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On this Day in History ... 30th December

30 Dec is in December.

987 Coronation of King Robert II of France

1389 Christmas Court

1460 Battle of Wakefield

1546 Henry VIII Revises his Will

1605 Gunpowder Plot

1623 Happy Parliament

1640 Treaty of Ripon

1915 Sinking of the SS Persia

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 30th December

On 30 Dec 987 Robert "Pious" II King France (age 15) was crowned II King France: Capet.

On 30 Dec 1460 the Lancastrian army took their revenge for the defeats of the First Battle of St Albans and the Battle of Northampton at the Battle of Wakefield near Sandal Castle [Map]. The Lancastrian army was commanded by Henry Holland 3rd Duke Exeter (age 30), Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset (age 24) and Henry Percy 3rd Earl of Northumberland (age 39), and included John Courtenay 15th Earl Devon (age 25) and William Gascoigne XIII (age 30), both knighted, and James Butler 1st Earl Wiltshire 5th Earl Ormonde (age 40), John "Butcher" Clifford 9th Baron Clifford (age 25), John Neville 1st Baron Neville of Raby (age 50), Thomas Ros 9th Baron Ros Helmsley (age 33), Henry Roos and Thomas St Leger (age 20).

The Yorkist army was heavily defeated.

Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York (age 49) was killed. His son King Edward IV of England (age 18) succeeded 4th Duke York, 7th Earl March, 9th Earl Ulster, 3rd Earl Cambridge, 9th Baron Mortimer of Wigmore.

Thomas Neville (age 30), and Edward Bourchier were killed.

Father and son Thomas Harrington (age 60) and John Harrington (age 36) were killed, the former dying of his wounds the day after.

William Bonville 6th Baron Harington (age 18) was killed. His daughter Cecily Bonville Marchioness Dorset succeeded 7th Baroness Harington.

Thomas Parr (age 53) fought in the Yorkist army.

Following the battle Richard Neville Earl Salisbury (age 60) was beheaded by Thomas "Bastard of Exeter" Holland. William Bonville (age 40) was executed.

Edmund York 1st Earl of Rutland (age 17) was killed on Wakefield Bridge [Map] by John "Butcher" Clifford. Earl of Rutland extinct.


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Chronicle of England by Jean de Waurin Volume 6. Chapter 3.40. How the Duke of York (age 49) and the Earl of Salisbury (age 60) were defeated and killed through the treachery of Andrew Trollope and several other noble men.

The Duke of York, therefore, being retreated to Wakefield, upon hearing news that Queen Margaret was coming with a great force of armed men to fight him, accompanied by the Duke of Somerset, was greatly astonished, as he did not have sufficient troops at the moment to resist such great power. He and the Earl of Salisbury, along with others in their company, spoke together to conclude their affairs. They sent for men from all sides, fortifying themselves to the best of their ability within the town. However, all this was in vain because at the moment they were attacked, most of their men had gone out for foraging. Additionally, Andrew Trollope, who was a very cunning military man, told the Duke of Somerset that he knew well that they could not force the Duke of York out of the town without a great loss of men. He found a way throughout the night to dress his men in coats bearing the badge of the Ragged Staff, which belonged to the Earl of Warwick (age 32) and were recognized as such, thus they appeared to be four hundred of the bravest men, well-instructed in what they had to do secretly. Their plan was to go straight to the town and tell the Duke of York that they came from the county of Lancashire to aid him.

When the Duke of York, who never suspected treachery, saw these companions approaching, he was very joyful and allowed them inside the town. That same night, the Duke of York ordered a strong guard because he knew well that the Duke of Somerset was in the fields, intending to confront him with all his might.

But when day broke, Andrew Trollope, accompanied by other soldiers all wearing the badge of the Ragged Staff, sent word to the Duke of York, without revealing his identity, that they were a large force come to his aid. The Duke was overjoyed and marched out of the town with the intention of engaging his enemies. At that moment, Andrew Trollope, the traitor, knowing that the Duke of Somerset was nearby, initiated the skirmish, and the Duke of Somerset, ready for action, charged fiercely upon the Duke of York and his men. Quickly, Andrew Trollope and his group, as well as those who had been sent by him into the town that night, turned against the Duke of York and his followers. In this battle, the Duke of York, the Earl of Rutland his son (age 17), the Earl of Salisbury, Sir Thomas Neville (age 30) his son, and many other noble men of their company were killed. This battle took place outside the town of Wakefield on the penultimate day of December in the year fourteen sixty. Queen Margaret was very joyful upon hearing this news, as were all those supporting her cause. On the other hand, the Earls of March and Warwick, who had lost their fathers in this battle, were deeply saddened and angered, but for the time being, they could not rectify the situation.

1897. Monument to Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York (age 49) on Manygates Lane [Map] at the location where he is traditionally thought to have been killed at the Battle of Wakefield.

Chronicle of St Albans by Abbot John Whethamstede. 30 Dec 1460. Battle of Wakefield.

Hearing this, the northerners, and their leaders, who always schemed and plotted, sat diligently, and often mixing honey with gall and sweet marjoram with bitterness, observed how the southerners were somewhat lax in their camps. The southerners wandered in search of provisions, not being always on their guard, and not fully prepared in arms against the enemy's ambushes and invasions. Then, contrary to the promised faith and before the appointed day of battle, they rushed upon them, overwhelming them with the weight of their multitude, causing many to fall in the field and some to flee from the field; they captured two of the said lords in battle and treated them, especially the Duke of York, with much mockery. For they set him upon a small anthill and made a humble wreath made of marsh grass and placed it on his head in the manner of a crown, just like the Jews did before the Lord, they bent their knees before him, saying mockingly, "Hail, king without rule. Hail, king without inheritance. Hail, duke and prince, without any people at all, and without possession." With these and various other disgraceful and reproachful words against him, they finally compelled him to relinquish the claim of his rightful justice through the severing of his head.

Audientes autem Boreales, eorumque duces, qui semper in dolo, semper in insidiis, studiose sederant, frequentiusque favum cum felle, marrubium quoque cum melle, propinare consueverunt, quomodo Australes se in castris paulisper remisse regerent, vagarenturque in partibus pro cumulandis victualibus, nec se redderent omni hora bene cautos, ac plene paratos in armis adversus insidias hostium, et invasiones; mox, contra fidem præstitam, et citra diem belli appunctuatum, irruerunt super eos, moleque suæ multitudinis ipsos opprimentes, coegerunt plures in campo cadere, nonnullos de campo fugere; duos vero Dominos dictos ceperunt in bello ipsosque, et præcipue Ducem Eboracensem, multum ludibriose intractavere. Nam statuentes eum super unum parvum formicarium colliculum, et quoddam sertum vile, ex palustri gramine confectum, imponentes per modum coronæ super caput suum, non aliter quam Judæi coram Domino, incurvaverunt genua sua coram ipso, dicentes illusorie, "Ave, rex, sine regimine. Ave, rex, absque hæreditate. Ave, dux et princeps, absque omni populo penitus, et possessione." Et hiis, una cum aliis variis, in eum probrose opprobrioseque dictis, coegerunt ipsum demum, per capitis abscissionem, clameum relinquere suæ justitiæ vendicationis.

Chronicle of Enguerrand de Monstrelet Volume 10 Chapter 8. 30 Dec 1460. This treaty was so contrary to the will and interests of the queen that she raised another army, of all who were inchned to her and her son the prince of Wales, and took the field, to offer battle to the duke of York, who had increased his army as strongly as possible, to defend his rights. On the first day of January, in this year, the battle took place, which was very bloody, and hardly contested; but this time, fortune turned against the duke, who was made prisoner, together with his second son and the earl of Salisbury. Shortly after, the queen had them beheaded, and their heads put on the points of three lances : and on the head of the duke was placed, by way of derision, a paper crown, to denote his eagerness to be king, and his having failed in the attempt. The earl of Warwick1 found means to escape after the battle, and quit the kingdom, which he did in a small boat, with great danger, and arrived safely at his government of Calais.

Note 1. The earl of Warwick — was not present at this battle, for he and the duke of Norfolk had the charge of king Henry and of the city of London. It was from the second battle of St Alban's, that he fled to Calais.

Holinshed's Chronicle 1460. 30 Dec 1460. Now she, hauing in hir companie the prince hir sonne the dukes of Excester and Summerset, the earle of Deuonshire, the lord Clifford, the lord Ros, and in effect all the lords of the north parts, with eightéene thousand men, or (as some write) two and twentie thousand, marched from Yorke to Wakefield, and bad base to the duke, euen before his castell gates. He hauing with him not fullie fiue thousand persons, contrarie to the minds of his faithfull councellors would needs issue foorth to fight with his enimies. The duke of Summerset and the quéenes part, casting vpon their most aduantage, appointed the lord Clifford to lie in one stale, and the earle of Wilshire in another, and the duke with other to kéepe the maine battell. The duke of Yorke with his people descended downe the hill in good order and arraie, and was suffered to passe on towards the maine battell. But when he was in the plaine field betweene his castell and the towne of Wakefield,The battell at Wakefield. he was inuironed on euerie side, like fish in a net, so that though he fought manfullie,The duke of Yorke slaine. yet was he within halfe an houre slaine and dead, and his whole armie discomfited: with him died of his trustie fréends, his two bastard vncles, sir Iohn and sir Hugh Mortimers, sir Dauie Hall, sir Hugh Hastings, sir Thomas Neuill, William and Thomas Aparre, both brethren; and two thousand and eight hundred others, whereof manie were yoong gentlemen, and heires of great parentage in the south parts, whose kin reuenged their deaths within foure moneths next, as after shall appeare.

Hall's Chronicle 1460. 30 Dec 1460. Therle of Salisbury and other his frendes, seing his corage, resolued theselfes to his opinion, & ordered their men, and set them furth in Warlike fashion, for their moste aduauntage. The Duke of Somerset and other of the queues part, knowyng perfidy, that if the Duke gat the victory, their daies wer rninished, and their liuynges left bare, like men quickened and exasperate, for the safegard of their lifes, and defence of their goodes, determined to abide the chaunce, and to espie their mo=te aduauntage, and so appointed the lorde Clifford (age 25), to lye in the one stale, and the Erie of Wilshire in the other, and thei theimselfes kept the mayne battaill. The duke of Yorke with his people, discended doune the hill in good ordre and array, & was suffered to passe foreward, toward the mayne battaill: but when he was in the plain ground betwene his Castle and the toune of Wakefelde, he was enuironed on euery side, like a fish in a net, or a deere in a buckestall: so that he manfully fightyng, was within halfe an houre slain and ded, and his whole army discomfited, & with hym died of his trusty frendes, his two bastard vncles, sir Ihon, & sir Hugh Mortimers, sir Dauy Halle his chief counsailor, sir Hugh Hastynges, sir Thomas Neuel, William and Thomas Aparre, bothe brethren, and twoo thousande and eight hundred other, wherof many wer young gentlemen, and heires of greate parentage in the Southe parte, whose linages reuenged their dealhes, within foure Monethes, next and immediatly insuyng. In this conflicte was wounded and taken prisoner, Richarde Erie of Salisbury, sir Richard Lymbrike, Raufe Stanley, Ihon Harow, Capitain Hauson, and diuerse other. While this battaill was in fightyng, a prieste prieste called sir Robert Aspall, chappelain and schole master to the yong erle of Rutland ii. sonne to the aboue named duke of Yorke, scace of ye age of. xii. yeres, a faire gentletman, and a maydenlike person, perceiuyng yt flight was more sauegard, then tariyng, bothc for him and his master, secretly conueyed therle out of ye felde, by the lord Cliffordes bande, toward the towne, but or he coulde enter into a house, he was by the sayd lord Clifford espied, folowed, and taken, and by reson of his apparell, demaunded what he was. The yong gentelman dismaied, had not a word to speake, but kneled on his knees imploryng mercy, and desiryng grace, both with holding vp his handes and making dolorous countinance, for his speache was gone for feare. Saue him sayde his Chappelein, for he is a princes sonne, and peraduenture may do you good hereafter. With that word, the lord Clifford marked him and sayde: by Gods blode, thy father slew myne, and so wil I do the and all thy kyn, and with that woord, stacke the erle to ye hart with his dagger, and bad his Chappeleyn here the erles mother & brother worde what he had done, and sayde. In this acte the lord Clyffbrd was accompted a tyraunt, and no gentelman, for the propertie of the Lyon, which is a furious and an vnreasonable beaste, is to be cruell to them that withstaride hym, and gentle to such as prostrate or humiliate them selfes before him. Yet this cruell Clifforde, & deadly bloudsupper not content with this homicyde, or chyldkillyng, came to ye place wher the dead corps of the duke of Yorke lay, and caused his head to be stryken of, and set on it a croune of paper, & so fixed it on a pole, & presented it to the Quene, not lyeng farre from the felde, in great despite, and much derision, saiyng: Madame, your warre is done, here is your kinges raunsome, at which present, was much ioy, and great reioysing, but many laughed then, that sore lamented after, as the Quene her self, and her sonne: And many were glad then of other mens deaths, not knowing that their awne were nere at hande, as the lord Clifford, and other.

Chronicle of Robert Fabyan 1460. 30 Dec 1460. Wherof the quene with hyr lordys beynge ware, & hauynge with them a great strength of northerne, mette wt the duke of Yorke vpon the. xxx. daye of December nere a towne in the northe callyd Wakefelde, were atwene them was foughten a sharpe fyght, in ye whiche the duke of Yorke was slayen, wt his sone callyd erle of Rutlande, & syr Thomas Neuyll, sone vnto the erle of Salesbury, with many other, & ye erle of Salesbury was there taken on lyne with dyuerse other. Whan the lordys vpon the quenys partye hadde gotten this vyctory, anon they sent theyr prysoners vnto Pountfreyt, the whiche were after there behedyd, that is to meane, the erle of Salesbury, a man of Lodon, namyd lohn Harowe, and an other capytayne namyd Hanson, whose heddys were sent vnto Yorke, and there set vpon the gatys.

Chronicle of Gregory 1460. 30 Dec 1460. Ande the same year, the xxx [30] day of December, the Duke of Exceter (age 30), the Duke of Somersett (age 24), the Erle of Northehomberlond (age 39), the Lord Roos (age 33), the Lord Nevyle (age 50), the Lord ClyfForde (age 25), with many mo lordys, knyghtys, squyers, and gentyllys, and the commyns of the Quenys party, met with the Duke of Yorke (age 49) at Wakefylde [Map], and there they made a grete jorney a-pon the lord and Duke of Yorke, and toke him and the Erle of Saulysbury (age 60), the Erle of Rutlond (age 17), and the Lord Haryngdon (age 18), and Syr Thomas Nevyle (age 30), and Syr Thomas Haryngdon (age 60), and many mo knyghtys were take a slayne by syde alle the comyns. But this good Duke of Yorke with his lordys a-fore said loste her heddys; God have marcy on there soulys, for they loste in that jorneys the nombyr of xxvc [2500] men. And in the Quenys party were slay but ii c [200] men, &c.

Croyland Chronicle 1461. 30 Dec 1460. After the conclusion of these matters, towards the close of the same year, it being the week of our Lord's Nativity, the said Richard, duke of York, incautiously engaged the northern army at Wakefield which was fighting for the king, without waiting to bring up the whole of his own forces; upon which, a charge was made by the enemy on his men, and he was without any mercy or respect relentlessly slain. There fell with him at the same place many noble and illustrious men; and countless numbers of the common people, who had followed him, met their deaths there, and all to no purpose.

Chronicle of England by William of Worcester. On the 29th of December1, at Wakefield, while the soldiers of the Duke of York (age 49) were wandering through the country seeking provisions, a dreadful battle occurred between the said Duke of Somerset (age 24), the Earl of Northumberland (age 39), and Lord Neville (age 50) with a large army, and the opposing party, where the Duke of York, Thomas Neville (age 30), son of the Earl of Salisbury (age 60), Thomas Harington (age 60), Thomas Parr, Edward Bourchier, James Pickering, and Henry Radford, as well as many other knights and esquires, and about two thousand commoners, were killed on the field. In the retreat after the battle, Lord Clifford killed, some say murdered, Lord Edmund, Earl of Rutland (age 17), son of the Duke of York, on the bridge at Wakefield [Map]. And on the same night, the Earl of Salisbury was captured by the servant of Andrew Trollope. On the next day, at Pontefract, the Bastard of Exeter killed the said Earl of Salisbury, where, by the counsel of the lords, the lifeless bodies of the Duke of York, the Earl of Salisbury, and Rutland, Thomas Neville, Edward Bowcher, Thomas Harington, Thomas Parre, James Pykeryng, and John Harrowe of London, mercer, were beheaded, and their heads were placed on various parts of York. They crowned the head of the Duke of York with a paper crown in mockery.

xxix. die mensis Decembris apud Wakfelde, gentibus ducis Eborum vagantibus per patriam pro victualibus quærendis, factum est execrabile bellum inter dictum ducem Somercetiæ, comitem Northumbriæ ac dominum Nevylle cum magno exercitu et partem aliam; ubi occubuerunt in campo dux Eboracensis, Thomas Nevil, filius comitis Sarum, Thomas Haryngtone, Thomas Parre, Edwardus Bowcher, Jacobus Pykeryng, et Henricus Rathforde, ac etiam multi alii milites et armigeri, et plebs ad duo millia. Et in fugiendo post campum super pontem apud Wakefelde dominus de Clyfforde occidit dominum Edmundum, comitem de Rutlande, filium ducis Eboraci. Et eadem nocte comes Sarum captus est per servientem Andreæ Trolloppe. Et in crastino apud Pountfrett bastardus Exoniæ occidit dictum comitem Sarum, ubi per consilium dominorum decollaverunt corpora mortua ducis Eboracensis, et comitis Sarum et Ruttland, Thomas Nevyle, Edwardi Boucher, Thomas Haryngton, Thomæ Parre, Jacobi Pykeryng, et Johannis Harrowe de London, mercer, posueruntque capita eorum super diversas partes Eboraci. Caput quoque ducis Eboraci in despectu coronaverunt carta.

Note. The Battle of Wakefield took place on the 30th of December 1460.

Chronicle of Gregory 1461. Then come tydyngys of the comynge of þea Erle of Marche (age 18) unto London; then alle the cytte were fayne, and thonkyd God, and said that

He that had Londyn for sake

Wolde no more to them take,

and said, "Lette us walke in a newe wyne yerde, and lette us make us a gay gardon in the monythe of Marche with this fayre whyte ros and herbe, the Erle of Marche." And the Erle of Warwycke (age 32) mette with the Erle of Marche by-syde Oxforde, x myle out of hit, at a towne of his owne i-namyd Burford a-pon the Wolde [Map]; for the Erle of Marche come fro Walys, and was full sore a-ferde of the loste of the ij fyldys that were loste by-fore, Wakefylde that one, and Synt Albonys that othyr, and he sorowde sore for his fadyr the Duke of Yorke (age 49), and for his good brother the Erle of Rutlond (age 17), and for alle othyr lordys and comyns, &c.

Note a. the repeated in MS.

Letters and Papers 1535. 30 Dec 1535. 1036. After I had taken leave of the King he recalled me by the Duke of Suffolk (age 51) to tell me news had just come that the Queen (age 50) was in extremis, and that I should hardly find her alive; moreover, that this would take away all the difficulties between your Majesty and him. I think the danger cannot be so great, because the physician did not represent the case to me as so urgent; nevertheless I took horse at once. I asked leave that the Princess (age 19) might see the Queen her mother,—which he at first refused, and on my making some remonstrance he said he would take advice on the subject.

The Princess had advised me to make this request. London, 30 Dec. 1535.

Fr., from a modern copy, pp. 6.

On 30 Dec 1546 Henry VIII (age 55) made his last revision to his will signed using the Dry Stamp that was used increasingly commonly. The will confirmed the succession as King Edward VI of England and Ireland (age 9), Queen Mary I of England and Ireland (age 30) and Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 13).

The will appointed sixteen executors: Anthony Browne (age 46), Archbishop Thomas Cranmer (age 57), Anthony Denny (age 45), John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland (age 42), William Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke (age 45), Edward Montagu (age 61), Edward North 1st Baron North (age 50), William Paget 1st Baron Paget Beaudasert (age 40), William Paulet 1st Marquess Winchester (age 63), John Russell 1st Earl Bedford (age 61), Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset (age 46), Bishop Cuthbert Tunstall (age 72) and Thomas Wriothesley 1st Earl of Southampton (age 41).

On 30 Dec 1605 Francis Tresham died whilst imprisoned at the Tower of London [Map] for his part in the Gunpowder Plot. His brother Lewis Tresham 1st Baronet (age 30) inherited Rushton Hall.

On 30 Dec 1623 the fourth Parliament of James I (age 57) known as the Happy Parliament was summoned.

On 19 Feb 1624 the Happy Parliament held its first session.

Roland Egerton 1st Baronet (age 29) was elected MP Wootton Bassett.

Arthur Lake (age 25) was elected MP Minehead.

James Wriothesley (age 18) was elected MP Winchester.

Richard Edgecumbe (age 53) was elected MP Grampound.

John Evelyn's Diary. 30 Dec 1640. I saw his Majesty (age 40) (coming from his Northern Expedition) ride in pomp and a kind of ovation, with all the marks of a happy peace, restored to the affections of his people, being conducted through London with a most splendid cavalcade; and on the 3d of November following (a day never to be mentioned without a curse), to that long ungrateful, foolish, and fatal Parliament, the beginning of all our sorrows for twenty years after, and the period of the most happy monarch in the world: Quis talia fando!

On 30 Dec 1654 Maria Anna Josepha Habsburg Spain was born to Ferdinand King Bohemia III Holy Roman Emperor (age 46) and Eleonora Gonzaga Queen Consort Bohemia (age 24). Coefficient of inbreeding 2.47%.

John Evelyn's Diary. 30 Dec 1656. Dined with me Sir William Paston's (age 46) son (age 25), Mr. Henshaw (age 38), and Mr. Clayton.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 30 Dec 1662. Thence to White Hall, where I carried my wife to see the Queen (age 53) in her presence-chamber; and the maydes of honour and the young Duke of Monmouth (age 13) playing at cards. Some of them, and but a few, were very pretty; though all well dressed in velvet gowns.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 30 Dec 1663. So leaving him at the Guiny House I to the Coffee House, whither came Mr. Grant (age 43) and Sir W. Petty (age 40), with whom I talked, and so did many, almost all the house there, about his new vessel, wherein he did give me such satisfaction in every point that I am almost confident she will prove an admirable invention.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 30 Dec 1663. Up betimes and by coach to my Lord Sandwich (age 38), who I met going out, and he did aske me how his cozen, my wife; did, the first time he hath done so since his being offended, and, in my conscience, he would be glad to be free with me again, but he knows not how to begin. So he went out, and I through the garden to Mr. Coventry (age 35), where I saw Mr. Ch. Pett (age 43) bringing him a modell, and indeed it is a pretty one, for a New Year's gift; but I think the work not better done than mine. With him by coach to London, with good and friendly discourse of business and against Sir W. Batten (age 62) and his foul dealings.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 30 Dec 1664. Lay very long in bed with my wife, it being very cold, and my wife very full of a resolution to keepe within doors, not so much as to go to church or see my Lady Sandwich (age 39) before Easter next, which I am willing enough to, though I seem the contrary. This and other talke kept me a-bed till almost 10 a'clock. Then up and made an end of looking over all my papers and books and taking everything out of my chamber to have all made clean.

On 30 Dec 1665 Robert Cawdron died. Memorial at Church of St John the Baptist, Great Hale [Map]

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 30 Dec 1667. After dinner, I did understand from my Lady Jemimah that her brother Hinchingbroke's business was to be ended this day, as she thinks, towards his match, and they do talk here of their intent to buy themselves some new clothes against the wedding, which I am very glad of.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 30 Dec 1667. Thence to White Hall, and there to visit Sir G. Carteret (age 57), and there was with him a great while, and my Lady and they seem in very good humour, but by and by Sir G. Carteret and I alone, and there we did talk of the ruinous condition we are in, the King (age 37) being going to put out of the Council so many able men; such as my Lord Anglesey (age 53), Ashly (age 46), Hollis (age 68), Secretary Morrice (age 65) (to bring in Mr. Trevor), and the Archbishop of Canterbury (age 69), and my Lord Bridgewater (age 44). He tells me that this is true, only the Duke of York (age 34) do endeavour to hinder it, and the Duke of York himself did tell him so: that the King and the Duke of York do not in company disagree, but are friendly; but that there is a core in their hearts, he doubts, which is not to be easily removed; for these men do suffer only for their constancy to the Chancellor (age 58), or at least from the King's ill-will against him: that they do now all they can to vilify the clergy, and do accuse Rochester, Kent [Map] [Dolben]... and so do raise scandals, all that is possible, against other of the Bishops. He do suggest that something is intended for the Duke of Monmouth (age 18), and it may be, against the Queene (age 58) also: that we are in no manner sure against an invasion the next year: that the Duke of Buckingham (age 39) do rule all now, and the Duke of York comes indeed to the Caball, but signifies little there. That this new faction do not endure, nor the King, Sir W. Coventry (age 39); but yet that he is so usefull that they cannot be without him; but that he is not now called to the Caball. That my Lord of Buckingham, Bristoll (age 55), and Arlington (age 49), do seem to agree in these things; but that they do not in their hearts trust one another, but do drive several ways, all of them. In short, he do bless himself that he is no more concerned in matters now; and the hopes he hath of being at liberty, when his accounts are over, to retire into the country. That he do give over the Kingdom for wholly lost. So after some other little discourse, I away, meeting with Mr. Cooling. I with him by coach to the Wardrobe, where I never was since the fire in Hatton Garden [Map], but did not 'light: and he tells me he fears that my Lord Sandwich (age 42) will suffer much by Mr. Townsend's being untrue to him, he being now unable to give the Commissioners of the Treasury an account of his money received by many thousands of pounds, which I am troubled for.

On 30 Dec 1731 Fulbeck Hall was mostly destroyed in a fire. It was rebuilt the following year.

On 30 Dec 1783 Hamilton Douglas (age 20) died of exposure while commanding the barge of Assistance being caught in a snowstorm while looking for deserters and wrecked at Sandy Hook, Middletown Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey.

1911 Encyclopædia Britannica. [Percy Bysshe Shelley (age 24)] The death of Harriet having removed the only obstacle to a marriage with Mary Godwin (age 19), the wedding ensued on the 30th of December 1816, and the married couple settled down at Great Marlow in Buckinghamshire.

Peacock's Memoirs of Shelley. On the 30th of December, 1816, Shelley (age 24) married his second wife [Mary Godwin aka Shelley (age 19)]; and early in the ensuing year they took possession of their house at Marlow. It was a house with many large rooms and extensive gardens. He took it on a lease for twenty-one years, furnished it handsomely, fitted up a library in a room large enough for a ball-room, and settled himself down, as he supposed, for life. This was an agreeable year to all of us. Mr. Hogg was a frequent visitor. We had a good deal of rowing and sailing, and we took long walks in all directions. He had other visitors from time to time. Amongst them were Mr. Godwin and Mr. and Mrs. Leigh Hunt. He led a much more social life than he had done at Bishopgate; but he held no intercourse with his immediate neighbours. He said to me more than once, 'I am not wretch enough to tolerate an acquaintance.'

On 30 Dec 1820 Agneta Johnson (age 80) died. Buried at St Andrew's Church, Wimpole [Map].

Inscription tablet flanked by pilasters with figures of her husband in robes of state and of two sons, and with medallion portrait at the head, all in white marble, signed 'J. FLAXMAN (age 65), R.A. Sculptor'

Agneta Johnson: On 11 Nov 1740 she was born to Henry Johnson of Berkhamstead in Hertfordshire. On 30 Dec 1762 Charles Yorke and she were married. He the son of Philip Yorke 1st Earl of Hardwicke and Margaret Cocks Countess Hardwicke.

On 30 Dec 1830 Elizabeth Mary Browne (age 63) died. Monument sculpted by Francis Leggatt Chantrey (age 49) in St Mary's Church, Easebourne, Sussex [Map].

Elizabeth Mary Browne: On 05 Dec 1767 she was born to Anthony Joseph Browne 7th Viscount Montagu and Frances Falconer Mackworth Viscountess Montague. On 01 Sep 1794 William Stephen Poyntz and she were married.

On 30 Dec 1839 William Hilton (age 53) died. Monument at Lincoln Cathedral [Map].

On 30 Dec 1843 Henry Fitzherbert (age 3) died at Nice, France. Memorial at St Mary's Church, Tissington [Map].

Henry Fitzherbert: On 01 Jun 1840 he was born to William Fitzherbert 4th Baronet and Ann Alleyne Lady Fitzherbert.

The Diary of George Price Boyce 1851. 30 Dec 1851. Called for John Seddon (age 24) at 10 0'clock, who accompanied me to St. Paul's Cathedral to witness Turner's (deceased) funeral. We first looked over the Cathedral and criticised the wretched taste of the greater part of the monuments, one by Behnes (age 56) seemed to be almost the only one that was simple, grand, and characteristic. The mourners, consisting of the Members of the Royal Academy and manv personal friends, alighted at the west entrance and advanced slowly to the choir preceded by the choristers, etc. Seddon and I obtained a central place in the choir, close to the coffn. The beautiful and awe-striking service for the dead was then gone through, its influence being much augmented by the sublimity of the scene. The body was then conveyed into the vaults, followed by the mourners. Father, who had brought Joanna (age 20), bought a ticket which admitted us all three into the vaults. I remained to see the stone rolled over him and to assist in adjusting the same—they first threw a basket full of human bones on and beside the coffn before rolling the stone over it. It was placed between the resting places of James Barry, the painter (next to which was that of Sir Joshua Reynolds), and Constantia, the great grand-daughter of Sir Christopher Wren, next to the tomb of Sir Christopher himself.

The London Gazette 21397. St, James's-Palace, December 30, 1852. THE Queen has been pleased to appoint the Right Honourable Lord Ernest Augustus Charles Brudenell-Bruce (age 41), to be Vice-Chamberlain of Her Majesty's Household, in the room of the Right Honourable Orlando-George-Charles-Bridgeman (age 33), Viscount Newport, resigned.

The London Gazette 21397. St. James's-Palace, December 30, 1852. The Queen has been pleased to appoint John Robert (age 47) Viscount Sydney to be Captain of Her Majesty's Guard of Yeomen of the Guard, in the room of William-Lennox-Lascelles Lord de Ros (age 55), resigned

The London Gazette 21397. St. James's-Palace, December 30, 1852. The Queen has been pleased to appoint Thomas Henry Lord Foley (age 44) to be Captain of Her Majesty's Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, in the room of John-William (age 41), Earl of Sandwich, resigned.

The Diary of George Price Boyce 1852. 30 Dec 1852. Went down to Dante G (age 24). and William Rossetti's chambers at 14 Chatham Place, Blackfriars Bridge. Met there Wells (age 24), J. P. Seddon (age 25), Clayton (age 25), and Mr. Munro (age 27), Mr. Stephens (age 25) and Mr. Hughes (age 20). Rossetti showed me his studio but none of his works (which is his way). He had for our entertainment a series of anastatic drawings designed and coloured by the Hon. Mrs. Boyle, some of which as beautiful in feeling, natural simplicity, and colour, and in poetical treatment as almost anything I have seen. They illustrate a nursery rhyme. Also a quantity of Gavarni's works, and a grand and most striking mask of Dante taken from a caste of his face in death; a tracing of his head in Giotto's fresco with the eye imperfect; a pen and ink sketch by Millais from Keats' "Isabella." In the physical way, roast chestnuts and coffee, honey, and hot spirits. His room has a jolly balcony overhanging the river, the reflection of the lights on the bridge and quays, etc., were charming. Conversation throughout delightful, resulting methought from the happy and gentlemanly freedom of the company generally. There was only one of D. G. Rossetti's works to be seen in the room, and that was a sketch, study of a man, back view. Gabriel Rossetti invited me to his studio next Thursday.

On 30 Dec 1862 Frances Elizabeth Sarah Eveleigh-de-Moleyns Marchioness Conyngham

On 30 Dec 1913 Queen Sophia of Sweden and Norway (age 77) died.

On 30 Dec 1915 the SS Persia was torpedoed near Crete without warning by the German U-boat U-38, commanded by Max Valentiner. It sank in five to ten minutes, killing 343 of the 519 aboard.

John Douglas-Scott-Montagu 2nd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu (age 49) survived. His mistress Eleanor Thornton (age 35) drowned.

Eleanor Thornton drowned.

Births on the 30th December

On 30 Dec 1578 Thomas Cecil was born to Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter (age 36) and Dorothy Neville Countess Exeter (age 30).

On 30 Dec 1607 James Harington 3rd Baronet was born to Edward Harington 2nd Baronet and Margaret Doyley (age 29).

On 30 Dec 1654 Maria Anna Josepha Habsburg Spain was born to Ferdinand King Bohemia III Holy Roman Emperor (age 46) and Eleonora Gonzaga Queen Consort Bohemia (age 24). Coefficient of inbreeding 2.47%.

On 30 Dec 1684 Leopold Hesse-Kassel was born to Charles I Landgrave Hesse-Kassel (age 30) and Maria Amalia of Courland Landgravine Hesse-Kassel (age 31). Coefficient of inbreeding 6.66%.

On 30 Dec 1702 Marie Gabrièle Charlotte Lorraine was born to Leopold Duke of Lorraine (age 23) and Élisabeth Charlotte Bourbon Duchess Lorraine (age 26). She a great x 3 granddaughter of King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland.

On 30 Dec 1715 Thomas Watson 3rd Earl Rockingham was born to Edward Watson (age 29) and Catherine Tufton (age 23).

On 30 Dec 1741 James Sanderson 1st Baronet was born.

On 30 Dec 1752 Charles Warre Malet 1st Baronet was born.

On 30 Dec 1806 Wilbraham Egerton 1st Baron Egerton Tatton was born to Wilbraham Egerton (age 25) and Elizabeth Sykes (age 29). Coefficient of inbreeding 3.12%.

On 30 Dec 1837 John Murray Mordaunt was born to John Mordaunt 9th Baronet (age 29).

On 30 Dec 1870 Charles Gordon-Lennox 8th Duke Richmond was born to Charles Gordon-Lennox 7th Duke Richmond (age 25) and Amy Mary Ricardo (age 23).

On 30 Dec 1892 Elizabeth Mary Shirley was born to Walter Shirley 11th Earl Ferrers (age 28) and Mary Jane Moon Countess Ferrers.

On 30 Dec 1893 Marjorie Ellinor Trotter Countess Fortescue was born to Charles William Trotter (age 28) and Eleanor Hamilton (age 28).

On 30 Dec 1937 James Aubrey Watson 5th Baronet was born to Thomas Aubrey Watson 4th Baronet (age 26) and Ella Marguerite Farrar Lady Watson.

On 30 Dec 1952 John Michael Edward Seymour 19th Duke of Somerset was born to Percy Hamilton Seymour 18th Duke of Somerset (age 42) and Gwendoline Collette Jane Thomas Duchess Somerset.

Marriages on the 30th December

On 30 Dec 1292 Henry Plantagenet 3rd Earl of Leicester 3rd Earl Lancaster (age 11) and Maud Chaworth (age 10) were married. He the son of Edmund "Crouchback" Plantagenet 1st Earl of Leicester 1st Earl Lancaster (age 47) and Blanche Capet Queen Navarre (age 44). He a grandson of King Henry III of England.

After 30 Dec 1389 Richard Fitzalan 9th Earl of Surrey 11th Earl of Arundel (age 43) and Philippa Mortimer Countess Pembroke, Arundel and Surrey (age 14) were married. She by marriage Countess Arundel Sussex, Countess Surrey. The difference in their ages was 29 years. She the daughter of Edmund Mortimer 3rd Earl March, Earl Ulster and Philippa Plantagenet Countess March 5th Countess Ulster. He the son of Richard Fitzalan 10th Earl of Arundel 8th Earl of Surrey and Eleanor Plantagenet Countess Arundel and Surrey. They were first cousin twice removed. He a great x 2 grandson of King Henry III of England. She a great granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

Before 30 Dec 1563 Henry Tuchet 10th Baron Audley, 7th Baron Tuchet and Elizabeth Sneyd Baroness Audley Heighley were married.

On 30 Dec 1656 Alexander Leslie 2nd Earl Leven (age 19) and Margaret Howard Countess Leven (age 21) were married. He the son of Alexander Leslie and Margaret Leslie Countess Buccleuch and Wemyss (age 36).

On 30 Dec 1669 Christopher Monck 2nd Duke Albemarle (age 16) and Elizabeth "Mad Duchess" Cavendish Duchess Albermarle Duchess of Montagu (age 15) were married at Whitehall Palace [Map]. She the daughter of Henry Cavendish 2nd Duke Newcastle upon Tyne (age 39) and Frances Pierrepont Duchess Newcastle upon Tyne (age 39). He the son of George Monck 1st Duke Albemarle (age 61) and Anne Clarges Duchess Albermarle (age 50). He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward IV of England.

On 30 Dec 1776 Thomas Onslow 2nd Earl Onslow (age 22) and Arabella Mainwaring Ellerker Countess Onslow (age 21) were married. He the son of George Onslow 1st Earl Onslow (age 45) and Henrietta Shelley Countess Onslow (age 45).

On 30 Dec 1815 Henry Roper-Curzon 15th Baron Teynham (age 26) and Susan Harriet Bedingfield were married.

30 Dec 1816 Percy Bysshe Shelley (age 24) and Mary Godwin aka Shelley (age 19) were married.

On 30 Dec 1903 Constantine Phipps 3rd Marquess Normanby (age 57) and Gertrude Stansfeld Foster Marchioness Normanby were married. She by marriage Marchioness Normanby. He the son of George Phipps 2nd Marquess Normanby and Laura Russell Marchioness Normanby. He a great x 5 grandson of King James II of England Scotland and Ireland.

Deaths on the 30th December

On 30 Dec 1460 the Lancastrian army took their revenge for the defeats of the First Battle of St Albans and the Battle of Northampton at the Battle of Wakefield near Sandal Castle [Map]. The Lancastrian army was commanded by Henry Holland 3rd Duke Exeter (age 30), Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset (age 24) and Henry Percy 3rd Earl of Northumberland (age 39), and included John Courtenay 15th Earl Devon (age 25) and William Gascoigne XIII (age 30), both knighted, and James Butler 1st Earl Wiltshire 5th Earl Ormonde (age 40), John "Butcher" Clifford 9th Baron Clifford (age 25), John Neville 1st Baron Neville of Raby (age 50), Thomas Ros 9th Baron Ros Helmsley (age 33), Henry Roos and Thomas St Leger (age 20).

The Yorkist army was heavily defeated.

Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York (age 49) was killed. His son King Edward IV of England (age 18) succeeded 4th Duke York, 7th Earl March, 9th Earl Ulster, 3rd Earl Cambridge, 9th Baron Mortimer of Wigmore.

Thomas Neville (age 30), and Edward Bourchier were killed.

Father and son Thomas Harrington (age 60) and John Harrington (age 36) were killed, the former dying of his wounds the day after.

William Bonville 6th Baron Harington (age 18) was killed. His daughter Cecily Bonville Marchioness Dorset succeeded 7th Baroness Harington.

Thomas Parr (age 53) fought in the Yorkist army.

Following the battle Richard Neville Earl Salisbury (age 60) was beheaded by Thomas "Bastard of Exeter" Holland. William Bonville (age 40) was executed.

Edmund York 1st Earl of Rutland (age 17) was killed on Wakefield Bridge [Map] by John "Butcher" Clifford. Earl of Rutland extinct.


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On 30 Dec 1595 William West 1st Baron De La Warr (age 69) died. His son Thomas West 2nd Baron De La Warr (age 39) succeeded 2nd Baron De La Warr. Anne Knollys Baroness De La Warr (age 40) by marriage Baroness De La Warr.

On 30 Dec 1605 Francis Tresham died whilst imprisoned at the Tower of London [Map] for his part in the Gunpowder Plot. His brother Lewis Tresham 1st Baronet (age 30) inherited Rushton Hall.

On 30 Dec 1672 Cicely Tufton Viscountess Hatton (age 24) died.

On 30 Dec 1688 Charles Cockayne 3rd Viscount Cullen (age 30) died. His son Charles Cockayne 4th Viscount Cullen (age 1) succeeded 4th Viscount Cullen.

On 30 Dec 1695 Samuel Morland 1st Baronet (age 70) died. His son Samuel Morland 2nd Baronet succeeded 2nd Baronet Morland of Sulhamstead Banister.

On 30 Dec 1704 John Hay 12th Earl Erroll died. His son Charles Hay 13th Earl Erroll succeeded 13th Earl Erroll.

On 30 Dec 1757 Anne Stafford Baroness Carbery (age 73) died.

On 30 Dec 1758 Philadelphia Lynch Lady Cotton (age 83) died.

On 30 Dec 1769 Mary Anne Drury Countess Buckinghamshire (age 29) died.

On 30 Dec 1777 Catherine Ramsden Lady Lowther (age 80) died.

On 30 Dec 1790 Archer Croft 3rd Baronet (age 59) died without male issue. His brother John Croft 4th Baronet (age 55) succeeded 4th Baronet Croft of Croft Castle in Herefordshire.

On 30 Dec 1794 Archibald Kennedy 11th Earl Cassilis (age 74) died. His son Archibald Kennedy 1st Marquess of Ailsa (age 24) succeeded 12th EarL Cassilis.

On 30 Dec 1797 David Martin (age 60) died.

On 30 Dec 1812 Denzil Cope 10th Baronet (age 46) died without issue. His brother John Cope 11th Baronet (age 44) succeeded 11th Baronet Cope of Hanwell in Oxfordshire.

On 30 Dec 1820 Agneta Johnson (age 80) died. Buried at St Andrew's Church, Wimpole [Map].

Inscription tablet flanked by pilasters with figures of her husband in robes of state and of two sons, and with medallion portrait at the head, all in white marble, signed 'J. FLAXMAN (age 65), R.A. Sculptor'

Agneta Johnson: On 11 Nov 1740 she was born to Henry Johnson of Berkhamstead in Hertfordshire. On 30 Dec 1762 Charles Yorke and she were married. He the son of Philip Yorke 1st Earl of Hardwicke and Margaret Cocks Countess Hardwicke.

On 30 Dec 1821 Jonathan Cope 4th Baronet (age 63) died without surviving male issue. Baronet Cope of Bruern in Oxfordshire extinct.

On 30 Dec 1821 Joseph Farington (age 74) died. He was staying with his brother Richard at Parrs Wood House, Didsbury [Map], Manchester. While attending a New Year's Eve service at St James' Church, Didsbury [Map], Farrington fell down the steps of the church and died shortly thereafter.

On 30 Dec 1822 Elizabeth Ilive Countess Egremont (age 53) died.

On 30 Dec 1830 Elizabeth Mary Browne (age 63) died. Monument sculpted by Francis Leggatt Chantrey (age 49) in St Mary's Church, Easebourne, Sussex [Map].

Elizabeth Mary Browne: On 05 Dec 1767 she was born to Anthony Joseph Browne 7th Viscount Montagu and Frances Falconer Mackworth Viscountess Montague. On 01 Sep 1794 William Stephen Poyntz and she were married.

On 30 Dec 1831 Mary O'Brien 4th Countess Orkney (age 76) died. Her grandson Thomas Fitzmaurice 5th Earl Orkney (age 28) succeeded 5th Earl Orkney. Isabella Irby Countess Orkney (age 24) by marriage Countess Orkney.

On 30 Dec 1839 William Hilton (age 53) died. Monument at Lincoln Cathedral [Map].

On 30 Dec 1863 Arthur Annesley 10th Viscount Valentia (age 78) died.

On 30 Dec 1874 James Graham 4th Duke Montrose (age 75) died. His son Douglas Graham 5th Duke Montrose (age 22) succeeded 5th Duke Montrose.

On 30 Dec 1906 Angela Burdett-Coutts 1st Baroness Burdett-Coutts (age 92) died. Her estate was inherited by Francis Money-Coutts 5th Baron Latymer (age 54), son of her sister Clara Burdett, who adopted the name Coutts.

On 30 Dec 1913 Queen Sophia of Sweden and Norway (age 77) died.

On 30 Dec 1915 the SS Persia was torpedoed near Crete without warning by the German U-boat U-38, commanded by Max Valentiner. It sank in five to ten minutes, killing 343 of the 519 aboard.

John Douglas-Scott-Montagu 2nd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu (age 49) survived. His mistress Eleanor Thornton (age 35) drowned.

Eleanor Thornton drowned.

On 30 Dec 1938 Anna Maria Gibbs Baroness Hunsdon died at Hunsdon Mill.

On 30 Dec 2006 Antony Lambton 6th Earl of Durham (age 84) died. His son Edward Lambton 7th Earl of Durham (age 45) succeeded 7th Earl Durham.

On 30 Dec 2018 Mary Stourton Countess Gainsborough (age 93) died.