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.
29 Mar is in March.
29th March 1461 Battle of Towton
1661 Charles II Continues to Reward those who Supported His Restoration
On 29th March 1058 Pope Stephen IX [age 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, 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 [age 53], and Constance [age 26], 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 [age 20] in 1186.
On 29th March 1187 Prince Arthur 3rd Duke Brittany was born posthumously to Geoffrey Plantagenet 2nd Duke Brittany and Constance Penthièvre Duchess Brittany [age 26]. He a grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
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 [age 49] died. His son Robert [age 23] succeeded 4th Baron Willoughby de Eresby. Margery Zouche Baroness Willoughby of Eresby [age 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 29th March 1461 Battle of Towton was a decisive victory for King Edward IV of England [age 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 [age 45], William Neville 1st Earl Kent [age 56], William Hastings 1st Baron Hastings [age 30] (knighted), Walter Blount 1st Baron Mountjoy [age 45], Henry Bourchier 2nd Count of Eu 1st Earl Essex [age 57], John Scrope 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton [age 23] and John Wenlock 1st Baron Wenlock [age 61].
The Lancastrian army suffered significant casualties including Richard Percy [age 35], Ralph Bigod Lord Morley [age 50], John Bigod [age 28], Robert Cromwell [age 71], Ralph Eure [age 49], John Neville 1st Baron Neville of Raby [age 51], John Beaumont [age 33], Thomas Dethick [age 61], Everard Simon Digby, William Plumpton [age 25] and William Welles [age 51] who were killed.
Henry Percy 3rd Earl of Northumberland [age 39] was killed. Earl of Northumberland, Baron Percy of Alnwick, Baron Percy of Topcliffe forfeit.
Ralph Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland [age 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 [age 55] was killed. His son Richard [age 33] succeeded 7th Baron Welles.
The Lancastrian army was commanded by Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset [age 25], Henry Holland 3rd Duke Exeter [age 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 [age 46], William Plumpton, John Sutton 1st Baron Dudley [age 60], William Norreys [age 20], Thomas Grey 1st Baron Grey of Richemont [age 43], Robert Hungerford 3rd Baron Hungerford 1st Baron Moleyns [age 30], John Talbot 3rd Earl of Shrewsbury [age 12], Richard Welles 7th Baron Welles, Baron Willoughby, Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers [age 56], James Butler 1st Earl Wiltshire 5th Earl Ormonde [age 40], John Butler 6th Earl Ormonde [age 39], William Beaumont 2nd Viscount Beaumont [age 22], Henry Roos and Thomas Tresham [age 41]. Cardinal John Morton [age 41] were captured.
John Heron of Ford Castle Northumberland [age 45], Robert Dethick [age 86], Andrew Trollope and his son David Trollope were killed.
Become a Member via our Buy Me a Coffee page to read more.
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 [age 39], the Earl of Clifford, the Lord of Mauley [age 50], the Lord of Willoughby [age 55], the Lord of Muelles, the son of the Duke of Buckingham [Henry Stafford [age 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.
Become a Member via our Buy Me a Coffee page to read more.
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 [age 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 [age 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.
Become a Member via our Buy Me a Coffee page to read more.
Chronicle of Gregory. 29th March 1461. Ande the xxix [29] day of the same monythe of Marche, that was þe Palme Sunday, the kyng [age 18] mette with the lordys of the Northe at Schyrborne. And there was on Harrys party that was King-
Prynce Edwarde [age 7], Kyng Harrys son.
The Duke of Exceter [age 30].
The Duke of Somersett [age 25].
The Erle of Northehumberlond [age 39].
The Erle of Devynschyre [age 29].
The lord Bemound [age 33].
The lord Clyfforde [deceased].
The lord Nevyle.
The lord Wellys [age 51].
The lord Wylby [age 40].
The lord Harry of Bokyngham.
The lord Rivers [age 56].
The lord Schalys.
The lord Maule [age 50].
The lord Ferys of Groby [age 23].
The lord Foschewe. [Possibly John Fortescue [age 67]]
The lord Lovelle [age 28].
Syr Thomas Hammys, captayne of alle the fote men.
Syr Thomas Tressam [age 41].
Syr Robert Whytyngham [age 32].
Syr John Dawne.
And the yonge Lord of Schrouysbury [age 12], and many moo othyr, bothe lordys, knyghtys, and squyers.
Here ben the namys of the lordys that were slayne in the felde in King Harrys [age 39] party.
The lord Nevyle [age 51],
And many moo then I can reherse; but whythe [t]es and othyr that were slayne in the fylde is a grete nombyr, by syde xlij [42] knyghtys that were slayne aftyr; the hoole nombyr is XXXV M1 [35000] of comeners. Jhesu be þou marcyfulle unto her soulys. Amen.
And the lordys before wretyn fledde, the substance in to Schotlond with the King Harry and Quene Margarete [age 31], and son the Prynce with hym, full of sorowe and hevynys, no wondyr. God knowythe, but every man deme the beste tylle the trought be tryde owte. For many a lady lost her beste be lovyd in that batayle.
Become a Member via our Buy Me a Coffee page to read more.
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.'
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Chronicle of William of Worcester. 29th March 1461 ... and on the following day [29th March 1461], a most grievous battle was fought between Edward [age 18] and his lords, namely the Duke of Norfolk [age 45], the Earl of Warwick [age 32], Lord Fauconberg [age 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 [age 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.
A Chronicle of London. 29th March 1461. Therle of Warwik fledde thens Westward to therle of March: than came therle of March and therle of Warwik with moch people to London, and there the people callid him kyng: and he toke it upon him, and went Northwardes and faught with the lords of the North beside Sherborne, where were moch people slayne upon Palme Sonday: and he bigan to reigue the iiijth day of March.
Chronicle of Robert Fabyan [-1512]. [29th March 1461] The kynge than so holdynge his journey, incite with his enemyes at a vyllage IX [9] myles on this halfe Yorke called Towton or Shyreboroe , and upon Palme Sonday gaue unto them batayll, ye whiche was so cruell, that in the felde and chace were slayen upon. xxx. M. [30,000] men ouer ye men of name, of the whiche hereafter some ensue. That is to say, the erle of Northumberlande, the erle of Westmerlande, ye lorde Clyfforde, the lorde Egromonde, syr John .... syr Andrewe Trollop, and other to the noumber of. xi. [11] or of moo1.
Note 1. or moo. edit. J542. 1559.
Chronicle of Edward Hall [1496-1548]. 29th March 1461. When this conflict was ended at Ferrybridge, the lord Fauconberg, having the forward, because the duke of Norfolk was fallen sick, valiantly upon Palm Sunday in the twilight, set forth his army, and came to Saxton, where he might apparently perceive the host of his adversaries, which were accompted 40,000 men, and thereof advertised king Edward, whose whole army, they that knew it, and paid the wages, affirm to 48,640 persons, which incontinent [ie. quickly] with the earl of Warwick set forward leaving the rereward under the governance of sir John Wenlock, and sir John Dinham and other. And first of all he made proclamation, that no prisoner should be taken, nor one enemy saved. So the same day about nine of the clock, which was the 29th day of March, being Palm Sunday, both the hosts approached in a plain field, between Towton and Saxton. When each part perceived other, they made a great shout, and at the same instant time, their fell a small snyt or snow, which by violence of the wind was driven into the faces of them, which were of king Henry's parte, so that their sight was somewhat blemished and diminished. The lord Fauconberg, which led the forward of king Edward's battle (as before is rehearsed) being a man of great policy, and of much experience in martial feats, caused every archer under his standard, to shot one flight (which before he caused them to provide) and then made them to stand still. The northern men, feeling the shoot, but by reason of the snow, not well viewing the distance between them and their enemies, like hardy men shot their sheaf arrows as fast as they might, but all their shot was lost, and their labour vain for they came not near the Southerners, by forty tailor's yards. When their shot was almost spent, the lord Fauconberg marched forward with his archers, which not only shot their own whole sheaves, but also gathered the arrows of their enemies, and let a great part of them fly against their own masters, and another part they let stand on the ground which sore annoyed the legs of the owners, when the battle joined. The earl of Northumberland, and Andrew Trollope, which were chieftains of king Henries vanguard, seeing their shot not to prevail, hastened forward to join with their enemies: you may be sure the other part northing retarded, but valiantly fought with their enemies. This battle was sore fought, for hope of life was set on side on every part and taking of prisoners was proclaimed as a great offence, by reason whereof every man determined, either to conquer or to die in the field. This deadly battle and bloody conflict, continued, ten hours in doubtful victory. The one parte. some time flowing, and sometime ebbing, but inconclusive, king Edward so courageously comforted his men, refreshing the weary, and helping the wounded, that the other part was discomfited and overcome, and like men amassed, fled toward Tadcaster bridge to save themselves: but in the mean way there is a little brook called Cock, not very broad, but of a great deepness, in the which, what for haste of escaping, and what for fear of followers, a great number were drenched and drowned, in so much that the common people there affirm, that men alive passed the river upon dead carcasses, and that the great river of Wharfe, which is the great sewer of the brook, and of all the water coming from Towton, was coloured with blood. The chase continued all night, and the most part of the next day, and every Northern men, when they saw or perceived any advantage, returned again and fought with their enemies, to the great loss of both partes. For in this three days were slain (as they knew it wrote) on both partes 36,740 persons, all Englishmen and of one nation whereof the chief were the earls of Northumberland, and Westmorland and the lord Dacres the lord Welles, sir John Neville, Andrew Trollope, Robert Home, and many other Knights and Esquires, and the earl of Devonshire taken prisoner, but the dukes of Somerset and Exeter fled from the field and saved themselves. This conflict was in manner unnatural, for in it the son fought against the father, the brother against the brother, the nephew against the uncle, and the tenant against his lord, which slaughter did not only sore debilitate and much weaken the puissance of this realm, considering that these dead men, when they were living had force enough to resist the greatest princes power of all Europe: But also gave a courage to outward enemies and foreign potentates, to invade and make war in this realm, which thing was not unlikely to have ensued, if either Louis the French king had been at this time quiet in his realm, or James king of Scots had been of age and master of him self, yet thanked he God, for although the gate of a conquest were opened, yet it was shut again, or it was espied.
Become a Member via our Buy Me a Coffee page to read more.
A Brief Latin Chronicle. Meanwhile, with wise provision having been made for the raising of a great sum of money, the said Edward, with the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Warwick, and Lord Fauconberg, with a great host, set out for the northern regions. And when they had crossed the River Trent and had come near Ferrybridge, because the army of King Henry was not far from that town, they at once prepared for battle. Therefore, on the most holy day of Palm Sunday [29th March 1461], in the afternoon, between Ferrybridge and Tadcaster, as the battle lines of each army advanced to engage one another, many of the horsemen, heavily armed, from the side of King Edward turned their backs and, having taken away Edward's baggage and provisions in hostile manner, fled. But King Edward, with manly courage, encouraged his men to the fight; and the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Warwick, and Lord Fauconberg, with their companies, boldly rushed upon the enemy, cut down many, and inflicted dreadful slaughter upon them, though many of their own men also fell. And when, after long fighting, the northern warriors, seeing themselves weaker, entrusted themselves to the safeguard of flight, Edward's fiercer men pursued them and inflicted great slaughter upon them. And many of those northerners, seeking to escape by the waters, were drowned. The true number of the slain there is known only to God with His saints; yet, according to the estimate of many, their number exceeded 28,000. Many lords and very many knights, together with common soldiers, fell there alike.
Facta interim sagaci provisione pro magna pecuniarum levanda copia, dictus Edwardus cum duce Northfolk, comite Warwic, domino Fawconbrigge, in copioso exercitu septentrionales oras petierunt. Cum autem pertransita Trenta prope Ferebrigge, advenissent, quoniam exercitus regis Henrici non longe a dicta villa aderat, ad pugnam se protinus preparabant. Die igitur sacratissime Dominice Palmarum, post meridiem, inter Ferebrigge et Tadcaster, accedentibus aciebus utriusque exercitus ut mutuos ictus confligendo ingererent, plurimi equestres armaciores ex parte regis Edwardi terga vertentes et dicti Edwardi cariagium et annonam hostiliter auferentes effugerunt. Sed rex Edwardus virili animo suos animavit ad certamen; dux quoque Northfolke, Comes Warwic, dominus Fauconbrigge, cum suis turmis audacter in adversarios irruentes, plurimos prostraverunt, et horrendam stragem eis intulerunt, multis ex parte sua occisis. Cumque post diutinam pugnam belligeri Boreales, cernentes se imbecilliores, fuge presidio se commisissent, insecuti sunt eos viri acriores ex parte regis Edwardi et magnam cedem eis intulerunt; plurimi quoque ipsorum Borealium per aquas evadere querentes submersi sunt. Numerum interfectorum ibi solus veraciter cum suis civibus novit Deus; secundum tamen estimacionem plurium numerus eorum excedebat [xxviij ml]. Domini multi et milites multo plures cum plebanis ibi pariter corruerunt.
Become a Member via our Buy Me a Coffee page to read more.
Holinshed's Chronicle [1525-1582]. 29th March 1461. When ech part perceiued other, they made a great shout; and at the same instant there fell a small sléete or snow, which by violence of the wind that blew against, them, was driven into the faces of king Henries armies, so that their sight was some what dimmed. The lord Fauconbridge, leading K. Edwards fore-ward, caused everie archer vnder his standard to shoot one flight (which before he caused them to prouide) and then made them to stand still. The northerne men feeling the shot, but by reason of the sléet, not well viewing the distance betwéene them and their enimies, like forward men shot their sheafe arrowes as fast as they might: but all to losse, for they came short of the southerne men by thréescore yards.
So their shot almost spent, the lord Fauconbridge marched forward with his archers, which not onelie shot their whole sheafes, but also gathered the arrowes of their enimies, and let a great part flie against their first owners, and suffered a great sort of them to stand, which sore troubled the legs of the northerne men, when the battell joined. The earle of Northumberland and Andrew Trollop, chiefe capteins of king Henries vawward, seeing their shot not to preuaile, hasted to ioine with their enimies, and the other part slacked not their pase. This battell was sore foughten, for hope of life was set aside on either part, & taking of prisoners proclamed a great offense, so everie man determined to vanquish or die in the field.
This deadlie conflict continued ten houres in doubtfull state of victorie, vncerteinlie heauing and setting on both sides; but in the end, king Edward so couragiouslie comforted his men, that the other part was discomfited and ouercome, who like men amazed, fled toward Tadcaster bridge to saue themselues, where in the mid waie is a little brooke called Cocke, not verie broad, but of a great deepenesse, in which, what for hast to escape, and what for feare of their followers, a great number was drowned there. It was reported, that men aliue passed the riuer upon dead carcasses, and that the great riuer of Wharfe whereinto that brooke dooth run, and of all the water comming from Towton, was coloured with bloud.
Become a Member via our Buy Me a Coffee page to read more.
Hearne's Fragment. [29th March 1461] ... upon a Friday at night, abiding the residue of their company, the which were assembled in good order on the Saturday, then being Palm Sunday-eve: and about 4 of the clock at night the two battles8 joined, and fought all night till on the morrow at after noon; when about the noon the foresaid John Duke of Norfolk with a fresh band of good men of war came in, to the aid of the new elected King Edward. This field was sore fought. For there were slain on both parts 33,000 men, and all the season it snowed. There were slain the Earls of Northumberland and Westmorland with others and Sir Andrew Trollope, and taken the Earls of Devonshire and Wiltshire and beheaded there: and the deposed King Harry, his Queen, with Henry, Duke of Somerset, and others, in great haste fled into Scotland.
Note 8. "As if battle were the gate of paradise, and the future an incomprehensible dream, they raised against each other a tumultuous out of execration and defiance, and at four o'clock in the afternoon, within three hours of complete darkness, began the mortal struggle by Lord Falconbridge advancing to the attack." — (Turner, vol. v . 297.) This was indeed 'a sore fought field.' Our Fragment says 33,000 men were slain; the Croyland Chronicler 'eight-and-thirty thousand warriors fell on that day' Fabian says 30,000 fell, and Hall counts the slain during the three days at 36,776 persons. A contemporary writer (Fenn's Paston Letters, vol. i. p. 219-221) gives the Herald's report as 28,000, and he says on Henry's side alone, 20,000 were slain. Amongst these were the Earl of Westmoreland and his brother Sir John Nevil, the Earl of Northumberland, the Earl of Shrewsbury, the Lords Dacres and Wells, and Sir Andrew Trollope. The Earl of Devonshire was beheaded at York, immediately after the battle. — Wethamstede, p. 517.
Croyland Chronicle 1461. [29th March 1461] The wretched northmen, upon hearing of jthis, turned their backs before the face of the pursuer, and, hastening their flight, in their alarm were compelled, much against their will, to leave behind them the booty which they had collected in various places, and had been bent upon carrying with them on their retium. Upon this, he pursued them as far as a level spot of ground, situate near the castle of Pomfret and the bridge at Ferrybridge, and washed by a stream of considerable size; where he found an army drawn up in order of battle, composed of the remnants of the northern troops of king Henry. They, accordingly, engaged in a most severe conflict,1 and fighting hand to hand with sword and spear, there was no small slaughter on either side. However, by the mercy of the Divine clemency, king Edward soon experienced the favour of heaven, and, gaining the wished-for victory over his enemies, compelled them either to submit to be slain or to take to flight. For, their ranks being now broken and scattered in flight, the king's army eagerly pursued them, and cutting down the fugitives with their swords, just like so many sheep for the slaughter, made immense havoc among them for a distance of ten miles, as far as the city of York. Prince Edward, however, with a part of his men, as conqueror, remained upon the field of battle, and awaited the rest of his army, which had gone in various directions in pursuit of the enemy.
When the solemnities of the Lord's day, which is known as Palm Sunday, were now close at hand, after distributing rewards among such as brought the bodies of the slain and gave them burial, the king hastened to enter the before-named city. Those who helped to inter the bodies, piled up in pits and in trenches prepared for the purpose, bear witness that eight-and-thirty thousand warriors fell on that day, besides those who were drowned in the river before alluded to, whose numbers we bare no means of ascertaming. The blood, too, of the slain, mingling with the snow which at this time covered the whole surface of the earth, afterwards ran down in the furrows and ditches along with the melted snow, in a most shocking manner, for a distance of two or three miles.
Note 1. He alludes to the battle of Towton.
Become a Member via our Buy Me a Coffee page to read more.
Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke
Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
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 bobbed hair typical of the period 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 [age 25] and Catherine Grailly I Queen Navarre [age 26]. She died aged ten in 1504.
On 29th March 1519 Francesco Gonzaga II Marquess of Mantua [age 52] died. Federico Gonzaga II Duke Mantua [age 18] succeeded II Marquess Mantua.
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 [age 49], parsun sum-tyme at Allalows in Bredstrett.
Diary of Anne Clifford. 29th March 1617. Upon the 29th my Lord [age 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 [age 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 [age 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 1641 George Manners 7th Earl of Rutland [age 61] died. His second cousin John [age 36] succeeded 8th Earl of Rutland. Frances Montagu Countess Rutland [age 27] by marriage Countess of Rutland. Monument sculpted by Grinling Gibbons at St Mary the Virgin Church, Bottesford, Leicestershire [Map].
On 29th March 1644 John Stewart [age 22] was killed during the Battle of Cheriton fighting for the Royalists.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
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 [age 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 [age 30] rewarded of further tranche of those who supported his Restoration...
On 2nd January 1661 Henry Bedingfield 1st Baronet [age 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 [age 41] was created Baronet Cole of Newland.
On 23rd February 1661 Edward Smythe 1st Baronet [age 41] was created 1st Baronet Smythe.
On 4th March 1661 Compton Reade 1st Baronet [age 36] was created 1st Baronet Reade of Barton in Berkshire. Mary Cornwall Lady Reade [age 31] by marriage Lady Reade of Barton in Berkshire.
On 10th March 1661 Brian Broughton 1st Baronet [age 42] was created 1st Baronet Broughton of Broughton in Staffordshire.
On 20th March 1661 Thomas Rich 1st Baronet [age 60] was created 1st Baronet Rich of Sonning in Berkshire.
On 29th March 1661 Robert Cholmondeley 1st Viscount Cholmondeley [age 21] was created 1st Viscount Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath.
On 30th March 1661 James Butler 1st Duke Ormonde [age 50] was created 1st Duke Ormonde by King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. Elizabeth Preston Duchess Ormonde [age 45] by marriage Duchess Ormonde.
On 30th March 1661 John Fettiplace 1st Baronet [age 35] was created 1st Baronet Fettiplace of Childrey in Berkshire. Anne Wenman Lady Fettiplace [age 31] by marriage Lady Fettiplace of Childrey in Berkshire.
Become a Member via our Buy Me a Coffee page to read more.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 29th March 1664. By and by to dinner, where good cheere, and Sir G. Carteret [age 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 [age 62], drawn by Lilly [age 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 [age 47], ill-built, but the place capable of being made a pretty villa. His Majesty [age 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 [age 34] and Mr. Banister [age 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 [age 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 [age 45], and supped and talked with us, and so to bed. I do hear by several that Sir W. Pen's [age 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 [age 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.
Become a Member via our Buy Me a Coffee page to read more.
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 [age 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 [age 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 [age 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 [age 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.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 29th March 1669. By and by the corpse come out; and I, with Sir Richard Browne [age 64] and Mr. Evelyn [age 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.
John Evelyn's Diary. 29th March 1673. I carried my son [age 18] to the Bishop of Chichester, that learned and pious man, Dr. Peter Gunning [age 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 [age 20] (a natural son of the late King by the Dutchess of Cleaveland [age 45]) marrying very meanly, with the helpe of his brother Grafton [age 22], attempted to spirit away his wife.
John Evelyn's Diary. 29th March 1689. The new King [age 38] much blamed for neglecting Ireland, now likely to be ruined by the Lord Tyrconnel [age 59] and his Popish party, too strong for the Protestants. Wonderful uncertainty where King James [age 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.
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.
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 [age 64] was created 1st Duke Rutland, 1st Marquess Grandby. Catherine Noel Duchess Rutland [age 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 [age 39] and Maria Luisa of Parma [age 36]. Coefficient of inbreeding 7.98%.
On 29th March 1792 Gustav III King Sweden [age 46] was assassinated. King Gustav IV of Sweden [age 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 1799 Charles Bingham 1st Earl Lucan [age 63] died. His son Richard [age 34] succeeded 2nd Earl Lucan of Castlebar in Mayo, 2nd Baron Lucan of Castlebar in Mayo, 8th Baronet Bingham of Castlebar in County Mayo. Elizabeth Belasyse Duchess Norfolk [age 29] by marriage Countess Lucan of Castlebar in Mayo.
On 29th March 1804 John Parkinson [age 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 [age 29] challenged Henry William Paget 1st Marquess Anglesey [age 40] to a duel over his adulterous relationship with his sister Charlotte Cadogan Marchioness Anglesey [age 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'.
Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses
Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 29th March 1859 Henry de la Poer Beresford 3rd Marquess Waterford [age 47] died in a hunting accident. His brother John [age 44] succeeded 4th Marquess Waterford. Christiana Leslie Marchioness of Waterford [age 39] by marriage Marchioness Waterford.
On 29th March 1862 Adolfo Müller-Ury was born.
On 29th March 1869 Reverend Mathew Burrell [age 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 1970 Percy Bryant Baker [age 88] died in New York.
After 29th March 1983. Church of St Michael and All Angels, Edenham [Map]. Monument to Gilbert James Heathcote-Willoughby-Drummond 3rd Earl Ancaster [deceased].
On 29th March 1187 Prince Arthur 3rd Duke Brittany was born posthumously to Geoffrey Plantagenet 2nd Duke Brittany and Constance Penthièvre Duchess Brittany [age 26]. He a grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
On 29th March 1252 George Cantilupe 12th Baron Abergavenny was born to William Cantilupe and Eva de Braose [age 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 [age 33] and Marie Chamaillart Countess Alençon.
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 29th March 1494 Magdalena Albret was born to Jean III King Navarre [age 25] and Catherine Grailly I Queen Navarre [age 26]. She died aged ten in 1504.
On 29th March 1620 Nicholas St John was born to John St John 1st Baronet [age 34] and Anne Leighton.
On 29th March 1663 Lieutenant-General Harry Mordaunt was born to John Mordaunt 1st Viscount Mordaunt [age 36] and Elizabeth Carey Viscountess Mordaunt [age 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 [age 19] and Maria Amalia of Courland Landgravine Hesse-Kassel [age 20]. On 25th July 1676 William Hesse-Kassel died. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.66%.
On 29th March 1700 Charles Cornwallis 1st Earl Cornwallis was born to Charles Cornwallis 4th Baron Cornwallis [age 25] and Charlotte Butler Baroness Cornwallis [age 21]. He married 28th November 1722 Elizabeth Townshend Countess Cornwallis, daughter of Charles Townshend 2nd Viscount Townsend and Elizabeth Pelham Viscountess Townsend, and had issue.
On 29th March 1713 John Ponsonby was born to Brabazon Ponsonby 1st Earl Bessborough [age 34] and Sarah Margetson [age 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 [age 45].
On 29th March 1736 Sarah Walter Lady Haselrigge was born to Reverend Nathaniel Walter [age 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 [age 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.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 29th March 1779 Henry Greville 3rd Earl Warwick 3rd Earl Brooke Warwick Castle was born to George Greville 2nd Earl Warwick and Brooke [age 32] and Henrietta Vernon Countess Warwick and Brooke [age 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 [age 34] and Henrietta Anne Hoare [age 24]. He married 1808 his third cousin once removed Elizabeth Hoare and had issue.
On 29th March 1788 Infante Carlos María Isidro of Spain was born to Charles IV King Spain [age 39] and Maria Luisa of Parma [age 36]. Coefficient of inbreeding 7.98%.
On 29th March 1797 Francis Fletcher-Vane 3rd Baronet was born to Frederick Vane-Fletcher 2nd Baronet [age 37] and Hannah Bowerbank [age 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 [age 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 [age 26] and Anastasia Blake [age 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 [age 34] and Emma Agnes Howard [age 23]. He married 4th July 1855 Katherine Howard.
On 29th March 1839 Montague John Guest was born to John Josiah Guest 1st Baronet [age 54] and Charlotte Elizabeth Bertie [age 26].
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 29th March 1840 Edward Heneage 1st Baron Heneage was born to George Fieschi Heneage [age 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 [age 33] and Dorothea Jones Lady Burrell [age 20].
On 29th March 1852 Kenelm Pleydell-Bouverie was born to Jacob Pleydell-Bouverie 4th Earl Radnor [age 36] and Mary Augusta Frederica Grimston [age 30].
On 29th March 1856 Edward Fitz-Clarence was born to William Fitz-Clarence 2nd Earl Munster [age 31] and Wilhelmina Kennedy-Erskine [age 25]. He a great grandson of King William IV of the United Kingdom. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.25%.
On 29th March 1856 Elizabeth Catherine Howard-Molyneux-Howard Countess Carnarvon was born to Henry Howard-Molyneux-Howard [age 53]. She married 1878 her first cousin Henry Howard Molyneux Herbert 4th Earl Carnarvon, son of Henry John George Herbert 3rd Earl Carnarvon and Henrietta Anna Howard-Molyneux-Howard Countess Carnarvon, and had issue.
On 29th March 1859 Beatrix Bulteel Countess Durham was born to John Bulteel [age 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 1867 Walter William Schomberg Kerr was born to Schomberg Henry Kerr Kerr 9th Marquess Lothian [age 33] and Victoria Alexandrina Montagu-Douglas-Scott Marchioness Lothian [age 22].
On 29th March 1869 Richard Verney 27th Baron Latimer 19th Baron Willoughby de Broke was born to Henry Verney 26th Baron Latimer 18th Baron Willoughby de Broke [age 24].
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 1871 Maurice Bell 3rd Baronet was born to Thomas Hugh Bell 2nd Baronet [age 27] and Maria Shield.
On 29th March 1874 Rupert Edward Cecil Lee Guinness 2nd Earl Iveagh was born to Edward Guiness 1st Earl Iveagh [age 26] and Adelaide "Dodo" Guinness [age 30]. He married before 15th October 1906 Gwendolen Florence Mary Onslow Countess Iveagh, daughter of William Onslow 4th Earl Onslow and Florence Coulston Gardner Countess Onslow, and had issue.
On 29th March 1880 Walter Guiness 1st Baron Moyne was born to Edward Guiness 1st Earl Iveagh [age 32] and Adelaide "Dodo" Guinness [age 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 [age 32] and Anna Maria Gibbs Baroness Hunsdon [age 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 [age 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 [age 36] and Princess Alice Countess Athlone [age 27]. He a great grandson of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. He died aged less than one years old.
On 29th March 1910 Edward Agar 5th Earl Normanton was born to Sidney James Agar 4th Earl Normanton [age 45] and Amy Frederica Alice Byng Countess Normanton. He married (1) 5th July 1937 Barbara Mary Frankland, daughter of Frederick Frankland 10th Baronet and Mary Cecil Curzon 17th Baroness Zouche (2) 30th October 1944 his fifth cousin Fiona Pratt Countess Normanton, daughter of John Pratt 4th Marquess Camden and Joan Marion Neville Marchioness Camden, and had issue.
On 29th March 1913 Frederick Edward Neuflize Ponsonby 10th Earl Bessborough was born to Vere Brabazon Ponsonby 9th Earl Bessborough [age 33].
On 29th March 1927 Philip Annesley 11th Earl Annesley was born to Robert Annesley 9th Earl Annesley [age 27].
On 29th March 1930 Hugh Seymour 8th Marquess Hertford was born to Henry Charles Seymour [age 52]. He married 10th July 1956 Pamela Therese Louise de Riquet Comtesse de Caraman-Chimay and had issue.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 29th March 1958 Crispin Charles Gerard Buxton 8th Baronet was born to Lieutenant-Commander Gerard St John Roden Buxton [age 30].
On 29th March 1406 Eberhard III Count of Württemberg [age 42] and Elizabeth of Nuremberg were married.
On 29th March 1720 William O'Brien 4th Earl Inchiquin [age 20] and Anne Hamilton 2nd Countess Orkney and Inchiquin were married. She by marriage Countess Inchiquin. She the daughter of George Hamilton 1st Earl Orkney [age 54] and Elizabeth Villiers Countess Orkney [age 63]. He the son of William O'Brien 3rd Earl Inchiquin and Mary Villiers Countess Inchiquin. They were first cousins.
On 29th March 1855 Charles Buckworth-Herne-Soame 9th Baronet [age 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 [age 34] and Emily Eleanor Leslie-Melville [age 23] were married.
On 29th March 1058 Pope Stephen IX [age 38] died.
On 29th March 1372 John Willoughby 3rd Baron Willoughby [age 49] died. His son Robert [age 23] succeeded 4th Baron Willoughby de Eresby. Margery Zouche Baroness Willoughby of Eresby [age 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 29th March 1461 Battle of Towton was a decisive victory for King Edward IV of England [age 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 [age 45], William Neville 1st Earl Kent [age 56], William Hastings 1st Baron Hastings [age 30] (knighted), Walter Blount 1st Baron Mountjoy [age 45], Henry Bourchier 2nd Count of Eu 1st Earl Essex [age 57], John Scrope 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton [age 23] and John Wenlock 1st Baron Wenlock [age 61].
The Lancastrian army suffered significant casualties including Richard Percy [age 35], Ralph Bigod Lord Morley [age 50], John Bigod [age 28], Robert Cromwell [age 71], Ralph Eure [age 49], John Neville 1st Baron Neville of Raby [age 51], John Beaumont [age 33], Thomas Dethick [age 61], Everard Simon Digby, William Plumpton [age 25] and William Welles [age 51] who were killed.
Henry Percy 3rd Earl of Northumberland [age 39] was killed. Earl of Northumberland, Baron Percy of Alnwick, Baron Percy of Topcliffe forfeit.
Ralph Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland [age 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 [age 55] was killed. His son Richard [age 33] succeeded 7th Baron Welles.
The Lancastrian army was commanded by Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset [age 25], Henry Holland 3rd Duke Exeter [age 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 [age 46], William Plumpton, John Sutton 1st Baron Dudley [age 60], William Norreys [age 20], Thomas Grey 1st Baron Grey of Richemont [age 43], Robert Hungerford 3rd Baron Hungerford 1st Baron Moleyns [age 30], John Talbot 3rd Earl of Shrewsbury [age 12], Richard Welles 7th Baron Welles, Baron Willoughby, Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers [age 56], James Butler 1st Earl Wiltshire 5th Earl Ormonde [age 40], John Butler 6th Earl Ormonde [age 39], William Beaumont 2nd Viscount Beaumont [age 22], Henry Roos and Thomas Tresham [age 41]. Cardinal John Morton [age 41] were captured.
John Heron of Ford Castle Northumberland [age 45], Robert Dethick [age 86], Andrew Trollope and his son David Trollope were killed.
Become a Member via our Buy Me a Coffee page to read more.
On 29th March 1519 Francesco Gonzaga II Marquess of Mantua [age 52] died. Federico Gonzaga II Duke Mantua [age 18] succeeded II Marquess Mantua.
On 29th March 1586 Robert Stewart 1st Earl Lennox 1st Earl March [age 64] died.
On 29th March 1637 Luke Plunkett 1st Earl of Fingall died. His son Christopher succeeded 2nd Earl of Fingall. Mabel Barnewall Countess Fingall by marriage Countess of Fingall.
On 29th March 1641 George Manners 7th Earl of Rutland [age 61] died. His second cousin John [age 36] succeeded 8th Earl of Rutland. Frances Montagu Countess Rutland [age 27] by marriage Countess of Rutland. Monument sculpted by Grinling Gibbons at St Mary the Virgin Church, Bottesford, Leicestershire [Map].
On 29th March 1692 Roger Boyle 2nd Earl Orrery [age 45] died. His son Lionel [age 20] succeeded 3rd Earl Orrery. Mary Sackville Countess Orrery by marriage Countess Orrery.
On 22nd March 1714 Elizabeth Churchill Countess Bridgewater [age 27] died. She was buried at St Peter and St Paul Church, Little Gaddesden on 29th March 1714.
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 1726 Dorothy Walpole Viscountess Townsend [age 39] died although the circumstances are somewhat mysterious; possibly smallpox.
On 29th March 1752 Mary Morley Countess Derby [age 85] died.
On 29th March 1753 William Cann 5th Baronet [age 64] died. His son Robert [age 12] succeeded 6th Baronet Cann of Compton Green in Gloucestershire.
On 29th March 1780 Francis Blake 1st Baronet [age 70] died. He was buried at St Michael's Church, Houghton le Spring [Map]. His son Francis [age 43] succeeded 2nd Baronet Blake of Twizel Castle in County Durham.
On 29th March 1799 Charles Bingham 1st Earl Lucan [age 63] died. His son Richard [age 34] succeeded 2nd Earl Lucan of Castlebar in Mayo, 2nd Baron Lucan of Castlebar in Mayo, 8th Baronet Bingham of Castlebar in County Mayo. Elizabeth Belasyse Duchess Norfolk [age 29] by marriage Countess Lucan of Castlebar in Mayo.
On 29th March 1806 John Honywood 4th Baronet [age 49] died. His son John [age 19] succeeded 5th Baronet Honywood of Evington in Kent.
On 29th March 1807 Henry Fletcher 1st Baronet [age 80] died. His son Henry [age 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 [age 67] died.
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 1831 Henry Hawley 2nd Baronet [age 54] died. His son Joseph [age 16] succeeded 3rd Baronet Hawley of Leybourne Grange in Kent.
On 29th March 1834 John Campbell 1st Marquess Breadalbane [age 71] died at Taymouth Castle. His son John [age 37] succeeded 2nd Marquess Breadalbane, 5th Earl Breadalbaine and Holland.
On 29th March 1839 Henry Fitzgerald 21st Baron Ros Helmsley [age 45] died. His brother William [age 41] succeeded 22nd Baron Ros Helmsley. Georgiana Lennox Baroness Ros of Helmsley [age 43] by marriage Baroness Ros Helmsley.
On 29th March 1843 Robert Edward Petre 10th Baron Petre [age 79] died. His son William [age 50] succeeded 11th Baron Petre.
On 29th March 1845 Charles Marsham 2nd Earl Romney [age 67] died. His son Charles [age 36] succeeded 3rd Earl Romney, 3rd Viscount Marsham, 5th Baron Romney, 9th Baronet Marsham of Cuckston in Kent. Margaret Harriet Montagu Scott Countess Romney [age 33] by marriage Countess Romney.
On 29th March 1859 Frances Stuart Countess Harrowby Lincolnshire died.
On 29th March 1859 Henry de la Poer Beresford 3rd Marquess Waterford [age 47] died in a hunting accident. His brother John [age 44] succeeded 4th Marquess Waterford. Christiana Leslie Marchioness of Waterford [age 39] by marriage Marchioness Waterford.
On 29th March 1875 Sophia Catherine Coventry Lady Gresley and Des Voeux died at 39 Berkeley Square, Mayfair.
On 29th March 1889 William George Howard 8th Earl Carlisle [age 81] died unmarried. His nephew George [age 45] succeeded 9th Earl Carlisle. Rosalind Frances Stanley Countess Carlisle [age 44] by marriage Countess Carlisle.
On 29th March 1891 Priscilla Cecilia Moore [age 82] died.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 29th March 1898 John Frederick Vaughan Campbell 2nd Earl Cawdor [age 80] died. His son Frederick [age 51] succeeded 3rd Earl Cawdor of Castlemartin in Pembrokeshire, 4th Baron Cawdor of Castlemartin in Pembrokeshire. Edith Georgiana Turnor Countess Cawdor [age 54] by marriage Countess Cawdor of Castlemartin in Pembrokeshire.
On 29th March 1904 Charles Hepburn-Stuart-Forbes-Trefusis 20th Baron Clinton [age 70] died at Cairo, Egypt. His son Charles [age 41] succeeded 21st Baron Clinton. Jane Grey McDonnell Baroness Clinton [age 40] by marriage Baroness Clinton.
On 29th March 1922 Isabella Maria Katherine Anson Countess Howe [age 90] died.
On 29th March 1931 John Shelley 9th Baronet [age 82] died. His son John [age 46] succeeded 10th Baronet Shelley of Mitchelgrove in Sussex.
On 29th March 1970 Percy Bryant Baker [age 88] died in New York.
On 29th March 1983 Antony Head 1st Viscount Head [age 76] died. His son Richard [age 46] succeeded 2nd Viscount Head of Throope in Wiltshire.
On 29th March 1992 John Spencer 8th Earl Spencer [age 68] died. His son Charles [age 27] succeeded 9th Earl Spencer, 9th Viscount Althorp, 9th Viscount Spencer, 9th Baron Spencer Althorp.
On 29th March 2009 Charles Duncombe 6th Baron Feversham [age 64] died. His son Jasper [age 41] succeeded 7th Baron Feversham of Duncombe Park in Yorkshire.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 29th March 2018 Erskine William Gladstone 7th Baronet [age 92] died. His son Charles [age 53] succeeded 8th Baronet Gladstone of Fasque and Balfour in Kincardineshire.