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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26 Aug is in August.
History of the Dukes of Normandy by William of Jumieges. Some time after the dedication had passed, the venerable Father Herluin began to lose entirely the use of all his limbs, and long before the turn of a year from that day he obtained what he had desired. For in the next month, August, on the thirteenth day before the Kalends of September [20th August 1078], on a Sunday, he took to his bed completely. When Vespers had been finished by the brothers, at the end of the day and of the daily office, he completed the course of human life with a blessed passing, in the night now drawing on which was to dawn into Sunday, on the seventh day before the Kalends of September [26th August 1078] . A monument was established for him in the chapter house, an eternal remembrance of good works for his sons. By the rule according to which they gather to speak on spiritual matters, his memory is recalled, he who, from a man of war, became a religious, from one very much of the world, became wholly spiritual, the first founder and abbot of that place and order.
Aliquando vero temporis post dedicationem exacto venerandus Pater Herluinus omni membrorum officio destitui penitus cœpit, et longe ante diei ipsius annuam revolutionem quod optaverat, obtinuit. Nam proximo subsecuto mense Augusto, xiii Kal. septembris, die Dominica, ex toto lecto decubuit. Vespertina a fratribus peracta sinaxi, cum diei ac diurni officiifine, vitæ humanæ stadium felici cursu peregit, nocte jam proxima, quæ in Dominicam illucescebat, VII Kal. Septembris. Actum est in capitulo illi monumentum, bonorum actuum æternum filiis monimentum. Jure quo de spiritualibus locuturi studiis conveniunt, illius præsentatur memoria, qui ex tyranno religiosus, ex multum sæculari omnino spiritualis, loci illius atque ordinis primus exstitit fundator et abbas.
On 26th August 1278 Ottokar "Iron King" II King Bohemia (age 45) died. His son Wenceslaus (age 6) succeeded II King Bohemia.
On 26th August 1279 Archbishop John Derlington was consecrated Archbishop of Dublin by Archbishop John Peckham (age 49) at Waltham Abbey, Essex [Map].
On 26th or 27th August 1285 Archbishop William de Wickwane died at Pontigny Abbey in Burgundy while on his way to the papal curia to plead his case against the monks of Durham. He was buried at the Cistercian abbey there in Pontigny; see Annals of Dunstable.
On 26th August 1346 the army of King Edward III of England (age 33) defeated the French army at the Battle of Crécy. The English army was commanded by King Edward III of England, his son Edward "Black Prince" (age 16), Thomas Beauchamp 11th Earl Warwick (age 33), William Bohun 1st Earl of Northampton (age 36) and John Beauchamp 1st Baron Beauchamp Warwick (age 30).
The English army was included: Bishop Thomas of Hatfield (age 36), Hugh Despencer 1st Baron Despencer (age 38), Bernard Brocas (age 16), Thomas Felton (age 16), James Audley (age 28), Robert Bourchier 1st Baron Bourchier, Bartholomew "The Elder" Burghesh 1st Baron Burghesh (age 59), Bartholomew "The Younger" Burghesh 2nd Baron Burghesh (age 18), Reginald Cobham 1st Baron Cobham (age 51), John Darcy 1st Baron Darcy of Knayth (age 66), Robert Ferrers 3rd Baron Ferrers of Chartley (age 37), Richard Scrope 1st Baron Scrope of Bolton (age 19), William Scrope (age 21), Stephen Scrope (age 21), William Latimer 4th Baron Latimer of Corby (age 16), John Lisle 2nd Baron Lisle (age 28), Gerard Lisle 1st Baron Lisle (age 42), Nicholas Longford (age 61), Edward Montagu 1st Baron Montagu, Walter Paveley 4th Baron Burghesh (age 27), Michael Poynings 1st Baron Poynings (age 28), Robert Ufford 1st Earl Suffolk (age 48), John de Vere 7th Earl of Oxford (age 34), Thomas West (age 34), John Willoughby 2nd Baron Willoughby (age 43), John Wingfield (age 26), Henry Percy 11th and 3rd Baron Percy (age 25), Hugh Courtenay 2nd or 10th Earl Devon (age 43) (possibly), Walter "Elder" Devereux (age 37), John Devereux (age 44), Enion Sais Brecon, John Chandos (age 26), Richard Pembridge (age 26) and John Sully (age 63).
The French army suffered significant casualties. King Philip "Fortunate" VI of France (age 52) was wounded. William de Coucy (age 60) and his son Enguerrand 6th Lord de Coucy (age 33) and were killed.
Charles II Count Alençon (age 49) was killed. His son Charles (age 9) succeeded Count Alençon.
Louis Chatillon II Count Blois I Count Chatillon was killed. His son Louis succeeded III Count Blois.
Louis Dampierre II Count Nevers I Count Flanders (age 42) was killed. His son Louis (age 15) succeeded III Count Nevers, II Count Flanders.
King John I of Bohemia (age 50) was killed. His son Charles (age 30) succeeded IV King Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperor Luxemburg. Blanche Valois Holy Roman Empress Luxemburg (age 29) by marriage Holy Roman Empress Luxemburg.
Rudolph "Valiant" Metz I Duke Lorraine (age 26) was killed. His son John succeeded I Duke Lorraine.
Jean IV de Harcourt (age 39) was killed.
Chronicle of Henry Knighton. [26th August 1346] And then, because Philip of Valois was moving from that place with his army, King Edward with his people withdrew into the forest of Cressy. Around the ninth hour, new rumours came to King Edward that King Philip was ready and arrayed in three distinct battle lines. King Edward, made joyful by this, prepared his people. And he came to the bridge of Cressy, and around the hour of vespers, and a little before, Edward watched the enemies approach. The English had remained fasting due to the long delay in waiting for the French, so that they could always be ready at their arrival. Immediately the trumpets and horns sounded, and there was an accompanying downpour of rain, with great thundering horror, and soon that remarkable storm ceased.
In the foremost line was Edward, Prince of Wales, firstborn son of King Edward, the Earl of Northampton, and the Earl of Warwick with their forces, who attacked and overthrew the first division of the French, aided by divine support. Then, without any pause, they likewise engaged and defeated the second division, in which were two kings and one duke, namely, the King of Bohemia, the King of Majorca, and the Duke of Lorraine, along with many other nobles. Then the Prince of Wales engaged with the third division, in which were King Philip of Valois, the King of Germany, and Lord John of Hainault, and, relying on the grace of God, he struck them down and overcame them.
King Philip of France was struck in the face with an arrow, and his warhorse was killed; he then mounted another suitable one and fled. Nor did any Englishman know from whence it came. Similarly, many others fled.
Bellum de Cressy. Et tunc quia Philippus Valoys se mouebat de illo loco cum exercitu, rex Edwardus cum populo suo recepit se in forestam de Cressy. Et circa horam nonam uenerunt noui rumores ad regem Edwardum, quod rex Philippus paratus erat et arraiatus in .iij. distentibus aciebus. Rex Edwardus, ex hoc letus effectus, parauit populum suum. Et uenit ad pontem de Cressy, et circa horam uesperarum et parum ante, prospexit Edwardus inimicos appropinquare. Anglici ieiuni adhuc erant pre longa mora Francos expectando, ut semper possent esse parati in eorum aduentu. Statimque clanxerunt clarriones et tube, inundacioque pluuiarum comitabatur, tonutruique magni horribilitas, et in breui cessauit illa mirabilis tempestas.
Total killed in battle: the French were slain. And there were killed two thousand armed men, knights, and squires, and almost an innumerable multitude of foot soldiers. The number of men coming with King Philip of France was twelve thousand foot soldiers, one thousand men armed to the shins and feet. Of whom in those three battles were killed two thousand armed men and thirty-two thousand other armed men. For they fought until deep into the night, in the field of Westglyse near Cressy.
Two kings, one duke, sixteen earls, more than two hundred others were killed. Sixteen earls were killed there. The two kings, of Bohemia and the King of Majorca, and the Duke of Lorraine, the Archbishop of Sens, the Bishop of Noyon, the Grand Master of the Hospital of France, and the Abbot of Corbeil. King Edward stood all night with his army in the field, and the French attacked them sixteen times before the day dawned. For the moon shone brightly, as God willed, for three parts of the night. At sunrise, the French army approached the English in the field, but as it pleased God, they did not dare to engage, and when the English advanced towards them, they fled, and the English pursuing them, killed many of them.
Of the English, three knights were killed in battle. From the English, one squire was killed before the battle, and in the battle, three knights; the rest God preserved. Many of the English knights became very poor.
In anteriori acie erat Edwardus, princeps Wallie, primogenitus regis Edwardi, comes Northamptone, et comes Warwyche cum suis, qui expugnauerunt primam aciem Francorum, diuino adminiculo subfulti. Deinde similiter et secundam, absque pausacione aliquali. In qua erant duo reges et unus dux, uidelicet rex Boemie, rex Malogrie, et dux Loryngie et multi alii proceres. Deinde tercio congressus est princeps Wallie cum tercia acie, in qua rex Philippus Valoys fuit, et rex Almonye, et dominus Iohannes de Hunaldia, et ipsos Dei gracia fretus prostrauit et deuicit.
Rex Francie Philippus percussus est in facie cum una sagitta, dextrariusque eius occisus est, ascenditque alium competem et fugit. Nec quisque Anglicus sciuit unde deuenit. Similiter et multi alii fugierunt.
Summa occisorum in bello: occisi Franci. Et interfecti sunt IJ milia uirorum armatorum, militum, et scutiferorum, et quasi innumerabilis multitudo pedestrium. Numerus uirorum ueniencium cum rege Francie Philippo XIJ milia galliarum, I milia uirorum armatorum ad tibias et pedes. De quibus in ills tribus preliis interfecti sunt IJ millia uirorum armatorum et XXXIJ millia aliorum armatorum. Nam pugnauerant usque ad profundam noctem, in campo de Westglyse iuxta Cressy.
Occist IJ reges, J dux, XVJ comites, IJ C plures. Comites XVJ occisi sunt ibidem. Duo reges, Boemie et rex Malogrie, et dux Loryngie, archiepiscopus Seyensis, et episcopus Neyensis, et magnus magister hospitalis Francie, et abbas de Corbella. Rex Edwardus tota nocte cum exercitu suo stetit in campo, et Franci XVJ. / uicibus dederunt eis insultum antequam dies illucesceret. Nam luna clare lucebat, sicut Deus uoluit, per .iij. partes noctis. In ortu solis uenit exercitus Francorum uersus Anglos in campum, set sicut Deo placuit congredi non audebant, et cum Angli uersus eos procederent, fugerunt, et Angli eos insequentes, multos eorum occiderunt.
Anglicr occisi .iij. milites mn bello. De Anglicis occisus est unus scutifer ante prelium, et in prelio .iij. milites, reliquos Deus reseruauit. Facti sunt multi milites pauperimi de Anglicis.
Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke [-1360]. Likewise, Master Thomas Bradwardine (age 49), Archbishop of Canterbury, died1 before being enthroned, and Master Simon of Islip was elected as his successor.
Item, magister Thomas Bradewardyn, archiepiscopus Cantuariensis nondum intronizatus, obiit, et magister Symon de Islep in eius succes sorem fuerat electus.
Note 1. Archbishop Thomas Bradwardine died on 26th August 1349, probably of plague, following his return from Avignon where he had received confirmation from the Pope. He was buried at Canterbury Cathedral.
On 26th August 1349 Archbishop Thomas Bradwardine (age 49) died of plague.
On 26th August 1377 Enguerrand de Coucy 1st Earl Bedford 1st Count Soissons (age 37) renounced his title Earl Bedford following the accession of King Richard II of England (age 10).
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 26th August 1438 Ernest Wittelsbach was born to Albert Wittelsbach III Duke Bavaria (age 37) and Anna Brunswick Grubenhagen Duchess Bavaria (age 24).
On 26th August 1469 Ferdinand II King Naples was born to Alfonso II King Naples (age 20) and Ippolita Maria Sforza (age 23). He married 1496 his aunt Joanna Trastámara Queen Consort Naples, daughter of Ferdinand I King Naples and Joanna of Aragon Queen Consort Naples.
Wriothesley's Chronicle [1508-1562]. 26th August 1537. This yeare, on Soundaie the 26th daie of August, the Lord Crumwell (age 52) was made Knight of the Garter and stlled at Wyndsore.
On 26th August 1540 Magnus Oldenburg was born to Christian III King of Denmark (age 37) and Dorothea of Saxe Lauenburg Queen Consort Denmark and Norway (age 29)..
Henry Machyn's Diary. 26th August 1552. The xxvjth day of August ded ser Clementt Smyth (age 45) knyght, and unkull unto owre soverayn lord and kyng Edward the vjth, the wyche ser Clement mared qwyne Jane('s) syster (age 36); and he ded in Essex, at a plasse callyd Badow.
Note. Death of sir Clement Smith. Sir Clement married Dorothy Seymour, sister of queen Jane, and of Edward duke of Somerset. King Edward, in his Diary, under the 24th March 1550–1, records his being "chidden" for having a year before heard mass.
26th August 1555. George Tankerfield was burned at the stake. See Foxe's Book of Martyrs Volume 11 306 George Tankerfield.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 26th August 1555. The xxvj day of August cam from Westmynster, rydyng thrugh London unto Towrs-warff, the Kyng (age 28) and the Quen (age 39), and ther thay toke ther barge unto Grenwyche [Map], and landyd at the long bryge, and reseyvyd by my lord chanseler (age 72), and my lord of Ely (age 49), and my lord vycont Montyguw (age 26), master comtroller, master Sowthwell (age 52), and dyvers mo, and the gard, and dyvers holdyn torchys bornynge, and up to the Frers, and ther thare graces mad ther praers, and at her grace('s) landyng received ix or x suplycasyon(s), and so bake agayn to the court with a c. torchys bornyng.
On 1st August 1584 Emanuel Scrope 1st Earl of Sunderland was born to Thomas Scrope 10th Baron Scrope of Bolton (age 17) and Philadelphia Carey Baroness Scrope Bolton. He was baptised at St Dunstan's Church, Hunsdon on the 26th August 1584 with Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 50) as his Godmother.
On 26th August 1596 Frederick Palatinate Simmern V Elector Palatine Rhine was born to Frederick IV Elector Palatine (age 22) and Electress Louise Juliana of the Palatine Rhine (age 20). He married 14th February 1613 his fourth cousin once removed Princess Elizabeth Stewart Queen Bohemia, daughter of King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland and Anne of Denmark Queen Consort Scotland England and Ireland, and had issue.
Letters of the Court of James I 1613. 26th August 1613. London. Reverend Thomas Lorkin to Thomas Puckering 1st Baronet (age 21).
Queen Margaret (age 60)1, I hear, is very sick, they say, out of conceit; for that it hath been told her, that the almanac doth foretel that this month one of the greatest women of Christendom shall die. The world would laugh, if so great a woman as she is (saith mine author) should have so little wit, as to be put to death by an almanac. The Prince of Conde (age 24), having overheated his body lately in hunting of the stag, fell into a burning ague, and was in some danger for four or five days; but now the violence of the disease being spent, there is a good hope conceived of his recovery.
The Duke d'Espernon (age 59), pretending to live in great fear of his life by reason of the mortal hatred, which divers of his enemies bear him, hath obtained of the queen, for better security, a guard of twenty men taken out of the regiment des gardes who accompany him up and down, wherever he goes; which is offensive to many, who think it strange that the public guard should be employed in the maintaining of his particular factions.
One Recion, a printer of the Religion, having long since reprinted the book of "Novus Homo," (which was published here in England before against the present Pope) was condemned by the Judge of the Chatelet to make an amende honorable before the court, and another before the Nuncio; the further sentence was, that the book should be burned at the Nuncio's gates; and the printer himself banished for ever out of Paris. From which sentence he appealing to the Court of Parliament, they have remitted all his other punishments, save banishment, and that they have restrained only to two years.
Those of the Religion having begun to build a college at Charenton, for the instruction of their youth, the lieutenant-civil adjourned the deputies-general to appear before him, to answer the matter; but they sent him word they were responsible to none but the chancellor, and do not let to go forward with the building; being confident they are sufficiently warranted thereunto by the grants and license of the last king. Richeome, the Jesuit, hath newly set forth at Bordeaux an answer of "Anti-Coton" and La Martaliere's Plea against the Jesuits, and I understand that Suarez2, the Jesuit, hath newly set forth a great book in quarto at Coimbra, in answer to his majesty's apology. The quarrel between the King of Denmark and the States' is now at length happily compounded. My Lord Harrington (deceased) and his lady (age 59) are, by this, I suppose, arrived in England, having left the Palatine's court above a fortnight since. Sir John is gone to meet them at Calais; otherwise, I suppose, your letter should ere now have received answer. Some time next week, if not the latter end of this, his majesty is expected here in London.
Note 1. The first wife of Henry IV of France, from whom she was divorced. She died 27th March, 1615.
Note 2. Francis Saurez, a Spanish theologian, who attacked James in a work written in defence of Catholicism, to which the king thought proper to reply by the hands of the hangman; a functionary who seems to have been much troabled at this period with the writings of zealoas controversialists. Saarez pablished twenty-three folio volumes, and died at Lisbon in 1613.
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Diary of Anne Clifford. 26th August 1616. Upon the 26th came my Coz. Clifford to Appleby but with a far less train than my Lord (age 27).
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 26th August 1661. At night at home I found a letter from my Lord Sandwich (age 36), who is now very well again of his feaver, but not yet gone from Alicante, where he lay sick, and was twice let blood. This letter dated the 22nd July last, which puts me out of doubt of his being ill. In my coming home I called in at the Crane tavern at the Stocks by appointment, and there met and took leave of Mr. Fanshaw, who goes to-morrow and Captain Isham (age 33) toward their voyage to Portugal. Here we drank a great deal of wine, I too much and Mr. Fanshaw till he could hardly go. So we took leave one of another.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 26th August 1664. Thence to the Dockyarde, and there saw the new ship in very great forwardness, and so by water to Deptford, Kent [Map] a little, and so home and shifting myself, to the 'Change [Map], and there did business, and thence down by water to White Hall, by the way, at the Three Cranes, putting into an alehouse and eat a bit of bread and cheese. There I could not get into the Parke, and so was fain to stay in the gallery over the gate to look to the passage into the Parke, into which the King (age 34) hath forbid of late anybody's coming, to watch his coming that had appointed me to come, which he did by and by with his lady and went to Guardener's Lane, and there instead of meeting with one that was handsome and could play well, as they told me, she is the ugliest beast and plays so basely as I never heard anybody, so that I should loathe her being in my house. However, she took us by and by and showed us indeed some pictures at one Hiseman's (age 31), a picture drawer, a Dutchman, which is said to exceed Lilly (age 45), and indeed there is both of the Queenes (age 54) and Mayds of Honour (particularly Mrs. Stewart's (age 17) in a buff doublet like a soldier) as good pictures, I think, as ever I saw. The Queene is drawn in one like a shepherdess, in the other like St. Katharin, most like and most admirably. I was mightily pleased with this sight indeed, and so back again to their lodgings, where I left them, but before I went this mare that carried me, whose name I know not but that they call him Sir John, a pitiful fellow, whose face I have long known but upon what score I know not, but he could have the confidence to ask me to lay down money for him to renew the lease of his house, which I did give eare to there because I was there receiving a civility from him, but shall not part with my money.
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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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 26th August 1666. After dinner we parted, and I to my office, whither I sent for Mr. Lewes and instructed myself fully in the business of the Victualling, to enable me to answer in the matter; and then Sir W. Pen (age 45) and I by coach to White Hall, and there staid till the King (age 36) and Cabinet were met in the Green Chamber, and then we were called in; and there the King begun with me, to hear how the victualls of the fleete stood. I did in a long discourse tell him and the rest (the Duke of Yorke (age 32), Chancellor (age 57), Lord Treasurer (age 59), both the Secretarys, Sir G. Carteret (age 56), and Sir W. Coventry (age 38),) how it stood, wherein they seemed satisfied, but press mightily for more supplies; and the letter of the Generalls, which was read, did lay their not going or too soon returning from the Dutch coast, this next bout, to the want of victuals. They then proceeded to the enquiry after the fireships; and did all very superficially, and without any severity at all.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 26th August 1666. Thence to discourse of the times; and he tells me he believes both my Lord Arlington (age 48) and Sir W. Coventry (age 38), as well as my Lord Sandwich (age 41) and Sir G. Carteret (age 56), have reason to fear, and are afeard of this Parliament now coming on. He tells me that Bristoll's (age 53) faction is getting ground apace against my Chancellor (age 57). He told me that my old Lord Coventry was a cunning, crafty man, and did make as many bad decrees in Chancery as any man; and that in one case, that occasioned many years' dispute, at last when the King (age 36) come in, it was hoped by the party grieved, to get my Chancellor to reverse a decree of his. Sir W. Coventry took the opportunity of the business between the Duke of Yorke (age 32) and the Duchesse (age 29), and said to my Chancellor, that he had rather be drawn up Holborne to be hanged, than live to see his father pissed upon (in these very terms) and any decree of his reversed. And so the Chancellor did not think fit to do it, but it still stands, to the undoing of one Norton, a printer, about his right to the printing of the Bible, and Grammar, &c.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 26th August 1666. But, however, I was in pain, after we come out, to know how I had done; and hear well enough. But, however, it shall be a caution to me to prepare myself against a day of inquisition. Being come out, I met with Mr. Moore, and he and I an houre together in the Gallery, telling me how far they are gone in getting my Lord [Sandwich's] pardon, so as the Chancellor (age 57) is prepared in it; and Sir H. Bennet (age 48) do promote it, and the warrant for the King's signing is drawn. The business between my Lord Hinchingbrooke (age 18) and Mrs. Mallett (age 15) is quite broke off; he attending her at Tunbridge [Map], and she declaring her affections to be settled; and he not being fully pleased with the vanity and liberty of her carriage. He told me how my Lord has drawn a bill of exchange from Spayne of £1200, and would have me supply him with £500 of it, but I avoyded it, being not willing to embarke myself in money there, where I see things going to ruine.
John Evelyn's Diary. 26th August 1666. The contagion still continuing, we had the Church service at home.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 26th August 1667. Then to the office, where we sat upon a particular business all the morning: and my Lord Anglesey (age 53) with us: who, and my Lord Bruncker (age 47), do bring us news how my Chancellor's (age 58) seal is to be taken away from him to-day. The thing is so great and sudden to me, that it put me into a very great admiration what should be the meaning of it; and they do not own that they know what it should be: but this is certain, that the King (age 37) did resolve it on Saturday, and did yesterday send the Duke of Albemarle (age 58), the only man fit for those works, to him for his purse: to which the Chancellor answered, that he received it from the King, and would deliver it to the King's own hand, and so civilly returned the Duke of Albemarle without it; and this morning my Chancellor is to be with the King, to come to an end in the business. After sitting, we rose, and my wife being gone abroad with Mrs. Turner (age 44) to her washing at the whitster's, I dined at Sir W. Batten's (age 66), where Mr. Boreman was, who come from White Hall; who tells us that he saw my Chancellor come in his coach with some of his men, without his Seal, to White Hall to his chamber; and thither the King and Duke of York (age 33) come and staid together alone, an hour or more: and it is said that the King do say that he will have the Parliament meet, and that it will prevent much trouble by having of him out of their enmity, by his place being taken away; for that all their enmity will be at him. It is said also that my Chancellor answers, that he desires he may be brought to his trial, if he have done any thing to lose his office; and that he will be willing, and is most desirous, to lose that, and his head both together. Upon what terms they parted nobody knows but the Chancellor looked sad, he says. Then in comes Sir Richard Ford (age 53), and says he hears that there is nobody more presses to reconcile the King and Chancellor than the Duke of Albemarle and Duke of Buckingham (age 39): the latter of which is very strange, not only that he who was so lately his enemy should do it, but that this man, that but the other day was in danger of losing his own head, should so soon come to be a mediator for others: it shows a wise Government. They all say that he [Clarendon] is but a poor man, not worth above £3000 a-year in land; but this I cannot believe: and all do blame him for having built so great a house, till he had got a better estate. Having dined, Sir J. Minnes (age 68) and I to White Hall, where we could be informed in no more than we were told before, nobody knowing the result of the meeting, but that the matter is suspended. So I walked to the King's playhouse, there to meet Sir W. Pen (age 46), and saw "The Surprizall", a very mean play, I thought: or else it was because I was out of humour, and but very little company in the house. But there Sir W. Pen and I had a great deal of discourse with Moll; who tells us that Nell (age 17) is already left by my Lord Buckhurst (age 24), and that he makes sport of her, and swears she hath had all she could get of him; and Hart1, her great admirer, now hates her; and that she is very poor, and hath lost my Baroness Castlemayne (age 26), who was her great friend also but she is come to the House, but is neglected by them all2. Thence with Sir W. Pen home, and I to the office, where late about business, and then home to supper, and so to bed.
Note 1. Charles Hart, great-nephew of Shakespeare, a favourite actor. He is credited with being Nell Gwyn's first lover (or Charles I, as the wits put it), and with having brought her on the stage. He died of stone, and was buried at Stanmore Magna, Middlesex, where he had a country house.
Note 2. Lord Buckhurst's liaison with Nell Gwyn probably came to an end about this time. We learn from Pepys that in January, 1667-68, the King sent several times for Nelly (see January 11th, 1667-68). Nell's eldest son by Charles II, Charles Beauclerc, was not born till May 8th, 1670. He was created Earl of Burford in 1676 and Duke of St. Albans in 1684.
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John Evelyn's Diary. 26th August 1676. I dined at the Admiralty with Secretary Pepys (age 43), and supped at the Lord Chamberlain's (age 58). Here was Captain Baker, who had been lately on the attempt of the Northwest passage. He reported prodigious depth of ice, blue as a sapphire, and as transparent. The thick mists were their chief impediment, and cause of their return.
On 26th August 1699 Léopold Lorraine was born to Leopold Duke of Lorraine (age 19) and Élisabeth Charlotte Bourbon Duchess Lorraine (age 22). He a great x 3 grandson of King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland. He died aged less than one years old.
On 26th August 1728 Anne Marie Bourbon Queen Consort Sardinia (age 58) died.
On 26th August 1749 John Crewe of Crewe (age 68) died. Monument at St Bertoline's Church, Barthomley [Map] commissioned by his wife Sarah Price (age 67).
John Crewe of Crewe: Around 1681 he was born to John Offley of Madely in Staffordshire and Anne Crewe. In or before 1709 John Crewe of Crewe and Sarah Price were married.
Sarah Price: Around 1682 she was born. On 8th May 1751 she died.
On 26th August 1754 Charles Powlett 3rd Duke Bolton (age 68) died. His brother Harry (age 63) succeeded 4th Duke Bolton, 9th Marquess Winchester, 9th Earl Wiltshire, 9th Baron St John.
On 26th August 1785 George Sackville aka Germain 1st Viscount Sackville (age 69) died. His son Charles (age 17) succeeded 2nd Viscount Sackville of Drayton in Sussex and 2nd Baron Bolebrooke in Sussex.
On 26th August 1788 Elizabeth Chudleigh Duchess Kingston upon Hull (age 67) died. Her estates, and those of her former husband Evelyn Pierrepont 2nd Duke Kingston upon Hull, passed to his sister Frances' (age 75) son Charles Medows aka Pierrepont 1st Earl Manvers (age 50).
On 26th August 1819 Prince Albert Saxe Coburg Gotha was born to Ernest Saxe Coburg Gotha I Duke Saxe Coburg Gotha (age 35) and Duchess Louise Dorothea of Saxe Coburg Altenburg (age 18). He married 10th February 1840 his first cousin Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, daughter of Edward Augustus Hanover 1st Duke Kent and Strathearn and Marie Luise Victoria Saxe Coburg Gotha Duchess Kent and Strathearn, and had issue.
On 26th August 1828 Susan Gordon Duchess Manchester died.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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On 26th August 1836 Louisa Jane Hamilton Duchess Buccleuch and Queensbury was born to James Hamilton 1st Duke of Abercorn (age 25) and Louisa Jane Russell Duchess Abercorn (age 24). She married 22nd November 1859 her fifth cousin William Scott 6th Duke Buccleuch 8th Duke Queensberry, son of Walter Scott 5th Duke Buccleuch 7th Duke Queensberry and Charlotte Anne Thynne Duchess Buccleuch Duchess Queensbury, and had issue.
Memorial at St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map] to John Henry Bott who, with two of his schoolfellows, was accidentally draowen while bathing at Seaforth near Liverpool on 26th August 1840, and to 2md Lieutenant Charles Edward Bott, died after an illness at Toronto, Canada, 30th January 1849. Both children of John and Susanna Maria Bott who resided at Coton Hall, Hanley. Also to their two children Frederick and Frances who died young.
On 26th August 1850 King Louis Philippe I of France (age 76) died.
Historic Avebury. 26th August 1939. Denis Grant King's Diary Pages 97 and 98.
Saturday, August 26th 1939
Beautiful sunny weather that must remind the older folk of August 1914. It is difficult to believe in the reality of the international crisis, or indeed that the human race lacks the intelligence and good will to compose its differences without recourse to war. Still, the forces which lead nations to war gather momentum in fair weather and in foul; and every intelligent person who has lived and observed events during the past twenty years would be unduly sanguine if he had not expected another holocaust sometime. The question is, when?
No doubt statesmen will try to put it off as long as possible, that is, as far as delay is consistent with imperial interests. Churchill suggested that the zero hour would occur in August.
Anyway, Alexander Keiller (age 49) believes that war is imminent and has asked us all to continue work on Saturday afternoon to reveal the "Z arrangement" as much as possible, and complete the records, before the Government calls up all the men.
Another reminder of 1914 came in the person of Commander Gould, R.N., who fought at the Battle of Jutland. He was then on his to way to Bath to take up duties under the Admiralty and called in at the caravan, where Alexander Keiller introduced him to me. He is a six foot man, 18 stone, so he says, clean shaven and grey hair; also very friendly and talkative, giving an account of various talks he had broadcast from the B.B.C., mostly, I understood, of an informative character on a variety of topics.
His object in calling was to leave certain manuscripts of value to be deposited in the Museum, which he considered to be a place of comparative safety. L.V. Grinsell also sent us some of his MMS [manuscripts] for safe keeping.
After Commander Gould said good-bye, Alexander Keiller told me a little about him. It appears that after the War was over, his wife left him, and his distress affected him mentally, so much so that he lost his job and sank into very low water. He then spent ten years perfecting the Harrison chronometer and making it work (which apparently it never did before), for which service the government rewarded him with the paltry sum of £100. One should see his work in the Greenwich Naval Museum. A queer story. One would not have thought that such an immense robust fellow could have been so upset by a little bit of fluff; but that is life!"
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On 26th August 1941 Richard Hanbury-Tracy 6th Baron Sudeley (age 30) died at sea at Norway, on active service. His first cousin once removed Merlin (age 2) succeeded 7th Baron Sudeley of Toddington in Gloucestershire.
On 26th August 1944 Richard Alexander Walter Windsor 2nd Duke Gloucester was born to Henry Windsor 1st Duke Gloucester (age 44) and Alice Christabel Montagu-Douglas-Scott Duchess Gloucester (age 42). He a grandson of King George V of the United Kingdom.
On 26th August 1438 Ernest Wittelsbach was born to Albert Wittelsbach III Duke Bavaria (age 37) and Anna Brunswick Grubenhagen Duchess Bavaria (age 24).
On 26th August 1469 Ferdinand II King Naples was born to Alfonso II King Naples (age 20) and Ippolita Maria Sforza (age 23). He married 1496 his aunt Joanna Trastámara Queen Consort Naples, daughter of Ferdinand I King Naples and Joanna of Aragon Queen Consort Naples.
On 26th August 1540 Magnus Oldenburg was born to Christian III King of Denmark (age 37) and Dorothea of Saxe Lauenburg Queen Consort Denmark and Norway (age 29)..
On 1st August 1584 Emanuel Scrope 1st Earl of Sunderland was born to Thomas Scrope 10th Baron Scrope of Bolton (age 17) and Philadelphia Carey Baroness Scrope Bolton. He was baptised at St Dunstan's Church, Hunsdon on the 26th August 1584 with Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 50) as his Godmother.
On 26th August 1596 Frederick Palatinate Simmern V Elector Palatine Rhine was born to Frederick IV Elector Palatine (age 22) and Electress Louise Juliana of the Palatine Rhine (age 20). He married 14th February 1613 his fourth cousin once removed Princess Elizabeth Stewart Queen Bohemia, daughter of King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland and Anne of Denmark Queen Consort Scotland England and Ireland, and had issue.
Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses
Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.
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On 26th August 1676 Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford was born to Colonel Robert Walpole (age 25) at Houghton, Norfolk. He married (1) 1700 Catherine Shorter and had issue (2) 3rd March 1738 Maria Skerritt and had issue.
On 26th August 1683 Henrietta Greville Lady Long was born to Fulke Greville 5th Baron Brooke (age 40) and Sarah Dashwood Baroness Brooke (age 37). She married 6th June 1702 James Long 5th Baronet and had issue.
On 26th August 1699 Léopold Lorraine was born to Leopold Duke of Lorraine (age 19) and Élisabeth Charlotte Bourbon Duchess Lorraine (age 22). He a great x 3 grandson of King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland. He died aged less than one years old.
On 26th August 1723 George Carpenter 1st Earl Tyrconnel was born to George Carpenter 2nd Baron Carpenter (age 28) and Elizabeth Petty Baroness Carpenter. He married March 1748 Frances Clifton Countess Tyrconnel, daughter of Robert Clifton 5th Baronet and Frances Coote Lady Clifton, and had issue.
On 26th August 1738 George Nassau Clavering-Cowper 3rd Earl Cowper was born to William Clavering-Cowper 2nd Earl Cowper (age 29) and Henrietta Nassau 2nd Countess Cowper (age 25). He married 1775 Hannah Anna Gore 3rd Countess Cowper and had issue.
On 26th August 1745 Sophia Carteret Countess Shelburne was born to John Carteret 2nd Earl Granville (age 55) and Sophia Fermor Countess Granville. She married 3rd February 1765 William Petty 1st Marquess Lansdowne, son of John Petty-Fitzmaurice 1st Earl Shelburne and Mary Fitzmaurice Countess Shelburne, and had issue.
On 26th August 1774 John Lubbock 2nd Baronet was born to William Lubbock (age 28) and Anne Woodrow. He married 3rd August 1799 Mary Entwistle and had issue.
On 26th August 1797 Robert Sherard 6th Earl Harborough was born to Philip Sherard 5th Earl Harborough (age 30). He married 27th November 1843 Mary Eliza Temple Countess Harborough.
On 26th August 1819 Prince Albert Saxe Coburg Gotha was born to Ernest Saxe Coburg Gotha I Duke Saxe Coburg Gotha (age 35) and Duchess Louise Dorothea of Saxe Coburg Altenburg (age 18). He married 10th February 1840 his first cousin Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, daughter of Edward Augustus Hanover 1st Duke Kent and Strathearn and Marie Luise Victoria Saxe Coburg Gotha Duchess Kent and Strathearn, and had issue.
On 26th August 1827 Elizabeth Frances Milles was born to George John Milles 4th Baron Sondes of Lees Court (age 33) and Eleanor Knatchbull.
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 26th August 1828 Archbishop William Plunket 4th Baron Plunket was born to John Span Plunket 3rd Baron Plunket (age 35) and Charlotte Bushe. He married 11th June 1863 Anne Lee Guiness Baroness Plunket, daughter of Benjamin Lee Guiness 1st Baronet and Elizabeth Guiness.
On 26th August 1836 Louisa Jane Hamilton Duchess Buccleuch and Queensbury was born to James Hamilton 1st Duke of Abercorn (age 25) and Louisa Jane Russell Duchess Abercorn (age 24). She married 22nd November 1859 her fifth cousin William Scott 6th Duke Buccleuch 8th Duke Queensberry, son of Walter Scott 5th Duke Buccleuch 7th Duke Queensberry and Charlotte Anne Thynne Duchess Buccleuch Duchess Queensbury, and had issue.
On 26th August 1844 William Lewis Salusbury-Trelawny 10th Baronet was born to John Salusbury Salusbury-Trelawny 9th Baronet (age 28) and Harriet Jane Tremayne Lady Salusbury-Trelawny (age 23). He married 14th July 1868 Jessy Rose Murray and had issue.
On 26th August 1850 Mary Anne Arkwright Lady Fitzherbert was born to Edward Arkwright and Charlotte Wilmot-Sitwell (age 28). She married 10th October 1871 Richard Fitzherbert 5th Baronet, son of William Fitzherbert 4th Baronet and Ann Alleyne Lady Fitzherbert, and had issue.
On 26th August 1864 Evelyn Clementina Heathcote-Willoughby-Drummond Lady Ewart was born to Gilbert Henry Heathcote Drummond Willoughby 1st Earl Ancaster (age 33) and Evelyn Elizabeth Gordon Countess Ancaster (age 18). She married 3rd November 1888 Major-General Peter Ewart 1st Baronet and had issue.
On 26th August 1883 Lionel Dawson-Damer 6th Earl of Portarlington was born to Lionel Dawson-Damer 5th Earl of Portarlington (age 25) and Emma Kennedy Countess Portarlington (age 21).
On 26th August 1898 Sylvia Mary Straker Baroness Barnard was born to Hubert Straker. She married 14th October 1920 Christopher Vane 10th Baron Barnard, son of Henry de Vere Vane 9th Baron Barnard and Catherine Sarah Cecil Baroness Barnard, and had issue.
On 26th August 1898 Hector Wroth Lethbridge 6th Baronet was born to Wroth Periam Christopher Lethbridge 5th Baronet (age 34). He married 13th April 1946 Evelyn Diana Noel Lady Lethbridge and had issue.
On 26th August 1915 Pamela Louisa Dillon Baroness Onslow was born to Brigadier Eric FitzGerald Dillon 19th Viscount Dillon (age 34) and Nora Juanita Muriel Beckett Viscountess Dillon. She married 4th August 1936 William Onslow 6th Earl of Onslow, son of Richard William Alan Onslow 5th Earl Onslow and Violet Marcia Bampfylde Countess Onslow, and had issue.
On 26th August 1941 Shane Hugh Maryon Gough 5th Viscount Gough was born to Hugh Gough 4th Viscount Gough (age 49).
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 26th August 1944 Richard Alexander Walter Windsor 2nd Duke Gloucester was born to Henry Windsor 1st Duke Gloucester (age 44) and Alice Christabel Montagu-Douglas-Scott Duchess Gloucester (age 42). He a grandson of King George V of the United Kingdom.
On 26th August 1171 Richard "Strongbow" Clare 2nd Earl Pembroke (age 41) and Aoife ni Diarmait Macmurrough Countess Pembroke and Buckingham (age 26) were married in Reginald's Tower, Waterford, County Waterford. He the son of Gilbert de Clare 1st Earl Pembroke and Isabel Beaumont Countess Pembroke.
On 26th August 1630 Nicholas L'Estrange 1st Baronet (age 26) and Anne Lewknor Lady Strange (age 18) were married. She by marriage Lady Strange of Hunstanton in Norfolk.
On 26th August 1649 William Armine 2nd Baronet (age 27) and Anne Crane (age 18) were married.
On 26th August 1661 Philip Wharton 4th Baron Wharton (age 48) and Ann Kerr Baroness Wharton (age 38) were married. She by marriage Baroness Wharton.
On 26th August 1722 George Carpenter 2nd Baron Carpenter (age 27) and Elizabeth Petty Baroness Carpenter were married at Leyton, Essex.
On 26th August 1746 William Irby 1st Baron Boston (age 39) and Albania Selwyn Baroness Boston (age 27) were married.
On 26th August 1799 John Barrow 1st Baronet (age 35) and Anna Maria Truter Lady Barrow (age 22) were married. They had four sons and two daughters.
On 26th August 1856 Percy Burrell 4th Baronet (age 44) and Henrietta Katherine Brooke-Pechell were married at St George's Church, Hanover Square. There was no issue from the marriage.
On 26th August 1875 Thomas Coke 2nd Earl of Leicester (age 52) and Georgina Caroline Cavendish Countess Leicester (age 23) were married. She by marriage Countess of Leicester. The difference in their ages was 29 years. He the son of Thomas Coke 1st Earl of Leicester and Anne Amelia Keppel Countess Leicester.
On 26th August 1884 Herbert Lloyd Watkin Williams-Wynn 7th Baronet (age 24) and Louisa Alexandra Williams-Wynn Lady Williams-Wynn (age 19) were married. They divorced in 1898 having had three children. They were first cousins.
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 26th August 1273 Roger Somery 2nd Baron Dudley (age 83) died at Dudley Castle [Map]. His son Roger (age 18) succeeded 3rd Baron Dudley of Somery. Agnes Unknown Baroness Dudley by marriage Baroness Dudley of Somery.
On 26th August 1278 Ottokar "Iron King" II King Bohemia (age 45) died. His son Wenceslaus (age 6) succeeded II King Bohemia.
On 26th or 27th August 1285 Archbishop William de Wickwane died at Pontigny Abbey in Burgundy while on his way to the papal curia to plead his case against the monks of Durham. He was buried at the Cistercian abbey there in Pontigny; see Annals of Dunstable.
On 26th August 1308 Edmund Stafford 1st Baron Stafford (age 36) died. His son Ralph (age 6) succeeded 2nd Baron Stafford.
On 26th August 1346 the army of King Edward III of England (age 33) defeated the French army at the Battle of Crécy. The English army was commanded by King Edward III of England, his son Edward "Black Prince" (age 16), Thomas Beauchamp 11th Earl Warwick (age 33), William Bohun 1st Earl of Northampton (age 36) and John Beauchamp 1st Baron Beauchamp Warwick (age 30).
The English army was included: Bishop Thomas of Hatfield (age 36), Hugh Despencer 1st Baron Despencer (age 38), Bernard Brocas (age 16), Thomas Felton (age 16), James Audley (age 28), Robert Bourchier 1st Baron Bourchier, Bartholomew "The Elder" Burghesh 1st Baron Burghesh (age 59), Bartholomew "The Younger" Burghesh 2nd Baron Burghesh (age 18), Reginald Cobham 1st Baron Cobham (age 51), John Darcy 1st Baron Darcy of Knayth (age 66), Robert Ferrers 3rd Baron Ferrers of Chartley (age 37), Richard Scrope 1st Baron Scrope of Bolton (age 19), William Scrope (age 21), Stephen Scrope (age 21), William Latimer 4th Baron Latimer of Corby (age 16), John Lisle 2nd Baron Lisle (age 28), Gerard Lisle 1st Baron Lisle (age 42), Nicholas Longford (age 61), Edward Montagu 1st Baron Montagu, Walter Paveley 4th Baron Burghesh (age 27), Michael Poynings 1st Baron Poynings (age 28), Robert Ufford 1st Earl Suffolk (age 48), John de Vere 7th Earl of Oxford (age 34), Thomas West (age 34), John Willoughby 2nd Baron Willoughby (age 43), John Wingfield (age 26), Henry Percy 11th and 3rd Baron Percy (age 25), Hugh Courtenay 2nd or 10th Earl Devon (age 43) (possibly), Walter "Elder" Devereux (age 37), John Devereux (age 44), Enion Sais Brecon, John Chandos (age 26), Richard Pembridge (age 26) and John Sully (age 63).
The French army suffered significant casualties. King Philip "Fortunate" VI of France (age 52) was wounded. William de Coucy (age 60) and his son Enguerrand 6th Lord de Coucy (age 33) and were killed.
Charles II Count Alençon (age 49) was killed. His son Charles (age 9) succeeded Count Alençon.
Louis Chatillon II Count Blois I Count Chatillon was killed. His son Louis succeeded III Count Blois.
Louis Dampierre II Count Nevers I Count Flanders (age 42) was killed. His son Louis (age 15) succeeded III Count Nevers, II Count Flanders.
King John I of Bohemia (age 50) was killed. His son Charles (age 30) succeeded IV King Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperor Luxemburg. Blanche Valois Holy Roman Empress Luxemburg (age 29) by marriage Holy Roman Empress Luxemburg.
Rudolph "Valiant" Metz I Duke Lorraine (age 26) was killed. His son John succeeded I Duke Lorraine.
Jean IV de Harcourt (age 39) was killed.
On 26th August 1349 Archbishop Thomas Bradwardine (age 49) died of plague.
On 26th August 1382 Roger Strange 5th Baron Strange Knockin (age 56) died. His son John (age 31) succeeded 6th Baron Strange Knockin.
On 26th August 1421 Eudo Welles (age 34) died at Welles, Grimsby. His son Lionel (age 15) succeeded 6th Baron Welles.
On 26th August 1421 John Welles 5th Baron Welles (age 69) died at Welles, Grimsby.
On 26th August 1466 Maud Clifford Countess Cambridge (age 77) died.
On 26th August 1539 Piers "Red" Butler 8th Earl Ormonde 1st Earl Ossory (age 72) died. His son James (age 38) succeeded 9th Earl Ormonde, 2nd Earl Ossory. Joan Fitzgerald Countess Ormonde and Ossory (age 30) by marriage Countess Ormonde, Countess Ossory.
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 26th August 1601 James Douglas 5th Earl Buchan (age 21) died. His daughter Mary succeeded 6th Countess Buchan.
On 26th August 1632 Marion Boyd Countess Abercorn (age 49) died.
On 26th August 1663 John Yonge 1st Baronet (age 59) died. His son Walter (age 38) succeeded 2nd Baronet Yonge of Colyton in Devon.
On 26th August 1678 John Berkeley 1st Baron Berkeley (age 76) died. His son Charles succeeded 2nd Baron Berkeley of Stratton in Cornwall.
On 26th August 1691 Henry Belasyse 2nd Baron Belasyse (age 24) died. Baron Belasyse of Worlaby in Lincolnshire extinct.
On 26th August 1712 Bishop Edward Fowler (age 80) died.
On 26th August 1728 Anne Marie Bourbon Queen Consort Sardinia (age 58) died.
On 26th August 1740 Charles Knollys 4th Earl Banbury (age 78) died at Dunkirk. His son Charles (age 37) de jure 5th Earl Banbury, 5th Viscount Wallingford, 5th Baron Knollys.
On 26th August 1754 Charles Powlett 3rd Duke Bolton (age 68) died. His brother Harry (age 63) succeeded 4th Duke Bolton, 9th Marquess Winchester, 9th Earl Wiltshire, 9th Baron St John.
On 26th August 1762 John Fane 7th Earl of Westmoreland (age 77) died without issue. Baron Despencer, Baron Abergavenny, Baron Abergavenny, Baron Burghesh in Suffolk abeyant. His second cousin once removed Thomas (age 61) succeeded 8th Earl of Westmoreland. Elizabeth Swymmer Countess Westmoreland by marriage Countess of Westmoreland.
On 26th August 1785 George Sackville aka Germain 1st Viscount Sackville (age 69) died. His son Charles (age 17) succeeded 2nd Viscount Sackville of Drayton in Sussex and 2nd Baron Bolebrooke in Sussex.
On 26th August 1788 Elizabeth Chudleigh Duchess Kingston upon Hull (age 67) died. Her estates, and those of her former husband Evelyn Pierrepont 2nd Duke Kingston upon Hull, passed to his sister Frances' (age 75) son Charles Medows aka Pierrepont 1st Earl Manvers (age 50).
On 26th August 1791 Robert Clifton Gerard 10th Baronet (age 19) died. His brother William (age 18) succeeded 11th Baronet Gerard of Bryn in Lancashire.
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 26th August 1808 Bishop James Yorke (age 78) died.
On 26th August 1809 Andrew Thomas Stewart 1st Earl Castle Stewart (age 83) died. His son Robert (age 25) succeeded 2nd Earl Castle Stewart in Tyrone, 2nd Viscount Castle Stewart in Tyrone, 10th Baron Castle Stuart of County Tyrone.
On 26th August 1819 George Amyand aka Cornewall 2nd Baronet (age 70) died. His son George (age 45) succeeded 3rd Baronet Amyand aka Cornewall of Moccas Court in Herefordshire. Jane Naper Lady Cornewall by marriage Lady Amyand aka Cornewall of Moccas Court in Herefordshire.
On 26th August 1828 Susan Gordon Duchess Manchester died.
On 26th August 1833 Harriet Douglas Countess Aberdeen (age 41) died.
On 26th August 1844 Charles Watson 1st Baronet (age 93) died. His son Charles (age 44) succeeded 2nd Baronet Watson of Fulmer in Buckinghamshire. Jemima Colleton Lady Watson (age 36) by marriage Lady Watson of Fulmer in Buckinghamshire.
On 26th August 1850 King Louis Philippe I of France (age 76) died.
On 26th August 1870 Almeric Drummond Willoughby 23rd Baron Willoughby 3rd Baron Gwydyr (age 49) died. He was buried at Church of St Michael and All Angels, Edenham [Map]. His sister Clementina (age 60) succeeded 24th Baroness Willoughby de Eresby. Gilbert John Heathcote 1st Baron Aveland by marriage Baron Willoughby de Eresby. His first cousin Peter (age 60) succeeded 4th Baron Gwydyr of Cwydyr in Carnarfonshire.
On 26th August 1887 Francis Somerville Head 2nd Baronet (age 70) died. His son Robert (age 42) succeeded 3rd Baronet Head of Rochester in Kent.
On 26th August 1903 Frances Paget Marchioness Ormonde (age 86) died.
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 26th August 1906 Margaret Jean Trevelyan Lady Holland (age 70) died.
On 26th August 1911 Harry Yelverton Goring 11th Baronet (age 71) died. His son Forster (age 35) succeeded 12th Baronet Bowyer aka Goring of Highden in Sussex.
On 26th August 1912 Edmund Reginald Talbot de la Pole 10th Baronet (age 68) died. His brother Frederick (age 51) succeeded 11th Baronet Pole of Shute House in Devon.
On 26th August 1914 Edith Hargreaves Viscountess Exmouth (age 54) died.
On 26th August 1933 Maurice Levy 1st Baronet died. His son Ewart (age 36) succeeded 2nd Baronet Levy of Humberstone Hall in Leicestershire.
On 26th August 1941 Richard Hanbury-Tracy 6th Baron Sudeley (age 30) died at sea at Norway, on active service. His first cousin once removed Merlin (age 2) succeeded 7th Baron Sudeley of Toddington in Gloucestershire.
On 26th August 1953 Edward Manners Nightingale 14th Baronet (age 64) died. His third cousin Geoffrey (age 48) succeeded 15th Baronet Nightingale of Newport Pond in Essex.
On 26th August 1965 Rachel Beatrice Lyttelton Lady Riddell (age 73) died.
On 26th August 1975 George Fitz-Clarence 5th Earl Munster (age 69) died. His second cousin Edward (age 75) succeeded 6th Earl Munster, 6th Viscount Fitzclarence, 6th Baron Tewkesbury.