Memoires of Jacques du Clercq

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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

On this Day in History ... 29th March

29 Mar is in March.

29th March 1461 Battle of Towton

1644 Battle of Cheriton

1661 Charles II Continues to Reward those who Supported His Restoration

1871 Opening of the Albert Hall

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 29th March

On 29th March 1058 Pope Stephen IX [aged 38] died.

Annals of Six Kings of England by Nicholas Trivet [1258-1328]. 1187. Henry, king of England, crossed over into Normandy on the thirteenth day before the Kalends of March. Gilbert of London died on the twelfth day before the Kalends of March [17th February 1187]. Constance [aged 26], countess of Brittany, widow of Geoffrey, gave birth on the fourth day before the Kalends of April [29th March 1187] to a posthumous son, who was called Arthur1.

1187. HENRICUS rex Angliæ, decimo tertio cal. Martii, in Normanniam transfretavit. Obiit Gilebertus Londoniensis duodecimo cal. Martii. Constantia comitissa Britanniæ, relicta Galfridi, posthumous quarto cal. Aprilis peperit filium, qui vocatus est Arthurus.

Note 1. Prince Arthur was born to posthumously to Geoffrey, son of King Henry II [aged 53], and Constance, daughter of Conan, IV Duke of Brittany. His father had died seven months before his birth. Arthur would die in mysterious circumstances while imprisoned by his uncle King John of England [aged 20] in 1186.

Chronicle of Roger de Hoveden. 29th March 1194. On the twenty-ninth day of March, Richard, King of England, set out to see Clipstone and the forests of Sherwood, which he had never seen before. He was greatly pleased by them, and on the same day, he returned to Nottingham.

Vicesima nona die mensis Martii, Ricardus rex Angliæ profectus est videre Clipestune et forestas de Sirewude, quas ipse nunquam viderat antea; et placuerunt eli multum: et eodem die rediit ad Nothingham.

On 29th March 1372 John Willoughby 3rd Baron Willoughby [aged 49] died. His son Robert [aged 23] succeeded 4th Baron Willoughby de Eresby. Margery Zouche Baroness Willoughby of Eresby [aged 33] by marriage Baroness Willoughby de Eresby.

He was buried at St James' Church, Spilsby [Map]. Early Plate Bascinet Period.

John Willoughby 3rd Baron Willoughby: In 1323 he was born to John Willoughby 2nd Baron Willoughby and Joan Roscelyn Baroness Willoughby and Latimer at Willoughby-on-the-Wolds, Nottinghamshire [Map]. Before 1349 John Willoughby 3rd Baron Willoughby and Cecily Ufford Baroness Willoughby of Eresby were married. When John married Cecily he changed his arms from Willoughby Arms to Willoughby de Eresby Arms. She the daughter of Robert Ufford 1st Earl Suffolk and Margaret Norwich Countess Suffolk.

Margery Zouche Baroness Willoughby of Eresby: Around 1339 she was born to William Zouche 2nd Baron Zouche Harringworth and Elizabeth Ros Baroness Zouche Harringworth. Before 1st October 1369 Robert Willoughby 4th Baron Willoughby and she were married. They were sixth cousins. On 18th October 1391 Margery Zouche Baroness Willoughby of Eresby died.

On 29th March 1461 the Battle of Towton was a decisive victory for King Edward IV of England [aged 18] bringing to an end the first war of the Wars of the Roses. Said to be the bloodiest battle on English soil 28000 were killed mainly during the rout that followed the battle.

The Yorkist army was commanded by King Edward IV of England with John Mowbray 3rd Duke of Norfolk [aged 45], William Neville 1st Earl Kent [aged 56], William Hastings 1st Baron Hastings [aged 30] (knighted), Walter Blount 1st Baron Mountjoy [aged 45], Henry Bourchier 2nd Count of Eu 1st Earl Essex [aged 57], John Scrope 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton [aged 23] and John Wenlock 1st Baron Wenlock [aged 61].

The Lancastrian army suffered significant casualties including Richard Percy [aged 35], Ralph Bigod Lord Morley [aged 50], John Bigod [aged 28], Robert Cromwell [aged 71], Ralph Eure [aged 49], John Neville 1st Baron Neville of Raby [aged 51], John Beaumont [aged 33], Thomas Dethick [aged 61], Everard Simon Digby, William Plumpton [aged 25] and William Welles [aged 51] who were killed.

Henry Percy 3rd Earl of Northumberland [aged 39] was killed. Earl of Northumberland, Baron Percy of Alnwick, Baron Percy of Topcliffe forfeit.

Ralph Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 49] was killed. He was buried at the nearby Saxton church where his chest tomb is extant. Baron Dacre Gilsland extinct.

Lionel Welles 6th Baron Welles [aged 55] was killed. His son Richard [aged 33] succeeded 7th Baron Welles.

The Lancastrian army was commanded by Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset [aged 25], Henry Holland 3rd Duke Exeter [aged 30], Henry Percy 3rd Earl of Northumberland and Andrew Trollope.

Henry Holland 3rd Duke Exeter was attainted after the battle; Duke Exeter, Earl Huntingdon forfeit.


Those who fought for the Lancaster included William Tailboys 7th Baron Kyme [aged 46], William Plumpton, John Sutton 1st Baron Dudley [aged 60], William Norreys [aged 20], Thomas Grey 1st Baron Grey of Richemont [aged 43], Robert Hungerford 3rd Baron Hungerford 1st Baron Moleyns [aged 30], John Talbot 3rd Earl of Shrewsbury [aged 12], Richard Welles 7th Baron Welles, Baron Willoughby, Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers [aged 56], James Butler 1st Earl Wiltshire 5th Earl Ormonde [aged 40], John Butler 6th Earl Ormonde [aged 39], William Beaumont 2nd Viscount Beaumont [aged 22], Henry Roos and Thomas Tresham [aged 41]. Cardinal John Morton [aged 41] were captured.

John Heron of Ford Castle Northumberland [aged 45], Robert Dethick [aged 86], Andrew Trollope and his son David Trollope were killed.

Chronicle of Jean de Waurin Books 3-5 [1400-1474]. Then each of them, hearing the amiable request made by the young Earl, whom they already regarded as King, all responded with one voice that they would assist him with their bodies and their wealth until death. Upon receiving this response, the Earl thanked them, then dismounted from his horse and told them, with sword or bare hands, that he wished to live and die with them on that day, to give them greater courage. He then positioned himself in front of his standard, facing his enemies, who were advancing powerfully with great noise, shouting loudly, "King Henry." On the day of this encounter, there was a great slaughter between the two parties, and for a long time, it was unclear who would emerge victorious, so furious was the battle and so great and pitiful was the carnage, as fathers did not spare sons nor sons fathers. But in the end, through the great prowess primarily of the Earl of March, God granted him victory, and he won the day over his enemies, whom he completely defeated.

Indeed, if one were to recount and describe all the individual feats of arms that occurred on that day, both on one side and the other, it would be too much to cover. Therefore, I will be as brief as possible, but I can assure you that the greatest clash of the battle occurred near the quarters of the Earl of Warwick, who was severely wounded there. However, in the end, those on the side of the King, the Queen, and the Duke of Somerset were completely defeated, and the Earl of March remained victorious. As I was informed by credible sources who were at the battle, all the greatest lords with the King and the Queen were either killed or captured: first, the Earl of Northumberland [aged 39], the Earl of Clifford, the Lord of Mauley [aged 50], the Lord of Willoughby [aged 55], the Lord of Muelles, the son of the Duke of Buckingham [Henry Stafford [aged 36]], the Lord Scales, the Lord Gray, Andrew Trollope, the Lord Roos, the Lord of Percy, Sir Grauan and his son, and several other knights and esquires, which was a pity, as well as thirty-six thousand men who died that day, not counting the prisoners and the wounded, who were numerous, including the Lord of Rivers and his son. The King Henry and Queen Margaret, his spouse, the Duke of Somerset, and the Duke of Exeter fled to York.

Alors chascun deulz, oians la requeste tant amyable que leur faisoit le jenne comte lequel desja tenoient pour roy, respondirent tous dune voix que jusques au morir ilz lui aideroient de corpz et davoir; de laquele responce le comte les remercya, si descendy de son coursier en leur disant, lespee ou poing, que ce jour voulloit vivre et morir avec eulz, adfin de leur donner plus grant courage, et lors se vint il mettre devant son estandart regardant ses annemis, qui marchoient puissamment, menant moult grant bruit, cryant a haulte voix: "King Henry," si eut au jour de cest aprochement moult grant occision entre les deux parties, et fut une longue espace que len ne scavoit a qui donner la victore, tant fut la bataille furieuse et la tuyson grande et pitoiable, car le pere ne deportoit le filz ne le filz le pere; mais en fin, par la grant proesse principalement du comte de La Marche, Dieu luy donna la victore, et guaigna la journee sur ses annemis, lesquelz il mist a plaine descomfiture.

A la verite qui volroit declarer et dire toutes les proescheuses apartises darmes qui ce jour se firent tant dun coste comme dautre, len y porroit trop mettre, et pourtant men passeray le plus brief que faire porray, mais je vous ose bien affermer que la plus grant froisse de la bataille saborda vers le quartier du comte de Warewic lequel y fut durement navre; mais en fin ceulz de la partie du roy, de la royne et du duc de Sombresset furent menez a plaine descomfiture et demoura victorien le comte de La Marche, et comme je fus imforme par gens de credence qui a la bataille furent, tous les plus grans princes davec le roy et la royne y demourerent mors ou prins: premierement le comte de Northumbelland, le comte de Clifford, le seigneur de Muelle, le seigneur de Willebic, le seigneur de Muelles, le filz du duc de Bouquinghuem, le seigneur de Scalles, le seigneur de Gray, et Andrieu Trolot, le seigneur de Ros, le seigneur de Persy, messire Grauan et son filz, et plusieurs autres chevalliers et escuyers, dont ce fut pitie, telement quil y morut ce jour bien trente six mille hommes sans les prisonniers et navrez qui y furent en moult grant nombre, entre lesquelz estoient le seigneur de Riviere et son filz; si sen fuyrent a Yorc le roy Henry et la royne Marguerite son espeuse, le duc de Sombresset et le duc dExcestre.

Chronicle of St Albans by Abbot John Whethamstede [-1465]. [29th March 1461] Trusting thus in the Lord God and placing all the confidence of his expedition in the Lord Himself, he had the Lord aiding him no less than Theodosius the Great had once had, when he was about to engage in battle against Eugenius and Arbogast. For just as for them, due to the hope and faith they held in the Lord, the Lord Himself was present, and caused such a great wind to blow directly into the face of the enemy while they were fighting hand-to-hand, that it reverberated and reflected back, not only their entire volley of missiles or arrows, but also so confused and weakened the leaders, that one of them, namely Arbogast, fell in battle, while the other, namely Eugenius, fleeing from the field, brought about his own demise; similarly, and almost in all respects, because of the trust held in the Lord, the Lord Himself was also present, and gave him power against his enemies, and such grace, that the wind which previously blew in his face, as soon as he was about to fight against the enemy, turned in the opposite direction in such a way that it slowed down and blunted the entire enemy barrage, causing it to do no harm, or very little, to him or his, and inflict no injury. And thus, with his entire barrage nullified, annulled, and frustrated, later, when they reached axes and hatchets, knives and mallets, and other larger instruments, a very fierce battle ensued on both sides, especially on the Prince's side, indeed, a most atrocious one.

Trusting thus in the Lord God and placing all the confidence of his expedition in the Lord Himself, he had the Lord aiding him no less than Theodosius the Great had once had, when he was about to engage in battle against Eugenius and Arbogast. For just as for them, due to the hope and faith they held in the Lord, the Lord Himself was present, and caused such a great wind to blow directly into the face of the enemy while they were fighting hand-to-hand, that it reverberated and reflected back, not only their entire volley of missiles or arrows, but also so confused and weakened the leaders, that one of them, namely Arbogast, fell in battle, while the other, namely Eugenius, fleeing from the field, brought about his own demise; similarly, and almost in all respects, because of the trust held in the Lord, the Lord Himself was also present, and gave him power against his enemies, and such grace, that the wind which previously blew in his face, as soon as he was about to fight against the enemy, turned in the opposite direction in such a way that it slowed down and blunted the entire enemy barrage, causing it to do no harm, or very little, to him or his, and inflict no injury. And thus, with his entire barrage nullified, annulled, and frustrated, later, when they reached axes and hatchets, knives and mallets, and other larger instruments, a very fierce battle ensued on both sides, especially on the Prince's side, indeed, a most atrocious one.

For here you could see another Achilles, the Duke of Norfolk [aged 45], with his soldiers advancing, and there, the young Hector, the Earl of Warwick, engaging with his recruits. And just like that, a second Achilles, Lord de Fauconberg [aged 56], with his citizens, rushing upon the enemies and striking them down. Although, as the poet writes, they didn't depict the fall of Troy so swiftly, they did portray, and continued to paint, the entire royal road from the battlefield almost to the walls of the city of York, a distance of about six miles, with crimson blood. Even though the Lord sent down blood from the heavens, saturating it with an excessive and almost miraculous new colour. For they themselves were valiant military leaders, and not unjustly to be compared to the aforementioned leaders. For at the beginning of the war, when these roaring Northerners were bending and releasing their bows to shoot straight in the dark, the leaders themselves forced them first, because they did not want to keep the covenant of the Lord, nor walk in His law, which dictates that the elder son should always be preferred to the younger son in hereditary right, as the other sons of Ephraim, turning their back on their inheritance on the day of battle. Later, because it was a generation further corrupt and exasperating, a generation, namely, such that it did not direct its heart with the Lord, nor was its spirit believed with Him, they rushed upon them with such force and effort that they forced them, and pressed them so tightly, that they could not flee from their presence, except as young lambs usually flee from the jaws of wolves, or fly from the talons of hawks, their wings trembling, like doves. Their leaders and captains, as many as they had in the field, either fell to the ground with their standards and banners, or fled to hiding places where they could conceal themselves from the edge of the sword.

Sicque in Domino Deo confisus, in ipsoque Domino totam fiduciam suæ expeditionis ponens, non secus ipsum Dominum auxiliantem habuit, quam dudum habuerat Theodosius Magnus, dum contra Eugenium et Arbogasten bellum commissurus erat. Quemadmodum etenim illi, propter spem et fidem in Domino habitas, affuit ipse Dominus, et tam grandem ventum turbineum in facie hostium, dum pugnarent cominus, inflare fecit, ut reverberaret, et repercuteret, omnimodam nedum jaculationem, sive sagittationem, suam, ac destrueret; immo etiam, taliter ipsos confunderet duces, et infirmaret, ut unus illorum, scilicet, Arbogastes, in bello caderet, alter vero, scilicet, Eugenius, e campo fugiens, sibi ipsi interitum procuraret; sic similiter, et quasi per omnia, propter fiduciam in Domino habitam, affuit etiam ipse Dominus, deditque illi contra inimicos potentiam, ac itaque gratiam talem, ut ventum, quem prius in facie flantem habuit, statim ut pugnaturus esset contra hostem, suscepit versum taliter in contrarium, ut totam hostilem sagittationem retardaret, et retunderet, causaretque ut nullum, vel paucum, faceret sibi aut suis damnum, læsuramve inferret. Sicque cassata, annullata, et frustrata, tota sagittatione sua, posterius, cum perventum esset ad secures et ascias, ad sicas et malleolos, ad aliaque instrumenta grandiora, facta erat ex utraque parte, et præcipue ex parte Principis, pugna atrox valde, immo, atrocissima.

Nam hic videre poteras Aacidem alterum, Ducem, videlicet, Northfolchiæ, cum suis militibus tendere, illic novellum Hectorem, Comitem, scilicet, Warwyci, cum suis tironibus se ingerere, isthic vero Achillem secundum, Dominum, videlicet, de Facunbrigge, cum suis Quiritibus, irruere in hostes, ac eos prosternere; quod, licet, ut scribit Poeta, nequaquam fluido depingerent Pergama tota mero, pingebant tamen, et depingebant, non aliter, totam viam regiam a campo præliationis, usque pene ad mœnia urbis Eboracensis, per spatium quasi sex milliarium, cruore rubro, quametsi Dominus sanguinem de cœlo demitteret, intingeretque novo colore nimio, ac plusquam prodigiose rubricaret. Erant enim ipsi duces milites strenuissimi, nec immerito ducibus jam dictis comparandi. Nam in principio belli, dum isti bobinantes Boreales intendebant et immittebant suos arcus, ut sagittarent in obscuro rectos corde, coegerunt eos ipsi duces primo, quia noluerunt custodire testamentum Domini, nec ambulare in lege ejus, quæ dictat filium seniorem filio juniori in jure semper hæreditario anteferri, velut alteros filios Ephraim, suum convertere dorsum in die belli Posterius vero, quia erat ulterius generatio prava et exasperans, generatio, videlicet, talis, que nec direxit cor suum cum Domino, nec creditus erat cum ipso spiritus ejus, ideo cum tanto impetu et conatu irruerunt in eos, ut cogerent ipsos, et coangustarent, non aliter a facie eorum fugere, quam discurrere solent a lupi faucibus pavitantes oviculæ, aut evolare ab accipitris unguibus, alis trepidantibus, columbellæ. Duces eorum, et capitaneos, quotquot in campo habebant sibi obvios, vel in terram, una cum suis signis et vexillis, prostraverant, vel ad latibula fugere, quibus possent ab ore gladii se occulere, compellebant.

Nam hic videre poteras Aacidem alterum, Ducem, videlicet, Northfolchiæ, cum suis militibus tendere, illic novellum Hectorem, Comitem, scilicet, Warwyci, cum suis tironibus se ingerere, isthic vero Achillem secundum, Dominum, videlicet, de Facunbrigge, cum suis Quiritibus, irruere in hostes, ac eos prosternere; quod, licet, ut scribit Poeta, nequaquam fluido depingerent Pergama tota mero, pingebant tamen, et depingebant, non aliter, totam viam regiam a campo præliationis, usque pene ad mœnia urbis Eboracensis, per spatium quasi sex milliarium, cruore rubro, quametsi Dominus sanguinem de cœlo demitteret, intingeretque novo colore nimio, ac plusquam prodigiose rubricaret. Erant enim ipsi duces milites strenuissimi, nec immerito ducibus jam dictis comparandi. Nam in principio belli, dum isti bobinantes Boreales intendebant et immittebant suos arcus, ut sagittarent in obscuro rectos corde, coegerunt eos ipsi duces primo, quia noluerunt custodire testamentum Domini, nec ambulare in lege ejus, quæ dictat filium seniorem filio juniori in jure semper hæreditario anteferri, velut alteros filios Ephraim, suum convertere dorsum in die belli Posterius vero, quia erat ulterius generatio prava et exasperans, generatio, videlicet, talis, que nec direxit cor suum cum Domino, nec creditus erat cum ipso spiritus ejus, ideo cum tanto impetu et conatu irruerunt in eos, ut cogerent ipsos, et coangustarent, non aliter a facie eorum fugere, quam discurrere solent a lupi faucibus pavitantes oviculæ, aut evolare ab accipitris unguibus, alis trepidantibus, columbellæ. Duces eorum, et capitaneos, quotquot in campo habebant sibi obvios, vel in terram, una cum suis signis et vexillis, prostraverant, vel ad latibula fugere, quibus possent ab ore gladii se occulere, compellebant.

Chronicle of William of Worcester. 29th March 1461 ... and on the following day [29th March 1461], a most grievous battle was fought between Edward [aged 18] and his lords, namely the Duke of Norfolk [aged 45], the Earl of Warwick [aged 32], Lord Fauconberg [aged 56], etc., and Henry VI with his lords, where King Henry lost the field, resulting in the destruction of his entire faction, and he fled with his followers; wherein the Earl of Northumberland [aged 39], Lord Clifford [deceased], Andrew Trollope, and many other lords, knights, squires, and gentlemen perished, some in battle and some in flight, totalling over nine thousand men in all.

et die sequenti commissum est gravissimum prœlium inter Edwardum cum suis dominis, scilicet, duce Norfolchiæ, comite Warwici, domino Facunbrygge, etc., et inter Henricum VI. cum suis dominis, ubi rex Henricus perdidit campum in destructionem totius suæ partis, et fugit cum suis; ubi comes Northumbriæ, dominus Clifford, Andreas Trollop, et multi alii domini, milites, armigeri et generosi occubuerunt, quidam in prœlio et quidam fugiendo, ultra ix. m. hominum in toto.

After 29th March 1461. Monument in Church of St Oswald, Methley [Map] to Lionel Welles 6th Baron Welles [deceased] and Joan or Cecily Waterton. He with short hair typical of the period, his head resting on great helm. Livery collar of linked chain, standard (the chain mail around the neck), wearing a coat of arms (or (gold) a lion sable (black)), leg garter at the knee, fluted period with tassets that protect the thighs, his feet on a lion. She wearing a horned headdress, her head resting on a cushion supported by angels, small linked collar. Both with hands clasped in prayer with lots of rings. Little dog chewing at her dress. Chest with Angels with Rounded Wings holding Shields. Dogs chewing at her dress with Studded Collar. Angels Supporting Pillow.

Joan or Cecily Waterton: she was born to Robert Waterton and Cecily Fleming. Before 14th April 1447 Lionel Welles 6th Baron Welles and she were married.

On 29th March 1494 Magdalena Albret was born to Jean III King Navarre [aged 25] and Catherine Grailly I Queen Navarre [aged 26]. She died aged ten in 1504.

On 29th March 1519 Francesco Gonzaga II Marquess of Mantua [aged 52] died. Federico Gonzaga II Duke Mantua [aged 18] succeeded II Marquess Mantua.

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.

Wriothesley's Chronicle [1508-1562]. The third Soundaie of Lent preached at Paules Crosse [Map] the Bishopp of Bangor.c

Note c. John Salcot, alias Capon, Abbot of Hyde, consecrated 19th April, 1684.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 29th March 1559. The xxix day of Marche dyd pryche at sant Mare Spyttyll master Horne [aged 49], parsun sum-tyme at Allalows in Bredstrett.

Diary of Anne Clifford. 29th March 1617. Upon the 29th my Lord [aged 28] went to London, I bringing him down to his coach. I found this time that he was nothing so much discontented with this agreement as I thought he would have been, and that he was more pleased and contented with the passages in London than I imagined he would have been.

Diary of Anne Clifford. 29th March 1619. The 29th my Lord [aged 30] went to Buckhurst and so to Lewes, to see the muster which the county prepared in so much better fashion by reason of their affection to him, which was as much as my Lord hath in any county or can have.

On 29th March 1629 Maximillian Colt's [aged 54] daughter Abigail was buried, at the age of sixteen, in the St. Bartholomew's Church, and his wife, Susan, in 1646.

On 29th March 1644 John Stewart [aged 22] was killed during the Battle of Cheriton fighting for the Royalists.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 29th March 1660. We lie still a little below Gravesend, Kent [Map]. At night Mr. Sheply returned from London, and told us of several elections for the next Parliament. That the King's effigies was new making to be set up in the Exchange [Map] again. This evening was a great whispering of some of the Vice-Admiral's captains that they were dissatisfied, and did intend to fight themselves, to oppose the General [aged 51]. But it was soon hushed, and the Vice-Admiral did wholly deny any such thing, and protested to stand by the General. At night Mr. Sheply, W. Howe, and I supped in my cabin. So up to the Master's cabin, where we sat talking, and then to bed.

In early 1661 King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland [aged 30] rewarded of further tranche of those who supported his Restoration...

On 2nd January 1661 Henry Bedingfield 1st Baronet [aged 46] was created 1st Baronet Bedingfield of Oxburgh in Norfolk.

On 10th January 1661 Andrew Rutherford 1st Earl Teviot was created 1st Baron Rutherford with special remainder to his heirs and assignees whatsoever, and that under what provisions, restrictions, and conditions the said Lord Rutherford should think fit.

On 23rd January 1661 John Cole 1st Baronet [aged 41] was created Baronet Cole of Newland.

On 23rd February 1661 Edward Smythe 1st Baronet [aged 41] was created 1st Baronet Smythe.

On 4th March 1661 Compton Reade 1st Baronet [aged 36] was created 1st Baronet Reade of Barton in Berkshire. Mary Cornwall Lady Reade [aged 31] by marriage Lady Reade of Barton in Berkshire.

On 10th March 1661 Brian Broughton 1st Baronet [aged 42] was created 1st Baronet Broughton of Broughton in Staffordshire.

On 20th March 1661 Thomas Rich 1st Baronet [aged 60] was created 1st Baronet Rich of Sonning in Berkshire.

On 29th March 1661 Robert Cholmondeley 1st Viscount Cholmondeley [aged 21] was created 1st Viscount Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath.

On 30th March 1661 James Butler 1st Duke Ormonde [aged 50] was created 1st Duke Ormonde by King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. Elizabeth Preston Duchess Ormonde [aged 45] by marriage Duchess Ormonde.

On 30th March 1661 John Fettiplace 1st Baronet [aged 35] was created 1st Baronet Fettiplace of Childrey in Berkshire. Anne Wenman Lady Fettiplace [aged 31] by marriage Lady Fettiplace of Childrey in Berkshire.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 29th March 1664. By and by to dinner, where good cheere, and Sir G. Carteret [aged 54] in his humour a very good man, and the most kind father and pleased father in his children that ever I saw. Here is now hung up a picture of my Baroness Carteret [aged 62], drawn by Lilly [aged 45], a very fine picture, but yet not so good as I have seen of his doing.

John Evelyn's Diary. 29th March 1665. Went to Goring House [Map], now Mr. Secretary Bennet's [aged 47], ill-built, but the place capable of being made a pretty villa. His Majesty [aged 34] was now finishing the Decoy in the Park.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 29th March 1668. Lord's Day. Up, and I to Church, where I have not been these many weeks before, and there did first find a strange Reader, who could not find in the Service-book the place for churching women, but was fain to change books with the clerke: and then a stranger preached, a seeming able man; but said in his pulpit that God did a greater work in raising of an oake-tree from an akehorne, than a man's body raising it, at the last day, from his dust (shewing the possibility of the Resurrection): which was, methought, a strange saying. At home to dinner, whither comes and dines with me W. Howe, and by invitation Mr. Harris [aged 34] and Mr. Banister [aged 38], most extraordinary company both, the latter for musique of all sorts, the former for everything: here we sang, and Banister played on the theorbo, and afterwards Banister played on his flageolet, and I had very good discourse with him about musique, so confirming some of my new notions about musique that it puts me upon a resolution to go on and make a scheme and theory of musique not yet ever made in the world. Harris do so commend my wife's picture of Mr. Hales's [aged 68], that I shall have him draw Harris's head; and he hath also persuaded me to have Cooper draw my wife's, which, though it cost £30, yet I will have done. Thus spent the afternoon most deliciously, and then broke up and walked with them as far as the Temple [Map], and there parted, and I took coach to Westminster, but there did nothing, meeting nobody that I had a mind to speak with, and so home, and there find Mr. Pelling, and then also comes Mrs. Turner [aged 45], and supped and talked with us, and so to bed. I do hear by several that Sir W. Pen's [aged 46] going to sea do dislike the Parliament mightily, and that they have revived the Committee of Miscarriages to find something to prevent it; and that he being the other day with the Duke of Albemarle [aged 59] to ask his opinion touching his going to sea, the Duchess overheard and come in to him, and asks W. Pen how he durst have the confidence to offer to go to sea again, to the endangering the nation, when he knew himself such a coward as he was, which, if true, is very severe.

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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 29th March 1669. By and by the corpse come out; and I, with Sir Richard Browne [aged 64] and Mr. Evelyn [aged 48], in their coach to the church, where Mr. Plume preached. But I, in the midst of the sermon, did go out, and walked all alone, round to Deptford, Kent [Map], thinking para have seen the wife of Bagwell, which I did at her door, but I could not conveniently go into her house, and so lost my labour: and so to the King's Yard, and there my boat by order met me; and home, where I made my boy to finish the my manuscript, and so to supper and to bed my new chamber-maid, that comes in the room of Jane; is come, Jane and Tom lying at their own lodging this night: the new maid's name is Matt, a proper and very comely maid... [Missin text "so as when I was in bed, the thought de ella did make me para hazer in mi mano."] This day also our cook-maid Bridget went away, which I was sorry for; but, just at her going she was found to be a thief, and so I was the less trouble for it; but now our whole house will, in a manner, be new which, since Jane is gone, I am not at all sorry for, for that my late differences with my wife about poor Deb. will not be remembered.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 29th March 1669. Thence home; and after dinner by water with Tom down to Greenwich, Kent [Map], he reading to me all the way, coming and going, my collections out of the Duke of York's [aged 35] old manuscript of the Navy, which I have bound up, and do please me mightily. At Greenwich, Kent [Map] I come to Captain Cocke's [aged 52], where the house full of company, at the burial of James Temple who, it seems, hath been dead these five days here I had a very good ring, which I did give my wife as soon as I come home. I spent my time there walking in the garden, talking with James Pierce, who tells me that he is certain that the Duke of Buckingham [aged 41] had been with his wenches all the time that he was absent, which was all the last week, nobody knowing where he was. The great talk is of the King's being hot of late against Conventicles, and to see whether the Duke of Buckingham's being returned will turn the King [aged 38], which will make him very popular: and some think it is his plot to make the King thus, to shew his power in the making him change his mind. But Pierce did tell me that the King did certainly say, that he that took one stone from the Church, did take two from his Crown.

John Evelyn's Diary. 29th March 1673. I carried my son [aged 18] to the Bishop of Chichester, that learned and pious man, Dr. Peter Gunning [aged 59], to be instructed by him before he received the Holy Sacrament, when he gave him most excellent advice, which I pray God may influence and remain with him as long as he lives; and O that I had been so blessed and instructed, when first I was admitted to that sacred ordinance!

John Evelyn's Diary. 29th March 1686. The Duke of Northumberland [aged 20] (a natural son of the late King by the Dutchess of Cleaveland [aged 45]) marrying very meanly, with the helpe of his brother Grafton [aged 22], attempted to spirit away his wife.

John Evelyn's Diary. 29th March 1689. The new King [aged 38] much blamed for neglecting Ireland, now likely to be ruined by the Lord Tyrconnel [aged 59] and his Popish party, too strong for the Protestants. Wonderful uncertainty where King James [aged 55] was, whether in France or Ireland. The Scots seem as yet to favour King William, rejecting King James's letter to them, yet declaring nothing positively. Soldiers in England discontented. Parliament preparing the coronation oath. Presbyterians and Dissenters displeased at the vote for preserving the Protestant religion as established by law, without mentioning what they were to have as to indulgence.

After 29th March 1701. Monument to Elizabeth Saunderson [deceased] at St Wulfram's Church, Grantham [Map].

Elizabeth Saunderson: In May 1657 she was born to Thomas Saunderson. Before 29th March 1701 Richard Middlemore and she were married. On 29th March 1701 she died.

On 29th March 1703 John Manners 1st Duke Rutland [aged 64] was created 1st Duke Rutland, 1st Marquess Grandby. Catherine Noel Duchess Rutland [aged 46] by marriage Duchess Rutland.

On 29th March 1763 Samuel Woodford was born in Castle Cary, Somerset.

On 29th March 1788 Infante Carlos María Isidro of Spain was born to Charles IV King Spain [aged 39] and Maria Luisa of Parma [aged 36]. Coefficient of inbreeding 7.98%.

On 29th March 1792 Gustav III King Sweden [aged 46] was assassinated. King Gustav IV of Sweden [aged 13] succeeded King Sweden.

The assassination of the king was enacted on the 16th of March 1792 at a masked ball at the Royal Opera House in Stockholm at midnight. Gustav had arrived earlier that evening to enjoy a dinner in the company of friends. During dinner, he received an anonymous letter that described a threat to his life written by the colonel of the Life Guards Carl Pontus Lilliehorn. After dinner the King continued through a corridor leading from the foyer towards the opera stage where the dancing took place. Anckarström took out the pistol from his left inner pocket, then either he or Ribbing pulled the trigger with the gun in Anckarström's hand. The king was carried back to his quarters, and the exits of the Opera were sealed. Anckarström was arrested the following morning and immediately confessed to the murder. The king had not been shot dead; he was alive and continued to function as head of state. However, the wound became infected, and on 29 March 1792. Gustav's funeral took place on 14 May 1792 at Riddarholmskyrkan.

On 29th March 1804 John Parkinson [aged 16] died at Winchester College, Winchester. Monument at St James' Church, Kinnersley [Map]

John Parkinson: Around 1788 he was born to Leonard Parkinson at Jamaica.

On 29th March 1809 Henry Cadogan [aged 29] challenged Henry William Paget 1st Marquess Anglesey [aged 40] to a duel over his adulterous relationship with his sister Charlotte Cadogan Marchioness Anglesey [aged 27]: 'My Lord, I hereby request you to name a time and place where I may meet you, to obtain satisfaction for the injury done myself and my whole family by your conduct to my sister. I have to add that the time must be as early as possible, and the place not in the immediate neighbourhood of London, as it is by concealment alone that I am able to evade the Police'.

Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans

Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

On 29th March 1862 Adolfo Müller-Ury was born.

On 29th March 1869 Reverend Mathew Burrell [aged 58] died. Memorial at the Chapel of St John the Evangelist, Bolton [Map].

Reverend Mathew Burrell: On 16th January 1811 he was born to William Burrell and Eleanor Forster.

On 29th March 1871 the Albert Hall was opened by Queen Victoria. A welcoming speech was given by Edward, the Prince of Wales because the Queen was too overcome to speak: "It is my high privilege and gratification to report to your Majesty the successful completion of this Hall, an important feature of a long-cherished design of my beloved father, for the general culture of your people, in whose improvement he was always deeply interested. Encouraged by your Majesty's sympathies, and liberally supported by your subjects, we have been enabled to carry out the work without any aid from funds delivered from public taxation... Your Majesty’s Commissioners for the Exhibition of 1851 in further prosecution of my father’s design for the encouragement of the Arts and Sciences, an object which he always had warmly at heart, are about to commence a series of annual international exhibitions, to the success of which this Hall will greatly contribute by the facilities which it will afford for the display of objects and for the meeting of bodies interested in the industries which will form the subjects of successive Exhibitions. The interest shown in the Hall by the most eminent musicians and composers of Europe strengthens our belief that it will largely conduct to the revival among all classes of the nation of a taste for the cultivation of music. It is my grateful duty to return to your Majesty our humble thanks for the additional mark of your Royal favour which is conferred upon us by your auspicious presence on the present occasion when our labours as a provisional committee are drawing to a close. We venture to home that when we shall have resigned our functions into the hands of the governing body … your Majesty will continue to the corporation that measure of support which has been always graciously given to us."

On 29th March 1970 Percy Bryant Baker [aged 88] died in New York.

Births on the 29th March

On 29th March 1252 George Cantilupe 12th Baron Abergavenny was born to William Cantilupe and Eva de Braose [aged 25] at Abergavenny Castle [Map]. He married before 18th October 1273 his fifth cousin once removed Margaret de Lacy Baroness Bergavenny, daughter of Edmund Lacy 8th Baron Pontefract, 9th Baron Halton and Alice Saluzzo Baroness Lacy.

On 29th March 1373 Marie Valois was born to Peter Valois II Count Alençon [aged 33] and Marie Chamaillart Countess Alençon.

On 29th March 1494 Magdalena Albret was born to Jean III King Navarre [aged 25] and Catherine Grailly I Queen Navarre [aged 26]. She died aged ten in 1504.

On 29th March 1620 Nicholas St John was born to John St John 1st Baronet [aged 34] and Anne Leighton.

Memoires of Jacques du Clercq

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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

On 29th March 1663 Lieutenant-General Harry Mordaunt was born to John Mordaunt 1st Viscount Mordaunt [aged 36] and Elizabeth Carey Viscountess Mordaunt [aged 31] at Parsons Green Farm, Middlesex. He married (1) 22nd July 1706 his fourth cousin Margaret Spencer, daughter of Thomas Spencer 3rd Baronet and Jane Garrard Lady Spencer, and had issue (2) before 4th January 1720 Penelope Tipping and had issue.

On 29th March 1674 William Hesse-Kassel was born to Charles I Landgrave Hesse-Kassel [aged 19] and Maria Amalia of Courland Landgravine Hesse-Kassel [aged 20]. On 25th July 1676 William Hesse-Kassel died. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.66%.

On 29th March 1713 John Ponsonby was born to Brabazon Ponsonby 1st Earl Bessborough [aged 34] and Sarah Margetson [aged 35]. He married 1743 Elizabeth Cavendish, daughter of William Cavendish 3rd Duke Devonshire and Catherine Hoskins Duchess Devonshire, and had issue.

On 29th March 1726 Edward King 1st Earl Kingston was born to Henry King 3rd Baronet [aged 45] and Isabella Wingfield Lady King [aged 43].

On 29th March 1736 Sarah Walter Lady Haselrigge was born to Reverend Nathaniel Walter [aged 24] at Roxbury, Suffolk. She married before 16th February 1756 Robert Haselrigge 8th Baronet, son of Arthur Haselrigge 7th Baronet and Hannah Sturges, and had issue.

On 29th March 1763 Samuel Woodford was born in Castle Cary, Somerset.

On 29th March 1769 Elizabeth Denison Marchioness Conyngham was born to Joseph Denison [aged 43]. She married 5th July 1794 Henry Conyngham 1st Marquess Conyngham, son of Francis Burton aka Conyngham 2nd Baron Conyngham and Elizabeth Clements, and had issue.

On 29th March 1779 Henry Greville 3rd Earl Warwick 3rd Earl Brooke Warwick Castle was born to George Greville 2nd Earl Warwick and Brooke [aged 32] and Henrietta Vernon Countess Warwick and Brooke [aged 18]. He married 1816 Sarah Elizabeth Savile Countess Warwick, daughter of John Savile 2nd Earl Mexborough and Elizabeth Stephenson Countess Mexborough, and had issue.

On 29th March 1787 Thomas Dyke Acland 10th Baronet was born to Thomas Dyke Acland 9th Baronet [aged 34] and Henrietta Anne Hoare [aged 24]. He married 1808 his third cousin once removed Elizabeth Hoare and had issue.

The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy

The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

On 29th March 1788 Infante Carlos María Isidro of Spain was born to Charles IV King Spain [aged 39] and Maria Luisa of Parma [aged 36]. Coefficient of inbreeding 7.98%.

On 29th March 1797 Francis Fletcher-Vane 3rd Baronet was born to Frederick Vane-Fletcher 2nd Baronet [aged 37] and Hannah Bowerbank [aged 24]. He married 1823 Diana Elizabeth Beauclerk and had issue.

On 29th March 1799 Edward Smith-Stanley 14th Earl of Derby was born to Edward Smith-Stanley 13th Earl of Derby [aged 23] and Charlotte Margaret Hornby Countess Derby. He married 31st May 1825 Emma Caroline Bootle-Wilbraham Countess Derby, daughter of Edward Bootle-Wilbraham 1st Baron Skelmersdale, and had issue.

On 29th March 1807 Robert Dillon 3rd Baron Clonbrook was born to Luke Dillon 2nd Baron Clonbrook [aged 26] and Anastasia Blake [aged 21]. He married 22nd June 1830 Caroline Elizabeth Spencer, daughter of Francis Almeric Spencer 1st Baron Churchill and Frances Fitzroy Baroness Churchill Wychwood.

On 29th March 1827 Arthur Charles Augustus Petre was born to William Henry Francis Petre 11th Baron Petre [aged 34] and Emma Agnes Howard [aged 23]. He married 4th July 1855 Katherine Howard.

On 29th March 1839 Montague John Guest was born to John Josiah Guest 1st Baronet [aged 54] and Charlotte Elizabeth Bertie [aged 26].

On 29th March 1840 Edward Heneage 1st Baron Heneage was born to George Fieschi Heneage [aged 39]. He married 9th June 1864 Eleanor Cecilia Hare, daughter of William Hare 2nd Earl Listowel and Maria Augusta Windham Countess Listowel, and had issue.

On 29th March 1848 Charles Raymond Burrell 6th Baronet was born to Walter Burrell 5th Baronet [aged 33] and Dorothea Jones Lady Burrell [aged 20].

On 29th March 1856 Edward Fitz-Clarence was born to William Fitz-Clarence 2nd Earl Munster [aged 31] and Wilhelmina Kennedy-Erskine [aged 25]. He a great grandson of King William IV of the United Kingdom. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.25%.

The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy

The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

On 29th March 1859 Beatrix Bulteel Countess Durham was born to John Bulteel [aged 31] at Holbeton, Devon. She married 26th May 1879 her second cousin Frederick Lambton 4th Earl Durham, son of George Frederick D'Arcy Lambton 2nd Earl Durham and Beatrix Frances Hamilton Countess Durham, and had issue.

On 29th March 1862 Adolfo Müller-Ury was born.

On 29th March 1871 Maurice Bell 3rd Baronet was born to Thomas Hugh Bell 2nd Baronet [aged 27] and Maria Shield.

On 29th March 1880 Walter Guiness 1st Baron Moyne was born to Edward Guiness 1st Earl Iveagh [aged 32] and Adelaide "Dodo" Guinness [aged 36]. He married 24th June 1903 Evelyn Erskine Baroness Moyne, daughter of Shipley Gordon Stuart Erskine 14th Earl Buchan, and had issue.

On 29th March 1887 Winifred Gibbs was born to Herbert Gibbs 1st Baron Hunsdon [aged 32] and Anna Maria Gibbs Baroness Hunsdon [aged 54]. She married 23rd July 1912 Charles Edward Ponsonby 1st Baronet and had issue.

On 29th March 1899 John Scott 4th Earl Eldon was born to John Scott [aged 29]. He married 10th April 1934 Magdalen Mary Charlotte Fraser Countess Eldon and had issue.

On 29th March 1910 Maurice Francis Teck was born to Alexander Teck 1st Earl Athlone [aged 36] and Princess Alice Countess Athlone [aged 27]. He a great grandson of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. He died aged less than one years old.

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 29th March 1927 Philip Annesley 11th Earl Annesley was born to Robert Annesley 9th Earl Annesley [aged 27].

On 29th March 1930 Hugh Seymour 8th Marquess Hertford was born to Henry Charles Seymour [aged 52]. He married 10th July 1956 Pamela Therese Louise de Riquet Comtesse de Caraman-Chimay and had issue.

Marriages on the 29th March

On 29th March 1406 Eberhard III Count of Württemberg [aged 42] and Elizabeth of Nuremberg were married.

On 29th March 1855 Charles Buckworth-Herne-Soame 9th Baronet [aged 24] and Mary Proctor Lady Buckworth-Herne-Soame were married. They were first cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 29th March 1864 John Hamilton 1st Baron Hamilton of Dalzell [aged 34] and Emily Eleanor Leslie-Melville [aged 23] were married.

Deaths on the 29th March

On 29th March 1058 Pope Stephen IX [aged 38] died.

On 29th March 1372 John Willoughby 3rd Baron Willoughby [aged 49] died. His son Robert [aged 23] succeeded 4th Baron Willoughby de Eresby. Margery Zouche Baroness Willoughby of Eresby [aged 33] by marriage Baroness Willoughby de Eresby.

He was buried at St James' Church, Spilsby [Map]. Early Plate Bascinet Period.

John Willoughby 3rd Baron Willoughby: In 1323 he was born to John Willoughby 2nd Baron Willoughby and Joan Roscelyn Baroness Willoughby and Latimer at Willoughby-on-the-Wolds, Nottinghamshire [Map]. Before 1349 John Willoughby 3rd Baron Willoughby and Cecily Ufford Baroness Willoughby of Eresby were married. When John married Cecily he changed his arms from Willoughby Arms to Willoughby de Eresby Arms. She the daughter of Robert Ufford 1st Earl Suffolk and Margaret Norwich Countess Suffolk.

Margery Zouche Baroness Willoughby of Eresby: Around 1339 she was born to William Zouche 2nd Baron Zouche Harringworth and Elizabeth Ros Baroness Zouche Harringworth. Before 1st October 1369 Robert Willoughby 4th Baron Willoughby and she were married. They were sixth cousins. On 18th October 1391 Margery Zouche Baroness Willoughby of Eresby died.

On 29th March 1461 the Battle of Towton was a decisive victory for King Edward IV of England [aged 18] bringing to an end the first war of the Wars of the Roses. Said to be the bloodiest battle on English soil 28000 were killed mainly during the rout that followed the battle.

The Yorkist army was commanded by King Edward IV of England with John Mowbray 3rd Duke of Norfolk [aged 45], William Neville 1st Earl Kent [aged 56], William Hastings 1st Baron Hastings [aged 30] (knighted), Walter Blount 1st Baron Mountjoy [aged 45], Henry Bourchier 2nd Count of Eu 1st Earl Essex [aged 57], John Scrope 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton [aged 23] and John Wenlock 1st Baron Wenlock [aged 61].

The Lancastrian army suffered significant casualties including Richard Percy [aged 35], Ralph Bigod Lord Morley [aged 50], John Bigod [aged 28], Robert Cromwell [aged 71], Ralph Eure [aged 49], John Neville 1st Baron Neville of Raby [aged 51], John Beaumont [aged 33], Thomas Dethick [aged 61], Everard Simon Digby, William Plumpton [aged 25] and William Welles [aged 51] who were killed.

Henry Percy 3rd Earl of Northumberland [aged 39] was killed. Earl of Northumberland, Baron Percy of Alnwick, Baron Percy of Topcliffe forfeit.

Ralph Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 49] was killed. He was buried at the nearby Saxton church where his chest tomb is extant. Baron Dacre Gilsland extinct.

Lionel Welles 6th Baron Welles [aged 55] was killed. His son Richard [aged 33] succeeded 7th Baron Welles.

The Lancastrian army was commanded by Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset [aged 25], Henry Holland 3rd Duke Exeter [aged 30], Henry Percy 3rd Earl of Northumberland and Andrew Trollope.

Henry Holland 3rd Duke Exeter was attainted after the battle; Duke Exeter, Earl Huntingdon forfeit.


Those who fought for the Lancaster included William Tailboys 7th Baron Kyme [aged 46], William Plumpton, John Sutton 1st Baron Dudley [aged 60], William Norreys [aged 20], Thomas Grey 1st Baron Grey of Richemont [aged 43], Robert Hungerford 3rd Baron Hungerford 1st Baron Moleyns [aged 30], John Talbot 3rd Earl of Shrewsbury [aged 12], Richard Welles 7th Baron Welles, Baron Willoughby, Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers [aged 56], James Butler 1st Earl Wiltshire 5th Earl Ormonde [aged 40], John Butler 6th Earl Ormonde [aged 39], William Beaumont 2nd Viscount Beaumont [aged 22], Henry Roos and Thomas Tresham [aged 41]. Cardinal John Morton [aged 41] were captured.

John Heron of Ford Castle Northumberland [aged 45], Robert Dethick [aged 86], Andrew Trollope and his son David Trollope were killed.

On 29th March 1519 Francesco Gonzaga II Marquess of Mantua [aged 52] died. Federico Gonzaga II Duke Mantua [aged 18] succeeded II Marquess Mantua.

Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans

Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

On 29th March 1586 Robert Stewart 1st Earl Lennox 1st Earl March [aged 64] died.

On 29th March 1692 Roger Boyle 2nd Earl Orrery [aged 45] died. His son Lionel [aged 20] succeeded 3rd Earl Orrery. Mary Sackville Countess Orrery by marriage Countess Orrery.

On 22nd March 1714 Elizabeth Churchill Countess Bridgewater [aged 27] died. She was buried at St Peter and St Paul Church, Little Gaddesden on 29th March 1714.

On 29th March 1726 Dorothy Walpole Viscountess Townsend [aged 39] died although the circumstances are somewhat mysterious; possibly smallpox.

On 29th March 1752 Mary Morley Countess Derby [aged 85] died.

On 29th March 1753 William Cann 5th Baronet [aged 64] died. His son Robert [aged 12] succeeded 6th Baronet Cann of Compton Green in Gloucestershire.

On 29th March 1780 Francis Blake 1st Baronet [aged 70] died. He was buried at St Michael's Church, Houghton le Spring [Map]. His son Francis [aged 43] succeeded 2nd Baronet Blake of Twizel Castle in County Durham.

On 29th March 1806 John Honywood 4th Baronet [aged 49] died. His son John [aged 19] succeeded 5th Baronet Honywood of Evington in Kent.

On 29th March 1807 Henry Fletcher 1st Baronet [aged 80] died. His son Henry [aged 35] succeeded 2nd Baronet Fletcher of Clea Hall in Cumberland. Frances Sophia Vaughan Lady Fletcher by marriage Lady Fletcher of Clea Hall in Cumberland.

On 29th March 1819 Anne Montgomery Marchioness Townshend [aged 67] died.

Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans

Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

On 29th March 1831 Henry Hawley 2nd Baronet [aged 54] died. His son Joseph [aged 16] succeeded 3rd Baronet Hawley of Leybourne Grange in Kent.

On 29th March 1834 John Campbell 1st Marquess Breadalbane [aged 71] died at Taymouth Castle. His son John [aged 37] succeeded 2nd Marquess Breadalbane, 5th Earl Breadalbaine and Holland.

On 29th March 1839 Henry Fitzgerald 21st Baron Ros Helmsley [aged 45] died. His brother William [aged 41] succeeded 22nd Baron Ros Helmsley. Georgiana Lennox Baroness Ros of Helmsley [aged 43] by marriage Baroness Ros Helmsley.

On 29th March 1843 Robert Edward Petre 10th Baron Petre [aged 79] died. His son William [aged 50] succeeded 11th Baron Petre.

On 29th March 1845 Charles Marsham 2nd Earl Romney [aged 67] died. His son Charles [aged 36] succeeded 3rd Earl Romney, 3rd Viscount Marsham, 5th Baron Romney, 9th Baronet Marsham of Cuckston in Kent. Margaret Harriet Montagu Scott Countess Romney [aged 33] by marriage Countess Romney.

On 29th March 1889 William George Howard 8th Earl Carlisle [aged 81] died unmarried. His nephew George [aged 45] succeeded 9th Earl Carlisle. Rosalind Frances Stanley Countess Carlisle [aged 44] by marriage Countess Carlisle.

On 29th March 1891 Priscilla Cecilia Moore [aged 82] died.

The History of William Marshal, Earl of Chepstow and Pembroke, Regent of England. Book 1 of 2, Lines 1-10152.

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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

On 29th March 1904 Charles Hepburn-Stuart-Forbes-Trefusis 20th Baron Clinton [aged 70] died at Cairo, Egypt. His son Charles [aged 41] succeeded 21st Baron Clinton. Jane Grey McDonnell Baroness Clinton [aged 40] by marriage Baroness Clinton.

On 29th March 1922 Isabella Maria Katherine Anson Countess Howe [aged 90] died.

On 29th March 1931 John Shelley 9th Baronet [aged 82] died. His son John [aged 46] succeeded 10th Baronet Shelley of Mitchelgrove in Sussex.

On 29th March 1970 Percy Bryant Baker [aged 88] died in New York.

On 29th March 1983 Antony Head 1st Viscount Head [aged 76] died. His son Richard [aged 46] succeeded 2nd Viscount Head of Throope in Wiltshire.

On 29th March 1992 John Spencer 8th Earl Spencer [aged 68] died. His son Charles [aged 27] succeeded 9th Earl Spencer, 9th Viscount Althorp, 9th Viscount Spencer, 9th Baron Spencer Althorp.

On 29th March 2009 Charles Duncombe 6th Baron Feversham [aged 64] died. His son Jasper [aged 41] succeeded 7th Baron Feversham of Duncombe Park in Yorkshire.

On 29th March 2018 Erskine William Gladstone 7th Baronet [aged 92] died. His son Charles [aged 53] succeeded 8th Baronet Gladstone of Fasque and Balfour in Kincardineshire.