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26 Feb is in February.
1307 Banishment of Piers Gaveston
1403 Marriage of Henry IV and Joanna of Navarre
1461 Proclamation of Edward IV as King
1462 Vere Plot to Murder Edward IV
1552 Trial and Execution of Edward Seymour Duke of Somerset and his Supporters
On 26th February 1266 the Battle of Benevento was fought between King Charles Capet of Sicily (age 38) and Manfred King Sicily (age 34). Manfred King Sicily was killed. His fifth cousin Charles succeeded King Sicily. Beatrice Provence Queen Consort Sicily (age 35) by marriage Queen Consort Sicily.
On 26th February 1273 Archbishop Robert Kilwardby was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury.
On 26th February 1275 Margaret Queen of Scotland (age 34) died at Cupar Castle, Cupar. She was buried at Dunfermline Abbey [Map].
Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke [-1360]. 26th February 1307. Moreover, Piers Gaveston, by order of the king, abjured the kingdom of England.1
Petrus eciam de Gavestone ex precepto regis regnum Anglie abiuravit.
Note 1. Gaveston was ordered by the king, at Lanercost, 26th February 1307, to leave the kingdom in three weeks, dating from 11th of April. Rymer's Fœdera 1.1010: "Be it remembered, that on Sunday, the 26th day of February, at Lanercost, our lord the King ordained and commanded, for certain reasons, that immediately, after the three weeks following the next tournament which is to be at the Quindene of Easter next to come, Sir Piers Gaveston shall be ready to cross the sea at Dover, towards Gascony, and there remain without returning on this side, until recalled by our said lord the King and by his leave. And, to hold to this ordinance without in any point going against it, the said Sir Piers made oath on the day and at the place aforesaid, upon the Body of God, upon the True Cross, and upon the other relics of our lord the King. And, moreover, Sir Edward, Prince of Wales, son of our lord the King, swore upon the Body of God and upon the other relics that he would not receive or keep near him, nor with him, the said Sir Piers against the aforesaid ordinance, without recall or licence of our said lord the King, as is aforesaid. And, by command of our said lord the King, it was ordained that the said Sir Piers should have yearly, for the aid of his expenses, so long as he shall remain overseas at the will and recall of our lord the King, as is aforesaid, one hundred marks sterling, or the value thereof in victuals, to be received from the issues of the land of Gascony. And the first year is to begin the day after he shall have crossed the sea at Dover to Wissant, to go into Gascony, there to remain according to the said ordinance. And he is to take the said sum at the will of the King, and until the King shall have caused inquiry to be made what the said Sir Piers has on this side and beyond, and of the profits he has had since he came into England. So that, when the matter shall be well inquired into, and the King shall be fully informed thereof, he may ordain to increase or diminish the estate of the said Sir Piers, according as shall please the King, and as he shall see fit."
See the curious account of Edward's quarrel with his son, when the latter asked for the county of Ponthieu for his favourite, as told by Guisborough, 2.272.
Adam Murimuth Continuation. [26th February 1307] Also, in this year, the said lord king caused a certain Piers Gaveston, a Gascon, to abjure the kingdom of England, because he had given bad counsel to his son, who loved the said Piers with inordinate affection.
Item, hoc anno fecit idem dominus rex quendam Petrum de Gaveston Vasconem abjurare regnum Angliæ, quia dedit malum consilium filio suo, qui ipsum Petrum inordinata affectione dilexit.
On 26th February 1307 Piers Gaveston 1st Earl Cornwall (age 23) exiled by King Edward I of England (age 67) for being his son Edward's (age 22) favourite.
Adam Murimuth Continuation. 26th February 1307. Moreover, through the prelates, counts, and nobles it was arranged in Parliament at Brugh of Peter that the same Peter de Gavestone (age 23), because of his bad counsel given to the king, should be exiled from the kingdom of England. The king led him as far as Bristol and sent him to Ireland, and assigned all the profits of the land of Ireland to him; where he lived royally and was well beloved, for he was generous and lavish in giving gifts and in managing honors and lands adhering to him. This year, the king also sent a messenger to the pope for the liberation of Archbishop Robert (age 62), whom his father had previously arranged to be personally summoned to the apostolic see and suspended from the administration of temporal and spiritual matters.
1307. Postea vero per prælatos, comites, et nobiles fuit in Brujstio Petri uno parliamento ordinatum quod idem secunda. Petrus de Gavestone, propter suum malum consilium regi datum, exularet de regno Anglie. Quem rex duxit usque ad Bristolliam, et misit eum in Hiberniam, et totam utilitatem terre Hybernie assignavit eidem; ubi regaliter vixit, et fuit bene dilectus, erat enim dapsilis et largus in muneribus dandis, et honoribus et terris sibi adhærentibus procurandis. Hoc anno etiam misit rex unum nuncium papæ pro liberatione archiepiscopi Roberti, quein pater suus prius procuravit personaliter vocari ad sedem apostolicam et a temporalium et spiritualium administratione suspendi.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough. [26th February 1307] And he (the prince) sent him to his father the king on that very matter. And the messenger said to the king: "My lord king, though unwilling, I come on behalf of my lord, your son the prince, to request in his name, by the living Lord that with your permission, he might grant the earldom of Ponthieu to his bachelor, Lord Peter of Caberston." But the king, greatly enraged, said: "Who are you, to dare ask such a thing? By the living Lord, were it not for your saying at the outset that you undertook this task unwillingly and out of fear of God, you would not escape my hands. But now I will see what the one who sent you has to say do not leave." When the prince was called in, the king said to him: "What business did you send this man for?" And he replied: "That, with your blessing, I might give the earldom of Pontefract to Lord Peter of Caberston." Then the king said: "Son of a whore, ill-born! Would you now presume to grant lands, when you have never yet won any for yourself? As the Lord lives, were it not for fear of the kingdom falling into disorder, you would never enjoy your inheritance."
Misitque eum ad regem patrem suum pro eodem negotio: et dixit regi, Domine mi rex, exparte domini mei domini principis filii vestri missus, licet invitus, vivit Dominus, ut ipsius nomine petam a vobis quod bachalarium suum, dominum Petrum de Caberston, possit promovere, de licentia vestra, ad comitatum de Pontyff. Et iratus rex nimis, ait: Quis es tu, qui talia audes postulare? Vivit Dominus nisi essct timor Domini, et quod ab initio dixisti, quod invitus suscepisti negotium, non evaderes manus meas. Nunc autem videbo, quid dicturus erit qui misit te, et non recedas. Quo vocato, dixit ei rex; Quid negotii misisti per hominem istum? Qui ait, Ut cum pace vestra dare possem domino Petro de Caberston comitatum de Pontyfl. Et ait rex, Fili meretricis, male generate, vis tu modo terras dare qui nunquam aliquas impetrasti? Vivit Dominus, nisi esset timor dispersionis regni, nunquam gauderes hæreditate tua.
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On 26th February 1324 William Jülich V Duke Jülich (age 25) and Joanna Hainault Duchess Guelders (age 9) were married. She the daughter of William Hainault I Count Hainault III Count Avesnes III Count Holland II Count Zeeland (age 38) and Joan Valois Countess Zeeland Holland Avesnes and Hainault (age 30). He the son of Gerhard Jülich V Count Jülich (age 74) and Elisabeth Brabant Countess Jülich. They were half third cousins. He a great x 4 grandson of King Stephen I England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Stephen I England.
On 26th February 1361 Wenceslaus IV of Behemia King Romans was born to Charles IV King Bohemia Holy Roman Emperor Luxemburg (age 44) and Anna Schweidnitz Holy Roman Empress Luxemburg.
On 26th February 1403 Joanna of Navarre Queen Consort England (age 33) was crowned Queen Consort England at Westminster Abbey.
Beauchamp Pageant. [26th February 1403] 4. Here sheweshowe Dan Jone Duches of Breteyn (age 33) doughter of the Kyng of Navern. and newe wedded wif to henry the iiijth (age 35) kyng of Englond was Crowned Quene of this noble Reame of Englond.
Note. On the 7th February 1403 King Henry IV married at Winchester, Joan, daughter of Charles the Bad, King of Navarre, and widow of John IV Duke of Brittany (by whom she had eight children), and on the 26th of the same month she was crowned Queen in the Abbey Church of Westminster. The picture shows the Queen sitting on a canopied chair, with a tester of the impaled arms of England and Navarre, set upon a hexagonal stage of six steps. She is vested in a long gown or tunic and mantle with tasselled cords, and has her hair "decently let down about her shoulders" in accordance with the rubric.1 In her left hand she holds the sceptre with the cross and in her right the rod.2 The crown, which is arched over, is being placed upon her head by the Archbishop, who stands on her right, assisted by the Abbot of Westminster, who stands on her left. Both are mitred, and the Archbishop is in mass vestments, but the Abbot in a cope over, apparently, an albe and grey amess. Behind the Archbishop, on the floor, stand two clerks in surplices and grey amesses, one of whom bears the Archbishop's cross. Two other clerks in amesses, one carrying his crosier, likewise stand on the floor behind the Abbot. On this same side also stand four of the Queen's ladies, in long gowns and mantles with coronets over their unbound hair. Opposite them is a group of peers, bareheaded and in their robes, the foremost being the Earl Marshal with his rod. The ceremony is conventionally shown as taking place within a canopied recess flanked by buttresses.
Note 1. "Laxatos circa humeros decenter habens crines." i.e. "Having hair loosened around the shoulders in a proper manner." Liber Regalis.
Note 2. According to Liber Regalis the sceptre should be in the right hand and the rod in the left, and they were not delivered until after the crowning.
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Beauchamp Pageant. [After 26th February 1403] 5. Here shewes howe atte Coronacion of Quene Jane Erle Richard (age 21) Kepte Justes for the Quenes part ageynst alle other commers Where he so notably and so knyghtly behaved hym self: as redounded to his noble fame and perpetuell worship.
Note. This plate shows a joust with the barrier or tilt on the occasion of the marriage of Henry IV with Joan of Navarre Duchess of Brittany. At the top are seen the King and Queen with their court. On the left hand in a gallery stands the master of the joust, to whom an attendant is bringing spears with their coronels or triple pointed heads, to be used in the encounter and first to be inspected as to their being of equal size etc. On the right is one of the jousters armed except for his head, and waiting his turn to ride against the Earl. In the middle is the Earl, his helmet surmounted with the crest of the bear and ragged staff, and he has just broken his lance on the manteatu d'armes of his opponent. Both the jousters are accompanied by their squires, on this occasion on horseback. The Earl's squire has on his back his master's badge, the ragged staff. Another opponent is seen armed and helmed, to whom an attendant is giving his lance1. In the foreground are the stands for spectators, some of whom are availing themselves of a tree to get a good view, while some others are quarrelling for possession of fragments of previously broken spears. The tilt or barrier is of planks and about 4 to 5 feet high.
Note 1. In Strutt's drawing the lance is wrongly shown as between the reader and the crest of the jouster.
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Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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On 26th February 1432 Ralph Longford (age 31) died. St Chad's Church, Longford [Map]. Monument to Ralph Longford. Early Plate Bascinet and Gorget Period. Lancastrian Esses Collar. Hip Belt. IHC NASARE Lettering.
Ralph Longford: Ralph Longford and Margaret Melton were married. On 27th October 1400 he was born to Nicholas IV Longford and Sarah Harrington at Colwich, Staffordshire [Map]. He was baptised at St Peter's Church, Ellastone. On 19th May 1426, Whitsunday, King Henry VI of England and II of France was knighted by his uncles John Lancaster 1st Duke Bedford and Humphrey Lancaster 1st Duke Gloucester at Leicester, Leicestershire [Map]. Henry then went on to knight Ralph Longford, Thomas Courtenay 5th or 13th Earl Devon and Robert Wingfield.
Chronicle of John Benet. 26th February 14611. And on the 26th of February, which was then a Thursday, the Earl of March came to London, and with him was the Earl of Warwick, and they had with them twenty thousand horsemen and thirty thousand foot soldiers. And on the following Monday, the 4th day of March, the Earl of March proceeded into London before the ninth hour in a general procession.
Et iiij Kal. Marcii pro tunc die Jovis venit London' Comes Marchie et cum eo Comes Warvyci et cum eis viginti milia equitum et triginta milia peditum. Ete feria iii iiij die sequentis mensis Marcii Comes Marchie ante nonam transivit in London in processione generali.
Note 1. Thursday, 26 February, confirmed in Gregory's Chronicle, p. 215.
Chronicle of Gregory [1400-1467]. Alle soo the xxvj [26] day of Februer nexte folowyng Edwarde Erle of Marche (age 18) com to London owt of Walys and the Erle of Warwycke (age 32) with hym, and xl M1 [40,000] men with them bothe, and they enteryd unto the cytte of London, and there he toke uppon him the crowne of Inglond by the avysse of the lordys spyrytual and temporalle, and by the elexyon of the comyns. And so he began his rayne the iiij day of Marche, in the year of our lord God M1CCCC lxj [1461], the Sondy letter D as for that year.
On 26th February 1462 John de Vere 12th Earl of Oxford (age 53) was hanged at Tower Hill [Map]. His son John (age 19) succeeded 13th Earl of Oxford.
John Tiptoft by R J Mitchell. In the circumstances Oxford's execution after a perfunctory trial was a foregone conclusion. He was arraigned before Tiptoft at Westminster, and, while his trial was proceeding, a high scaffold was built upon Tower Hill. The Earl (age 53) and his son (age 21) were condemned and executed, while of the other four conspirators only Clopton escaped with his life. An anonymous chronicler says that Oxford's son, Lord Aubrey de Vere, accused his father of treason and turned King's evidence, and 'they were both takin ... and they suffrid deth bothe on one day'19, but this is unlikely, and in any case father and son did not die on the same day, for Oxford was executed on 20 February 1462 and Aubrey de Vere six days later [26th February 1462]a. As this chronicler gives the date as 'February 1460' — when Tiptoft was still in Italy, and shortly after the Lancastrian victory of Wakefield — his account may be disregarded. Both father and son were buried in the church of the Augustinian Friars.
Note 19. Sprott's Chronicle, pp. 289-90.
Note a. The author here appears to have transposed the dates of execution.
Chronicle of Robert Fabyan [-1512]. 26th February 1462. And upon the Fryday next ensuynge, or the. xxvi. daye of ye sayd moneth, the erle of Oxenforde (age 53) was ladde from Westmynster upon his feete, to the sayde place, [of Inesse,]1 & there also behedyd, whose corps was after borne unto ye Frere Augustynes, & there buryed within ye quyer for ye tyme.
Chronicle of Gregory [1400-1467]. 26th February 1462. And this same year the Erle of Oxforde (age 53), the Lord Abbry, the lord of Oxforde (deceased) is sone, Syr Thomas Todenham (deceased) knyght, John Mongomery, and William Terelle (deceased) squyer, were takyn in Esex, and brought unto Lundon to the Towre [Map]. Ande thenne they were ledde to Westemyster to the Kings palys, and there they were attaynte of hyghe and mighthy treson that they ymagenyd agayne þe King. And then they were drawe to the Towre from Westemyster. And at the Towre hylle was made a schaffolde for them, and there her heddys were smetyn on, and her bodys beryd, as it plesyd them to be qwethe her bodys.
The Early Life of John de Vere. [26th February 1462] One of the saddest tragedies of the early years of the reign of Edward IV was the execution, within a twelvemonth after Edward seized the throne, of John de Vere, twelfth earl of Oxford, his eldest son, Aubrey de Vere, and three other men of lesser note, for treasonable dealings with Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou. Aubrey de Vere is said to have sealed the fate of all by bearing witness against his own father, and it was the famous and infamous earl of Worcester who pronounced the death sentence. The earl of Oxford was but a few years past the half century mark at the time of his execution in February 14621, but in those days a man of fifty was reckoned an old man, and a few months before the dethronement of Henry VI the earl had been excused, in consideration of his bodily infirmities, from personal attendance on king, council, or parliament2. The letters patent granting this excuse stated that the earl had done good service to his sovereign lord both in England and in France, and that was true; but it was a king of the house of Lancaster that he had served, and now, when a member of the house of York wore the crown, those services were but too easily forgotten. Certainly there were many persons in England in the year 1462 who saw no reason for transferring their loyalty and affection to one who, without any right as they believed, had robbed Henry of Lancaster of the throne, and whose ability, moreover, to keep what his sword had won was still much a matter of doubt; and not at all improbable is it that the earl of Oxford had been actually guilty of conspiracy. Nevertheless, clemency might have converted him and his family into faithful subjects of the king it facto, whereas his execution made of his son and heir a lifelong and peculiarly determined foe of the house of York, a foe who, though some of his schemes miscarried and years of imprisonment fell to his lot, was in the end fortunate enough not merely to witness the overthrow of Richard III, but to be an important contributor to the victory won on Bosworth field.
Note 1. Dugdale states (Baronage, L. 196) that the earl waa ninn years of age when his father died on 16 February 1417; therefore he most have been fifty-four at the time of his execution.
Note 2. Calendar of Patent Rolls, 1452-61, p. 465 [645] (12 November 1460)
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Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1533. 26th February 1533. Camusat, 123 b. 184. Wm. Du Bellay (age 41) [Lord Of Langey], Beauvoys, and Dinteville to Francis I.
Yesterday the king of England sent for Dinteville to show him certain news from Italy; and Langey, who had news to communicate to him from France, and Beauvais, who had just returned from Scotland, accompanied him. He was pleased with Langey's charge, and agreed with Francis, even about the interview, to which he will send some one whom he trusts, either the duke of Norfolk (age 60) or the Earl of Wiltshire (age 56). He desired them to write and say that he wished Francis would desire the cardinals Tournon and Grammont to cause the Pope to do nothing in his affair meanwhile. Langey told him that it would be to their common advantage if he would compose his differences with the Scotch king. He replied, as he had done previously to Montpesat and Dinteville, that any means the King could find would be good for him. Beauvais then told him what he had done in Scotland. He was greatly pleased therewith, especially when he heard that Francis hoped to arrange an interview between him and his nephew. Will not write more, as Langey and Beauvais leave in three or four days, and there is danger of letters being intercepted at sea. London, 26 Feb. Fr.
On 26th February 1547 Richard Rich 1st Baron Rich (age 50) was created 1st Baron Rich of Leez. Elizabeth Jenks Baroness Rich (age 37) by marriage Baroness Rich of Leez.
On 26th February 1552 Miles Partridge and Ralph Fane were hanged. Thomas Arundell of Wardour Castle (age 50) and Michael Stanhope (age 45) were beheaded at Tower Hill [Map] for plotting to assassinate John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland (age 48).
Thomas Arundell of Wardour Castle was buried at St Peter ad Vincula Church, Tower of London [Map].
Around 26th February 1552 William Paget 1st Baron Paget Beaudasert (age 46) was degraded 321st Knight of the Garter by King Edward VI of England and Ireland (age 14).
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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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Annales of England by John Stow. 26th February 1552. The 26 of February, Sir Ralph a Vane and Sir Miles Partridge were hanged on the tower hill [Map], Sir Michael Stanhope (age 45) with Sir Thomas Arundel (age 50) were beheaded there: all which foure persons tooke on their death that theyp never offended against the kings maiestie, nor against any of his counfell.
Chronicle of Greyfriars. 26th February 1552. Item the xxvj. day of the same monyth, the which was fryday, was hanged at Towre hylle sir Myllys Partryge knyght, the wych playd wyth kynge Henry the viiite at dysse for the grett belfery that stode in Powlles church-yerdea; and sir Raffe Vane, theys too ware hanged. Also sir Myhyll Stonnappe (age 45) and sir Thomas Arndelle (age 50), theys too ware beheddyd at that same tyme. And theis iiij. knyghttes confessyd that they ware never gyltd for soche thynges as was layd unto their charge, and dyde in that same oppinion.
The daye before endyd the parlament.
Note a. "Neere unto this schoole (St. Paul's) on the north side thereof, was (of old time) a great and high Clochier or Bell-house, foure-square, builded of stone, and in the same a most strong frame of timber, with foure bells, the greatest that I have heard; these were called Jesus' bells, and belonged to Jesus' Chappell, but I know not by whose gifte. The same had a great spire of timber covered with lead, with the image of Saint Paul on the top, but was pulled down by sir Miles Partridge knight, in the reigne of Henry the Eighth. The common speech was, that hee did set one hundred pounds upon a cast at dice against it, and so wonne the said clochier and bells of the king, and then causing the bells to be broken as they hung, the rest was pulled downe." Stowe's Survay.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 26th February 1552. The xxvjth day of Feybruarii, the wyche was [the morrow aft]er saynt Mathuwe day, was heddyd on the Tower [hill sir] Myghell Stanhope (age 45) knyght, and ser Thomas Arundell (age 50); [and in]-contenent was hangyd the seylff sam tyme sir Raff [a Vane] knyght, and ser Mylles Parterege knyght, of the galowse besyd the .... and after ther bodys wher putt in to dyvers nuw coffens [to be be-] red and heds in to the Towre in cases and ther bered .. cent.
Note. Execution of sir Thomas Arundell. One of the "metrical visions" of George Cavendish, the gentleman usher of Cardinal Wolsey, furnishes some biographical particulars of sir Thomas Arundell: viz. that he was educated with Cardinal Wolsey, and was chancellor to queen Katharine Howard. He is also made to confess that "I was cheaf councellor in the first overthrowe of the duke of Somerset, which few men did know." (See Singer's edition of Cavendish's Life of Wolsey, 1825, vol. ii. p. 125.) A letter of the earl of Northumberland in 1527, directed "To his beloved cosyn Thomas Arundel, one of the gentleman of my lord legates prevy chambre," and at its foot "To my bedfellow Arundel," with which term he also commences, is printed from the duke of Northumberland's archives, ibid. p. 246. With regard to his fate there is a curious passage in a very rare book, bishop Ponet's "Short Treatise of Politic Power," which Strype has quoted in his Memorials, vol. ii. 306: but with an interpolation which, as it is made silently, is perfectly inexcusable. Writing of the earl of Warwick, Ponet states,—"at th'erles sute Arundel hathe his head with the axe divided from the shoulders."
But Strype, imagining that the earl of Arundel (who was also involved in trouble at this period, having been fined 12,000l. in Jan. 1549–50,) was the suffering party named by the bishop, altered this passage thus:——"at the earl's suit, Arundel escaped, otherwise had his head with the axe been divided from his shoulders."
See the "Life of Henry Earl of Arundel, K.G." edited by J. G. Nichols, 1834, p. 7; or the Gentleman's Magazine for July 1833, p. 16, and for Feb. 1848.
Note. Sir Michael Stanhope also makes a poetical lament in Cavendish's Metrical Visions. He states that he had been dubbed knight by king Edward, and had been of his privy chamber. He was half-brother of the duchess of Somerset (as sir Thomas Arundell was half-brother of the countess of Arundel), and was great-grandfather of the first earl of Chesterfield. See a curious letter regarding his widow's funeral written by their son sir Thomas Stanhope in 1588, in the Archæologia, vol. xxxi. p. 212.
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Henry Machyn's Diary. 26th February 1554. The same tyme and day be-twyne iiij [and v of the] cloke at nyght my lade Elssabeth('s) (age 20) grase c[ame riding] to London thrught Smythfeld unto West[minster] with a C. welvett cottes a-for her grace. A[nd her] grace rod in a charett opyn of boyth sydes. [And with] her grace rydyng after her a C. in cotes of [scarlet and] fyne red gardyd with velvett, and so thrught Fletstret unto the cowrt thrught the qu[een's] garden, her grace behyng syke.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 26th February 1557. The xxvj day of Feybruary was rayned at Westmynster halle my lord Sturton (age 37), and for the juges and dyvers of the consell, as lord justes Broke, and the lord stuard, and my lord tresorer (age 74), and dyvers odur lordes and knyghtes; and longe yt wher or he wold answer, and so at last my lord justes stod up and declaryd to my lord and he wold nott answer to the artyculles that was led [laid] to hym, that he shuld be prast [pressed] to deth by the law of the rayme [realm]; and after he dyd answer, and so he was cast by ys owne wordes to be hangyd, and ys iiij men, and so to be cared to the Towre [Map] a-gayne tyll thay have a furder commondement from the consell.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 26th February 1557. [The same day was buried the earl of Sussex (deceased) .... of] England at sant Lauruns [Pountney....], and the chyrche hangyd with blake, and ys armes .. borne, and ij goodly whytt branchys, and ij ..; and ij haroldes of armes, and a baner of ys armes, [and iiij] banars of emages, and a x dosen of skochyons .... dosen of penselles, and a cote armur, target, [sword,] the elmett, crest, and mantylles of blake velvett.
Note. P. 127. Funeral of the earl of Sussex. "Sir Henry Ratclyff erl of Sussex and vyscount FitzWater, lord Egremont and Burnell, knight of the garter, lieutenaunte of the counties of Norffolk and Sussex, and late countrolor to the king and quenes majesties, dyed at sir Harry Sydney's howsse in Chanon Roo at Westmynster on Wensday the 15. [17] of February in the 3. and 4. yere of king Phelyp and queene Mary, 1556, and was beryed at St. Mary Poultney in London on Saterday the 27. of the same mounth." (MS. Harl. 897, f. 79.) The heralds' account of the ceremony is recorded in Coll. Arm. I. 15, f. 225, and printed in the appendix to Wilson's History of the parish of St. Laurence Pountney, 4to. 1831. That author states, (p. 10,) "In the north aisle of this church, originally parochial, then collegiate as well as parochial, and after the surrender again parochial only, were interred several members of the Radcliffe family, particularly Robert Radcliffe, earl of Sussex, who died 27th Nov. 1542, and Henry Radcliffe his son, who died 17th Feb. 1556-7. But at length the remains of these two earls were removed to Boreham in Essex." At Boreham was erected a sumptuous monument (now in ruins) with effigies of the three earls; see Walpole's Anecdotes of Painting, &c. (1762, i. 160), and the epitaphs in Antiq. Repertory, or Wilson, ubi supra.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 26th February 1561. The xxvj day of Feybruary dyd pryche at the cowrt master Samsun a-for the quen (age 27).
On 26th February 1577 King Erix XIV of Sweden (age 43) died.
On 26th February 1603 Maria of Spain Holy Roman Empress (age 74) died at Madrid [Map].
Diary of Anne Clifford. 26th February 1616. Upon the 26th going from Litchfield [Map] to Croxall and about a mile from Croxall my Lord (age 26) and I parted, he returning to Litchfield and I going into Derby. I came to my Lodgings with a heavy heart considering how many things stood between my Lord and I. I had in my company 10 persons and 13 horses.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 26th February 1664. Among others talking with W. Howe, he told me how my Lord in his hearing the other day did largely tell my Lord Peterborough (age 42) and Povy (age 50) (who went with them down to Hinchinbrooke) how and when he discarded Creed, and took me to him, and that since the Duke of York (age 30) has several times thanked him for me, which did not a little please me, and anon I desiring Mr. Howe to tell me upon (what) occasion this discourse happened, he desired me to say nothing of it now, for he would not have my Lord to take notice of our being together, but he would tell me another time, which put me into some trouble to think what he meant by it.
John Evelyn's Diary. 26th February 1664. Dined with my Lord Chancellor (age 55); and thence to Court, where I had great thanks for my "Sylva", and long discourse with the King (age 33) of divers particulars.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 26th February 1666. This being done, to the King's house, and to observe the neatness and contrivance of the house and gates: it is the most romantique castle that is in the world. But, Lord! the prospect that is in the balcone in the Queene's (age 56) lodgings, and the terrace and walk, are strange things to consider, being the best in the world, sure. Infinitely satisfied I and my wife with all this, she being in all points mightily pleased too, which added to my pleasure; and so giving a great deal of money to this and that man and woman, we to our taverne, and there dined, the Doctor with us; and so took coach and away to Eton [Map], the Doctor (age 60) with me.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 26th February 1666. Called up about five in the morning, and my Lord up, and took leave, a little after six, very kindly of me and the whole company. Then I in, and my wife up and to visit my Lady Slaving in her bed, and there sat three hours, with Lady Jemimah with us, talking and laughing, and by and by my Baroness Carteret (age 64) comes, and she and I to talke, I glad to please her in discourse of Sir G. Carteret (age 56), that all will do well with him, and she is much pleased, he having had great annoyance and fears about his well doing, and I fear hath doubted that I have not been a friend to him, but cries out against my Baroness Castlemaine's (age 25), that makes the King (age 35) neglect his business and seems much to fear that all will go to wracke, and I fear with great reason; exclaims against the Duke of Albemarle (age 57), and more the Duchesse (age 46) for a filthy woman, as indeed she is.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 26th February 1668. Thence to the Treasury Chamber about a little business, and so home by coach, and in my way did meet W. Howe going to the Commissioners of Accounts. I stopped and spoke to him, and he seems well resolved what to answer them, but he will find them very strict, and not easily put off: So home and there to dinner, and after dinner comes W. Howe to tell me how he sped, who says he was used civilly, and not so many questions asked as he expected; but yet I do perceive enough to shew that they do intend to know the bottom of things, and where to lay the great weight of the disposal of these East India goods, and that they intend plainly to do upon my Lord Sandwich (age 42).
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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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John Evelyn's Diary. 26th February 1684. Came to visite me Dr. Turner (age 46), our new Bishop of Rochester.
After 26th February 1687. All Saints Church, Thirkleby, North Yorkshire [Map]. Memorial to Arabella Belasyse Lady Thirkleby (deceased), daughter of Henry Belasyse, wife William Frankland 1st Baronet (age 47).
Arabella Belasyse Lady Thirkleby: Around 1637 she was born to Henry Belasyse and Grace Barton. In or before 1665 William Frankland 1st Baronet and she were married. She by marriage Lady Frankland of Thirkleby in Yorkshire. On 26th February 1687 Arabella Belasyse Lady Thirkleby died.
John Evelyn's Diary. 26th February 1696. There was now a conspiracy of about thirty knights, gentlemen, captains, many of them Irish and English Papists, and Nonjurors or Jacobites (so called), to murder King William (age 45) on the first opportunity of his going either from Kensington, or to hunting, or to the chapel; and upon signal of fire to be given from Dover Cliff to Calais [Map], an invasion was designed. In order to it there was a great army in readiness, men-of-war and transports, to join a general insurrection here, the Duke of Berwick (age 25) having secretly come to London to head them, King James (age 62) attending at Calais with the French army. It was discovered by some of their own party. £1,000 reward was offered to whoever could apprehend any of the thirty named. Most of those who were engaged in it, were taken and secured. The Parliament, city, and all the nation, congratulate the discovery; and votes and resolutions were passed that, if King William should ever be assassinated, it should be revenged on the Papists and party through the nation; an Act of Association drawing up to empower the Parliament to sit on any such accident, till the Crown should be disposed of according to the late settlement at the Revolution. All Papists, in the meantime, to be banished ten miles from London. This put the nation into an incredible disturbance and general animosity against the French King and King James. The militia of the nation was raised, several regiments were sent for out of Flanders, and all things put in a posture to encounter a descent. This was so timed by the enemy, that while we were already much discontented by the greatness of the taxes, and corruption of the money, etc., we had like to have had very few men-of-war near our coasts; but so it pleased God that Admiral Rooke (age 46) wanting a wind to pursue his voyage to the Straits, that squadron, with others at Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map] and other places, were still in the Channel, and were soon brought up to join with the rest of the ships which could be got together, so that there is hope this plot may be broken. I look on it as a very great deliverance and prevention by the providence of God. Though many did formerly pity King James's condition, this design of assassination and bringing over a French army, alienated many o£ his friends, and was likely to produce a more perfect establishment of King William.
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On 26th February 1706 Henry Somerset 2nd Duke Beaufort (age 21) and Rachel Noel Duchess Beaufort (age 19) were married. She by marriage Duchess Beaufort. She the daughter of Wriothesley Baptist Noel 2nd Earl Gainsborough and Catherine Greville Duchess Buckingham and Normandby. They were fourth cousins.
On 26th February 1718 Charles Beauclerk 2nd Duke St Albans (age 21) was elected MP Bodmin.
Minutes of the Society of Antiquaries. 26th February 1718. A petition was offered by Mr President (age 57) of Mr John Spoll[?], [?] seeking to be employed by the Society as a Messenger or transcriber of any English and Latin Papers, which was agreed to when there shall be occasion for any thing of that kind.
On 26th February 1726 Maximilian Wittelsbach II Elector Bavaria (age 63) died.
On 26th February 1745 Henry Somerset 3rd Duke Beaufort (age 37) died. He was buried at St Michael and all Angels Church, Badminton. His brother Charles (age 35) succeeded 4th Duke Beaufort, 6th Marquess Worcester, 10th Earl Worcester, 12th Baron Herbert of Raglan. Elizabeth Berekeley Duchess Beaufort (age 32) by marriage Duchess Beaufort.
On 26th February 1746 Maria Amalia Duchess of Parma was born to Francis I Holy Roman Emperor (age 37) and Maria Theresa Habsburg Spain Holy Roman Empress (age 28). She married 19th July 1769 her half second cousin twice removed Ferdinand Duke of Parma, son of Infante Philip of Spain and Louise Elisabeth of France.
On 26th February 1748 John Egerton 2nd Duke Bridgewater (age 20) died unmarried. His brother Francis (age 11) succeeded 3rd Duke Bridgewater, 6th Earl Bridgewater, 7th Viscount Brackley, 7th Baron Ellesmere.
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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 February 1828 William Hilton (age 41) and Justinia Kent (age 26) were married.
On 26th February 1844 Annie Louisa Swynnerton née Robinson was born in Hulme, Manchester in 1844. Her parents were Francis Robinson, a solicitor, and Ann Sanderson.
Ten Years' Digging. On the 26th of February [1850], another section was made in the barrow near Kenslow, called Ringham Low [Map], which had been examined twice previously without much success. A few more pieces of Romano-British pottery like that found before, indicated that three urns had been interred in the mound, which consists entirely of earth, and is much like the small barrow at Minning-low, opened 20th July, 1849.
26th February 1852. Memorial at St Mary's Church, Bury St Edmunds to the fifty-five men of the Suffolk Regiment who drowned during the sinking of HMS Birkenhead from which the "Birkenhead Drill" i.e. women and children first, is named.
Rudyard Kipling's 1893 poem:
To take your chance in the thick of a rush, with firing all about,
Is nothing so bad when you've cover to 'and, an' leave an' likin' to shout;
But to stand an' be still to the Birken'ead drill is a damn tough bullet to chew,
An' they done it, the Jollies – 'Er Majesty's Jollies – soldier an' sailor too!
Their work was done when it 'adn't begun; they was younger nor me an' you;
Their choice it was plain between drownin' in 'eaps an' bein' mopped by the screw,
So they stood an' was still to the Birken'ead drill, soldier an' sailor too!
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The London Gazette 22106. Master of the Horse's Office, February 26, 1858. The Queen has been graciously pleased to appoint the Right Honourable John William (age 46), Earl of Sandwich, to be Master of Her Majesty's Buck Hounds, in the room of the Right Honourable John George Brabazon (age 48), Earl of Bessborough, resigned.
On 26th February 1869 Rosalind Cecilia Caroline Bingham Duchess Abercorn was born to Charles George Bingham 4th Earl Lucan (age 38) and Cecilia Catherine Gordon-Lennox Countess Lucan (age 30). She married 1st November 1894 her third cousin James Albert Edward Hamilton 3rd Duke of Abercorn, son of James Hamilton 2nd Duke of Abercorn and Mary Anna Curzon Howe Duchess Abercorn, and had issue.
On 26th February 1933 Thyra Glücksburg Duchess Cumberland and Teviotdale (age 79) died.
On 26th February 1959 Princess Alexandra Duff Duchess Fife (age 67) died. Her nephew James (age 29) succeeded 3rd Duke Fife.
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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 February 1962 Allan Gairdner Wyon (age 80) died.
On 26th February 1361 Wenceslaus IV of Behemia King Romans was born to Charles IV King Bohemia Holy Roman Emperor Luxemburg (age 44) and Anna Schweidnitz Holy Roman Empress Luxemburg.
On 26th February 1447 Jean Louis Savoy was born to Louis Savoy I Count Savoy (age 34) and Anne Cyprus Countess Savoy (age 28) at Geneva.
On 26th February 1573 Edward Tyrrell 1st Baronet was born to Edward Tyrrell (age 22).
On 26th February 1617 Edward St John was born to John St John 1st Baronet (age 31) and Anne Leighton.
On 26th February 1622 Bishop Robert was born.
On 26th February 1629 Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll was born to Archibald Campbell 1st Marquess Argyll (age 21) and Margaret Douglas Marchioness Argyll (age 19) at Dalkeith. Coefficient of inbreeding 4.20%. He married 13th May 1650 his half second cousin once removed Mary Stewart Countess Argyll, daughter of James Stewart 4th Earl of Moray and Margaret Home Countess Moray, and had issue.
On 26th February 1671 Anthony Ashley-Cooper 3rd Earl Shaftesbury was born to Anthony Ashley-Cooper 2nd Earl Shaftesbury (age 19) and Dorothy Manners Countess Shaftesbury (age 15) at Exeter House [Map]. He married 1709 his third cousin Jane Ewer Countess Shafetsbury and had issue.
On 26th February 1706 Grace Lockhart Countess Aboyne was born to George Lockhart (age 33) and Euphemia Montgomerie. She married (1) before 1726 her fourth cousin twice removed John Gordon 3rd Earl Aboyne, son of Charles Gordon 2nd Earl Aboyne and Elizabeth Lyon Countess Aboyne, and had issue (2) 1734 her fifth cousin once removed James Stuart 8th Earl of Moray, son of Francis Stuart 7th Earl of Moray, and had issue.
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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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 26th February 1725 William Pleydell-Bouverie 1st Earl Radnor was born to Jacob Bouverie 1st Viscount Folkestone (age 30) and Mary Clarke. He married (1) 14th January 1748 Harriet Pleydell and had issue (2) 5th September 1751 Rebecca Alleyne Viscountess Folkestone and had issue.
On 26th February 1746 Maria Amalia Duchess of Parma was born to Francis I Holy Roman Emperor (age 37) and Maria Theresa Habsburg Spain Holy Roman Empress (age 28). She married 19th July 1769 her half second cousin twice removed Ferdinand Duke of Parma, son of Infante Philip of Spain and Louise Elisabeth of France.
On 26th February 1760 Henry Allington Finch was born to Heneage Finch 3rd Earl Aylesford (age 44) and Charlotte Seymour Countess Aylesford (age 29).
On 26th February 1780 Henry Cadogan was born to Charles Sloane Cadogan 1st Earl Cadogan (age 51) and Mary Churchill Countess Cadogan (age 22).
On 26th February 1781 John Dawson 2nd Earl Portarlington was born to John Dawson 1st Earl Portarlington (age 36) and Caroline Stuart Countess Portarlington (age 18).
On 26th February 1788 Emma Noel was born to Gerard Edwardes aka Noel 2nd Baronet (age 28) and Diana Middleton 2nd Baroness Barham (age 25). She married before 1809 Stafford O'Brien and had issue.
On 26th February 1801 William Anson was born to Thomas Anson 1st Viscount Anson (age 34) and Anne Margaret Coke Viscountess Anson (age 22).
On 26th February 1812 Harry Grey 8th Earl Stamford 4th Earl Warrington was born to Harry Grey (age 29) and Frances Elizabeth Ellis (age 19). He married (1) 30th September 1844 Susan Gaydon Countess Stamford and Warrington (2) 6th December 1880 Martha Solomon Countess Stamford and Warrington and had issue.
On 26th February 1816 Elizabeth Jane Anson Baroness Waterpark was born to Thomas Anson 1st Viscount Anson (age 49) and Anne Margaret Coke Viscountess Anson (age 37). She married 1837 Henry Cavendish 3rd Baron Waterpark, son of Richard Cavendish 2nd Baron Waterpark and Juliana Cooper Baroness Waterpark, and had issue.
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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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 26th February 1822 William Joseph Vavasour was born to Edward Marmaduke Stourton aka Vavasour 1st Baronet (age 35). He married before 28th November 1846 his fifth cousin once removed Mary Constantia Clifford, daughter of Charles Clifford 7th Baron Clifford Chudleigh, and had issue.
On 26th February 1841 Evelyn Baring 1st Earl Cromer was born to Henry Baring (age 64) and Cecilia Anne Windham (age 38). He married (1) 28th June 1876 Ethel Errington, daughter of Rowland Errington 11th Baronet, and had issue (2) 22nd October 1901 his first cousin twice removed Katherine Georgina Louisa Thynne Countess Cromer, daughter of John Alexander Thynne 4th Marquess of Bath and Frances Isabella Catherine Vesey Marchioness Bath, and had issue.
On 26th February 1844 Annie Louisa Swynnerton née Robinson was born in Hulme, Manchester in 1844. Her parents were Francis Robinson, a solicitor, and Ann Sanderson.
On 26th February 1847 William Petre 13th Baron Petre was born to William Bernard Petre 12th Baron Petre (age 29) and Mary Theresa Clifford (age 23)
On 26th February 1867 Charles John Coventry was born to George Coventry 9th Earl Coventry (age 28) and Blanche Craven Countess Coventry (age 24).
On 26th February 1869 Rosalind Cecilia Caroline Bingham Duchess Abercorn was born to Charles George Bingham 4th Earl Lucan (age 38) and Cecilia Catherine Gordon-Lennox Countess Lucan (age 30). She married 1st November 1894 her third cousin James Albert Edward Hamilton 3rd Duke of Abercorn, son of James Hamilton 2nd Duke of Abercorn and Mary Anna Curzon Howe Duchess Abercorn, and had issue.
On 26th February 1869 Mary Lygon was born to Frederick Lygon 6th Earl Beauchamp (age 38) and Mary Catherine Stanhope Countess Beauchamp (age 25). She married 1905 Henry Walter Hepburn-Stuart-Forbes-Trefusis, son of Charles Hepburn-Stuart-Forbes-Trefusis 20th Baron Clinton and Harriet Williamina Hepburn-Forbes Baroness Clinton.
On 26th February 1870 Henry Palk Carew 9th Baronet was born to Henry Carew (age 62).
On 26th February 1871 Ada King-Milbanke 14th Baroness Wentworth was born to Ralph King-Milbanke 2nd Earl of Lovelace (age 31). She was named after her aunt Augusta Ada Byron Countess Lovelace.
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The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
Describes the reigns of Kings Henry II, Richard I, John and Henry III, providing a wealth of information about their lives and the events of the time. Ralph's work is detailed, comprehensive and objective. We have augmented Ralph's text with extracts from other contemporary chroniclers to enrich the reader's experience.
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On 26th February 1873 Guy Baring was born to Alexander Hugh Baring 4th Baron Ashburton (age 37) and Leonara Caroline Digby Baroness Ashburton (age 28).
On 26th February 1875 Frederick Temple Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood 3rd Marquess of Dufferin and Ava was born to Frederick Temple Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood 1st Marquess of Dufferin and Ava (age 48).
On 26th February 1880 Edric Alfred Cecil Weld-Forester was born to Cecil Weld-Forester 5th Baron Forester (age 37) with his twin brother.
On 26th February 1883 James Hope Nelson 2nd Baronet was born to William Nelson 1st Baronet (age 31).
On 26th February 1893 Myra Idina Sackville Countess of Erroll was born to Gilbert Sackville 8th Earl De La Warr (age 23) and Muriel Agnes Brassey Countess De La Warr. She married (1) 22nd September 1923 Josslyn Victor Hay 22nd Earl of Erroll, son of Victor Hay 21st Earl of Erroll, and had issue.
On 26th February 1897 Princess Elizabeth Bibesco nee Asquith was born to Herbert Henry Asquith 1st Earl of Oxford and Asquith (age 44) and Emma Margaret "Margot" Tennant (age 33).
On 26th February 1918 Kenneth Alston Cradock-Hartopp 10th Baronet was born to Louis Montague Cradock-Hartopp (age 34).
On 26th February 1919 Rosemary Alexandra Eliot was born to John Granville Cornwallis Eliot 6th Earl St Germans (age 28) and Blanche Linnie Fitzroy Countess St Germans (age 21).
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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 February 1930 William Southwell Russell was born to Edward Russell 26th Baron de Clifford (age 23).
On 26th February 1324 William Jülich V Duke Jülich (age 25) and Joanna Hainault Duchess Guelders (age 9) were married. She the daughter of William Hainault I Count Hainault III Count Avesnes III Count Holland II Count Zeeland (age 38) and Joan Valois Countess Zeeland Holland Avesnes and Hainault (age 30). He the son of Gerhard Jülich V Count Jülich (age 74) and Elisabeth Brabant Countess Jülich. They were half third cousins. He a great x 4 grandson of King Stephen I England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Stephen I England.
On 26th February 1612 William Graham 7th Earl Menteith 1st Earl Airth (age 21) and Agnes Gray Countess of Menteith and Airth (age 26) were married. She by marriage Countess Menteith. He the son of John Graham 6th Earl Menteith. They were fifth cousin once removed. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.
On 26th February 1674 Richard Cox 1st Baronet (age 23) and Mary Bourne (age 16) were married. They had at least fifteen children, possibly twenty-one. Of those (probably seven in number, two sons and five daughters) who reached adulthood, the eldest son, also Richard, predeceased his father.
On 26th February 1703 Richard Fitzwilliam 5th Viscount Fitzwilliam (age 26) and Frances Shelley Viscountess Fitzwilliam (age 17) were married.
On 26th February 1706 Henry Somerset 2nd Duke Beaufort (age 21) and Rachel Noel Duchess Beaufort (age 19) were married. She by marriage Duchess Beaufort. She the daughter of Wriothesley Baptist Noel 2nd Earl Gainsborough and Catherine Greville Duchess Buckingham and Normandby. They were fourth cousins.
On 26th February 1743 Constantine Phipps 1st Baron Mulgrave (age 20) and Lepell Hervey Baroness Mulgrave (age 19) were married.
On 26th February 1770 Archdeacon Andrew Burnaby (age 37) and Anna Edwyn (age 34) were married at St George's Church, Hanover Square. The marriage brought Baggrave Hall to the Burnaby family.
On 26th February 1783 George Richard St John 4th Viscount St John 3rd Viscount Bolingbroke (age 21) and Charlotte Collins were married.
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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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 26th February 1795 Francis Stuart 10th Earl of Moray (age 24) and Lucy Scott (age 19) were married. He the son of Francis Stuart 9th Earl of Moray (age 58) and Jean Gray Countess Moray.
On 26th February 1826 Henry Thompson 3rd Baronet (age 29) and Hannah Jean Grey Lady Virkees (age 23) were married. She by marriage Lady Virkees.
On 26th February 1828 William Hilton (age 41) and Justinia Kent (age 26) were married.
On 26th February 1862 George Chichester 3rd Marquess Donegal (age 65) and Harriet Graham Marchioness Donegal (age 32) were married. She by marriage Marchioness Donegal. The difference in their ages was 32 years. He the son of George Chichester 2nd Marquess Donegal.
On 26th February 1919 Albert Edward John Spencer 7th Earl Spencer (age 26) and Cynthia Elinor Beatrix Hamilton Countess Spencer (age 22) were married. She the daughter of James Albert Edward Hamilton 3rd Duke of Abercorn (age 49) and Rosalind Cecilia Caroline Bingham Duchess Abercorn (age 50). He the son of Charles Robert Spencer 6th Earl Spencer (age 61) and Margaret Baring Countess Spencer. They were third cousin once removed.
On 26th February 1921 Alfred Milner 1st Viscount Milner (age 66) and Violet Milner (age 49) were married.
On 26th February 1930 Randle John Baker Wilbraham 7th Baronet (age 23) and Betty Ann Torrens Lady Wilbraham (age 23) were married.
On 26th February 1931 Henry Rainaud Gage 6th Viscount Gage (age 35) and Alexandra Imogen Clair Grenfell (age 26) were married.
On 26th February 1275 Margaret Queen of Scotland (age 34) died at Cupar Castle, Cupar. She was buried at Dunfermline Abbey [Map].
On 26th February 1352 Henry Percy 10th and 2nd Baron Percy (age 51) died. His son Henry (age 31) succeeded 3rd Baron Percy of Alnwick, 11th Baron Percy of Topcliffe.
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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 February 1360 Roger Mortimer 2nd Earl March (age 31) died. He was buried at Wigmore Abbey [Map]. His son Edmund (age 8) succeeded 3rd Earl March, 5th Baron Mortimer of Wigmore.
On 26th February 1462 John de Vere 12th Earl of Oxford (age 53) was hanged at Tower Hill [Map]. His son John (age 19) succeeded 13th Earl of Oxford.
On 26th February 1552 Miles Partridge and Ralph Fane were hanged. Thomas Arundell of Wardour Castle (age 50) and Michael Stanhope (age 45) were beheaded at Tower Hill [Map] for plotting to assassinate John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland (age 48).
Thomas Arundell of Wardour Castle was buried at St Peter ad Vincula Church, Tower of London [Map].
On 26th February 1577 King Erix XIV of Sweden (age 43) died.
On 26th February 1602 Robert Burgh 10th Baron Cobham 8th Baron Strabolgi 4th Baron Burgh (age 8) died. Baron Cobham, Baron Strabolgi and Baron Burgh abeyant between his four sisters Elizabeth Burgh, Frances Burgh, Anne Burgh and Katherine Burgh.
On 26th February 1603 Maria of Spain Holy Roman Empress (age 74) died at Madrid [Map].
On 26th February 1608 Bishop John Still (age 74) died.
On 26th February 1654 Diana Cecil Countess of Oxford and Elgin (age 58) died. She was buried at the Ailesbury Mausoleum, St Mary's Church, Maulden [Map] which her husband Thomas Bruce 1st Earl Elgin (age 55) commissioned.
On 26th February 1658 Elizabeth Drury Countess Exeter (age 80) died.
On 26th February 1666 Nicholas Crispe 1st Baronet (age 67) died. He was buried at St Mildred's Church, Bread Street. His grandson Nicholas (age 23) succeeded 2nd Baronet Crispe of Hammersmith in Middlesex.
On 26th February 1687 Arabella Belasyse Lady Thirkleby (age 50) died.
On 26th February 1726 Maximilian Wittelsbach II Elector Bavaria (age 63) died.
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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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 26th February 1742 Charles Hope 1st Earl Hopetoun (age 61) died. His son John (age 37) succeeded 2nd Earl Hopetoun. Anne Ogilvy Countess Hopetoun (age 32) by marriage Countess Hopetoun.
On 26th February 1745 Henry Somerset 3rd Duke Beaufort (age 37) died. He was buried at St Michael and all Angels Church, Badminton. His brother Charles (age 35) succeeded 4th Duke Beaufort, 6th Marquess Worcester, 10th Earl Worcester, 12th Baron Herbert of Raglan. Elizabeth Berekeley Duchess Beaufort (age 32) by marriage Duchess Beaufort.
On 26th February 1746 Thomas Watson 3rd Earl Rockingham (age 30) died without issue. Earl Rockingham extinct. His first cousin once removed Thomas (age 52) succeeded 6th Baron Rockingham of Northampton, 6th Baronet Watson of Rockingham Castle in Northamptonshire. He left his estates to his first cousin Lewis Watson 1st Baron Sondes (age 17) who changed his surname from Monson to Watson on 31st January 1751.
On 26th February 1748 John Egerton 2nd Duke Bridgewater (age 20) died unmarried. His brother Francis (age 11) succeeded 3rd Duke Bridgewater, 6th Earl Bridgewater, 7th Viscount Brackley, 7th Baron Ellesmere.
On 26th February 1757 Elizabeth Finch Baroness Bingley (age 78) died.
On 26th February 1757 Oswald Mosley 2nd Baronet (age 51) died. His brother John (age 51) succeeded 3rd Baronet Mosley of Rolleston in Staffordshire.
On 26th February 1764 William Skipwith 6th Baronet (age 56) died. His son Peyton (age 23) succeeded 7th Baronet Skipwith of Prestwould in Leicestershire. Anne Miller Lady Skipwith by marriage Lady Skipwith of Prestwould in Leicestershire.
On 26th February 1766 Stephen Moore 1st Viscount Mount Cashell (age 70) died. His son Stephen (age 35) succeeded 2nd Viscount Mount Cashell of the City of Cashell, 2nd Baron Kilworth of Moore Park in the County of Cork.
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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 February 1807 Thomas Ralph Maude 2nd Viscount Hawarden (age 39) died. His half brother Cornwallis (age 26) succeeded 3rd Viscount Hawarden, 3rd Baron Montalt of Hawarden in Tipperary, 5th Baronet of Dundrum in Tipperary.
On 26th February 1815 Reverend Robert Sheffield 3rd Baronet (age 57) died. His son Robert (age 29) succeeded 4th Baronet Sheffield.
On 26th February 1832 Frederick Vane-Fletcher 2nd Baronet (age 71) died. His son Francis (age 34) succeeded 3rd Baronet Fletcher of Hutton in Cumberland.
On 26th February 1835 Mary Fane Lady Stapleton (age 91) died.
On 26th February 1848 Edward Moor (age 77) died at the home of his son-in-law William Page Wood 1st Baron Hatherley (age 46) in London. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Great Bealings [Map] on 4th March 1848.
On 26th February 1851 Reverend Henry Wilson 10th Baron Berners (age 88) died. His son Henry (age 54) succeeded 11th Baron Berners. Mary Letitia Crump Baroness Berners (age 50) by marriage Mary Letitia Crump Baroness Berners.
On 26th February 1871 Baldwin Leighton 7th Baronet (age 65) died at Norton Hall. He was buried at St Michael's and All Angels Church, Alberbury. His son Baldwin (age 34) succeeded 8th Baronet Leighton of Wattlesborough. Eleanor Warren Lady Leighton (age 30) by marriage Lady Leighton of Wattlesborough.
On 26th February 1890 Thomas Trevor 22nd Baron Dacre 21st Baron Multon (age 81) died without issue. His brother Henry (age 75) succeeded 23rd Baron Dacre Gilsland, 22nd Baron Multon of Gilsland.
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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 February 1891 Frederick Methuen 2nd Baron Methuen (age 73) died. His son Paul (age 45) succeeded 3rd Baron Methuen of Corsham in Wiltshire. Mary Ethel Sanford Baroness Methuen by marriage Baroness Methuen of Corsham in Wiltshire.
On 26th February 1893 Henry Flower Every 10th Baronet (age 62) died. His grandson Edward (age 7) succeeded 11th Baronet Every of Egginton in Derbyshire.
On 26th February 1899 Henry Delves Broughton 9th Baronet (age 90) died. His son Delves (age 41) succeeded 10th Baronet Broughton of Broughton in Staffordshire.
On 26th February 1904 Catherine Dorothea Colville Lady Simeon died.
On 26th February 1905 Albert Parker 3rd Earl Morley (age 61) died. His son Edmund (age 27) succeeded 4th Earl Morley, 4th Viscount Boringdon of North Malton in Devon, 5th Baron Boringdon.
On 26th February 1917 George Cubitt 1st Baron Ashcombe (age 88) died. His son Henry (age 49) succeeded 2nd Baron Ashcombe of Dorking in Surrey and Bodiam Castle in Sussex.
On 26th February 1926 Charles Hilton Seely 2nd Baronet (age 66) died. His son Hugh (age 27) succeeded 3rd Baronet Seely of Brooke in the Isle of Wight.
On 26th February 1933 Thyra Glücksburg Duchess Cumberland and Teviotdale (age 79) died.
On 26th February 1937 Frederick Cradock-Hartopp 7th Baronet (age 67) died without issue. His brother George (age 66) succeeded 8th Baronet Cradock-Hartopp. Ethel Caroline Jane Wellesley Lady Cradock-Hartopp by marriage Lady Cradock-Hartopp.
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The Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke
Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson.
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On 26th February 1942 William Palmer 2nd Earl Selborne (age 82) died. His son Roundell (age 54) succeeded 3rd Earl Selborne, 3rd Viscount Wolmer of Blackmoor in Hampshire. Grace Ridley Countess Selborne (age 53) by marriage Countess Selborne.
On 26th February 1959 Princess Alexandra Duff Duchess Fife (age 67) died. Her nephew James (age 29) succeeded 3rd Duke Fife.
On 26th February 1962 Allan Gairdner Wyon (age 80) died.
On 26th February 1985 John James Kenward Shaw aka Best-Shaw 9th Baronet (age 89) died. His son John (age 60) succeeded 10th Baronet Best-Shaw of Eltham in Kent.
On 26th February 2022 David Howard 7th Earl of Effingham (age 82) died. His son Edward (age 50) succeeded 8th Earl of Effingham, 18th Baron Howard of Effingham.