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On this Day in History ... 25th November

25 Nov is in November.

1120 Sinking of The White Ship

1233 Battle of Monmouth

1487 Coronation of Elizabeth of York

1542 Battle of Solway Moss

1611 Nov 1611 Creation of Baronets

1641 Treaty of London

1677 Marriage of William of Orange and Princess Mary Stewart

1696 Plot to Assassinate King William III

1963 Funeral of John F Kennedy

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 25th November

On 25 Nov 1034 King Malcolm II of Alba (age 80) died.

On 25 Nov 1120 the White Ship left Barfleur in north-west Normandy, with a party of young Normans. King Henry I "Beauclerc" England (age 52) had left earlier on another ship. A mile out the White Ship foundered on a submerged rock. William Adelin Normandy Duke Normandy (age 17), his half-siblings Richard Fitzroy (age 19) and Matilda Fitzroy Countess Perche, William Bigod (age 27), Lucia Mahaut Blois Countess Chester, brothers Geoffrey Aigle and Engenulf Aigle, half-brothers Richard Avranches 2nd Earl Chester (age 26) and Ottiwel Avranches, brothers Ivo Grandesmil and William Grandesmil and Geoffrey Ridel were all drowned.

Chronicle of English Kings Book 8 Chapter 6. [25 Nov 1120] Nevertheless, the calm of this brilliant, and carefully concerted peace, this anxious, universal hope, was destroyed in an instant by the vicissitudes of human estate. For, giving orders for returning to England, the king set sail from Barfleur just before twilight on the seventh before the kalends of December [25th November]; and the breeze which filled his sails conducted him safely to his kingdom and extensive fortunes. But the young man, who was now somewhat more than seventeen years of age, and, by his father’s indulgence, possessed everything but the name of king, commanded another vessel to be prepared for himself; almost all the young nobility flocking around him, from similarity of youthful pursuits. The sailors, too, immoderately filled with wine, with that seaman’s hilarity which their cups excited, exclaimed, that those who were now a-head must soon be left astern; for the ship was of the best construction, and recently fitted with new materials. When, therefore, it was now dark night, these imprudent youths, overwhelmed with liquor, launched the vessel from the shore. She flies swifter than the winged arrow, sweeping the rippling surface of the deep: but the carelessness of the intoxicated crew drove her on a rock, which rose above the waves not far from shore. In the greatest consternation, they immediately ran on deck, and with loud outcry got ready their boat-hooks, endeavouring, for a considerable time, to force the vessel off: but fortune resisted and frustrated every exertion. The oars, too, dashing, horribly crashed against the rock,1 and her battered prow hung immoveably fixed. Now, too, the water washed some of the crew overboard, and, entering the chinks, drowned others; when the boat having been launched, the young prince was received into it, and might certainly have been saved by reaching the shore, had not his illegitimate sister, the countess of Perche, now struggling with death in the larger vessel, implored her brother’s assistance; shrieking out that he should not abandon her so barbarously. Touched with pity, he ordered the boat to return to the ship, that he might rescue his sister; and thus the unhappy youth met his death through excess of affection: for the skiff, overcharged by the multitudes who leaped into her, sank, and buried all indiscriminately in the deep. One rustic2 alone escaped; who, floating all night upon the mast, related in the morning, the dismal catastrophe of this tragedy. No ship was ever productive of so much misery to England; none ever so widely celebrated throughout the world. Here also perished with William, Richard, another of the king’s sons, whom a woman of no rank had borne him, before his accession; a youth of intrepidity, and dear to his father from his obedience: Richard earl of Chester, and his brother Otuell, the tutor and preceptor of the king’s son: the countess of Perche, the king’s daughter, and his niece the countess of Chester, sister to Theobald: and indeed almost every person of consequence about court, whether knight, or chaplain, or young nobleman, training up to arms. For, as I have said, they eagerly hastened from all quarters, expecting no small addition to their reputation, if they could either amuse, or show their devotion to the young prince. The calamity was augmented by the difficulty of finding the bodies, which could not be discovered by the various persons who sought them along the shore; but delicate as they were, they became food for the monsters of the deep. The death of this youth being known, produced a wonderful change in existing circumstances. His father renounced the celibacy he had cherished since Matilda’s death, anxious for future heirs by a new consort: his father-in-law, returning home from Jerusalem, faithfully espoused the party of William, the son of Robert earl of Normandy, giving him his other daughter3 in marriage, and the county of Maine; his indignation being excited against the king, by his daughter’s dowry being detained in England after the death of the prince.

Note 1. Virgil Æneid. v. 206.

Note 2. He is called a butcher by Orderic Vitalis, p. 867, who has many particulars of this event.

Note 3. "The marriage of William, son of the duke of Normandy, with Sibilla, in 1123, was dissolved, at the instance of king Henry, in the following year, by the pope’s legate."—Hardy.

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The Ecclesiastical History of England and Normandy by Orderic Vitalis 1120. [25 Nov 1120] In this voyage a sad disaster happened which caused much lamentation and innumerable tears to flow. Thomas, the son of Stephen, had obtained an audience of the king, and offering him a gold mark, said to him, "Stephen, the son of Airard,3 was my father, and during his whole life he was in your father’s service as a mariner. He it was who conveyed your father to England in his own ship, when he crossed the sea to make war on Harold. He was employed by your father in services of this description as long as he lived, and gave him such satisfaction that he honoured him with liberal rewards, so that he lived in great credit and prosperity among those of his own class. My lord king, I ask you to employ me in the same service, having a vessel, called the Blanche-Nef,4 which is fitted out in the best manner, and perfectly adapted to receive a royal retinue." The king replied: "I grant your request; but I have already selected a ship which suits me, and I shall not change: however, I entrust to you my sons, William and Richard, whom I love as myself, with many of the nobility of my realm."

Note 1. It is very possible that this mariner was the person described In Domesday Book as a tenant in capite in Berkshire, under the name of Stefanus, Eirardi filius, the grant of lands being part of the rewards mentioned a few lines further on.

Note 2. Candida navis. [i.e. White, or Bright, Ship.]

Chronicle of Henry of Huntingdon 1120. [25 Nov 1120] In the year of our Lord 1120, all his enemies being subdued, and peace restored in France, King Henry came over to England. But in the passage, the .king's two sons, William and Kichard, and his daughter and niece, with the Earl of Chester, and many nobles, were shipwrecked, besides the king's butlers, stewards, and bakers, all or most of whom were said to have been tainted with the sin of sodomy. Behold the terrible vengeance of God! Sudden death swallowed them up unshriven, though there was no wind and the sea was calm. Of whom the poet thus wrote:

"When England's chiefs, with joyous boasts.

Exulting sought her sea-girt coasts.

The French chastis'd, the Normans quelled ;

Homeward their prosperous course they held,

And o'er the tranquil straits they steer'd,

While yet no adverse sign appear'd ;

Th' horizon lowering suddenly.

By the Almighty's stem decree.

The bark which bore a royal freight

Was tempest torn ; and, woful fate!

Henry's brave sons and daughter fair.

With England's chiefest, perish'd there,

(Where now was mirth and revelry?)

Engulph'd beneath the raging sea."

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Florence of Worcester. [25 Nov 1120] Shipwreck of king Henry's children. Henry, king of England, having successfully accomplished all his designs, returned from Normandy to England. His son William (age 17), hastening to follow him, embarked in company with a great number of nobles, knights, women, and boys. Having left the harbour and put out to sea, encouraged by the extraordinary calmness of the weather, shortly afterwards the ship in which they were sailing struck on a rock and was wrecked, and all on board were swallowed up by the waves, except one churl, who, as it is reported, was not worthy of being named, but by the wonderful mercy of God, escaped alive. Of those who perished, those of highest rank were, William, the king's son, Richard (age 26), earl of Chester, Othiel, his brother, William Bigod (age 27), Geoffrey Riddel, Walter d'Evereux, Geoffrey, archdeacon of Hereford, the king's daughter, the countess of Perche, the king's niece, the countess of Chester, and many more who are omitted for brevity's sake. This disaster horrified and distressed the mind of the king, who reached England after a safe voyage, and of all who heard of it, and struck them with awe at the mysterious decrees of a just God.

Note 1. Ordericus Vitalis, in his twelfth book, c. xxv., gives a particular account of the shipwreck of the Blanche Nef; which is also mentioned, with more or less detail, by Huntingdon, Malmesbury, and other chroniclers.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 25 Nov 1120. And in this expedition were drowned the king's (age 52) two sons, William (age 17) and Richard (age 19), and Richard, Earl of Chester (age 26), and Ottuel his brother, and very many of the king's household, stewards, and chamberlains, and butlers, and men of various abodes; and with them a countless multidude of very incomparable folk besides. Sore was their death to their friends in a twofold respect: one, that they so suddenly lost this life; the other, that few of their bodies were found anywhere afterwards.

The Ecclesiastical History of England and Normandy by Orderic Vitalis 1135. Meanwhile, Henry king of England (age 67), having arrived at the castle of Lions [Map]1 on the seventh of the calends of December [25 Nov 1135], gave orders to his huntsmen to be ready to attend him for the chace in the woods on the next day. But during the night he suddenly fell sick, and lay at the point of death from Tuesday till the following Sunday. In the course of that time he confessed his sins to his chaplains;2 and then, sending for Hugh, archbishop of Rouen, he requested his spiritual counsels. By his admonitions, the king released criminals from all forfeitures, permitted all exiles to return to their homes, and restored those whom he had disinherited to their paternal estates. He gave orders to his son Robert to take out of his treasury, which was under his charge at Falaise, sixty thousand livres, and distribute it in pay and donatives to his household servants and hired troops.3 He commanded that his body should be carried to Reading, where he had founded a monastery for two hundred monks, in honour of the Holy and Undivided Trinity.4

Note 1. The castle of Lions [Map] was a favourite hunting seat of the Norman dukes and kings, in a forest of the same name, about six leagues from Rouen. Henry arrived there on Monday November 25. Henry of Huntingdon mentions, that his illness was caused by eating lampreys, of which he was immoderately fond. P. 259, Antig. Lib.

Note 2. It was the abbot of Reading, who, happening to be in the neighbourhood, was first summoned to administer the consolations of religion to the king. He afterwards sent to the archbishop of Rouen, who gives the following account of his last hours in a letter to Pope Innocent, preserved by William of Malmesbury: "I went to him and stayed there, full of grief, three days. At my instance, he confessed his sins, and beat his breast with his own hand, dismissing all ill-will. By the divine counsels given him by me and the bishops, he often promised that he would lead a better life. After that promise, as my duty was, I gave him absolution for the third time in three days, He adored the crucifix, received with devotion the body and blood of our Lord, and ordered alms to be distributed, thus saying: ‘Let my debts be paid, all wages and stipends be discharged, and the rest be given amongst the poor.’"

At the king's death, there was found in his treasury at Winchester, say the historians, more than a hundred thousand livres, of exquisite coinage. There were also vessels of gold and silver, of massive weight and inestimable value, collected by the ancient kings, with magnificent additions by Henry himself.

Note 3. Our author omits noticing, that he bequeathed his immense heritage to his daughter, without making any mention of his son-in-law, "being incensed against her husband, exasperated by his threats, and even injuries."

Note 4. This is not quite exact. The abbey of Reading was dedicated to the blessed Virgin and St. John, as we have already observed.

Flowers of History by Roger of Wendover 1233. Of the fierce battle between the marshal and the Poictevins.

In the same year the marshal (age 42), on one of his foraging incursions into the territories of his enemies, came to the town of Monmouth [Map], which was hostile to him, where he ordered his army to proceed on their expedition, whilst he with a hundred of his fellow knights turned aside towards the castle of that place to examine its condition, as he purposed to besiege it in a few days; but as he was riding round the walls of the town, he was seen by Baldwin de Guisnes (age 33), to whom the king had entrusted the charge of that castle [Map] together with several Poictevins, and understanding that the marshal was there with only a few followers for the purpose of examining the castle, he sallied out with a thousand brave and well-equipped soldiers, and pursued him at full speed, designing to make him and his followers prisoners and bring them into the town. The earl Marshal's companions however, when they saw the impetuous advance of the enemy, advised him to consult their safety by flight, saying that it would be rash for such a few of them to engage with such a number of the enemy; to which the marshal replied that he had never as yet turned his back on his enemies in battle, and declared that he would not do so now, and exhorted them to defend themselves bravely and not to die unavenged. The troops from the castle then rushed fiercely on them and attacked them with their lances and swords [Battle of Monmouth]: a severe though very unequal conflict then ensued, yet although there were only a hundred of the marshal's party to oppose a thousand of their adversaries, they fought for a great part of the day. But Baldwin de Guisnes with twelve of his stoutest and best armed soldiers made au attack on the marshal in person, and endeavoured to take him prisoner and carry him off to the castle; he however kept them at a distance, brandishing his sword right and left, and struck down whoever came within reach, either killing them or stunning them hy the force of his blows, and although engaged single-handed against twelve enemies, defended himself for a length of time. His enemies at length, not daring to approach him, killed the horse he rode with their lances; but the marshal, who was well practised in the French way of fighting, seized one of the knights who was attacking him by the feet, and dragged him to the ground, and then quickly mounting his adversary's horse, he renewed the battle. The knight Baldwin was ashamed that the marshal defended himself single-handed against so many of his enemies for such a time, and made a desperate attack on him, and seizing his helmet, tore it from his head with such violence, that blood gushed forth from his mouth and nostrils; he then seized the marshal's horse by the bridle, and endeavoured to drag it with its rider towards the castle, whilst others assisted him by impelling the marshal on from behind. The latter however, sweeping his sword behind him, struck two of his enemies to the earth stunned, but could not then release himself from their grasp. At this juncture however a cross-bowman amongst the marshal's company, seeing his lord in danger, discharged an arrow from his bow, which, striking Baldwin, who was dragging the marshal away, in the breast, entered his body, notwithstanding his armour, and he fell to the earth believing himself mortally wounded; his companions on seeing this, left the marshal, and went to raise Baldwin from the ground, for they thought that he was dead.

Flowers of History by Roger of Wendover 1233. After this battle the marshal with Gilbert Basset, Richard Siward, and his other proscribed confederates, laid ambuscades for the Poictevins who held charge of the king's castles, so that whenever any of them went out foraging, they were attacked, and no quarter was given them: the consequence of which was, that the whole atmosphere in that part of the country was tainted by the numbers of dead foreigners who lay about in the roads and other places.

On 25 Nov 1314 King John I of Scotland (age 65) died at Château de Hélicourt.

On 25 Nov 1410 Isabel de Lingen (age 40) was granted a Royal License to found a Collegiate Church at St Bartholemew's Church, Tong [Map] by King Henry IV of England (age 43) at a cost of £40.

On 25 Nov 1431 Walter Fitzwalter 7th Baron Fitzwalter (age 31) drowned at sea in a storm whilst returning from France.

Elizabeth Fitzwalter Baroness Dinham 8th Baroness Fitzwalter (age 2) succeeded 8th Baroness Fitzwalter. Note. Chronicle of Gregory 1432 states 24 Nov 1432 or, more specifically, "on Syn Kateryn ys eve" - St Katherine's feast day is 25 Nov.

Wriothesley's Chronicle 1485-1509. 25 Nov 1487. This yeare the Queene was crowned.f

Note f. At Westminster on the 25th November, 1487.

On 25 Nov 1542 Thomas Wharton 1st Baron Wharton (age 47) commanded the English forces at Battle of Solway Moss at Solway Moss, Cumberland [Map]. John Thynne (age 27) fought. Of the Scottish army Malcolm Fleming 3rd Lord Fleming (age 48), Gilbert Kennedy 3rd Earl Cassilis (age 27) and Laurence Oliphant 3rd Lord Oliphant fought.

William Graham 3rd Earl Menteith (age 42) was captured. He was ransomed in 1453.

William Cunningham 4th Earl Glencairn (age 49) was captured and committed to the custody of Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 69). He was released on payment of a ransom of a thousand pounds and subscribing by his own hand to support Henry VIII's (age 51) project of a marriage between the young King Edward VI of England and Ireland (age 5) and the Mary Queen of Scots.

Malcolm Fleming 3rd Lord Fleming was captured.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 25 Nov 1554. The sam day, the wyche was Sonday, at after-non, the Kyngs (age 27) grace and my lord Fuwater [Probably Henry Radclyffe 2nd Earl of Sussex (age 47)] and dyvers Spaneards dyd ryd in dyvers colars, the Kyng in red, and som [in] yellow, sum in gren, sum in whyt, sum in bluw, and with targets and canes in ther hand, herlyng of rods on at a-nodur, and thrumpets in the sam colars, and drumes mad of ketylles, and banars in the sam colars.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 25 Nov 1556. The xxv day of November my lord of Pembroke (age 55) toke ys barge toward Cales [Map], and (unfinished).

On 25 Nov 1559 Bishop Nicholas Bullingham (age 39) was elected Bishop of Lincoln.

On 25 Nov 1623 Margaret Maria Catherine Habsburg Spain was born to Philip IV King Spain (age 18) and Elisabeth Bourbon Queen Consort Spain (age 21). Coefficient of inbreeding 4.39%.

On 25 Nov 1638 Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England was born to John IV King Portugal (age 34) and Luisa de Guzman Queen Consort Portugal (age 25) in Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa, Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Vila Viçosa.

John Evelyn's Diary. 23 Nov 1641. I returned to London; and, on the 25th, saw his Majesty (age 41) ride through the City after his coming out of Scotland, and a Peace proclaimed, with great acclamations and joy of the giddy people.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Nov 1660. Lord's Day. In the forenoon I alone to our church, and after dinner I went and ranged about to many churches, among the rest to the Temple [Map], where I heard Dr. Wilkins' a little (late Maister of Trinity in Cambridge). That being done to my father's (age 59) to see my mother who is troubled much with the stone, and that being done I went home, where I had a letter brought me from my Lord to get a ship ready to carry the Queen's (age 51) things over to France, she being to go within five or six days. So to supper and to bed.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Nov 1662. Up and to the office all the morning, and at noon with the rest, by Mr. Holy, the ironmonger's invitation, to the Dolphin, to a venison pasty, very good, and rare at this time of the year, and thence by coach with Mr. Coventry (age 34) as far as the Temple [Map], and thence to Greatorex's (age 37), where I staid and talked with him, and got him to mend my pocket ruler for me, and so by coach to my Lord's lodging, where I sat with Mr. Moore by appointment, making up accounts for my Lord Sandwich (age 37), which done he and I and Capt. Ferrers and W. Howe very merry a good while in the great dining room, and so it being late and my Lord not coming in, I by coach to the Temple [Map], and thence walked home, and so to my study to do some business, and then home and to bed. Great talk among people how some of the Fanatiques do say that the end of the world is at hand, and that next Tuesday is to be the day. Against which, whenever it shall be, good God fit us all.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Nov 1663. I left him in good humour, and I to White Hall, to the Duke of York (age 30) and Mr. Coventry (age 35), and there advised about insuring the hempe ship at 12 per cent., notwithstanding her being come to Newcastle [Map], and I do hope that in all my three places which are now my hopes and supports I may not now fear any thing, but with care, which through the Lord's blessing I will never more neglect, I don't doubt but to keep myself up with them all. For in the Duke, and Mr. Coventry, my Lord Sandwich (age 38) and Sir G. Carteret (age 53) I place my greatest hopes, and it pleased me yesterday that Mr. Coventry in the coach (he carrying me to the Exchange [Map] at noon from the office) did, speaking of Sir W. Batten (age 62), say that though there was a difference between them, yet he would embrace any good motion of Sir W. Batten to the King's advantage as well as of Mr. Pepys' or any friend he had. And when I talked that I would go about doing something of the Controller's work when I had time, and that I thought the Controller would not take it ill, he wittily replied that there was nothing in the world so hateful as a dog in the manger.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Nov 1663. Thence home to dinner with my poor wife, and with great joy to my office, and there all the afternoon about business, and among others Mr. Bland came to me and had good discourse, and he has chose me a referee for him in a business, and anon in the evening comes Sir W. Warren, and he and I had admirable discourse. He advised me in things I desired about, bummary, [bottomry] and other ways of putting out money as in parts of ships, how dangerous they are, and lastly fell to talk of the Dutch management of the Navy, and I think will helpe me to some accounts of things of the Dutch Admiralty, which I am mighty desirous to know. He seemed to have been mighty privy with my Lord Albemarle (age 54) in things before this great turn, and to the King's dallying with him and others for some years before, but I doubt all was not very true. However, his discourse is very useful in general, though he would seem a little more than ordinary in this. Late at night home to supper and to bed, my mind in good ease all but my health, of which I am not a little doubtful.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Nov 1663. Up and to Sir G. Carteret's (age 53) house, and with him by coach to Whitehall. He uses me mighty well to my great joy, and in our discourse took occasion to tell me that as I did desire of him the other day so he desires of me the same favour that we may tell one another at any time any thing that passes among us at the office or elsewhere wherein we are either dissatisfied one with another, and that I should find him in all things as kind and ready to serve me as my own brother. This methinks-was very sudden and extraordinary and do please me mightily, and I am resolved by no means ever to lose him again if I can. He told me that he did still observe my care for the King's service in my office. He set me down in Fleet Street [Map] and thence I by another coach to my Lord Sandwich's (age 38), and there I did present him Mr. Barlow's "Terella", with which he was very much pleased, and he did show me great kindnesse, and by other discourse I have reason to think that he is not at all, as I feared he would be, discontented against me more than the trouble of the thing will work upon him.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Nov 1666. This being St. Catherine's day, the Queene (age 57) was at masse by seven o'clock this morning; and Mr. Ashburnham (age 62) do say that he never saw any one have so much zeale in his life as she hath: and, the question being asked by my Baroness Carteret (age 64), much beyond the bigotry that ever the old Queen-Mother had.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Nov 1666. Thence into the Court and there delivered copies of my report to my Lord Treasurer (age 59), to the Duke of York (age 33), Sir W. Coventry (age 38), and others, and attended there till the Council met, and then was called in, and I read my letter. My Lord Treasurer declared that the King (age 36) had nothing to give till the Parliament did give him some money. So the King did of himself bid me to declare to all that would take our tallys for payment, that he should, soon as the Parliament's money do come in, take back their tallys, and give them money: which I giving him occasion to repeat to me, it coming from him against the 'gre'1 I perceive, of my Lord Treasurer, I was content therewith, and went out, and glad that I have got so much.

Note 1. Apparently a translation of the French 'contre le gre', and presumably an expression in common use. "Against the grain" is generally supposed to have its origin in the use of a plane against the grain of the wood.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Nov 1666. Here staid till the Council rose, walking in the gallery. All the talke being of Scotland, where the highest report, I perceive, runs but upon three or four hundred in armes; but they believe that it will grow more, and do seem to apprehend it much, as if the King of France (age 28) had a hand in it. My Lord Lauderdale (age 50) do make nothing of it, it seems, and people do censure him for it, he from the beginning saying that there was nothing in it, whereas it do appear to be a pure rebellion; but no persons of quality being in it, all do hope that it cannot amount to much. Here I saw Mrs. Stewart (age 19) this afternoon, methought the beautifullest creature that ever I saw in my life, more than ever I thought her so, often as I have seen her; and I begin to think do exceed my Baroness Castlemayne (age 25), at least now.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Nov 1666. The Council up, after speaking with Sir W. Coventry (age 38) a little, away home with Captain Cocke (age 49) in his coach, discourse about the forming of his contract he made with us lately for hempe, and so home, where we parted, and I find my uncle Wight (age 64) and Mrs. Wight and Woolly, who staid and supped, and mighty merry together, and then I to my chamber to even my journal, and then to bed. I will remember that Mr. Ashburnham (age 62) to-day at dinner told how the rich fortune Mrs. Mallett (age 15) reports of her servants; that my Lord Herbert (age 25) would have had her; my Lord Hinchingbrooke (age 18) was indifferent to have her1 my Lord John Butler (age 23) might not have her; my Lord of Rochester (age 19) would have forced her2 and Sir---Popham (age 20), who nevertheless is likely to have her, would kiss her breach to have her.

Note 1. They had quarrelled (see August 26th). She, perhaps, was piqued at Lord Hinchingbroke's refusal "to compass the thing without consent of friends" (see February 25th), whence her expression, "indifferent" to have her. It is worthy of remark that their children intermarried; Lord Hinchingbroke's son married Lady Rochester's daughter. B.

Note 2. Of the lady thus sought after, whom Pepys calls "a beauty" as well as a fortune, and who shortly afterwards, about the 4th February, 1667, became the wife of the Earl of Rochester, then not twenty years old, no authentic portrait is known to exist. When Mr. Miller, of Albemarle Street, in 1811, proposed to publish an edition of the "Memoires de Grammont", he sent an artist to Windsor to copy there the portraits which he could find of those who figure in that work. In the list given to him for this purpose was the name of Lady Rochester. Not finding amongst the "Beauties", or elsewhere, any genuine portrait of her, but seeing that by Hamilton she is absurdly styled "une triste heritiere", the artist made a drawing from some unknown portrait at Windsor of a lady of a sorrowful countenance, and palmed it off upon the bookseller. In the edition of "Grammont" it is not actually called Lady Rochester, but "La Triste Heritiere". A similar falsification had been practised in Edwards's edition of 1793, but a different portrait had been copied. It is needless, almost, to remark how ill applied is Hamilton's epithet. B.

John Evelyn's Diary. 25 Nov 1668. I waited on Lord Sandwich (age 43), who presented me with a Sembrador [A type of seed drill] he brought out of Spain, showing me his two books of observations made during his embassy and stay at Madrid, in which were several rare things he promised to impart to me.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Nov 1668. Up, and by coach with W. Hewer (age 26) to see W. Coventry (age 40); but he gone out, I to White Hall, and there waited on Lord Sandwich (age 43), which I have little encouragement to do, because of the difficulty of seeing him, and the little he hath to say to me when I do see him, or to any body else, but his own idle people about him, Sir Charles Harbord (age 28), &c.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25 Nov 1668. Thence walked with him to White Hall, where to the Duke of York (age 35); and there the Duke, and Wren, and I, by appointment in his closet, to read over our letter to the Office, which he heard, and signed it, and it is to my mind, Mr. Wren (age 39) having made it somewhat sweeter to the Board, and yet with all the advice fully, that I did draw it up with. He [the Duke] said little more to us now, his head being full of other business; but I do see that he do continue to put a value upon my advice; and so Mr. Wren and I to his chamber, and there talked: and he seems to hope that these people, the Duke of Buckingham (age 40) and Arlington (age 50), will run themselves off of their legs; they being forced to be always putting the King (age 38) upon one idle thing or other, against the easiness of his nature, which he will never be able to bear, nor they to keep him to, and so will lose themselves. And, for instance of their little progress, he tells me that my Lord of Ormond (age 58) is like yet to carry it, and to continue in his command in Ireland; at least, they cannot get the better of him yet. But he tells me that the Keeper is wrought upon, as they say, to give his opinion for the dissolving of the Parliament, which, he thinks, will undo him in the eyes of the people. He do not seem to own the hearing or fearing of any thing to be done in the Admiralty, to the lessening of the Duke of York, though he hears how the town talk's full of it.

John Evelyn's Diary. 15 Nov 1677. The Queen's (age 38) birthday, a great ball at Court, where the Prince of Orange (age 27) and his new Princess (age 15) danced.

John Evelyn's Diary. 25 Nov 1682. I was invited to dine with Monsieur Lionberg, the Swedish Resident, who made a magnificent entertainment, it being the birthday of his King. There dined the Duke of Albemarle, Duke of Hamilton (age 47), Earl of Bath (age 54), Earl of Aylesbury (age 56), Lord Arran (age 24), Lord Castlehaven (age 65), the son of him who was executed fifty years before, and several great persons. I was exceedingly afraid of drinking (it being a Dutch feast), but the Duke of Albemarle being that night to wait on his Majesty, excess was prohibited; and, to prevent all, I stole away and left the company as soon as we rose from table.

On 25 Nov 1696 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet (age 42) and Richard Dowdeswell of Pull Court, Bushley, Worcestershire (age 43) voted for the attainder of John Fenwick 3rd Baronet (age 51).

On 25 Nov 1775 Rear-Admiral Richard Spry (age 59) died unmarried at Place House, St Anthony in Roseland [Map]. He was buried at St Anthony's Church, St Anthony in Roseland [Map] where he has a monument sculpted by Richard "The Elder" Westmacott (age 28). His estates were inherited by his nephew Lieutenant Thomas Davy (age 21) who adopted the surname Spry.

Sacred to the Memory of Sir Richard Spry, KT Rear admiral of the White Several years Commander-in-Chief of H.M. Ships in North-America, the Mediterranean, and Plymouth. He was envoy to the Emporer of Morocco and the States of Barbary. He died on the 25st of November 1775, aged 60 years. This momument as a testimony of gratitude is erected by his affectionate nephew Admiral Thomas Spry.

Greville Memoirs. 25 Nov 1830. I am in a very disagreeable situation as regards my late colleague's place. Lord Bathurst (age 68) wrote a letter to Lord Lansdowne stating that the King had approved of his son's appointment, and that he had intended to reduce the salary of the office. Lord Grey spoke to the King, and said that after what had passed in both Houses he did not wish to do anything, but to leave the office to be dealt with by a Committee of the House of Commons, under whose consideration it would come. Lord Lansdowne said he certainly should do nothing either, so that it remains to be seen whether they will give me a colleague, a deputy, or nothing at all.

On 25 Nov 1845 Charlotte Lucy Beatrix Egerton (deceased) was buried at St Mary's Church, Rostherne, Tatton [Map] sculpted Richard Westmacott (age 70).

Charlotte Lucy Beatrix Egerton: On 13 Sep 1824 she was born to Wilbraham Egerton and Elizabeth Sykes. Coefficient of inbreeding 3.12%. On 10 Nov 1845 Charlotte Lucy Beatrix Egerton drowned in Rostherne Mere, Tatton the evening before her wedding day, or possibly died after a short illness. Her death certificate states "Bronchitis and exhaustion after 12 days" - information provided by CB Newham.

On 25 Nov 1885 Alfonso XII King Spain (age 27) died. On 17 May 1886 His son Alfonso XIII King Spain succeeded posthumously XIII King Spain when he was born some seven months later.

On 25 Nov 1963 the funeral of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy (deceased) was held.

Births on the 25th November

On 25 Nov 1274 Catherine Courtenay Countess Valois was born to Philip Courtenay (age 31).

On 25 Nov 1350 Katherine Roet Duchess Lancaster was born to Giles "Payne" Roet (age 40).

On 25 Nov 1537 Elizabeth Baldry Baroness Rich Leez was born to George Baldry (age 27).

On 25 Nov 1587 Gervase Clifton 1st Baronet was born to George Clifton and Winifred Thorold (age 19).

On 25 Nov 1623 Margaret Maria Catherine Habsburg Spain was born to Philip IV King Spain (age 18) and Elisabeth Bourbon Queen Consort Spain (age 21). Coefficient of inbreeding 4.39%.

On 25 Nov 1638 Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England was born to John IV King Portugal (age 34) and Luisa de Guzman Queen Consort Portugal (age 25) in Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa, Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Vila Viçosa.

On or before 25 Nov 1697 Trevor Wheler 4th Baronet was born to William Wheeler 3rd Baronet (age 43) and Teresa Widdrington. He was baptised at All Saints' Church, Leamington Hastings on 25 Nov 1697.

On 25 Nov 1705 Meriel Leicester was born to Francis Leicester 3rd Baronet (age 41).

On 25 Nov 1719 George Crowe was born to Christopher Crowe (age 38) and Charlotte Lee Baroness Baltimore (age 40). He a great grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 25 Nov 1720 John Proby 1st Baron Carysfort was born to John Proby (age 22) and Jane Leveson-Gower (age 16).

On 25 Nov 1732 Robert Clements 1st Earl Leitrim was born to Nathaniel Clements (age 27) and Hannah Gore.

On 25 Nov 1743 William Henry Hanover 1st Duke Gloucester and Edinburgh was born to Frederick Louis Hanover Prince of Wales (age 36) and Augusta Saxe Coburg Altenburg (age 23). He a grandson of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland.

On 25 Nov 1749 Henry George Liddell 5th Baronet was born to Thomas Liddell (age 34) and Margaret Bowes (age 42).

On 25 Nov 1772 Elizabeth Penelope Mcdouall Crichton was born to Patrick Mcdouall Crichton 6th Earl Dumfries (age 46).

Before 25 Nov 1792 Christopher Willoughby 2nd Baronet was born to Christopher Willoughby 1st Baronet (age 44) and Martha Evans Lady Willoughby (age 25).

On 25 Nov 1827 Frederick Richard Chichester was born to George Chichester 3rd Marquess Donegal (age 30) and Harriet Anne Butler Marchioness Donegal (age 28).

On 25 Nov 1832 George Orby Wombwell 4th Baronet was born to George Wombwell 3rd Baronet (age 40) and Georgiana Hunter.

On 25 Nov 1856 Ernest William Beckett 2nd Baron Grimthorpe was born to William Beckett-Denison (age 30) and Helen Duncombe (age 25).

On 25 Nov 1868 Ernest Louis Hesse Darmstadt Grand Duke was born to Prince Louis Hesse Darmstadt IV Grand Duke (age 31) and Princess Alice Saxe Coburg Gotha (age 25). He a grandson of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.

On 25 Nov 1873 Katherine Mary Cole was born to Lowry Cole 4th Earl Enniskillen (age 27) and Charlotte Marion Baird Countess of Enniskillen.

On 25 Nov 1876 Victoria Melita Windsor was born to Prince Alfred Windsor (age 32) and Maria Holstein Gottorp Romanov (age 23). She a granddaughter of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.

On 25 Nov 1891 Margery Joan Shirley was born to Walter Shirley 11th Earl Ferrers (age 27) and Mary Jane Moon Countess Ferrers.

On 25 Nov 1900 Anne Catherine Tredick Wendell Countess Carnarvon was born to Jacob "Jake" Wendell (age 31) and Marian Fendall (age 30).

On 25 Nov 1907 Pamela Mitford was born to David Freeman-Mitford 2nd Baron Redesdale (age 29) and Sydney Bowles (age 27).

On 25 Nov 1914 John Starr Paget 3rd Baronet was born to Richard Arthur Surtees Paget 2nd Baronet (age 45) and Muriel Finch-Hatton Lady Paget (age 38).

On 25 Nov 1937 Zinnia Rosemary Denison was born to Hugo Denison 4th Earl of Londesborough and Marigold Lubbock Countess Londesborough (age 34). She was born posthumously her father having died six months before her birth.

Marriages on the 25th November

Before 25 Nov 1316 William Ros 2nd Baron Ros Helmsley (age 31) and Margery Badlesmere Baroness Ros of Helmsley (age 8) were married. She by marriage Baroness Ros Helmsley. The difference in their ages was 23 years. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

Before 25 Nov 1467 Humphrey Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland (age 43) and Mabel Parr Baroness Dacre of Gilsland were married. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward I of England.

On 25 Nov 1467 Walter Blount 1st Baron Mountjoy (age 51) and Anne Neville Duchess Buckingham (age 59) were married. She by marriage Baroness Mountjoy. She the daughter of Ralph Neville 1st Earl of Westmoreland and Joan Beaufort Countess of Westmoreland. She a great granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

On 25 Nov 1479 William Graham 1st Earl Montrose (age 15) and Annabella Dummond Countess Montrose (age 16) were married.

On 25 Nov 1596 Thomas West 3rd Baron De La Warr (age 20) and Cecily Shirley Baroness De La Warr were married.

After 25 Nov 1666 James Campbell 2nd Earl Loudon (age 46) and Margaret Montgomerie (age 18) were married. The difference in their ages was 28 years. She the daughter of Hugh Montgomerie 7th Earl Eglinton (age 53) and Mary Leslie Countess of Eglinton. He the son of John Campbell 1st Earl Loudon.

On 25 Nov 1705 Robert "Beau Handsome" Fielding (age 55) and Barbara Villiers 1st Duchess of Cleveland (age 64) were married bigamously. She the daughter of William Villiers 2nd Viscount Grandison and Mary Bayning Countess Anglesey.

On 25 Nov 1710 Richard Granville (age 32) and Hester Temple 1st Countess Temple (age 20) were married.

On 25 Nov 1741 Clotworthy Skeffington 1st Earl Massereene (age 26) and Anne Eyre Countess Massereene (age 24) were married.

On 25 Nov 1751 George Strickland 5th Baronet (age 22) and Elizabeth Letitia Winn (age 18) were married.

On 25 Nov 1800 Francis Almeric Spencer 1st Baron Churchill (age 20) and Frances Fitzroy Baroness Churchill Wychwood (age 20) were married. She the daughter of Augustus Henry Fitzroy 3rd Duke Grafton (age 65) and Elizabeth Wrottesley Duchess Grafton (age 55). He the son of George Spencer 4th Duke of Marlborough (age 61) and Caroline Russell Duchess of Marlborough (age 57). They were second cousins. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 25 Nov 1809 James Hamilton (age 23) and Harriet Douglas Countess Aberdeen (age 17) were married. He the son of John Hamilton 1st Marquess Abercorn (age 53) and Catherine Moyle Marchioness Abercorn.

On 25 Nov 1858 Henry Holland 1st Baronet (age 70) and Margaret Jean Trevelyan Lady Holland (age 23) were married. She by marriage Lady Holland of Sandlebridge. The difference in their ages was 46 years.

On 25 Nov 1955 John Francis Baring 7th Baron Ashburton (age 27) and Susan Renwick (age 25) were married.

Deaths on the 25th November

On 25 Nov 1034 King Malcolm II of Alba (age 80) died.

On 25 Nov 1120 the White Ship left Barfleur in north-west Normandy, with a party of young Normans. King Henry I "Beauclerc" England (age 52) had left earlier on another ship. A mile out the White Ship foundered on a submerged rock. William Adelin Normandy Duke Normandy (age 17), his half-siblings Richard Fitzroy (age 19) and Matilda Fitzroy Countess Perche, William Bigod (age 27), Lucia Mahaut Blois Countess Chester, brothers Geoffrey Aigle and Engenulf Aigle, half-brothers Richard Avranches 2nd Earl Chester (age 26) and Ottiwel Avranches, brothers Ivo Grandesmil and William Grandesmil and Geoffrey Ridel were all drowned.

On 25 Nov 1314 King John I of Scotland (age 65) died at Château de Hélicourt.

On 25 Nov 1402 Catherine Mauley Countess Suffolk (age 72) died.

On 25 Nov 1431 Walter Fitzwalter 7th Baron Fitzwalter (age 31) drowned at sea in a storm whilst returning from France.

Elizabeth Fitzwalter Baroness Dinham 8th Baroness Fitzwalter (age 2) succeeded 8th Baroness Fitzwalter. Note. Chronicle of Gregory 1432 states 24 Nov 1432 or, more specifically, "on Syn Kateryn ys eve" - St Katherine's feast day is 25 Nov.

On 25 Nov 1462 John Stourton 1st Baron Stourton (age 62) died. His son William Stourton 2nd Baron Stourton (age 36) succeeded 2ndBaron Stourton.

On 25 Nov 1483 Richard Fiennes 7th Baron Dacre Gilsland (age 68) died.

On 25 Nov 1564 Isabel or Elizabeth Stewart Countess Lennox (age 69) died.

On 25 Nov 1670 John Lovelace 2nd Baron Lovelace (age 54) died. His son John Lovelace 3rd Baron Lovelace (age 29) succeeded 3rd Baron Lovelace of Hurley in Berkshire. Martha Pye Baroness Lovelace (age 28) by marriage Baroness Lovelace of Hurley in Berkshire.

On 19 Nov 1733 Mary Somerset Duchess Ormonde (age 69) died. On 25 Nov 1733 she was buried in the Duke of Ormonde Vault, King Henry VII Chapel, Westminster Abbey.

On 25 Nov 1761 John Kemp 5th Baronet (age 60) died. His nephew John Kemp 6th Baronet (age 7) succeeded 6th Baronet Kemp of Gissing in Norfolk.

On 25 Nov 1775 Rear-Admiral Richard Spry (age 59) died unmarried at Place House, St Anthony in Roseland [Map]. He was buried at St Anthony's Church, St Anthony in Roseland [Map] where he has a monument sculpted by Richard "The Elder" Westmacott (age 28). His estates were inherited by his nephew Lieutenant Thomas Davy (age 21) who adopted the surname Spry.

Sacred to the Memory of Sir Richard Spry, KT Rear admiral of the White Several years Commander-in-Chief of H.M. Ships in North-America, the Mediterranean, and Plymouth. He was envoy to the Emporer of Morocco and the States of Barbary. He died on the 25st of November 1775, aged 60 years. This momument as a testimony of gratitude is erected by his affectionate nephew Admiral Thomas Spry.

On 25 Nov 1798 John Dawson 1st Earl Portarlington (age 54) died. His son John Dawson 2nd Earl Portarlington (age 17) succeeded 2nd Earl Portarlington.

On 25 Nov 1803 Joseph Wilton (age 81) died.

On 25 Nov 1804 Barbara St John Countess Coventry died.

On 25 Nov 1841 Francis Leggatt Chantrey (age 60) died at his home 13 Eccleston Street, Pimlico [Map].

On 25 Nov 1862 Harriet Cavendish Countess Granville (age 77) died.

On 25 Nov 1863 Agnes Beresford Lady Fitzherbert (age 78) died.

On 25 Nov 1869 Pamela Fitzgerald Lady Campbell (age 73) died.

On 25 Nov 1885 Alfonso XII King Spain (age 27) died. On 17 May 1886 His son Alfonso XIII King Spain succeeded posthumously XIII King Spain when he was born some seven months later.

On 25 Nov 1887 John William Maule Ramsay 13th Earl Dalhousie (age 40) died. His son Arthur Ramsay 14th Earl Dalhousie (age 9) succeeded 14th Earl Dalhousie.

On 25 Nov 1889 George Patrick Evans 7th Baron Carbery (age 79) died without issue. His brother William Charles Evans 8th Baron Carbery (age 77) succeeded 8th Baron Carbery. Victoria Cecil Baroness Carbery (age 46) by marriage Baroness Carbery.

On 25 Nov 1900 James Heron Walker 3rd Baronet (age 35) died. His son Robert Walker 4th Baronet (age 10) succeeded 4th Baronet Walker of Sand Hutton in Yorkshire.

On 25 Nov 1958 Mary Carolyn Campbell Cuyler Lady Egerton (age 86) died.

On 25 Nov 2007 Patrick Crofton 7th Baron Crofton (age 56) died. His son Edward Corfton 8th Baron Crofton (age 19) succeeded 8th Baron Crofton, 9th Baronet Crofton of The Mote in Roscommon.

On 25 Nov 2009 Maureen Therese Josephine Noel Baroness Dormer (age 92) died.