wife's taylor, it raining hard, they set me down, and who should our coachman be but Carleton the Vintner, that should have had Mrs. Sarah, at Westminster, my Chancellor's (age 54), and then to Paternoster Row [Map]. I staid there to speak with my Lord Sandwich (age 37), and in my staying, meeting Mr. Lewis Phillips of Brampton, he and afterwards others tell me that news came last night to Court, that the King of France (age 24) is sick of the spotted fever, and that they are struck in again; and this afternoon my Lord Mandeville (age 29) is gone from the King (age 32) to make him a visit; which will be great news, and of great import through Europe.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25th May 1663. By and by, out comes my Lord Sandwich (age 37), and he and I talked a great while about his business, of his accounts for his pay, and among other things he told me that this day a vote hath passed that the King's grants of land to my Lord Monk (age 54) and him should be made good; which pleases him very well. He also tells me that things don't go right in the House with Mr. Coventry (age 35); I suppose he means in the business of selling of places; but I am sorry for it.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25th May 1667. Up, and to the office, where all the morning. At noon dined at home, and there come Mr. Pierce, the surgeon, and dined with me, telling me that the Duke of Cambridge (age 3) continues very ill, so as they do despair of his living.
On 25th May 1671 Henry Wood 1st Baronet (age 73) died without male issue. Baronet Wood extinct. On 31st May 1671 he was buried at Ufford, Suffolk. His daughter Mary Wood Duchess Southampton (age 8) was his heir. In view of the great wealth she was to inherit she was betrothed to Charles Fitzroy 1st Duke Southampton 2nd Duke Cleveland (age 8), an illegitmate son of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 40) and Barbara Villiers 1st Duchess of Cleveland (age 30). On her father's death she went to live with Barbara Villiers 1st Duchess of Cleveland. They, Mary Wood Duchess Southampton and Charles Fitzroy 1st Duke Southampton 2nd Duke Cleveland married 1679 but she died a year later from smallpox.
John Evelyn's Diary. 25th May 1673. My son (age 18) was made a younger brother of the Trinity House. The new master was Sir J. Smith, one of the Commissioners of the Navy, a stout seaman, who had interposed and saved the Duke (age 39) from perishing by a fire ship in the late war.
John Evelyn's Diary. 25th May 1681. There came to visit me Sir William Walter and Sir John Elowes: and the next day, the Earl of Kildare, a young gentleman related to my wife (age 46), and other company. There had scarce fallen any rain since Christmas.
John Evelyn's Diary. 25th May 1682. The Duke (age 48) and King James II of England Scotland and Ireland and Duchess of York (age 23) were just now come to London, after his escape and shipwreck, as he went by sea for Scotland.
John Evelyn's Diary. 25th May 1682. I was desired by Sir Stephen Fox (age 55) and Sir Christopher Wren (age 58) to accompany them to Lambeth, Surrey [Map], with the plot and design of the college to be built at Chelsea, to have the Archbishop's approbation. It was a quadrangle of 200 feet square, after the dimensions of the larger quadrangle at Christ church, Oxford, for the accommodation of 440 persons, with Governor of and officers. This was agreed on.
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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John Evelyn's Diary. 25th May 1688. The Queen Dowager (age 49), hitherto bent on her return into Portugal, now on the sudden, on allegation of a great debt owing her by his Majesty (age 54) disabling her, declares her resolution to stay.
On 25th May 1708 Wriothesley Russell 3rd Duke Bedford was born to Wriothesley Russell 2nd Duke Bedford (age 27) and Elizabeth Howland Duchess Bedford (age 26). He married 22nd April 1725 his sixth cousin Anne Egerton Duchess Bedford, daughter of Scroop Egerton 1st Duke Bridgewater and Elizabeth Churchill Countess Bridgewater.
St Mary the Virgin Church, Edelsborough [Map]. Grave in the Chancel of William Ginger, died 25th May 1738 aged 63 years.
On 25th May 1765 Archibald Hamilton 9th Duke Hamilton 6th Duke Brandon (age 24) and Harriet Stewart were married. She the daughter of Alexander Stewart 6th Earl Galloway (age 71) and Catherine Cochrane Countess Galloway (age 56). He the son of James Hamilton 5th Duke Hamilton 2nd Duke Brandon and Anne Spencer Duchess Hamilton Duchess Brandon (age 55). They were half fifth cousin once removed.
After 25th May 1770. St John Lee Church, Hexham [Map]. Monument to Reverend Leonard Bentham.
On 25th May 1792 Edmund Hungerford Lechmere 2nd Baronet was born to Anthony Lechmere 1st Baronet (age 25) and Mary Berwick Lady Lechmere. He married 1819 Maria Clara Murray Lady Lechmere and had issue.
On 25th May 1800 Caroline Isabella Manners was born to John Henry Manners 5th Duke Rutland (age 22) and Elizabeth Howard Duchess Rutland (age 19). She died aged four in 1804.
On 11th May 1804 Edward Hase of Salle (age 71) died. On 25th May 1801 Virtue Repps died. Memorial in Church of St Peter and St Paul, Salle [Map].
Edward Hase of Salle: Around 1733 he was born to John Hase of Great Melton in Norfolk and Mary Lombe. On 2nd January 1784 John 1st Lombe Baronet was created 1st Baronet Lombe aka Jodrell of Salle Park in Norfolk with remainder in default of male issue of his own to his brother Edward Hase of Salle and the heirs male of his body and in default thereof to the male issue of Edward Hase's daughter, Virtue Hase. Before 25th May 1801 he and Virtue Repps were married.
Virtue Repps: Around 1732 she was born to John Repps of Mattishall and Virtue Boardman.
On 25th May 1822 Elizabeth Wrottesley Duchess Grafton (age 76) died.
On 25th May 1829 Charles John Gardiner 1st Earl Blessington (age 47) died of apoplexy without issue. Earl Blessington, Viscount Mountjoy, Baron Mountjoy extinct.
On 25th May 1846 Helena Windsor was born to Prince Albert Saxe Coburg Gotha (age 26) and Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom (age 27). Coefficient of inbreeding 7.25%. She married before 14th April 1867 her third cousin Prince Frederick Christian Oldenburg, son of Christian August Oldenburg II Duke Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Augustenburg and Louise Sophie Danneskiold Samsøe Duchess Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Augustenburg, and had issue.
Ten Years' Digging. May 25th [1848], we opened a barrow [Mere Hill Barrow [Map]] on the top of Mare Hill; near Throwley Hall, by sinking by the side of a mass of natural rock which approached the surface near the middle of the tumulus. About three feet down we discovered a grave, cut in the rock, covered, more especially about the sides, with charcoal: in it were two skeletons, near the shoulders of one was a spear point of calcined flint; in the earth, near the grave, were found a small piece of pottery and a piece of lead, having the appearance of wire, which subsequent researches prove to have been accidentally fused from metalliferous gravel present upon the spot where either a corpse was burnt or an urn baked, which was generally the site afterwards occupied by the tumulus.
Carrying the excavation to the further side of the before-named rock, we found that the artificial ground extended much deeper, and was mingled with fragments of human skeletons and rats' bones; and about four feet from the surface was a cist of flat stones placed on end, which contained three interments on different levels: the uppermost was the skeleton of a child, the next a deposit of burnt bones, among which were some animal teeth; the lowest was an entire skeleton. Immediately above the burnt bones was found a small bronze dagger about 3 inches long, perforated at the lower end with two holes, which did not present the usual rivets for attaching the handle, and which must therefore have been secured by ligatures. Outside this cist were found, pieces of human skull, sherds of pottery, flints, animal bones, and a piece of lead of conical shape.
Note A. this point we continued the excavation at right angles, being induced to do so by observing another declination in the earth, which led to another deposit of calcined bones. Further on at the depth of about two feet from the surface, was the skeleton of a child, laid as usual on the left side, with the knees drawn up, in a state of decay, accompanied by a very neatly ornamented vase 5 inches high, which was placed by the side of a flat stone set on edge for its protection. Half a yard further we found another incinerated interment, the bones, amongst which were a good arrow head of flint and a perforated bone pin, having been placed within a small inverted urn much decayed, which lay in the midst of a heap of burnt earth and charcoal. Near the same place were a piece of fused lead and the skeleton of a child, without any relics.
Ten Years' Digging. On the 25th of May we examined a barrow upon Morridge, opposite the village of Winkhill, 13 yards diameter and 18 inches high of the so-called "Druid Barrow" shape, flat in the middle, with an elevated ring surrounding it. We turned over the greater part without finding any thing but a small arrow, and another instrument of burnt flint; a little charred wood was seen on the natural surface.
St Mary's Church, Uttoxeter [Map]. Memorial to Elizabeth Bateman, wife of Richard Bateman, died 25th May 1852.
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 1 Chapters 1-60 1307-1342
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel offer one of the most vivid and immediate accounts of 14th-century Europe, written by a knight who lived through the events he describes, and experienced some of them first hand. Covering the early decades of the Hundred Years’ War, this remarkable chronicle follows the campaigns of Edward III of England, the politics of France and the Low Countries, and the shifting alliances that shaped medieval warfare. Unlike later historians, Jean le Bel writes with a strong sense of eyewitness authenticity, drawing on personal experience and the testimony of fellow soldiers. His narrative captures not only battles and sieges, but also the realities of military life, diplomacy, and the ideals of chivalry that governed noble society. A key source for Jean Froissart, Le Bel’s chronicle stands on its own as a compelling and insightful work, at once historical record and literary achievement. This translation builds on the 1905 edition published in French by Jules Viard, adding extensive translations from other sources Rymer's Fœdera, the Chronicles of Adam Murimuth, William Nangis, Walter of Guisborough, a Bourgeois of Valenciennes, Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke and Richard Lescot to enrich the original text and Viard's notes.
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On 25th May 1859 William Logsdail was born to George Logsdail (age 32) at 19 Lincoln Cathedral Close. He married 1892 May Ashman of Necton and had issue.
George Logsdail: In 1827 he was born. In 1905 he died.
On 28th March 1868 James Brudenell 7th Earl Cardigan (age 70) died from a fall from a horse. His second cousin George (age 63) succeeded 8th Earl Cardigan, 8th Baron Brudenell of Stonton in Leicestershire. Baron Brudenell Deene in Northamptonshire extinct.
On 25th May 1915 Adeline Horsey Countess Cardigan (age 90) died.
Both were buried in St Peter's Church, Deene [Map]; he on 9th April 1868. Monument to James Brudenell 7th Earl Cardigan 1797 1868 sculpted by Joseph Boehm (age 33). Recumbent effigies on Sarcophagus, bronze sea horses (Brudenell Crest) at the bottom corners.
On 25th May 1870 Edward Royds (age 21) died from a fall on Monte Salvadore, Lugano, Switzerland. He was buried in Lugano.
Edward Royds: On 9th October 1848 he was born to Reverend Edward Royds and Anne Mary Littledale. He was baptised at St Oswald's Church, Brereton [Map] on 14th November 1847. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.25%.
On 25th May 1871 Oswald Mosley 2nd Baronet (age 86) died. His son Tonman (age 57) succeeded 3rd Baronet Mosley of Ancoats. Memorial at St Mary's Church, Rolleston on Dove [Map].
Oswald Mosley 2nd Baronet: On 27th March 1785 he was born to Oswald Mosley and Elizabeth Tonman. On 29th September 1798 John Parker Mosley 1st Baronet died. His grandson Oswald succeeded 2nd Baronet Mosley of Ancoats. On 31st January 1804 Oswald Mosley 2nd Baronet and Sophia Anne Every Lady Mosley were married. She by marriage Lady Mosley of Ancoats.
Tonman Mosley 3rd Baronet: On 9th July 1813 he was born to Oswald Mosley 2nd Baronet and Sophia Anne Every Lady Mosley. On 4th February 1847 Tonman Mosley 3rd Baronet and Catherine Wood were married. The difference in their ages was 20 years. On 28th April 1890 Tonman Mosley 3rd Baronet died. His son Oswald succeeded 4th Baronet Mosley of Ancoats.
On 25th May 1877 Katherine De Vere Beauclerk was born to William Amelius Aubrey Beauclerk 10th Duke St Albans (age 37) and Grace Bernal Duchess St Albans (age 29). She married (1) 23rd January 1896 Henry Charles Augustus Fitzroy and had issue (2) 22nd April 1921 her fifth cousin William Lambton, son of George Frederick D'Arcy Lambton 2nd Earl Durham and Beatrix Frances Hamilton Countess Durham.
On 25th May 1878 Elizabeth Georgiana Leveson-Gower Duchess Argyll died.
On 25th May 1894 John Rogers 9th Baronet (age 76) drowned in a lake. He was unmarried. He was buried at St Michael's Church, Cornwood [Map]. His brother Edward (age 74) succeeded 10th Baronet Rogers of Wisdome in Devon.
On 25th May 1900 Stillborn Hesse Darmstadt was born to Ernest Louis Hesse Darmstadt Grand Duke (age 31) and Victoria Melita Windsor (age 23). He a great grandson of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. Coefficient of inbreeding 9.22%.
On 25th May 1915 Captain Henry Floyd 4th Baronet (age 59) died in a riding accident. His son Henry (age 16) succeeded 5th Baronet Floyd of Chearsley Hill in Buckinghamshire.
On 25th May 1916 Elizabeth Ivy Percy was born to Alan Ian Percy 8th Duke Northumberland (age 36) and Helen Gordon-Lennox Duchess Northumberland (age 29).
On 25th May 1920 Evelyn Radigund Eliot (age 51) died unmarried. Memorial at St Germans Priory [Map].
Evelyn Radigund Eliot: On 31st January 1869 she was born to Charles George Cornwallis Eliot and Constance Rhiannon Guest.
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 May 1930 Archbishop Randall Davidson (age 82) died.
On 25th May 1417 Catherine La Marck was born to Adolph La Marck I Duke Cleves (age 43) and Marie Valois Duchess Cleves (age 24). She married 23rd July 1423 Arnold Egmont Duke Guelders and had issue.
On 25th May 1600 Thomas Hamilton 2nd Earl Haddington was born to Thomas Hamilton 1st Earl Haddington (age 37). He married (1) before 1626 Catherine Erskine, daughter of John Erskine 19th Earl of Mar and Mary Stewart Countess Mar, and had issue (2) 1640 Jean Gordon Countess Haddington, daughter of George Gordon 2nd Marquess Huntly and Anna Campbell Marchioness Huntly.
On 25th May 1601 Archduchess Habsburg Spain was born to Ferdinand of Spain II Holy Roman Emperor (age 22) and Maria Anna Wittelsbach Holy Roman Empress (age 26). Coefficient of inbreeding 11.68%. He died aged less than one years old.
On 25th May 1603 Charles Habsburg Spain was born to Ferdinand of Spain II Holy Roman Emperor (age 24) and Maria Anna Wittelsbach Holy Roman Empress (age 28). Coefficient of inbreeding 11.68%. He died aged less than one years old.
On 25th May 1616 Carlo Dolci was born.
On 25th May 1620 Warwick Mohun 2nd Baron Mohun Okehampton was born to John Mohun 1st Baron Mohun Okehampton (age 25) and Cordelia Stanhope Baroness Mohun Okehampton (age 35).
On 25th May 1678 Vere Fane 5th Earl of Westmoreland was born to Vere Fane 4th Earl of Westmoreland (age 33) and Rachel Bence Countess of Westmoreland.
On 25th May 1682 Charles Lennard was born to Thomas Lennard 1st Earl of Sussex (age 28) and Anne Fitzroy Countess Sussex (age 21) at Windsor Castle [Map]. He a grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. Coefficient of inbreeding 3.14%. He died aged one in 1684.
On 25th May 1683 Dorothy Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers (age 32) and Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley. She married 1700 John Cotes and had issue.
On 25th May 1686 Carolus Pole was born to John Pole 3rd Baronet (age 36) and Anne Morice Lady Pole (age 33).
On 25th May 1699 Pattee Byng 2nd Viscount Torrington was born to George Byng 1st Viscount Torrington (age 36). He married 11th June 1724 Charlotte Montagu Viscountess Torrington, daughter of Charles Montagu 1st Duke Manchester and Doddington Greville Duchess Manchester, and had issue.
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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On 25th May 1708 Catherine Lee Countess of Lichfield was born to John Stonhouse 3rd Baronet (age 36) and Penelope Dashwood (age 21). She married 29th May 1745 Robert Lee 4th Earl Lichfield, son of Edward Lee 1st Earl Lichfield and Charlotte Fitzroy Countess Lichfield.
On 25th May 1708 Wriothesley Russell 3rd Duke Bedford was born to Wriothesley Russell 2nd Duke Bedford (age 27) and Elizabeth Howland Duchess Bedford (age 26). He married 22nd April 1725 his sixth cousin Anne Egerton Duchess Bedford, daughter of Scroop Egerton 1st Duke Bridgewater and Elizabeth Churchill Countess Bridgewater.
On 25th May 1713 John Stuart 3rd Earl Bute was born to James Stuart 2nd Earl Bute (age 17) and Anne Campbell Countess Bute (age 27) at Parliament Close. He married 20th August 1736 his fifth cousin Mary Wortley-Montagu Countess Bute and had issue.
On 25th May 1715 Michael Pilkington 6th Baronet was born to Lyon Pilkington 4th Baronet (age 31).
On 25th May 1753 William Clement Finch was born to Heneage Finch 3rd Earl Aylesford (age 37) and Charlotte Seymour Countess Aylesford (age 22).
On 25th May 1782 Bishop Edward Grey was born to Charles Grey 1st Earl Grey (age 52) and Elizabeth Grey Countess Grey (age 38). He married (1) 21st March 1809 Charlotte Elizabeth Croft (2) 9th September 1824 Elizabeth Adair (3) 24th July 1837 Eliza Innes and had issue.
On 25th May 1792 Edmund Hungerford Lechmere 2nd Baronet was born to Anthony Lechmere 1st Baronet (age 25) and Mary Berwick Lady Lechmere. He married 1819 Maria Clara Murray Lady Lechmere and had issue.
On 25th May 1800 Caroline Isabella Manners was born to John Henry Manners 5th Duke Rutland (age 22) and Elizabeth Howard Duchess Rutland (age 19). She died aged four in 1804.
On 25th May 1803 Edward George Bulwer-Lytton 1st Baron Lytton was born to General William Earle Bulwer.
On 25th May 1809 Thomas Dyke Acland 11th Baronet was born to Thomas Dyke Acland 10th Baronet (age 22) and Elizabeth Hoare (age 22). He married 1841 Mary Mordaunt, daughter of Charles Mordaunt 8th Baronet, and had issue.
On 25th May 1844 Alice Mary Cuffe Baroness Henniker was born to John Cuffe 3rd Earl Desart (age 25) and Elizabeth Lucy Campbell Countess Desart (age 22). She married 14th January 1864 John Major Henniker-Major 5th Baron Henniker, son of John Henniker-Major 4th Baron Henniker and Anna Kerrison, and had issue.
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 May 1846 Helena Windsor was born to Prince Albert Saxe Coburg Gotha (age 26) and Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom (age 27). Coefficient of inbreeding 7.25%. She married before 14th April 1867 her third cousin Prince Frederick Christian Oldenburg, son of Christian August Oldenburg II Duke Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Augustenburg and Louise Sophie Danneskiold Samsøe Duchess Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Augustenburg, and had issue.
On 25th May 1855 James Edward Sholto Douglas was born to Archibald William Douglas 8th Marquess Queensberry (age 37) and Caroline Clayton Marchioness Queensbury (age 34). He a twin with Florence Caroline Douglas.
On 25th May 1855 Florence Caroline Douglas was born to Archibald William Douglas 8th Marquess Queensberry (age 37) and Caroline Clayton Marchioness Queensbury (age 34). She a twin with James Edward Sholto Douglas.
On 25th May 1857 Sigmund Neumann 1st Baronet was born to Gustav Neumann and Babette m Neumann at Fürth, Bavaria. His christian name anglicized from Sigismund. He married 1890 Anna Allegra Hakim Lady Neumann and had issue.
On 25th May 1859 William Logsdail was born to George Logsdail (age 32) at 19 Lincoln Cathedral Close. He married 1892 May Ashman of Necton and had issue.
George Logsdail: In 1827 he was born. In 1905 he died.
On 25th May 1859 Major Rupert Tyrwhitt was born to Henry Thomas Tyrwhitt-Jones 3rd Baronet (age 35) and Emma Harriet Wilson 12th Baroness Berners (age 23).
On 25th May 1860 Edward Lycett Green 2nd Baronet was born to Edward Green 1st Baronet (age 29) and Mary Lycett Lady Green (age 25). He married 23rd April 1885 Ethel Mary Wilson Lady Green and had issue.
On 25th May 1865 George Allardice 1st Baron Riddell was born.
On 25th May 1865 Albert Holden Illingworth 1st Baron Illingworth was born to Henry Illingworth of Bradford (age 35) and Mary Holden (age 26). He married 18th November 1931 Margaret Wilberforce Baroness Illingworth.
On 25th May 1867 William Humble Ward 2nd Earl of Dudley was born to William Ward 1st Earl of Dudley (age 50) and Georgina Moncrieffe Countess Dudley (age 20). He married (1) 1891 Rachel Anne Gurney Countess Dudley (2) 30th April 1924 Gertrude "Gertie" Millar Countess of Dudley.
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 May 1867 Violet Harriet Nightingale was born to Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Dickonson Nightingale 13th Baronet (age 36). She married 24th November 1894 Colonel Charles Herbert Clay and had issue.
On 25th May 1876 Auberon Herbert 9th Baron Lucas was born to Auberon Edward William Molyneux Howard Herbert (age 37) and Florence Amabel Cowper (age 39).
On 25th May 1877 Katherine De Vere Beauclerk was born to William Amelius Aubrey Beauclerk 10th Duke St Albans (age 37) and Grace Bernal Duchess St Albans (age 29). She married (1) 23rd January 1896 Henry Charles Augustus Fitzroy and had issue (2) 22nd April 1921 her fifth cousin William Lambton, son of George Frederick D'Arcy Lambton 2nd Earl Durham and Beatrix Frances Hamilton Countess Durham.
On 25th May 1879 Hilda Strutt was born to Henry Strutt 2nd Baron Belper (age 39) and Margaret Coke Baroness Belper (age 27). She married Charles Israel Loraine Allix.
On 25th May 1881 Henry Lyndhurst Bruce was born to Henry Bruce 2nd Baron Aberdare (age 29) and Constance Mary Beckett Baroness Aberdare. He married 1906 Camilla "Camille" Clifford.
On 25th May 1885 Commander Melvill Willis Ward 3rd Baronet was born to Edward Ward 1st Baronet (age 31) and Florence Caroline Simons Lady Ward (age 27).
On 25th May 1889 George Montagu Stuart-Wortley was born to Francis Montagu Stuart-Wortley-Mackenzie 2nd Earl of Wharncliffe (age 32) and Ellen Gallwey Countess of Wharncliffe (age 26). He died aged five in 1894.
On 25th May 1900 Stillborn Hesse Darmstadt was born to Ernest Louis Hesse Darmstadt Grand Duke (age 31) and Victoria Melita Windsor (age 23). He a great grandson of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. Coefficient of inbreeding 9.22%.
On 25th May 1907 Helena Albreda Marie Gabrielle Wentworth-Fitzwilliam was born to William Charles de Meuron "Billy" Wentworth-Fitzwilliam 7th and 5th Earl Fitzwilliam (age 34) and Maud Frederica Elizabeth Dundas Countess Fitzwilliam (age 29).
On 25th May 1910 Charles Richard Strutt was born to Robert Strutt 4th Baron Rayleigh (age 34) and Mary Hilda Clements (age 35)..
On 25th May 1914 William Hope Nelson 3rd Baronet was born to William Hope Nelson (age 29). He married 21st November 1945 Elizabeth Anne Cary Lady Nelson, daughter of Lucius Cary 14th Viscount Falkland, and had issue.
On 25th May 1916 Elizabeth Ivy Percy was born to Alan Ian Percy 8th Duke Northumberland (age 36) and Helen Gordon-Lennox Duchess Northumberland (age 29).
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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On 25th May 1957 Timothy Gilbert Heathcote 12th Baronet was born to Michael Perryman Heathcote 11th Baronet (age 29).
On 25th May 1300 Rudolph Habsburg III Duke Austria (age 18) and Blanche Capet Duchess Austria (age 22) were married. She by marriage Duchess Austria. She the daughter of King Philip III of France and Maria of Brabant Queen Consort France (age 44). He the son of Albert Habsburg I Duke Austria (age 44) and Elizabeth Carinthia Duchess Austria.
On 25th May 1306 John Warenne 7th Earl of Surrey (age 19) and Joan of Bar Countess of Surrey (age 10) were married. She by marriage Countess Surrey. She the daughter of Henry of Bar III Count of Bar (age 47) and Eleanor Plantagenet. They were half second cousin once removed. She a granddaughter of King Edward I of England.
On 25th May 1553 a triple wedding was celebrated at Durham Place, the London townhouse of John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland (age 49), father of Guildford Dudley (age 18) and Katherine Dudley Countess Huntingdon (age 15)...
Guildford Dudley and Lady Jane Grey (age 17) were married. She the daughter of Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 36) and Frances Brandon Duchess of Suffolk (age 35). He the son of John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland and Jane Guildford Duchess Northumberland (age 44). They were third cousin once removed. She a great granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.
Henry Hastings 3rd Earl Huntingdon (age 18) and Katherine Dudley Countess Huntingdon were married. She the daughter of John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland and Jane Guildford Duchess Northumberland. He the son of Francis Hastings 2nd Earl Huntingdon (age 39) and Catherine Pole Countess Huntingdon (age 42). They were fourth cousin once removed.
Henry Herbert 2nd Earl Pembroke (age 15) and Catherine Grey Countess Hertford (age 12) were married. She the daughter of Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk and Frances Brandon Duchess of Suffolk. He the son of William Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke (age 52) and Anne Parr Countess Pembroke. They were fourth cousins. She a great granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.
On 25th May 1721 John West 1st Earl De La Warr (age 28) and Charlotte Maccarthy Baroness De La Warr were married. She the daughter of Donough MacCarty 4th Earl Clancarty (age 53) and Elizabeth Spencer Countess Clancarty. They were fifth cousin once removed.
On 25th May 1765 Archibald Hamilton 9th Duke Hamilton 6th Duke Brandon (age 24) and Harriet Stewart were married. She the daughter of Alexander Stewart 6th Earl Galloway (age 71) and Catherine Cochrane Countess Galloway (age 56). He the son of James Hamilton 5th Duke Hamilton 2nd Duke Brandon and Anne Spencer Duchess Hamilton Duchess Brandon (age 55). They were half fifth cousin once removed.
On 25th May 1786 George Venables-Vernon 2nd Baron Vernon (age 51) and Jane Georgiana Fauquier Baroness Vernon (age 38) were married. She by marriage Baroness Vernon of Kinderton in Cheshire.
On 25th May 1813 Johnathan Frederick Pollock 1st Baronet (age 29) and Frances Rivers were married. They had twelve children together.
On 25th May 1839 John James Waldegrave and Frances Braham Countess Waldegrave (age 18) were married. She would, a year later, marry his legitimate half-brother George Edward Waldegrave 7th Earl Waldegrave (age 23); an example of Married to Two Siblings. He the illegitmate son of John James Waldegrave 6th Earl Waldegrave.
On 25th May 1856 Thomas Whichcote 7th Baronet (age 43) and Isabella Elizabeth Montgomery Lady Whichcote (age 48) were married. She by marriage Lady Whichcote of the Inner Temple in the City of London.
On 25th May 1868 Ivor Bertie Guest (age 32) and Cornelia Henrietta Maria Spencer-Churchill Baroness Wimborne (age 20) were married. She the daughter of John Winston Spencer-Churchill 7th Duke of Marlborough (age 45) and Frances Anne Emily Vane Duchess of Marlborough (age 46).
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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On 25th May 1936 John Beresford 5th Baron Decies (age 69) and Elizabeth Wharton Drexel Baroness Decies (age 68) were married. She by marriage Baroness Decies of Decies in Waterford.
On 25th May 709 Saint Aldhelm (age 70) died in Doulting, Somerset.
On 25th May 803 Bishop Higbald died.
On 24th May 843 the Battle of Blain aka Messac was a battle between Brittany and the County of Nantes over control of Nantes which, at that time, was controlled by the Frankish Kingdom. The Franks were defeated.
Lambert Guideschi II Count Nantes commanded the Breton army.
Renaud Count of Herbauges, Poitiers and Nantes, who commanded the army of Nantes, was killed the following day.
On 25th May 1008 Matilda Billung Countess Flanders (age 68) died at Ghent [Map].
On 25th May 1045 Otto Vermandois I Count Vermandois (age 65) died.
On 21st May 1259 Bishop Fulk Basset (age 70) died of plague. On 25th May 1259 he was buried at St Paul's Cathedral [Map].
On 25th May 1387 Richard Poynings 3rd Baron Poynings (age 28) died at Villalpando. His son Robert (age 4) succeeded 4th Baron Poynings.
On 25th May 1395 William Botreaux 2nd Baron Botreaux (age 28) died. His son William (age 6) succeeded 3rd Baron Botreaux.
On 25th May 1406 Dietrich La Marck Bishop Liège died.
On 25th May 1425 Murdoch Stewart 2nd Duke Albany (age 63) and his son Walter Stewart (age 25) were beheaded at Heading Hill at Stirling Castle.
On 25th May 1452 Archbishop John Stafford died.
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 May 1555 King Henry II of Navarre (age 52) died. His daughter Jeanne (age 26) succeeded III Queen Navarre.
On 25th May 1596 Margaret Hamilton Countess Angus (age 71) died.
On 25th May 1601 Robert Beale (age 60) died at his home at Barnes Richmond, Surrey.
On 25th May 1632 William Knollys 1st Earl Banbury (age 88) died. His son Edward (age 5) de jure 2nd Earl Banbury, 2nd Viscount Wallingford, 2nd Baron Knollys. Parliament disallowed the succession on the basis that Edward had been born when William was some eighty-two years old and Edward was, in fact, the son of Edward Vaux 4th Baron Vaux Harrowden (age 43) whom Edward's mother (age 49) subsequently married around a month after William's death.
On 25th May 1653 John Hay 1st Earl Tweeddale (age 60) died. His son John (age 27) succeeded 2nd Earl Tweeddale. Jean Scott Marchioness Teviotdale by marriage Countess Tweeddale.
On 25th May 1653 Elizabeth Aldersley Baroness Coventry (age 73) died.
On 25th May 1671 Henry Wood 1st Baronet (age 73) died without male issue. Baronet Wood extinct. On 31st May 1671 he was buried at Ufford, Suffolk. His daughter Mary Wood Duchess Southampton (age 8) was his heir. In view of the great wealth she was to inherit she was betrothed to Charles Fitzroy 1st Duke Southampton 2nd Duke Cleveland (age 8), an illegitmate son of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 40) and Barbara Villiers 1st Duchess of Cleveland (age 30). On her father's death she went to live with Barbara Villiers 1st Duchess of Cleveland. They, Mary Wood Duchess Southampton and Charles Fitzroy 1st Duke Southampton 2nd Duke Cleveland married 1679 but she died a year later from smallpox.
On 25th May 1685 John Marsham 1st Baronet (age 82) died. His son John succeeded 2nd Baronet Marsham of Cuckston in Kent.
On 25th May 1708 Bishop Robert (age 86) died.
On 25th May 1714 Frances Willoughby Countess Bellomont (age 71) died in Derby, Derbyshire [Map].
On 25th May 1720 Gregory Page 1st Baronet (age 51) died. He was buried at St Alfege's Church, Greenwich on 7th June 1720. His son Gregory (age 25) succeeded 2nd Baronet Page of Greenwich in Kent.
On 25th May 1776 Richard Fitzwilliam 6th Viscount Fitzwilliam (age 64) died. His son Richard (age 30) succeeded 7th Viscount Fitzwilliam of Mount Merrion House in Dublin.
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 May 1785 Francis Godolphin 2nd Baron Goldolphin (age 78) died without issue. Baron Godolphin of Helston in Cornwall extinct.
On 25th May 1797 John Whitwell aka Griffin 4th Baron Howard Walden 1st Baron Braybrooke (age 78) died without issue at his home Audley End House [Map]. Baron Howard de Walden abeyant. His tenth cousin Richard (age 46) succeeded 2nd Baron Braybrooke of Braybrooke in Northamptonshire; John Whitwell aka Griffin 4th Baron Howard Walden 1st Baron Braybrooke was his father's maternal-uncle.
On 25th May 1805 David Carnegie 4th Baronet (age 51) died. His son James (age 6) de jure 8th Earl Southesk, 4th Baronet Carnegie of Pittarrow in Kincardine.
On 25th May 1822 Elizabeth Wrottesley Duchess Grafton (age 76) died.
On 25th May 1829 Charles John Gardiner 1st Earl Blessington (age 47) died of apoplexy without issue. Earl Blessington, Viscount Mountjoy, Baron Mountjoy extinct.
On 25th May 1866 Henry George Bathurst 4th Earl Bathurst (age 76) died at Oakley Grove Cirencester, Gloucestershire. His brother William (age 75) succeeded 5th Earl Bathurst of Bathurst in Sussex, 5th Baron Bathurst.
On 28th March 1868 James Brudenell 7th Earl Cardigan (age 70) died from a fall from a horse. His second cousin George (age 63) succeeded 8th Earl Cardigan, 8th Baron Brudenell of Stonton in Leicestershire. Baron Brudenell Deene in Northamptonshire extinct.
On 25th May 1915 Adeline Horsey Countess Cardigan (age 90) died.
Both were buried in St Peter's Church, Deene [Map]; he on 9th April 1868. Monument to James Brudenell 7th Earl Cardigan 1797 1868 sculpted by Joseph Boehm (age 33). Recumbent effigies on Sarcophagus, bronze sea horses (Brudenell Crest) at the bottom corners.
On 25th May 1871 Oswald Mosley 2nd Baronet (age 86) died. His son Tonman (age 57) succeeded 3rd Baronet Mosley of Ancoats. Memorial at St Mary's Church, Rolleston on Dove [Map].
Oswald Mosley 2nd Baronet: On 27th March 1785 he was born to Oswald Mosley and Elizabeth Tonman. On 29th September 1798 John Parker Mosley 1st Baronet died. His grandson Oswald succeeded 2nd Baronet Mosley of Ancoats. On 31st January 1804 Oswald Mosley 2nd Baronet and Sophia Anne Every Lady Mosley were married. She by marriage Lady Mosley of Ancoats.
Tonman Mosley 3rd Baronet: On 9th July 1813 he was born to Oswald Mosley 2nd Baronet and Sophia Anne Every Lady Mosley. On 4th February 1847 Tonman Mosley 3rd Baronet and Catherine Wood were married. The difference in their ages was 20 years. On 28th April 1890 Tonman Mosley 3rd Baronet died. His son Oswald succeeded 4th Baronet Mosley of Ancoats.
On 25th May 1878 Elizabeth Georgiana Leveson-Gower Duchess Argyll died.
On 25th May 1879 Charles Rushout 3rd Baronet (age 38) died. His son Charles (age 10) succeeded 4th Baronet Cockerell of Sezincote in Gloucestershire.
On 25th May 1883 Henry Robinson Montagu 6th Baron Rokeby (age 85) died. Baron Rokeby extinct.
On 25th May 1885 Harriet Blanche Somerset Countess Galloway (age 73) died.
On 25th May 1888 John William Cradock-Hartopp 4th Baronet (age 59) died. His son Charles (age 30) succeeded 5th Baronet Cradock-Hartopp.
On 25th May 1891 Agnes Louisa Petre Baroness Clifford (age 65) died.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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On 25th May 1894 John Rogers 9th Baronet (age 76) drowned in a lake. He was unmarried. He was buried at St Michael's Church, Cornwood [Map]. His brother Edward (age 74) succeeded 10th Baronet Rogers of Wisdome in Devon.
On 25th May 1896 Mary Emma Brodrick Countess Enniskillen (age 70) died.
On 25th May 1915 Captain Henry Floyd 4th Baronet (age 59) died in a riding accident. His son Henry (age 16) succeeded 5th Baronet Floyd of Chearsley Hill in Buckinghamshire.
On 25th May 1919 Maria Gray Countess of Home (age 70) died.
On 25th May 1920 Frances Mary Petre Countess Granard (age 74) died.
On 25th May 1930 Archbishop Randall Davidson (age 82) died.
On 25th May 1934 Arthur Henry Dillon 18th Viscount Dillon (age 59) died. His brother Eric (age 53) succeeded 19th Viscount Dillon of Costello Gallen in Mayo. Nora Juanita Muriel Beckett Viscountess Dillon by marriage Viscountess Dillon of Costello Gallen in Mayo.
On 25th May 1948 Annette Louise Monck Countess Liverpool (age 73) died.
On 25th May 1949 Patrick Bowes-Lyon 15th Earl Strathmore and Kinghorne (age 64) died at Angus. His son Timothy (age 31) succeeded 16th Earl Strathmore and Kinghorne.
On 25th May 1949 Arthur Grey Hazlerigg 1st Baron Hazlerigg (age 70) died. His son Arthur (age 39) succeeded 2nd Baron Hazlerigg of Noseley Leicestershire, 14th Baronet Haselrigge of Noseley Hall in Leicestershire. Patricia Pullar Baroness hazlerigg by marriage Baroness Hazlerigg of Noseley Leicestershire.
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 May 1986 John Verney 28th Baron Latimer 20th Baron Willoughby de Broke (age 90) died. His son David (age 47) succeeded 29th Baron Latimer of Corby, 21st Baron Willoughby Broke.