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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27 Dec is in December.
On 27th December 1350 King John I of Aragon was born to Peter IV King Aragon (age 31) and Eleanor of Sicily Queen Consort Aragon. Coefficient of inbreeding 2.45%. He married (1) 24th June 1373 his fourth cousin once removed Martha Armagnac Queen Consort Aragon, daughter of John I Count Armagnac and Beatrice Clermont Countess Armagnac (2) 2nd February 1380 his third cousin once removed Yolande of Bar Queen Consort Aragon, daughter of Robert of Bar 1st Duke of Bar and Marie Valois Duchess Bar, and had issue.
On 31st December 1426 Thomas Beaufort 1st Duke Exeter (age 49) died at Greenwich, Kent [Map]. Some sources say 27th December 1426 and 1st January 1427. Duke Exeter and Earl Dorset extinct.
On 27th December 1439 Isabel Despencer Countess Warwick and Worcester (age 39) died. Her son Henry (age 14) succeeded 6th Baron Burghesh.
Dugdale's Warwickshire. Touching the said Lady Isabel (deceased) his Countesse I find, that she did not long survive him; for her Testament1 bears dare the date the first of December following, and the probat thereof 4. Febr. the same year. Of which Testament, forasmuch as it is very mememorable, I shall here deliver the substance; viz,. that her body should be interred in the Abby of Teskesbury [Map], and her great Templys2 with the baleys3 sold to the utmost, and delivered to the Monks of that house, so that they grutcht not with her burial there, and what else she had appointed to be done about the same. As also that her statue should be made all nakyd with her hair cast backwards according to the design and modell that one Thomas Porchalion had for that purpose and Mary Madg. laying her hands a-crosse, with S. John the Evang. on the right side and on the left side S. Anthony; and at her feet a Scocheon empaling her Arms with those of the Earle her late Husband, supported by two Gryphons, but on the sides thereof the statues of poor men and women in their poor array, with their beads in their hands. She also willed, that of her great Sharp a Challice should be made & offered to our Lady in the Lady-Chapell there at Tewkesbury and gave to our Lady of Caversham a Crown of Gold made of her Chain (weighing 25.l.) and other broken Gold in her Cabinet; and two Tablets, the one of S. Catherine, the other of S. George, the precious stones of which Tablets to be set in the said Crown. Her Tablet with the Image of our Lady, having a Glasse for it, she appointed to be offered unto our Lady of Walsingham with wide slieves, and a Tabernacle of silver like in the timbre to that over on; Lady of Caversham; and that her great Image of Wax, then at London, should be offered to our Lady of Worcester. To the Abby of Tewkesbury she gave her wedding Gown, and all her Cloaths of Gold, and Cloaths of Silk without Furs, saving one of Russet Velvet which she bequeathed to S. Winifride [Map]; further directing that all her precious Stones and Pearls should be sold, as also her silver Vessel and goods to perform her Will, whereof Sr. Will Mountfort, John Nansan, and John Norreii were consticuted Executors.
Note 1. Lussnam Q 27.
Note 2. Jewels hanging on womens foreheads by bodkins thrust into their hair.
Note 3. Pale, or Peach coloured Rubies.
Chronicle of Greyfriars. 27th December 1539. This yere the 27th day of December came in lady Anne of Cleves (age 24) into England, ...
On 27th December 1545 John Spelman of died. He was buried at All Saints Church, Narborough [Map].
John Spelman of: he was born to John Spelman and Elizabeth Frowick. Before 27th December 1545 John Spelman of and Margaret Blennerhasset were married.
On 27th December 1605 Philip Herbert 4th Earl Pembroke 1st Earl Montgomery (age 21) and Susan Vere Countess Montgomery (age 18) were married at Whitehall. The bride was escorted into the church by the Queen's (age 31) brother Prince Ulrik Oldenburg (age 26) and her son Henry Frederick Stewart Prince of Wales (age 11). She the daughter of Edward de Vere 17th Earl of Oxford and Anne Cecil Countess of Oxford. He the son of Henry Herbert 2nd Earl Pembroke and Mary Sidney Countess Pembroke (age 44).
Memorials of affairs of state in the reigns of Q Elizabeth and K James I Volume 2. Jan 1605. Dudley Carleton (age 32) to Ralph Winwood (age 42)
Sir
I had written unto you at this time, though I had not been invited by your Letters I received by Captain Doyly. For in Mr. Chamberlain's Absense, I come in quarter, and have waited so diligently at Court this Christmas, that I have Matter enough, if the Report of Masks and Mummings can please you.
On St. John's Day we had the Marriage of Sir Philip Herbert (age 21) and the Lady Susan (age 18) performed at Whitehall, with all the Honour could be done a great Favourite. The Court was great, and for that Day put on the best Bravery. The Prince (age 11) and Duke of Holst (age 26) led the Bride to Church, the Queen (age 31) follow'd her from thence. The King (age 39) gave her, and she in her Tresses, and Trinketts brided and bridled it so handsomly, and indeed became her self so well, that the King said, if he were unmarried he would not give her, but keep her himself. The Marriage Dinner was kept in the great Chamber, where the Prince and the Duke of Holst, and the great Lords and Ladies accompanied the Bride. The Ambassador of Venice was the only bidden Guest of Strangers, and he had place above the Duke of Holst, which the Duke took not well. But after Dinner he was as little pleased himself; for being brought into the Closet to retire himself, he was there suffered to walk out his Supper unthought of. At Night there was a Mask in the Hall, which for Conceit and Fashion was fuitable to the Occasion. The Actors, were the Earle of Pembrook (age 25), the Lord Willoby, Sir Samuel Hays, Sir Thomas Germain, Sir Robert Cary (age 22), Sir John Lee, Sir Richard Preston, and Sir Thomas Eager. There was no smal Loss that Night of Chaines and Jewells, and many great Ladies were made shorter by the Skirts, and were well enough served that they could keep cut no better. The Presents of Plate, and other Things given by the Noblemen, were valued at £2500, but that which made it a good Marriage, was a Gift of the King's of £500 Land for the Bride's Joynture. They were lodged in the Councill Chamber, where the King in his Shirt and NightGown gave them a Reveille Matin before they were up, and spent a good time in or upon the Bed, chuse which you will believe. No Ceremony was omitted of Bride-Cakes, Points, Garters, and Gloves, which have been ever since the Livery of the Court; and at Night there was sewing into the Sheet, casting off the Bride's left Hose, with many other petty Sorceries.
Diary of Anne Clifford. 27th December 1616. Upon the 27th I dined at my Lady Elizabeth Gray's lodgings at Somerset House where I met my Lady Compton and Lady Fielding and spoke to them about my coming to the King. Presently after dinner came my Lord (age 27) thither and we went together to my Lady Arundel's where I saw all the pictures and statues in the lower rooms.
On 27th December 1625 Anne Egerton (age 8) died. She was buried in the Bridgewater Chapel, St Peter and St Paul Church, Little Gaddesden.
Anne Egerton: Around 1617 she was born to John Egerton 1st Earl Bridgewater and Frances Stanley Countess Bridgewater.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 27th December 1661. In the morning to my Bookseller's to bespeak a Stephens's Thesaurus, for which I offer £4, to give to Paul's School; and from thence to Paul's Church; and there I heard Dr. Gunning (age 47) preach a good sermon upon the day (being St. John's day), and did hear him tell a story, which he did persuade us to believe to be true, that St. John and the Virgin Mary did appear to Gregory, a Bishopp, at his prayer to be confirmed in the faith, which I did wonder to hear from him.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 27th December 1662. So to the office, and there Mr. Coventry (age 34) and I sat till noon, and then I stept to the Exchange [Map], and so home to dinner, and after dinner with my wife to the Duke's Theatre, and saw the second part of "Rhodes", done with the new Roxalana (age 20); which do it rather better in all respects for person, voice, and judgment, then the first Roxalana.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 27th December 1664. The Comet appeared again to-night, but duskishly. I went to bed, leaving my wife and all her folks, and Will also, too, come to make Christmas gambolls to-night.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 27th December 1665. Up, and with Cocke (age 48), by coach to London, there home to my wife, and angry about her desiring a mayde yet, before the plague is quite over. It seems Mercer is troubled that she hath not one under her, but I will not venture my family by increasing it before it be safe.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 27th December 1667. Up, and by water to White Hall, and there walked with Creed in the Matted Gallery till by and by a Committee for Tangier met: the Duke of York (age 34) there; and there I did discourse over to them their condition as to money, which they were all mightily, as I could desire, satisfied with, but the Duke of Albemarle (age 59), who takes the part of the Guards against us in our supplies of money, which is an odd consideration for a dull, heavy blockhead as he is, understanding no more of either than a goose: but the ability and integrity of Sir W. Coventry (age 39), in all the King's concernments, I do and must admire. After the Committee up, I and Sir W. Coventry walked an hour in the gallery, talking over many businesses, and he tells me that there are so many things concur to make him and his Fellow Commissioners unable to go through the King's work that he do despair of it, every body becoming an enemy to them in their retrenchments, and the King (age 37) unstable, the debts great and the King's present occasions for money great and many and pressing, the bankers broke and every body keeping in their money, while the times are doubtful what will stand. But he says had they come in two years ago they doubt not to have done what the King would by this time, or were the King in the condition as heretofore, when the Chancellor (age 58) was great, to be able to have what sums of money they pleased of the Parliament, and then the ill administration was such that instead of making good use of this power and money he suffered all to go to ruin. But one such sum now would put all upon their legs, and now the King would have the Parliament give him money when they are in an ill humour and will not be willing to give any, nor are very able, and besides every body distrusts what they give the King will be lost; whereas six months hence, when they see that the King can live without them, and is become steady, and to manage what he has well, he doubts not but their doubts would be removed, and would be much more free as well as more able to give him money. He told me how some of his enemies at the Duke of York's had got the Duke of York's commission for the Commissioners of his estate changed, and he and Brouncker (age 47) and Povy (age 53) left out: that this they did do to disgrace and impose upon him at this time; but that he, though he values not the thing, did go and tell the Duke of York what he heard, and that he did not think that he had given him any reason to do this, out of his belief that he would not be as faithful and serviceable to him as the best of those that have got him put out. Whereupon the Duke of York did say that it arose only from his not knowing whether now he would have time to regard his affairs; and that, if he should, he would put him into the commission with his own hand, though the commission be passed. He answered that he had been faithful to him, and done him good service therein, so long as he could attend it; and if he had been able to have attended it more, he would not have enriched himself with such and such estates as my Chancellor hath got, that did properly belong to his Royal Highness, as being forfeited to the King, and so by the King's gift given to the Duke of York. Hereupon the Duke of York did call for the commission, and hath since put him in. This he tells me he did only to show his enemies that he is not so low as to be trod on by them, or the Duke hath any so bad opinion of him as they would think. Here we parted, and I with Sir H. Cholmly (age 35) went and took a turn into the Park, and there talked of several things, and about Tangier particularly, and of his management of his business, and among other discourse about the method he will leave his accounts in if he should suddenly die, he says there is nothing but what is easily understood, but only a sum of £500 which he has entered given to E. E. S., which in great confidence he do discover to me to be my Lord Sandwich (age 42), at the beginning of their contract for the Mole, and I suppose the rest did the like, which was £1500, which would appear a very odd thing for my Lord to be a profiter by the getting of the contract made for them. But here it puts me into thoughts how I shall own my receiving of £200 a year from him, but it is his gift, I never asked of him, and which he did to Mr. Povy, and so there is no great matter in it.
This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.
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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 27th December 1667. Thence to other talk. He tells me that the business of getting the Duchess of Richmond (age 20) to Court is broke off, the Duke (age 28) not suffering it; and thereby great trouble is brought among the people that endeavoured it, and thought they had compassed it. And, Lord! to think that at this time the King (age 37) should mind no other cares but these! He tells me that my Lord of Canterbury (age 69) is a mighty stout man, and a man of a brave, high spirit, and cares not for this disfavour that he is under at Court, knowing that the King cannot take away his profits during his life, and therefore do not value it1.
Note 1. This character of Archbishop Sheldon does not tally with the scandal that Pepys previously reported of him. Burnet has some passages of importance on this in his "Own Time", Book II He affirms that Charles's final decision to throw over Clarendon was caused by the Chancellor's (age 58) favouring Mrs. Stewart's marriage with the Duke of Richmond. The King had a conference with Sheldon on the removal of Clarendon, but could not convert the archbishop to his view. Lauderdale told Burnet that he had an account of the interview from the King. "the King and Sheldon had gone into such expostulations upon it that from that day forward Sheldon could never recover the King's confidence"..
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 27th December 1668. So home, my coach coming for me, and there find Balty (age 28) and Mr. How, who dined with me; and there my wife and I fell out a little about the foulness of the linen of the table, but were friends presently, but she cried, poor heart! which I was troubled for, though I did not give her one hard word. Dinner done, she to church, and W. How and I all the afternoon talking together about my Lord Sandwich's (age 43) suffering his business of the prizes to be managed by Sir R. Cuttance, who is so deep in the business, more than my Lord knows of, and such a loggerhead, and under such prejudice, that he will, we doubt, do my Lord much wrong.
On 27th December 1683 Marie Françoise Élisabeth of Savoy Queen Consort of Portugal (age 37) died.
John Evelyn's Diary. 27th December 1683. I went to visite Sir John Chardin (age 40), a French gentleman who had travell'd three times by land into Persia, and had made many curious researches in his travells, of which he was now setting forth a relation. It being in England this year one of the severest frosts that had hap pen'd of many yeares, he told me the cold in Persia was much greater, the ice of an incredible thicknesse; that they had little use of iron in all that country, it being so moiste (tho' the aire admirably clear and healthy), that oyle would not preserve it from rusting, so that they had neither clocks nor watches; some padlocks they had for doores and boxes.
On 27th December 1703 Thomas Cartwright (age 68) died.
On 27th December 1725 Edward Montagu was born to John Montagu 2nd Duke Montagu (age 35) and Mary Churchill Duchess of Montagu (age 36). He died aged one in 1727.
On 27th December 1731 James Brydges 3rd Duke Chandos was born to Henry Brydges 2nd Duke Chandos (age 23) and Mary Bruce (age 21). He married (1) 22nd March 1753 Margaret Nicol (2) 1777 Anne Eliza Gamon Duchess Chandos and had issue.
On 27th December 1776 Louisa Gordon Marchioness Cornwallis was born to Alexander Gordon 4th Duke Gordon (age 33) and Jane Maxwell Duchess Gordon (age 28). She married 17th April 1795 Charles Cornwallis 2nd Marquess Cornwallis, son of Charles Cornwallis 1st Marquess Cornwallis and Jemima Tullekin Jones Countess Cornwallis, and had issue.
On 27th December 1777 George Irby 3rd Baron Boston was born to Frederick Irby 2nd Baron Boston (age 28) and Christian Methuen. He was baptised on 28th January 1778; King George III of Great Britain and Ireland (age 39) was his godfather. He married 17th October 1801 Rachel Ives Drake Baroness Boston and had issue.
On 27th December 1792 Granville Charles Henry Somerset was born to Henry Charles Somerset 6th Duke Beaufort (age 26) and Charlotte Sophia Leveson-Gower Duchess Beaufort (age 21). He married 1822 Emily Smith, daughter of Robert Smith 1st Baron Carrington, and had issue.
On 27th December 1793 George Spencer-Churchill 6th Duke of Marlborough was born to George Spencer-Churchill 5th Duke of Marlborough (age 27) and Susan Stewart Duchess of Marlborough (age 26). He married (1) 13th January 1819 his first cousin Jane Stewart Duchess of Marlborough, daughter of George Stewart 8th Earl Galloway and Jane Paget Countess Galloway, and had issue (2) 10th June 1846 Charlotte Augusta Flower Duchess of Marlborough, daughter of Henry Flower 4th Viscount Ashbrook, and had issue (3) 18th October 1851 his first cousin Jane Francis Stewart Duchess Marlborough and had issue.
After 27th December 1807. Monument to Randle Jones of Bryn.
This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.
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On 27th December 1830 Lucius Cary 10th Viscount Falkland (age 27) and Amelia Fitz-Clarence Viscountess Falkland (age 23) were married at the Brighton Royal Pavilion. King William IV (age 65) gave away his daughter. The service was conducted by Bishop Charles Richard Sumner. She the illegitmate daughter of King William IV of the United Kingdom and Dorothea Bland aka "Mrs Jordan".
On 27th December 1845 Charles Gordon-Lennox 7th Duke Richmond was born to Charles Gordon-Lennox 6th Duke Richmond (age 27) and Frances Harriett Greville Duchess Richmond (age 21). He married (1) 10th November 1868 Amy Mary Ricardo and had issue (2) 1882 his fifth cousin once removed Isabel Sophie Craven and had issue.
On 27th December 1847 Henry Fitzalan Howard 15th Duke of Norfolk was born to Henry Granville Fitzalan 14th Duke of Norfolk (age 32) and Augusta Mary Minna Catherine Lyons Duchess Norfolk (age 26). He married (1) 1877 Flora Paulyna Hetty Barbara Clifton Duchess Norfolk, daughter of Charles Frederick Abney-Hastings 1st Baron Donington and Edith Maud Rawdon-Hastings 10th Countess Loudon, and had issue (2) 5th February 1904 his first cousin once removed Gwendolen Constable-Maxwell Duchess Norfolk and had issue.
Ten Years' Digging. On the 27th of December we opened a barrow in a field to the right of the road from Load Mill to Alstonefield, which is eleven yards diameter and three feet high in the centre, composed of earthy with a few flat stones near the surface. The earth in the lower part was darker coloured than above, and much mixed with charcoal, amongst which were a few calcined bones and two blocks of flint. Nearly the whole mound was turned over without further success, and still the lower part had evidently never been disturbed. It is pretty clear that the interment of burnt bones had been enclosed within a small cist, erected near the surface with the flat stones we there found, and which had been pulled to pieces.
On 27th December 1854 Mary Louisa Elizabeth Montagu Duchess Hamilton Duchess Brandon was born to William Drogo Montagu 7th Duke Manchester (age 31) and Louisa Vonalten Duchess Devonshire and Manchester (age 22). She married 10th December 1873 her fourth cousin once removed William Douglas Hamilton 12th Duke Hamilton 9th Duke Brandon, son of William Alexander Archibald Hamilton 11th Duke Hamilton 8th Duke Brandon, and had issue.
On 27th December 1925 Emily Stenning Baroness Waterpark (age 79) died. Memorial at St Cuthbert's Church, Doveridge [Map].
Emily Stenning Baroness Waterpark: On 12th February 1846 she was born. In 1873 Henry Anson Cavendish 4th Baron Waterpark and she were married. She by marriage Baroness Waterpark. They had five children.
On 27th December 1951 Arthur Bulleid (age 89) died. He was buried in the cemetery, Wells Road, Glastonbury.
Isis. A Journal of the History of Science Society. Volume 43, Number 2. Jul., 1952. Obituaries:
Arthur Bulleid (1860-1951). English student of prehistoric archaeology. Discoverer of the Iron Age B site known as the Glastonbury Lake Village. Died on 27 Dec. 1951 at Midsomer Norton, Somerset. Obituary in Nature (169, 221, 1952). The Glastonbury lake village (Glastonbury 1911-17). The lake villages of Somerset (London 1924). The Meare lake village (Taunton Castle, Som. 1948).
On 27th December 1965 Christabel Florence Arthur Startin (age 70) died.
Memorial at the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Exton, Rutlandshire [Map].
Christabel Florence Arthur Startin: On 19th January 1895 she was born. In or before 1927 Commander Montague Wriothesley Noel and she were married.
On 27th December 2002 Anne Bairstow Cumming Bell Duchess of Rutland died.
On 27th December 1350 King John I of Aragon was born to Peter IV King Aragon (age 31) and Eleanor of Sicily Queen Consort Aragon. Coefficient of inbreeding 2.45%. He married (1) 24th June 1373 his fourth cousin once removed Martha Armagnac Queen Consort Aragon, daughter of John I Count Armagnac and Beatrice Clermont Countess Armagnac (2) 2nd February 1380 his third cousin once removed Yolande of Bar Queen Consort Aragon, daughter of Robert of Bar 1st Duke of Bar and Marie Valois Duchess Bar, and had issue.
On 27th December 1390 Anne Mortimer was born to Roger Mortimer 4th Earl March 3rd Earl of Ulster (age 16) and Eleanor Holland Countess March and Ulster (age 20) at County Westmeath. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Edward III of England. She married May 1406 her first cousin twice removed Richard of Conisbrough 1st Earl Cambridge, son of Edmund of Langley 1st Duke of York and Isabella of Castile Duchess York, and had issue.
On 27th December 1552 William Cavendish 1st Earl Devonshire was born to William Cavendish (age 47) and Bess of Hardwick (age 25). He married (1) 21st March 1580 Anne Keighley and had issue (2) after 1603 Elizabeth Boughton Countess Devonshire and had issue.
Annals of the six Kings of England by Nicholas Trivet
Translation of the Annals of the Six Kings of England by that traces the rise and rule of the Angevin aka Plantagenet dynasty from the mid-12th to early 14th century. Written by the Dominican scholar Nicholas Trivet, the work offers a vivid account of English history from the reign of King Stephen through to the death of King Edward I, blending political narrative with moral reflection. Covering the reigns of six monarchs—from Stephen to Edward I—the chronicle explores royal authority, rebellion, war, and the shifting balance between crown, church, and nobility. Trivet provides detailed insight into defining moments such as baronial conflicts, Anglo-French rivalry, and the consolidation of royal power under Edward I, whose reign he describes with particular immediacy. The Annals combines careful year-by-year reporting with thoughtful interpretation, presenting history not merely as a sequence of events but as a moral and political lesson. Ideal for readers interested in medieval history, kingship, and the origins of the English state, this chronicle remains a valuable and accessible window into the turbulent world of the Plantagenet kings.
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On 27th December 1577 William Howard 3rd Baron Howard of Effingham was born to Charles Howard 1st Earl Nottingham (age 41) and Katherine Carey Countess Nottingham (age 27). He married 7th February 1597 his third cousin Anne St John Lady Effingham, daughter of John St John 2nd Baron St John and Katherine Dormer Baroness St John Bletso, and had issue.
On 27th December 1583 Katherine West was born to Thomas West 2nd Baron De La Warr (age 27) and Anne Knollys Baroness De La Warr (age 28). She married Nickolas Strelby.
On 27th December 1672 Benjamin Mildmay 1st Earl Fitzwalter was born to Benjamin Mildmay 17th Baron Fitzwalter (age 26) and Catherine Fairfax (age 28). He married 18th June 1724 Frederica Schomberg Countess Holderness and Fitzwalter, daughter of Meinhart Schomberg 3rd Duke Schomberg and Karoline von der Pfalz.
On 27th December 1681 Thomas Wyndham 1st Baron Wyndham was born to Colonel John Wyndham (age 33) and Alice Fownes.
On 27th December 1716 Martha Tyrrell Lady Drury was born to John Tyrrell 3rd Baronet (age 31). She married 11th October 1737 Thomas Drury 1st Baronet and had issue.
On 27th December 1718 John Anstruther 2nd Baronet was born to John Anstruther 1st Baronet (age 40). He married 4th October 1750 Janet "Queen of the Gypsies" Fall.
On 27th December 1725 Edward Montagu was born to John Montagu 2nd Duke Montagu (age 35) and Mary Churchill Duchess of Montagu (age 36). He died aged one in 1727.
On 27th December 1731 James Brydges 3rd Duke Chandos was born to Henry Brydges 2nd Duke Chandos (age 23) and Mary Bruce (age 21). He married (1) 22nd March 1753 Margaret Nicol (2) 1777 Anne Eliza Gamon Duchess Chandos and had issue.
On 27th December 1741 Bishop Reginald Courtenay was born to Henry Reginald Courtenay (age 27) and Catherine Bathurst at St James'. He married January 1774 Elizabeth Howard, daughter of Thomas Howard 2nd Earl of Effingham and Elizabeth Beckford Countess Effingham, and had issue.
On 27th December 1767 Percival Hart Dyke 5th Baronet was born to John Dixon Dyke 3rd Baronet (age 35).
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 27th December 1776 Louisa Gordon Marchioness Cornwallis was born to Alexander Gordon 4th Duke Gordon (age 33) and Jane Maxwell Duchess Gordon (age 28). She married 17th April 1795 Charles Cornwallis 2nd Marquess Cornwallis, son of Charles Cornwallis 1st Marquess Cornwallis and Jemima Tullekin Jones Countess Cornwallis, and had issue.
On 27th December 1777 George Irby 3rd Baron Boston was born to Frederick Irby 2nd Baron Boston (age 28) and Christian Methuen. He was baptised on 28th January 1778; King George III of Great Britain and Ireland (age 39) was his godfather. He married 17th October 1801 Rachel Ives Drake Baroness Boston and had issue.
On 27th December 1777 Elizabeth Sykes was born to Christopher Sykes 2nd Baronet (age 28) and Elizabeth Tatton (age 29). She married before 30th December 1806 her half first cousin Wilbraham Egerton and had issue.
On 27th December 1783 Bishop John Kaye was born. He married 1815 Eliza Mortlock.
On 27th December 1792 Granville Charles Henry Somerset was born to Henry Charles Somerset 6th Duke Beaufort (age 26) and Charlotte Sophia Leveson-Gower Duchess Beaufort (age 21). He married 1822 Emily Smith, daughter of Robert Smith 1st Baron Carrington, and had issue.
On 27th December 1792 Charles Peter Shakerley 1st Baronet was born to Charles Buckworth aka Shakerley (age 25).
On 27th December 1793 George Spencer-Churchill 6th Duke of Marlborough was born to George Spencer-Churchill 5th Duke of Marlborough (age 27) and Susan Stewart Duchess of Marlborough (age 26). He married (1) 13th January 1819 his first cousin Jane Stewart Duchess of Marlborough, daughter of George Stewart 8th Earl Galloway and Jane Paget Countess Galloway, and had issue (2) 10th June 1846 Charlotte Augusta Flower Duchess of Marlborough, daughter of Henry Flower 4th Viscount Ashbrook, and had issue (3) 18th October 1851 his first cousin Jane Francis Stewart Duchess Marlborough and had issue.
On 27th December 1799 Roger Gresley 8th Baronet was born to Nigel Bowyer Gresley 7th Baronet (age 46) and Maria Elizabeth Garway Lady Gresley. He married 2nd June 1821 Sophia Catherine Coventry Lady Gresley and Des Voeux, daughter of George Coventry 7th Earl Coventry and Margaret "Peggy" Pitches Countess Coventry.
On 27th December 1822 Henry George Roper-Curzon 17th Baron Teynham was born to George Henry Roper-Curzon 16th Baron Teynham (age 24). He married 19th April 1860 Harriet Anne Lovell Heathcote and had issue.
On 27th December 1824 Henry Page-Turner Barron 2nd Baronet was born to Henry Winston Barron 1st Baronet (age 29) and Anna Leigh Guy Page-Turner Lady Barron.
On 27th December 1833 St Aubyn Hender Molesworth-St Aubyn 12th Baronet was born to Hender Molesworth-St Aubyn (age 35).
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 27th December 1841 Alice Charlotte Pitt-Rivers was born to George Pitt-Rivers 4th Baron Rivers (age 31) and Susan Georgiana Leveson-Gower Baroness Rivers (age 31).
On 27th December 1845 Charles Gordon-Lennox 7th Duke Richmond was born to Charles Gordon-Lennox 6th Duke Richmond (age 27) and Frances Harriett Greville Duchess Richmond (age 21). He married (1) 10th November 1868 Amy Mary Ricardo and had issue (2) 1882 his fifth cousin once removed Isabel Sophie Craven and had issue.
On 27th December 1847 Henry Fitzalan Howard 15th Duke of Norfolk was born to Henry Granville Fitzalan 14th Duke of Norfolk (age 32) and Augusta Mary Minna Catherine Lyons Duchess Norfolk (age 26). He married (1) 1877 Flora Paulyna Hetty Barbara Clifton Duchess Norfolk, daughter of Charles Frederick Abney-Hastings 1st Baron Donington and Edith Maud Rawdon-Hastings 10th Countess Loudon, and had issue (2) 5th February 1904 his first cousin once removed Gwendolen Constable-Maxwell Duchess Norfolk and had issue.
On 27th December 1854 Mary Louisa Elizabeth Montagu Duchess Hamilton Duchess Brandon was born to William Drogo Montagu 7th Duke Manchester (age 31) and Louisa Vonalten Duchess Devonshire and Manchester (age 22). She married 10th December 1873 her fourth cousin once removed William Douglas Hamilton 12th Duke Hamilton 9th Duke Brandon, son of William Alexander Archibald Hamilton 11th Duke Hamilton 8th Duke Brandon, and had issue.
On 27th December 1855 George Byron 9th Baron Byron was born to Frederick Byron (age 33).
On 27th December 1859 John Wallop 7th Earl Portsmouth was born to Isaac Newton Wallop 5th Earl of Portsmouth (age 34) and Eveline Howard Herbert Countess Portsmouth (age 25).
On 27th December 1880 Irene Mordaunt was born to Charles Mordaunt 10th Baronet (age 44) and Mary Louisa Cholmondeley Lady Massingham Parva (age 29).
On 27th December 1882 Mervyn Robert Howard Molyneux Herbert was born to Henry Howard Molyneux Herbert 4th Earl Carnarvon (age 51) and Elizabeth Catherine Howard-Molyneux-Howard Countess Carnarvon (age 26). Coefficient of inbreeding 6.25%.
On 27th December 1884 Geoffrey Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes 13th or 19th Baron Saye and Sele was born to Geoffrey Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes 12th or 18th Baron Saye and Sele (age 26) and Marion Ruperta Murray Lawes Baroness Saye and Sele.
On 27th December 1888 Frank Thomas le Fleming 10th Baronet was born to William Hudleston le Fleming 9th Baronet (age 27).
On 27th December 1902 Roderick Napoleon Brinckman 5th Baronet was born to Theodore Francis Brinckman 3rd Baronet (age 40).
On 27th December 1922 Claude du Cros 3rd Baronet was born to Philip Harvey du Cros 2nd Baronet (age 24).
On 27th December 1926 Michael Holland-Hibbert 6th Viscount Knutsford was born to Wilfrid Knutsford Holland-Hibbert (age 33). He married 8th May 1951 Sheila Constance Portman, daughter of Edward Claud Berkeley Portman 5th Viscount Portman and Sybil Mary Douglas-Pennant Viscountess Portman.
On 27th December 1941 Geoffroy Richard Everett Millais 6th Baronet was born to Ralph Regnault Millais 5th Baronet (age 36).
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 27th December 1951 William Astor 4th Viscount Astor was born to William Waldorf Astor 3rd Viscount Astor (age 44) and Sarah Norton Viscountess Astor (age 31).
On 27th December 1605 Philip Herbert 4th Earl Pembroke 1st Earl Montgomery (age 21) and Susan Vere Countess Montgomery (age 18) were married at Whitehall. The bride was escorted into the church by the Queen's (age 31) brother Prince Ulrik Oldenburg (age 26) and her son Henry Frederick Stewart Prince of Wales (age 11). She the daughter of Edward de Vere 17th Earl of Oxford and Anne Cecil Countess of Oxford. He the son of Henry Herbert 2nd Earl Pembroke and Mary Sidney Countess Pembroke (age 44).
On 27th December 1643 John Coryton 1st Baronet (age 22) and Elizabeth Mills Lady Coryton were married. They had two sons and two daughters.
On 27th December 1712 Charles Tracy 5th Viscount Tracy (age 22) and Elizabeth Keyt (age 23) were married.
On 27th December 1714 William Pulteney 1st Earl Bath (age 30) and Anna Maria Gumley were married.
On 27th December 1810 Windham Quin 2nd Earl Dunraven and Mount-Earl (age 28) and Caroline Wyndham Countess Dunraven and Mount Earl were married. He the son of Valentine Richard Wyndham-Quin 1st Earl Dunraven and Mount-Earl (age 58) and Frances Muriel Fox-Strangways Baroness Adare.
On 27th December 1830 Lucius Cary 10th Viscount Falkland (age 27) and Amelia Fitz-Clarence Viscountess Falkland (age 23) were married at the Brighton Royal Pavilion. King William IV (age 65) gave away his daughter. The service was conducted by Bishop Charles Richard Sumner. She the illegitmate daughter of King William IV of the United Kingdom and Dorothea Bland aka "Mrs Jordan".
On 27th December 1381 Edmund Mortimer 3rd Earl March, Earl of Ulster (age 29) died. He was buried at Wigmore Abbey [Map]. His son Roger (age 7) succeeded 4th Earl March, 3rd Earl of Ulster, 6th Baron Mortimer of Wigmore.
On 31st December 1426 Thomas Beaufort 1st Duke Exeter (age 49) died at Greenwich, Kent [Map]. Some sources say 27th December 1426 and 1st January 1427. Duke Exeter and Earl Dorset extinct.
On 27th December 1439 Isabel Despencer Countess Warwick and Worcester (age 39) died. Her son Henry (age 14) succeeded 6th Baron Burghesh.
On 27th December 1683 Marie Françoise Élisabeth of Savoy Queen Consort of Portugal (age 37) 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 27th December 1685 Henriette Stanley Countess Strafford (age 55) died. She was buried at York Minster [Map].
On 27th December 1703 Thomas Cartwright (age 68) died.
On 27th December 1707 Robert Leke 3rd Earl Scarsdale (age 53) died without surviving issue. His nephew Nicholas (age 25) succeeded 4th Earl Scarsdale, 4th Baron Deincourt of Sutton, 4th Baronet Leke of Sutton in Derbyshire.
On 27th December 1742 Lawrence Fiennes 5th Viscount Saye and Sele died unmarried. His first cousin once removed Richard (age 26) succeeded 6th Viscount Saye and Sele.
On 27th December 1754 Marmaduke Wyvill 6th Baronet (age 62) died. His nephew Marmaduke (age 14) succeeded 7th Baronet Wyvill of Constable Burton in Yorkshire.
On 27th December 1777 Bishop Frederick Keppel (age 49) died.
On 27th December 1787 Thomas Hay 9th Earl Kinnoul (age 77) died. His nephew Robert (age 36) succeeded 10th Earl Kinnoull, 3rd Baron Hay of Pedwardine in Herefordshire.
On 27th December 1789 John Lister-Kaye 5th Baronet (age 64) died. His brother Richard (age 53) succeeded 6th Baronet Kaye of Woodsome Hall in Yorkshire.
On 27th December 1817 Richard Onslow 1st Baronet (age 76) died. His son Henry (age 33) succeeded 2nd Baronet Onslow of Althain.
On 27th December 1820 Thomas Gage 7th Baronet (age 39) died. His son Thomas (age 10) succeeded 8th Baronet Gage of Hengrave in Suffolk.
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 27th December 1835 George Cornewall 3rd Baronet (age 61) died. His son Velters (age 11) succeeded 4th Baronet Amyand aka Cornewall of Moccas Court in Herefordshire.
On 27th December 1851 Edward Dolman Scott 2nd Baronet (age 58) died. His son Francis (age 27) succeeded 3rd Baronet Scott of Great Barr in Staffordshire.
On 27th December 1854 George Stracey 3rd Baronet (age 84) died. His brother Josias (age 83) succeeded 4th Baronet Stracey of Rackheath in Norfolk.
On 27th December 1857 Frederick Spencer 4th Earl Spencer (age 59) died. His son John (age 22) succeeded 5th Earl Spencer, 5th Viscount Althorp, 5th Viscount Spencer, 5th Baron Spencer Althorp.
On 27th December 1859 Jacob Astley 16th Baron Hastings (age 62) died. His son Jacob (age 37) succeeded 17th Baron Hastings, 7th Baronet Astley of Hill Morton.
On 27th December 1881 Augusta Anne Somerset Lady Barron (age 57) died.
On 27th December 1902 William Blunt 7th Baronet (age 76) died. His brother John (age 63) succeeded 8th Baronet Blunt of the City of London.
On 27th December 1920 Reginald Henry Graham 8th Baronet (age 85) died. His son Reginald (age 42) succeeded 9th Baronet Graham of Norton Conyers in Yorkshire.
On 27th December 1925 Emily Stenning Baroness Waterpark (age 79) died. Memorial at St Cuthbert's Church, Doveridge [Map].
Emily Stenning Baroness Waterpark: On 12th February 1846 she was born. In 1873 Henry Anson Cavendish 4th Baron Waterpark and she were married. She by marriage Baroness Waterpark. They had five children.
On 27th December 1936 Ernestine Mary Brudenell-Bruce Countess Listowell (age 89) died.
On 27th December 1951 Arthur Bulleid (age 89) died. He was buried in the cemetery, Wells Road, Glastonbury.
Isis. A Journal of the History of Science Society. Volume 43, Number 2. Jul., 1952. Obituaries:
Arthur Bulleid (1860-1951). English student of prehistoric archaeology. Discoverer of the Iron Age B site known as the Glastonbury Lake Village. Died on 27 Dec. 1951 at Midsomer Norton, Somerset. Obituary in Nature (169, 221, 1952). The Glastonbury lake village (Glastonbury 1911-17). The lake villages of Somerset (London 1924). The Meare lake village (Taunton Castle, Som. 1948).
Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
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On 27th December 1954 William Cooper 4th Baronet (age 77) died. His son Charles (age 48) succeeded 5th Baronet Cooper of Woollahra in New South Wales.
On 27th December 1992 John Skeffington 13th Viscount Massereene, 6th Viscount Ferrard (age 78) died. His son John (age 52) succeeded 14th Viscount Massereene, 7th Viscount Ferrard, 13th Baron Lough Neagh, 7th Baron Oriel, 7th Baron Oriel of Ferrand in Louth.
On 27th December 2002 Anne Bairstow Cumming Bell Duchess of Rutland died.
On 27th December 2002 Wentworth Beaumont 3rd Viscount Allendale (age 80) died. His son Wentworth (age 54) succeeded 4th Viscount Allendale of Allendale and Hexham in Northumberland, 5th Baron Allendale of Allendale and Hexham in Northumberland.