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Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke
Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson.
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31 Jul is in July.
Oeuvres de Froissart by Kervyn de Lettenhove Volum 18. Letter of Edward III on his successes in Normandy. End of July 1346.
The King to the venerable Father in Christ, J., by the same grace Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of all England, greeting. Since we know you wish to hear pleasing news about us and our army, now acting (by the Lord's favor) in overseas parts for the defence of our kingdom of England and the recovery of our rights there, and the gracious outcomes which the Most High has granted us since our landing at Hogges in Normandy in the pursuit of our war — for your comfort and for the encouragement of all our English people — we have decided to send these in a certain enclosed letter. We earnestly and sincerely ask you to have the contents of the said letter published in such places as you deem appropriate, and to have prayers and devout offerings made for us and for our said army, Masses celebrated, solemn processions held twice weekly, and other acts of pious supplication performed daily throughout your diocese and province. May God and Lord, the just Judge, through the increase of His overflowing grace, deign to cause our gracious beginning to prosper, so that — by His merciful ordering and with your supporting merits and prayers — we may reach an outcome pleasing to Him, and beneficial to the Church and the commonwealth.
The following is the enclosed letter.
Our lord the king, to the honor of God and of Our Lady Saint Mary, and for the encouragement of all his faithful and liege subjects of England, signifies to them the grace and prosperity of his undertakings, which God has granted him since the time that he arrived at Hogges near Barfleur in Normandy. First, how our said lord the king, with his host, set out from Hogges on the Tuesday before the feast of Saint Margaret, and took the castle and town of Valognes. Then, on his journey, he caused the bridge of Ouve, which had been broken by his enemies, to be rebuilt, and he crossed it, and took the castle and town of Carentan. From there, he took the direct road toward the town of Saint-Lô and found the Pont-Hébert near that town destroyed to hinder his passage, and had it immediately rebuilt, and the next day took the town. Then he went directly to Caen without delaying a single day from the time he departed from Hogges until his arrival there. And immediately upon his lodging at Caen, our men began to assault the town, which was very strongly fortified and garrisoned with around 1,600 men-at-arms and around thirty thousand armed and defensible commoners. They defended themselves very well and bravely, so that the melee was very fierce and lasted long; but, praised be God! the town was eventually taken by force without any loss of our men. Among those captured were the Count of Eu, Constable of France, the Chamberlain of Tankerville (who was at that time declared Marshal of France), and among others 140 bannerets and knights, and a great number of squires and wealthy burgesses. And many noble knights, gentlemen, and a great number of commoners were killed. The navy that remained on the king's side burned and destroyed the entire coastline from Barfleur to the estuary of Colleville, near Caen; they also burned the town of Cherbourg and the ships in the harbor, and they destroyed or burned more than a hundred large ships and other vessels belonging to the enemy, either by our said lord the king or by his men.
Wherefore our said lord the king prays all his liege subjects of England that they devoutly give thanks to God for the success that He has thus granted, and that they pray earnestly to God that He may be willing to grant to our said lord good continuance [of success]. And he has commanded his chancellor to write, under his great seal, to the prelates and clergy of his kingdom of England that they do likewise; and that the said chancellor and the others of the council make this known to the city of London and to the people, for their encouragement. For he has already, by the assent of all his great lords, who show good and entire and united will, resolved to press forward toward his adversary, wherever he may be, day by day, as far as he is able; and he firmly hopes in God that He will grant him a good and honorable outcome to his enterprise.
And upon this, our said lord the king has charged the Earl of Huntingdon — whom our said lord the king has caused to return to England, because of a very severe and perilous illness with which he is afflicted, although his return was very much against his will — to explain these matters more fully to the council of our said lord in England.
(Published in part by Rymer, vol. II, p. 4, p. 203, and in part by M. Delpit from the archives of the City Hall of London.)
Lettre d'Édouard III sur ses succès en Normandie. Fin de juillet 1346.
Rex venerahili in Christo Patri J. eadem gratia archiepiscopo Cantuariensi, totius Anglize primati, salutem. Quia de nobis et nostro exercitu, in partibus transmarinis, pro defensione regni nostri Angliæ et juribus nostris inibi (annuente Domino) recuperandis, jam agentibus, rumores placidos vos novimus scire velle et gratiosos eventus, quos Altissimus, post applicationem nostram apud Hogges in Normannia, super expeditione guerræ nostræ, nobis ibidem contulit, ad consolationem et confortationem vestri et totius populi nostri anglicani, vobis in quadam cedula præsentibus interclusa duximus transmittendos, fiducialiter et intime vos rogantes quatinus contenta in eadem cedula, in locis ubi expedire videritis, publicari, et preces et hostias devotas pro nobis et dicto exercitu nostro offerri, missas celebrari, ac bis in qualibet septimana processiones solempnes, et de die in diem alia piæ placationis officia, per vestras diecesim et provinciam, fieri faciatis, ut Deus et Dominus, justus judex, per suæ exuberantis gratiæ incrementa, concedere dignetur tam gratiosum nostrum principium taliter prosperari ut, disponente sua clementia, per nostros labores ad exitum sibi placibilem, Ecclesiæ et reipublicæ perutilem, vestris suffragantibus meritis et orationibus, attingere valeamus.
Sequitur cedula.
Nostre seigneur le roi, al honeur de Dieu et de Nostre-Dame Seinte-Marie et au comfort de tous ses foials et liges gents d'Engleterre, signifie à eux la grâce et la prospérité de ses bosoignes, que Dieu lui ad doné, puis le temps qu'il arriva à Hogge près de Barflu, en Normandie. Primes, coment nosire dit seigneur le roy, ove son host, se mova de la Hogge, le maredy procheyn devaunt la feste de Seinte-Margarete, et prist le chastel et la ville de Valonges, et puys, sur son chemyn, fist referre le pount de Ove, qui estoit debruscé par ses enemys et le passa, et prist le chastel et la ville de Quarentene, et de illocques il tient le droit chemyn devers la ville de Seint-Loo, et trova le Pount-Herbert prés de celle ville rompu pour avoir destourbé son passage, et le fist meyntenaunt refere, et I'endemayn prist la ville et lui adrescea droitement à Came sauns nul jour séjourner del hure qu'il départi de la Hoge tanque a sa venue illoes. Et meyntenaunt sur son héberger à Came, nos gents comencérent de doner assaut a la ville, que estoit mult afforcie et estuffée des gents d'armes environ mille et VIc et des communes armés et defensables à aysmie de trente mille, que se defendérent mult bien et apertement, sique la mellée fut trés-fort et long durant; mes, loiets ent soit Dieux! la ville fust pris par force au darreyn sauns perdre de nos gents, et il furent pris le counte de Eu, conestable de Ffraunce, le chaumberleyn de Tankerville, que estoit & la la journée escriés mareschal de Ffraunce, et des autres baunerets et chivalers C et XL, et des esquiers et riches burgeys graunt fuson; et sount morts tut pleyn des nobles chivalers et gentils hommes et communes graunt nombre. Et la navie qu'est demoré devers le roi, ad ars et destruit tote la costére de la mier, de Barfly jesques à la fosse de Coleville, prés de Came, et si ont-ils ars la ville de Cherborc et les niefs en la havène; et sont ars des graundes niefs et autres vessels des enemys, que par nostre dit seigneur le roi et par ses gents, C ou plus.
Pur quoi prie nostre dit seigneur le roi as totes ses liges gents d'Engleterre qu'ils regracient Dieu dévoutoment de Pesploit qu'il ad issint donné et qu'ils prient à Dieu assiduelement qu'il voille donner al dit nostre seigneur bon continuance; et ad comandé & son chaunceller qu'il face escrivre, sous son graunt séal, à les prélats et la clergie de son roialme d'Engleterre qu'ils le facent auxint, et que ledit chaunceller et les autres du counsel signifient ceste chose à la citée de Loundres et au poeple, au comfort de eux; quar il ad jà, par l'assent de tous ses graunts qui se monstrent de bonne et entière et une volenté, pris propos de lui haster devers son adversaire queu part qu'il soit, de jour en autres, taunt come il purra, et espoyre fermement en Dieu qu'il lui donra bon issue et honorable de sa emprise.
Et sur ceo, si ad nostre dit seigneur le roi chargé le counte de Huntyngdon, que nostre dit seigneur le roi ad feit returner en Engleterre, par cause de moult fort et périlouse maladie dount il est suppris, coment que s'en retourner estoit mult contre son grié, de monstrer cestes choses plus pleynement au conseil nostre dit seigneur en Engleterre.
(Publié en partie par Rymer, t, II, p. 4, p. 203, et en partie par M. Delpit d'après les archives de la Mairie de Londres.)
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Thomas Walsingham [~1422]. [31st July 1396]. In this year, Master William Courtenay (age 54), Archbishop of Canterbury, departed from this world. He was succeeded, by the election of the General Chapter, by Thomas Arundel (age 43), brother of the Earl of Arundel (age 50) and Chancellor of the Kingdom, who soon resigned from the office and responsibilities of Chancellor with the King's consent, entrusting them to Master Edmund Stafford (age 52).
Hoc anno valefecit mundo Magister Willelmus Courtenay, Arckiepiscopus Cantuariensis; cui successit, postulatione Communis Capituli, Thomas Arundel, frater Comitis Arundelliæ, regnique Cancellarius; qui mox Cancellariæ dimisit officium, et illius sollicitudinem, per Regis assensum, Magistro Edmundo Stafforde commendavit.
On 31st July 1396 Philip "Good" Valois III Duke Burgundy was born to John "Fearless" Valois Duke Burgundy (age 25) and Margaret Wittelsbach Duchess Burgundy (age 33). He married (1) 28th January 1405 his second cousin Michelle Valois Duchess Burgundy, daughter of Charles "Beloved Mad" VI King France and Isabeau Wittelsbach Queen Consort France (2) 30th November 1424 his second cousin Bonne Artois Duchess Burgundy, daughter of Philip Artois Count of Eu and Marie Valois I Duchess Auverge (3) 7th January 1430 his third cousin Isabella Aviz Duchess Burgundy, daughter of King John I of Portugal and Philippa of Lancaster Queen Consort Portugal, and had issue.
On 31st July 1396 Archbishop William Courtenay (age 54) died at Maidstone, Kent [Map]. He was buried in the quire of Canterbury Cathedral [Map].
On 31st July 1415, when King Henry V of England (age 28) was in Portchester Castle, Hampshire [Map] preparing to invade France, Edmund Mortimer 5th Earl March 7th Earl of Ulster (age 23) revealed the Southampton Plot to him. Henry Scrope 3rd Baron Scrope of Masham (age 42), Thomas Grey of Werke and Heaton (age 30), and Richard of Conisbrough 1st Earl Cambridge (age 30) were intending to replace King Henry V of England with Edmund Mortimer 5th Earl March 7th Earl of Ulster as King of England based on Edmund Mortimer 5th Earl March 7th Earl of Ulster having a better claim to the throne being descended from Edward III's second son Lionel of Antwerp 1st Duke of Clarence whereas King Henry V of England was descended from the third son John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster.
Robert Willoughby 6th Baron Willoughby (age 30), Richard de Vere 11th Earl of Oxford (age 29), Thomas Montagu 1st Count Perche 4th Earl Salisbury (age 27) and Thomas Camoys 1st Baron Camoys (age 64) sat in judgement.
Deeds of King Henry V [1413-1421]. [31st July 1415] And while he [King Henry V] was subsequently waiting in his castle of Porchester for his passage through the marsh, behold, God, wishing to test the constancy of His chosen one, allowed him to be tempted and struck again, even by another dreadful hammer of turbulence. For our adversary the Devil, who always envies every good intention, entered into the hearts of certain men of Cambridge who were near him, namely, Lord Richard, the Earl of Cambridge, his own first cousin, Henry, Lord le Scrope, who was closer to him, and who had scarcely been a third person in the royal secrets, as well as Thomas Grey, a famous and noble knight, if he had not been stained with this mark of betrayal.
Their cruel madness and insane cruelty, corrupted by a lust for domination, but rather by the allure of promises or gifts from the French , conspired not only to impede his proposed journey but also to plot the destruction of the king's life in a manner too atrocious and inhuman. But He who sits above the cherubim and sees the depths, and knows how vain the thoughts of men are, soon delivered the just from the wicked, and revealed the iniquity of Judas and the treachery of the evil ones through Lord Mortimer, the Earl of March , whose innocence they had aimed at in this deadly plot.
And immediately for this reason, silently and wisely among the other lords, by the king, as if called to counsel, and captured in the same castle and brought to the port of Southampton, on the following Monday, the fifth day of August in the year of Our Lord 1415, a public sentence of confession was pronounced, and the aforementioned lords, Richard, Earl of Cambridge, and Thomas Grey were punished by beheading. And the aforementioned Henry le Scrope, because he was a more familiar enemy, was subjected to great disgrace, and due to the infamy of his charges, was dragged through the middle of the town to the place of execution and beheaded.
Et dum deinceps in castro suo Porcestriæ super transitu suo per morulam expectasset, ecce adhuc Deus volens experiri constantiam electi sui, permisit eum iteratò tentari et tundi, etiam alio diræ turbinationis malleo, Nam adversarius noster Diabolus, qui punishment semper invidet omni bono proposito, intravit in corda Cambridge, quorundam qui prope erant à lateribus ejus, viz, in dominos Ricardum, comitem Cantabrigiæ, consanguineum suum germanum, Henricum, dominum le Scrop de sibi magis domesticum, et qui secretis regiis vix fuit alicui tertius in regno, necnon et Thomam Grey, militem famosum et nobilem, si non cum hâc proditionis maculâ violasset, Quorum crudelis dementia et demens crudelitas, corruptâ libidine dominandi, sed potiùs odore promissorum vel munerum Gallicorum, non solum in impedimentum propositi itineris, sed etiam in regiæ necis exidium nimis atrociter et inhumaniter conspiraverunt, Sed qui sedet super cherubim et intuetur abbissos, et scit quàm vanæ sunt cogitationes hominum, citò liberavit justum ab impiis, et revelavit iniquitatem Judæ, et proditionem malorum per dominum de Mortuo Mari, comitem Marchiæ, cujus innocentiam in hoc exitiali proposito attentassent, Et statim propter hoc tacitè tum et sapienter inter cæteros dominos, per regem, quasi ad consilium vocati, et capti in eodem castro et usque ad portum Hamonis adducti, sequenti die Lunæ quinto die Augusti Anno Domini M.CCCC.XV °, latâ in publicè confessoris sententiâ, dicti domini, Ricardus comes Cantabrigiæ, et Thomas Grey plectebantur capitibus, Et præfatus Henricus de la Scrop, quia magis familiaris inimicus in magnis vituperium, propter reatûs ignominiam, per medium villæ tractus ad locum supplicii extitit decollatus, ...
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Thomas Walsingham [~1422]. [31st July 1415] While the King was awaiting the arrival of his nobles at Southampton, who were to cross the sea with him, three powerful men, in whom he placed particular trust, conspired to kill him. If I wanted to withhold their names, the notoriety of the crime would still expose them, even if I kept silent. So I will say what I regret to say, and I will not hide the names of these parricides. The first and foremost was Lord Henry le Scrope, in whose fidelity and constancy the King entirely reposed his trust. Under a cloak of hypocrisy, he paled outwardly, all the while—
"bearing a crafty fox beneath his heated chest,"
displaying the sheepish appearance of innocence in all things, but —
"He had learned to feign loyalty, to conceal threatening looks,
Cloaking deceit with a flattering smile;
Burning with cruelty and greedy for gain,
Skilled in sowing discord among loyal companions."
Such was his reputation with the King, that whenever private or public counsel was held, it would be settled by Scrope's judgment. He affected such gravity in his face, such modesty in his manner, and such piety in his speech, that whatever he pronounced, the King deemed as if it had fallen from Heaven itself.
If a diplomatic mission was to be sent to France, the King believed it necessary that Scrope handle it, either for his intellect or his person. But it was he who negotiated with the enemy, himself the King's secret foe, deceiving the King with empty pledges, misleading the council with hollow promises, and reporting falsehoods to both sides, outwardly favouring the English, but inwardly serving the French.
Since the innocent King had entrusted him with much, and lavished special gifts upon him, this treacherous ingrate, in return for such kindness, plotted to take the King's life, just as the fleet was ready and the troops assembled for departure. It is said he had promised this to the French, for a bribe of money; and when the French returned home, they rejoiced, claiming the King of England had either returned home in fear or, as they hoped, had been assassinated.
He had as accomplices Richard, Earl of Cambridge, brother of the Duke of York, whom the King had created an earl, enriched with lands, and honoured above others due to his noble birth and Sir Thomas Grey, a northern knight.
Yet no favour, no honour, no royal generosity could restrain them from arming themselves for the murder of their greatest benefactor.
But, before they could carry out the deed, by God's will, their plot was discovered, and they were condemned by their peers to be beheaded. The King pardoned other penalties due by law, except for Henry le Scrope, who is said to have been drawn (i.e. dragged to execution). He is also reported to have wept over their misfortunes.
Because of the King's gentleness, compassion, and mercy, some have applied to him the words once spoken by Ovid about Augustus:
"Slow to punish, swift to reward,
And grieving whenever he is forced to be harsh."
Dum Rex suorum procerum, qui cum eo transfretare debebant, apud Southamtoniam præstolaretur adventum, tres viri potentes, in quibus pre ceteris confidebat, in ejus necem conjuraverunt. Quorum nomina si vellem supprimere, fama flagitii divulgaret, etiam me tacente. Dicam ergo quod me dicturum doleo, parricidarumque nomina non celabo. Primus et. praecipuus Dominus Henricus Le Serop, in cujus fide sive constantia totus animus regius requievit. Qui sub hypoerisi cuncta gerenda foris suppallians, et
"stutam vapido gestans sub pectore vulpem,"
in cunctis agendis agninam simplicitatem publice praeferebat. —
"Edidicit," nempe, " simulare fidem, vultusque minaces
"Protegere, et blando fraudem prcetexere risu;
"Plenus soevitice, lucrique cupidine fervens,
"Doctus et unanimes odio turbare sodales."
Hic tante fuit æstimationis penes Regem, ut si quando consilia privata vel publica tractabantur, hujus diffinitione terminabantur. Prætendebat namque tantam gravitatem in vultu, tantam in gestu modestiam, tantam in affatu religionem, ut quicquid ipse dictasset, velut oraculum e ccelo lapsum Rex oportere fieri judicaret. Si legatio solemnis emittenda foret in Franciam, ingenio vel persona Henrici Le Secrop exequi necesse putabat. Ille proinde tractabat cum hostibus, ipse domino suo Regi hostis occultus, muleebatque Regem vanis sponsionibus; delusit Consilium promissis inanibus, referens utrisque alia pro aliis, fronte favens suis, mente vero Gallis. Cumque Rex innocens, propter magnam confidentiam, hujus se arbitrio in pluribus commisisset, et ei multa donaria specialia tribuisset, ille tantis beneficiis retributor iniquus, dominum suum, cum jam in procinctu foret profectionis sua, parata classe et aggregatis militum copii, repente vita pris vare moliebatur. Spoponderat ista Francis, ut fertar, pacta sibi pro proditione pecunia; qui, jam ad sua regressi, leotificavere suos, asserentes Regem Angliæ, mutato proposito, vel ad sua regressum, vel certe, quod veriug putavere, peremptum. Habuit consortes proditionis Ricardum Comitem Cantabrigiæ, fratrem scilicet Ducis Eboraci, et Thomam Grey, militem Borealem. Quem quidem Ricardum Comitem Rex creaverat, et multis bonis ditaverat, et pre ceteris honouraverat ratione generis et parentelæ. Sed nulla impensa benevolentia, nullum collatum beneficium, proditores prævertere poterant, quin in necem tanti benefactoris mutuo se armarent. Attamen priusquam conceptum facinus possent ad effectum perducere, Deo volente, detecti sunt, et judicio parium suorum condemnati decapitationis sententiam subire; Rege alias pœnas, de jure debitas, perdonante, (præterquam Henrico Scrop, qui dicitur fuisse tractus), qui etiam deflevisse vices eorum fertur. Quamobrem mnonnulli propter Regis modestiam, compasgionem, et pietatem, landes Aungusti in eum transferunt, guondam editas a Nasone, eo quod
"Sit piger ad poenas princeps, ad prasmia velox,
"Quique dolet quoties cogitur esse ferox."
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The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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Chronicle of Robert Fabyan [-1512]. [31st July 1415] And whyle the kynge there was shyppynge of his people, dyuers of his lordes, that is to say, sir Richarde erle of Cambrydge & brother vnto the duke of Yorke, whiche sir Richarde berynge the name of Langley, had wedded dame Anne, the doughter of syr Roger Mortymer erle of Marche & Wolster, by whom he had yssue Isabell, which after was maryed unto the lorde Boucher erle of Essex, & Richard whiche after was duke of Yorke & fader to kynge Edward the. iiii. To whom also was assentyng, sir Richard Scrop than tresourer of England, & sir Thomas Gray knyght, were there arrestyd for treason, & aregnyd, or so examyned upon ye same, that the XXIX day of July folowyng they were there all thre behedyd.
Chronicle of Enguerrand de Monstrelet [1400-1453]. the King of England, while at Southampton, discovers a conspiracy of his nobles against him. He lays siege to Harfleur, and wins that town.
Chronicle of Adam of Usk [~1352-1430]. [31st July 1415] And there the envoys of the king of France coming to him and pretending to sue for peace1 bought for a great sum of gold, from certain his councillors, to wit, Richard, earl of Cambridge, the brother of the duke of York, and also the lords Scrope and Grey2, consent to his death, or at least a hindrance of his voyage. But they, being discovered by the earl of March, deservedly found a death worthy of such treason.
Note 1. The archbishop of Bourges and the bishop of Lisieux, who met Henry at Winchester on the 30th June, and departed on the 6th July.
Note 2. Richard Plantagenet, of Conisburgh, created earl of Cambridge, 1st May, 1414; Henry, baron Scrope, of Masham; and sir Thomas Grey, of Heton. Grey was executed forthwith ; Cambridge and Scrope, after condemnation by their peers, on the 5th August.
Holinshed's Chronicle [1525-1582]. [31st July 1415] When king Henrie had fullie furnished his navie with men, munition, & other provisions, perceiving that his capteines misliked nothing so much as delaie, determined his souldiors to go a ship-boord and awaie. But see the hap, the night before the daie appointed for their departure, he was crediblie informed, that Richard earle of Cambridge brother to Edward duke of Yorke, and Henrie lord Scroope of Masham lord treasuror, with Thomas Graie a knight of Northumberland, being confederat togither, had conspired his death: wherefore he caused them to be apprehended. The said lord Scroope was in such favour with the king, that he admitted him sometime to be his bedfellow, in whose fidelitie the king reposed such trust, that when anie privat or publike councell was in hand, this lord had much in the determination of it. For he represented so great gravitie in his countenance, such modestie in behaviour, and so vertuous zeale to all godlinesse in his talke, that whatsoeuer he said was thought for the most part necessarie to be doone and followed. Also the said sir Thomas Graie (as some write) was of the kings privie councell.
These prisoners upon their examination, confessed, that for a great summe of monie which they had received of the French king, they intended verelie either to have delivered the king alive into the hands of his enimies, or else to haue murthered him before he should arrive in the duchie of Normandie. When king Henrie had heard all things opened, which he desired to know, he caused all his nobilitie to come before his presence, before whome he caused to be brought the offendors also, and to them said. 'Hauing thus conspired the death and destruction of me, which am the head of the realme and gouernour of the people, it maie be (no doubt) but that you likewise have sworne the confusion of all that are here with me, and also the desolation of your owne countrie. To what horror (O lord) for any true English hart to consider, that such an execrable iniquitie should ever so bewray you, as for pleasing of a forren enimie to imbrue your hands in your bloud, and to ruine your owne native soile. Revenge herein touching my person, though I séeke not; yet for the safegard of you, my déere fréends, & for due perseruation of all sorts, I am by office to cause example to be shewed. Get ye hence therefore ye poore miserable wretches to the receiving of your just reward, wherein Gods majestie give You grace of his mercie and repentance of your heinous offenses.' And so immediatlie they were had to execution.
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On 31st July 1423 the English and Burgundian army defeated the French and Scottish armies at the Battle of Cravant at Cravant, Yonne. On the English side Thomas Montagu 1st Count Perche 4th Earl Salisbury (age 35) commanded. Robert Willoughby 6th Baron Willoughby (age 38) was second in command.
The French and Scottish army were commanded by John Stewart of Darnley 1st Count Évreux (age 43). Louis Bourbon 1st Count Vendôme 1st Count Castres (age 47) was second in command. Both were captured; Darnley lost an eye.
Polydore Vergil [1470-1555]. 31st July 1423. Meanwhile Charles (age 20) besieged Cravant, to which the Earl of Salisbury (age 35) and William de la Pole Earl of Suffolk (age 26) came quickly with 4,000 armed men. They joined battle and slaughtered, routed, and defeated the French, who lost 2,000 dead and 400 captured. Among them was the Earl of Buchan (age 42), the Constable of France (age 43), who ransomed himself immediately thereafter and rejoined the fighting.
Collectanea by John Leland [1502-1552]. The XXX and XXXIth Days of the said Monneth [30th and 31st July 1503], the Qwene tarried at Barrwyk, where fhe had grett Chere of the said Cappitayne of Barrwyk. and hyr Company in lykewys. That sam Day was by the said Cappiteyne, to the Pleasur of the said Qwene, gyffen Corses of Chasse within the said Town, with other Sports of Bayrs and of Doggs togeder.
Archaeologia Volume 3 Section V. 31st July 1515. I, Thomas Butler (age 89) knt. erle of Ormonda, do make this my last will and testament, &c.
Item I give and devise to my dar dame Anne St. Leger (age 60) — to my dar dame Marg't. Bolin (age 61), late the wife of Sir Wm. Bolin knt. my manor of Newhall in Essex
Item when my lorde my father, whose soul God affoile [?], left and delivered unto me a lytle whyte horne of ivory, garnished at both thendes with gold, and corse thereunto of whyte sylke, barred with barres of gold, and a tyret of golde thereupon, which was myn auncetours at fyrst time they were called to honourb, and hath sythen contynually remained in the same blode, for wych cause my seid lord and father commanded me upon his blessing, that I shuld doo my devoir to cause it to contynue still in my blode as far furth as that myght lye in me soo to be doone to the honor of the same blode. Therefore for the accomplishiment of my seid father's will, as farr as it is in me to execute the same, I will that my executors delyver unto Sir Tho. Boleyn (age 38) knt. son and heir apparent of my said dar Margaret, the said lytle white horn and corse, he to keep the same to the use of the issuee male of his body lawfully begotten. And for lack of such issue the said horne to remayne and be delyvered to Sir George Seyntleger (age 31) knt. son of my said dar Anne, and to the issue male which successively shall come of the body of the said George. And so to contynue in the issue male of the bodies of the same dame Margaret and dame Anne, as long as shall fortune any such issue male of their bodies to be. And alls for default of issue male of the body of any of my said daughters, the said horn to remaine, and to be delivered to the next issue male of my said auncetors, so that it may contynew styl in my blode hereafter as long as it shall please God, lyke as it hath doone hytherto to the honor of the same blode.
Note a. He was the 7th Ead of Ormond, and 3d son of James the 4th Earl. He was attainted by E. IV, but restored by H. VII. sworn of the privy-counci, and summoned as a baron to the English parliament by the title of Thomas Ormond de Rochford. He died 1515, and was buried in the church of Sir Thomas D'Acres, now Mercers Chapel, London. His two daughters married as above, Sir James St. Leger, ancestor to the family of Eggesford, in Devonshire, and Sir William Bullen, Knight of the Bath, and father of Tho. Viscount Rochford, [who was the father of] Queen Anne (age 14), and Mary (age 16) wife of Wm. Carey (age 15), ancestor to the Lord Hunsdon.
Note b. Q. Whether, on Henry II's appointing Theobald, the first of this family, butler of Ireland, 1177, or on the creation of the first Earl of Ormond, by E. I, when the county of Tipperary was made palatine.
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On 31st July 1526 Augustus Wettin Elector of Saxony was born to Henry IV Duke Saxony (age 53) and Catherine of Mecklenburg Duchess of Saxony (age 39). He married 7th October 1548 his third cousin once removed Anna Oldenburg and had issue.
On 31st July 1527 Maximilian Habsburg Spain II Holy Roman Emperor was born to Ferdinand I Holy Roman Emperor (age 24) and Anne Jagiellon (age 24) in Vienna [Map]. He married 13th September 1548 his first cousin Maria of Spain Holy Roman Empress, daughter of Charles V Holy Roman Emperor and Isabel Aviz Queen Consort Spain, and had issue.
Diary of Edward VI. 31st July 1550. Th'erl of Southampton (deceased)5 died.
Note 5. Thomas Wriothesley, formerly lord chancellor (see before, p. 211). See a description of his funeral in Machyn's Diary, p. 1; and the note, p. 313. Mr. J. Payne Collier has an old copy of his will, which was made 21 July, 4 Edw. VI. and proved 14 May, 1551, by Jane (age 41) his widow and sir Edmund Peckham (age 55). In early life he had been clerk to Peckham, then cofferer of the household (21 Hen. VII.). Trevelyan Papers, p. 168.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 31st July 1553. The xxxj day of July was delevered owt of the Towre [Map] the duke of Suffoke (age 36); and the sam day rod thrugh London my lade Elssabeth (age 19) to Algatt, and so to the qwens (age 37) grace her sester, with a M1. hors with a C. velvett cotes.
Note. Rode through London my lady Elizabeth. Stowe relates that the lady Elizabeth went to meet the queen on the 30th, the day after her arrival in London: he states that she was accompanied with a thousand horse, as says our diarist, but "Camden 500, and so I have heard my mother from her grandmother, who was one of them, relate, and that queen Mary then kissed every gentlewoeman [that] came with her sister." MS. note by the Rev. John Lynge, vicar of Yalding in Kent, in a copy of Stowe's Annals; Retrospective Review, 2d Series, i. 341.
Note. P. 37. The royal livery. The passage relating to the princess Elizabeth's entry should conclude thus,—"all in green guarded with white, velvet, satin, taffety, and cloth, according to their qualities." Green and white formed the livery of the Tudors. At the marriage of Arthur prince of Wales the yeomen of the guard were in large jackets of damask, white and green, embroidered before and behind with garlands of vine leaves, and in the middle a red rose. In the great picture at Windsor castle of the embarkation at Dover in 1520, the Harry Grace à Dieu is surrounded with targets, bearing the various royal badges, each placed on a field party per pale white and green. The painting called king Arthur's round table at Winchester castle, supposed to have been repainted in the reign of Henry VII. is divided into compartments of white and green. The "queenes colours" are also alluded to in the following story of a rude jest passed on the new Rood in Saint Paul's:
"Not long after this (in 1554) a merry fellow came into Pauls, and spied the Rood with Mary and John new set up; whereto, among a great sort of people, he made low curtesie, and said: Sir, your Mastership is welcome to towne. I had thought to have talked further with your Mastership, but that ye be here clothed in the Queenes colours. I hope ye be but a summer's bird, in that ye be dressed in white and greene." (Foxe, Actes and Monuments, iii. 114.)
Among the attendants on queen Mary in p. 38, three liveries are mentioned, green and white, red and white, and blue and green. The men in red and white were the servants of the lord treasurer (see p. 12, where several other liveries are described), and the blue and green would be those of the earl of Arundel or some other principal nobleman. Blue and white was perhaps king Philip's livery (p. 79).
In p. 59 we find that in 1554 even the naval uniform of England was white and green, both for officers and mariners. In noted in that page for "wearing" read "were in," which, without altering the sense, completes the grammar.
The city trained bands were, in 1557, ordered to have white coats welted with green, with red crosses (see p. 164).
The lady Elizabeth, however, did not give green and white to her own men. From two other passages (pp. 57, 120) we find her livery was scarlet or fine red, guarded with black velvet; and from the description of her coronation procession in p. 186, it seems that red or "crimson" was retained for her livery when queen.
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Henry Machyn's Diary. 31st July 1553. The sam tyme cam to the Flett [Map] the yerle of Ruttland (age 26) and my lord Russell (age 68), in hold. The qwen('s) (age 37) grace mad [sir Thomas] Jarnyngham [Note. Thomas a mistake for Henry] vyce-chamburlayn and captayne of the garde, and ser Edward Hastyngs (age 32) her grace mad ym the maister of the horsse the sam tym.
Tudor Tracts Chapter 20. Whither being come, about two of the clock on the Monday morning [31st July 1587]; the body was received most reverently at the Minster Door of Peterborough, by the Bishop (age 46), Dean (age 42) and Chapter, and [Robert Cooke (age 52)] Clarenceux King at Arms.
And, in the presence of the Scots which came with the same, it was laid in a Vault prepared for the same, in the Quire of the said Church, on the south side; opposite to the tomb of Queen Katharine [of Arragon], Dowager of Spain, the first wife of King Henry the Eighth.
The occasion why the body was forthwith laid into the Vault, and not borne in the Solemnity; was because it was so extreme[ly] heavy, by reason of the lead, that the Gentlemen could not have endured to have carried it, with leisure, in the solemn proceeding: and besides, [it] was feared that the solder might rip; and, [it] being very hot weather, might be found some annoyance.
Archaeologia Volume 1 Section 55. [31st July 1587] .... whither being come (about two of the clock on the Monday morning) the body was receved most reverently at the minster door of Peterborough, by the bishop, dean and chapter, and Clarenceux king of armes (age 52); and, in the prescnce of the Scots which came with the same, it was laid in a vault prepared for the same, in the quire of the said church, on the South side, opposite to the tomb of Queen Katharine dowager of Spain, the first wife of King Henry the Eighth; the occasion why the body was forthwith laid into the vault, and not borne in the solemnity, was, because it was so extreame heavy by reason of the lead, that the Gentlemen could not endure to have carryed it with leisure in the solenin preceding; and besides, was feared, that the sowder might ripp, and being very hot weather, might be found some annoyance.
Anne Boleyn. Her Life as told by Lancelot de Carle's 1536 Letter.
In 1536, two weeks after the execution of Anne Boleyn, her brother George and four others, Lancelot du Carle, wrote an extraordinary letter that described Anne's life, and her trial and execution, to which he was a witness. This book presents a new translation of that letter, with additional material from other contemporary sources such as Letters, Hall's and Wriothesley's Chronicles, the pamphlets of Wynkyn the Worde, the Memorial of George Constantyne, the Portuguese Letter and the Baga de Secrets, all of which are provided in Appendices.
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On 31st July 1624 Henry Lorraine II Duke Lorraine (age 61) died without male issue. His brother Francis (age 52) succeeded II Duke Lorraine.
On 31st July 1643 Francis Willoughby 5th Baron Willoughby of Parham surrendered Gainsborough [Map] to William Cavendish 1st Duke Newcastle upon Tyne (age 50) after a three day siege.
John Evelyn's Diary. 31st July 1660. I went to visit Sir Philip Warwick (age 50), now secretary to the Lord Treasurer (age 51), at his house in North Cray.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 31st July 1663. But he tells me my Lord hath lost much honour in standing so long and so much for that coxcomb Pickering, and at last not carrying it for him; but hath his name struck out by the King (age 33) and Queen (age 24) themselves after he had been in ever since the Queen's coming. But he tells me he believes that either Sir H. Bennet (age 45), my Baroness Castlemaine (age 22), or Sir Charles Barkeley (age 33) had received some money for the place, and so the King could not disappoint them, but was forced to put out this fool rather than a better man.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 31st July 1663. Thence to my office doing business, and at noon to my viall maker's, who has begun it and has a good appearance, and so to the Exchange [Map], where I met James Pearce Surgeon, who tells me of his good luck to get to be Groom of the Privy Chamber to the Queen (age 24), and without my Lord Sandwich's (age 38) help; but only by his good fortune, meeting a man that hath let him have his right for a small matter, about £60, for which he can every day have £400.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 31st July 1663. Before I went to the office I went to the Coffee House, where Sir J. Cutler (age 60) and Mr. Grant (age 43) were, and there Mr. Grant showed me letters of Sir William Petty's (age 40), wherein he says, that his vessel which he hath built upon two keeles (a modell whereof, built for the King (age 33), he showed me) hath this month won a wager of £50 in sailing between Dublin and Holyhead with the pacquett-boat, the best ship or vessel the King hath there; and he offers to lay with any vessel in the world. It is about thirty ton in burden, and carries thirty men, with good accommodation, (as much more as any ship of her burden,) and so any vessel of this figure shall carry more men, with better accommodation by half, than any other ship. This carries also ten guns, of about five tons weight. In their coming back from Holyhead they started together, and this vessel came to Dublin by five at night, and the pacquett-boat not before eight the next morning; and when they came they did believe that, this vessel had been drowned, or at least behind, not thinking she could have lived in that sea. Strange things are told of this vessel, and he concludes his letter with this position, "I only affirm that the perfection of sayling lies in my principle, finde it out who can".
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 31st July 1663. And I am sorry to hear what he tells me that Sir Charles Barkeley (age 33) hath still such power over the King (age 33), as to be able to fetch him from the Council-table to my Baroness Castlemaine's (age 22) when he pleases. He tells me also, as a friend, the great injury that he thinks I do myself by being so severe in the Yards, and contracting the ill-will of the whole Navy for those offices, singly upon myself. Now I discharge a good conscience therein, and I tell him that no man can (nor do he say any say it) charge me with doing wrong; but rather do as many good offices as any man. They think, he says, that I have a mind to get a good name with the King and Duke, who he tells me do not consider any such thing; but I shall have as good thanks to let all alone, and do as the rest. But I believe the contrary; and yet I told him I never go to the Duke (age 29) alone, as others do, to talk of my own services. However, I will make use of his council, and take some course to prevent having the single ill-will of the office.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 31st July 1665. After dinner company divided, some to cards, others to talk. My Lady Sandwich (age 40) and I up to settle accounts, and pay her some money. And mighty kind she is to me, and would fain have had me gone down for company with her to Hinchingbroke [Map]; but for my life I cannot.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 31st July 1665. Up, and very betimes by six o'clock at Deptford, Kent [Map], and there find Sir G. Carteret (age 55), and my Lady (age 63) ready to go: I being in my new coloured silk suit, and coat trimmed with gold buttons and gold broad lace round my hands, very rich and fine. By water to the Ferry, where, when we come, no coach there; and tide of ebb so far spent as the horse-boat could not get off on the other side the river to bring away the coach. So we were fain to stay there in the unlucky Isle of Doggs, in a chill place, the morning cool, and wind fresh, above two if not three hours to our great discontent. Yet being upon a pleasant errand, and seeing that it could not be helped, we did bear it very patiently; and it was worth my observing, I thought, as ever any thing, to see how upon these two scores, Sir G. Carteret, the most passionate man in the world, and that was in greatest haste to be gone, did bear with it, and very pleasant all the while, at least not troubled much so as to fret and storm at it. Anon the coach comes: in the mean time there coming a News thither with his horse to go over, that told us he did come from Islington [Map] this morning; and that Proctor the vintner of the Miter in Wood-street, and his son, are dead this morning there, of the plague; he having laid out abundance of money there, and was the greatest vintner for some time in London for great entertainments. We, fearing the canonicall hour would be past before we got thither, did with a great deal of unwillingness send away the license and wedding ring. So that when we come, though we drove hard with six horses, yet we found them gone from home; and going towards the church, met them coming from church, which troubled us. But, however, that trouble was soon over; hearing it was well done: they being both in their old cloaths; my Lord Crew (age 67) giving her, there being three coach fulls of them. The young lady mighty sad, which troubled me; but yet I think it was only her gravity in a little greater degree than usual. All saluted her, but I did not till my Lady Sandwich (age 40) did ask me whether I had saluted her or no.
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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 31st July 1665. Thus we end this month, as I said, after the greatest glut of content that ever I had; only under some difficulty because of the plague, which grows mightily upon us, the last week being about 1700 or 1800 of the plague. My Lord Sandwich (age 40) at sea with a fleet of about 100 sail, to the Northward, expecting De Ruyter (age 58), or the Dutch East India fleet. My Lord Hinchingbrooke (age 17) coming over from France, and will meet his sister at Scott's-hall. Myself having obliged both these families in this business very much; as both my Lady, and Sir G. Carteret (age 55) and his Lady (age 63) do confess exceedingly, and the latter do also now call me cozen, which I am glad of. So God preserve us all friends long, and continue health among us.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 31st July 1666. Good friends in the morning and up to the office, where sitting all the morning, and while at table we were mightily joyed with newes brought by Sir J. Minnes (age 67) and Sir W. Batten (age 65) of the death of De Ruyter (age 59), but when Sir W. Coventry (age 38) come, he told us there was no such thing, which quite dashed me again, though, God forgive me! I was a little sorry in my heart before lest it might give occasion of too much glory to the Duke of Albemarle (age 57). Great bandying this day between Sir W. Coventry and my Lord Bruncker (age 46) about Captain Cocke (age 49), which I am well pleased with, while I keepe from any open relyance on either side, but rather on Sir W. Coventry's.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 31st July 1666. Thence to Westminster Hall [Map] and walked an hour with Creed talking of the late fight, and observing the ridiculous management thereof and success of the Duke of Albemarle (age 57).
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 31st July 1666. Thence parted and to Mrs. Martin's lodgings, and sat with her a while, and then by water home, all the way reading the Narrative of the late fight in order, it may be, to the making some marginal notes upon it. At the Old Swan [Map] found my Betty Michell at the doore, where I staid talking with her a pretty while, it being dusky, and kissed her and so away home and writ my letters, and then home to supper, where the brother and Mary Batelier are still and Mercer's two sisters. They have spent the time dancing this afternoon, and we were very merry, and then after supper into the garden and there walked, and then home with them and then back again, my wife and I and the girle, and sang in the garden and then to bed. Colville was with me this morning, and to my great joy I could now have all my money in, that I have in the world. But the times being open again, I thinke it is best to keepe some of it abroad.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 31st July 1666. Mighty well, and end this month in content of mind and body. The publique matters looking more safe for the present than they did, and we having a victory over the Dutch just such as I could have wished, and as the Kingdom was fit to bear, enough to give us the name of conquerors, and leave us masters of the sea, but without any such great matters done as should give the Duke of Albemarle (age 57) any honour at all, or give him cause to rise to his former insolence.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 31st July 1666. The Court being empty, the King (age 36) being gone to Tunbridge [Map], and the Duke of Yorke (age 32) a-hunting. I had some discourse with Povy (age 52), who is mightily discontented, I find, about his disappointments at Court; and says, of all places, if there be hell, it is here. No faith, no truth, no love, nor any agreement between man and wife, nor friends. He would have spoke broader, but I put it off to another time; and so parted. Then with Creed and read over with him the narrative of the late [fight], which he makes a very poor thing of, as it is indeed, and speaks most slightingly of the whole matter. Povy discoursed with me about my Lord Peterborough's (age 44) £50 which his man did give me from him, the last year's salary I paid him, which he would have Povy pay him again; but I have not taken it to myself yet, and therefore will most heartily return him, and mark him out for a coxcomb. Povy went down to Mr. Williamson's (age 33), and brought me up this extract out of the Flanders' letters to-day come: That Admiral Everson, and the Admiral and Vice-Admiral of Freezeland, with many captains and men, are slain; that De Ruyter (age 59) is safe, but lost 250 men out of his own ship; but that he is in great disgrace, and Trump in better favour; that Bankert's ship is burned, himself hardly escaping with a few men on board De Haes; that fifteen captains are to be tried the seventh of August; and that the hangman was sent from Flushing [Map] to assist the Council of Warr. How much of this is true, time will shew.
On 31st July 1667 the 1667 Treaty of Breda was signed bringing to an end hostilties between England and its opponents in the Second Anglo-Dutch War: Dutch Republic, France and Denmark-Norway.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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John Evelyn's Diary. 31st July 1673. I went to see the pictures of all the judges and eminent men of the Long Robe, newly painted by Mr. Wright (age 56), and set up in Guildhall [Map], costing the city £1,000. Most of them are very like the persons they represent, though I never took Wright to be any considerable artist.
On 31st July 1686 Charles Bourbon Duke Berry, Alençon and Angoulême was born to Louis "Le Grand Dauphin" Bourbon Duke Burgundy (age 24) and Maria Anna Victoria Wittelsbach Duchess Burgundy (age 25). Coefficient of inbreeding 3.57%. He married 6th July 1710 his half first cousin Marie Louise Élisabeth Bourbon Duchess Berry, daughter of Philippe Bourbon II Duke Orléans and Françoise Marie Bourbon Duchess Orléans.
On 31st July 1699. Theophilus Hastings 7th Earl Huntingdon (age 48) wrote to Laurence Cromp of the Herald's Office: "I have returned this weeke by the derby Carrier, who will be Saturday at the castle in Smithfield, the box you sent down with the Epitaph, which I desire you to send to Mr. Gibbons, the carver in Bow Street; and overlooke the Cutting of the Letters and Cotes of Armes. I caused the Alterations to bee made in the places, wherr there was mistakes, which arr only Litterall, and are - this amended .... [list of corrections]. You may lett Me Gibbons see this letter is you thinke it necessary.
On 31st July 1710 Diana Spencer Duchess Bedford was born to Charles Spencer 3rd Earl of Sunderland (age 35) and Anne Churchill Countess Sunderland (age 27). She married 11th October 1731 her third cousin John Russell 4th Duke Bedford, son of Wriothesley Russell 2nd Duke Bedford and Elizabeth Howland Duchess Bedford, and had issue.
On 31st July 1713 Frederick William I Duke Mecklenburg-Schwerin (age 38) died.
On 31st July 1737 Princess Augusta Charlotte Hanover was born to Frederick Louis Hanover Prince of Wales (age 30) and Augusta Saxe Coburg Altenburg (age 17). She a granddaughter of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland. She married 1764 Charles William Ferdinand Brunswick Bevern and had issue.
On 31st July 1750 John V King Portugal (age 60) died. His son Joseph (age 36) succeeded King Portugal.
On 31st July 1760 John Waldegrave 3rd Earl Waldegrave (age 42) fought at the Battle of Warburg.
On 31st July 1790 Frederick VI King of Denmark and Norway (age 22) and Marie Sophie Hesse-Kassel Queen Consort Denmark and Norway (age 22) were married. He the son of Christian VII King of Denmark and Norway (age 41) and Caroline Matilda Hanover Queen Consort Denmark and Norway. They were first cousins. He a great grandson of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland. She a great granddaughter of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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After 31st July 1812. Monument to Reverend Geoffrey Hornby.
On 31st July 1824 Antoine Orléans Duke Montpensier was born to King Louis Philippe I of France (age 50). He married his fifth cousin Infanta Luisa Fernanda Duchess of Montpensier and had issue.
Vestiges of the Antiquities of Derbyshire. On the 31st of July, 1844, a small barrow [Map] on the One-ash Farm was opened; it was very low, being in no place more than a foot above the surrounding ground; owing to this circumstance the bones had been much disturbed and broken by the passing of the ploughshare over the mound. Near the centre of the barrow were the remains of a human skeleton, which had been accompanied by an ornamented drinking-cup, now broken to fragments; about the same place were perceived a great number of rats' bones, a few horse's teeth, a part of a boar's tusk, and a piece of rubbed sandstone, which had been burnt until it had become quite red, together with a few bits of flint. In other parts of the tumulus human bones were discovered, which would indicate this barrow to have been the resting-place of about six ancient Britons.
Since the above account was written it has been ascertained that this tumulus was opened in 1818, by Mr. Samuel Mitchell (age 41), who discovered part of a neatly-ornamented urn, about six inches in diameter, which had contained calcined bones; also some animal bones and an entire human skull.
Silbury Hill by C Tucker. 31st July 1849. On the 31st July a very numerous party visited the hill and examined the excavations, and so much interest was excited, that a very general desire was expressed that further diggings should be made within the hill, so as to satisfy the most sceptical that it had been thoroughly examined. Means were then taken to raise an additional subscription, and Mr. Bathurst Dean circulated a printed address, with a plan shewing the situation of the hill with reference to the Great Temple at Abury, and stating that the works already executed had exhausted the sums previously subscribed.
On 31st July 1860 George Neville John Fane (age 1) died. Memorial in the Church of St Leonard, Apethorpe [Map].
George Neville John Fane: On 3rd September 1858 he was born to Francis William Henry Fane 12th Earl of Westmoreland and Adelaide Ida Curzon Howe Countess of Westmoreland.
On 31st July 1888 Francis "Frank" Holl (age 43) died.
On 31st July 1917 Albert Edward George Arnold Keppel (age 19) was killed in action at Passchendaele.
After 31st July 1945. Commemoration at Bradford Cathedral [Map] of James Jospeh Magennis (age 25) VC.
James Jospeh Magennis: On 27th October 1919 he was born. The London Gazette 37346. [13th November 1945]. Temporary Acting Leading Seaman James Joseph Magennis, D/JX. 144907. Leading Seaman Magennis served as Diver in His Majesty's Midget Submarine XE-3 for her attack on 31st July, 1945, on a Japanese cruiser of the Atago class. Owing to the fact that XE-3 was tightly jammed under the target the diver's hatch could not be fully opened, and Magennis had to squeeze himself through the narrow space available. He experienced great difficulty in placing his limpets on the bottom of the cruiser owing both to the foul state of the bottom and to the pronounced slope upon which the limpets would not hold. Before a limpet could be placed therefore Magennis had thoroughly to scrape the area clear of barnacles, and in order to secure the limpets he had to tie them in pah's by a line passing under the cruiser keel. This was very tiring work for a diver, and he was moreover handicapped by a steady leakage of oxygen which was ascending in bubbles to the surface. A lesser man would have been content to place a few limpets and then to return to the craft. .Magennis, however, persisted until he had placed his full outfit before returning to the craft in an exhausted condition. Shortly after withdrawing Lieutenant Fraser endeav oured to jettison his limpet carriers, but one of these would not release itself and fall clear of the craft. Despite his exhaustion, his oxygen leak and the fact that there was every probability of his being sighted, Magennis at once volunteered to leave the craft and free the carrier rather than allow a less experi enced diver to undertake the job. After seven minutes of nerve-racKing work he succeeded in releasing the carrier. Magennis displayed very great courage and devotion to duty and complete disregard for his own safety. On 12th February 1986 he died.
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On 31st July 1396 Philip "Good" Valois III Duke Burgundy was born to John "Fearless" Valois Duke Burgundy (age 25) and Margaret Wittelsbach Duchess Burgundy (age 33). He married (1) 28th January 1405 his second cousin Michelle Valois Duchess Burgundy, daughter of Charles "Beloved Mad" VI King France and Isabeau Wittelsbach Queen Consort France (2) 30th November 1424 his second cousin Bonne Artois Duchess Burgundy, daughter of Philip Artois Count of Eu and Marie Valois I Duchess Auverge (3) 7th January 1430 his third cousin Isabella Aviz Duchess Burgundy, daughter of King John I of Portugal and Philippa of Lancaster Queen Consort Portugal, 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.
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On 31st July 1526 Augustus Wettin Elector of Saxony was born to Henry IV Duke Saxony (age 53) and Catherine of Mecklenburg Duchess of Saxony (age 39). He married 7th October 1548 his third cousin once removed Anna Oldenburg and had issue.
On 31st July 1527 Maximilian Habsburg Spain II Holy Roman Emperor was born to Ferdinand I Holy Roman Emperor (age 24) and Anne Jagiellon (age 24) in Vienna [Map]. He married 13th September 1548 his first cousin Maria of Spain Holy Roman Empress, daughter of Charles V Holy Roman Emperor and Isabel Aviz Queen Consort Spain, and had issue.
On 31st July 1676 Edward Irby 1st Baronet was born to Anthony Irby and Mary Stringer. He married 1706 his second cousin Dorothy Paget Lady Irby.
On 31st July 1686 Charles Bourbon Duke Berry, Alençon and Angoulême was born to Louis "Le Grand Dauphin" Bourbon Duke Burgundy (age 24) and Maria Anna Victoria Wittelsbach Duchess Burgundy (age 25). Coefficient of inbreeding 3.57%. He married 6th July 1710 his half first cousin Marie Louise Élisabeth Bourbon Duchess Berry, daughter of Philippe Bourbon II Duke Orléans and Françoise Marie Bourbon Duchess Orléans.
On 31st July 1692 Samuel Garrard 5th Baronet was born to Samuel Garrard 4th Baronet (age 42).
On 31st July 1710 Diana Spencer Duchess Bedford was born to Charles Spencer 3rd Earl of Sunderland (age 35) and Anne Churchill Countess Sunderland (age 27). She married 11th October 1731 her third cousin John Russell 4th Duke Bedford, son of Wriothesley Russell 2nd Duke Bedford and Elizabeth Howland Duchess Bedford, and had issue.
On 31st July 1721 Thomas Middleton Trollope was born to Thomas Trollope 4th Baronet (age 29) and Diana Middleton (age 29). He married 14th August 1759 Isabella Thorold, daughter of John Thorold 8th Baronet, and had issue.
On 31st July 1733 Richard Sutton 1st Baronet was born to Robert Sutton (age 62) and Judith Tichborne Countess Sunderland (age 48). He married (1) 1765 Susanna de Crespigny (2) 7th February 1770 Anne Williams Baroness Sutton and had issue (3) 8th February 1793 Anne Porter Baroness Sutton.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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On 31st July 1737 Princess Augusta Charlotte Hanover was born to Frederick Louis Hanover Prince of Wales (age 30) and Augusta Saxe Coburg Altenburg (age 17). She a granddaughter of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland. She married 1764 Charles William Ferdinand Brunswick Bevern and had issue.
On 31st July 1785 John James Waldegrave 6th Earl Waldegrave was born to George Waldegrave 4th Earl Waldegrave (age 33) and Elizabeth Laura Waldegrave Countess Waldegrave (age 25). He a great x 3 grandson of King James II of England Scotland and Ireland. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.28%.
On 31st July 1787 William Francis Spencer Ponsonby 1st Baron de Mauley was born to Frederick Ponsonby 3rd Earl Bessborough (age 29) and Henrietta Frances Spencer Countess Bessborough (age 26). He married 8th August 1814 Barbara Ashley-Cooper Baroness Mauley, daughter of Anthony Ashley-Cooper 5th Earl Shaftesbury and Barbara Webb Countess Shaftesbury, and had issue.
On 31st July 1788 Amelia Sophia Hume was born to Abraham Hume 2nd Baronet (age 39) and Amelia Egerton (age 36). She married 24th July 1810 John Cust 1st Earl Brownlow, son of Brownlow Cust 1st Baron Brownlow and Frances Bankes Baroness Brownlow, and had issue.
On 31st July 1802 Henry Josias Stracey 5th Baronet was born to Josias Henry Stracey 4th Baronet (age 30).
On 31st July 1808 Francis Theophilus Henry Hastings 13th Earl Huntingdon was born to Hans Francis Hastings 12th Earl Huntingdon (age 28) and Frances Cobbe Countess Huntingdon.
On 31st July 1823 John Floyd 3rd Baronet was born to Major-General Henry Floyd 2nd Baronet (age 29).
On 31st July 1823 Henry James Hawley 4th Baronet was born to Henry Hawley 2nd Baronet (age 46) and Catherine Elizabeth Shaw.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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On 31st July 1823 Reverend Henry Charles Hawley was born to Henry Hawley 2nd Baronet (age 46) and Catherine Elizabeth Shaw. He married 21st October 1845 Mary Elizabeth Cusack-Smith and had issue.
On 31st July 1824 Antoine Orléans Duke Montpensier was born to King Louis Philippe I of France (age 50). He married his fifth cousin Infanta Luisa Fernanda Duchess of Montpensier and had issue.
On 31st July 1830 Henry Wyndham 2nd Baron Leconfield was born to George Wyndham 1st Baron Leconfield (age 43) and Mary Fanny Blunt. He married 15th July 1867 Constance Evelyn Primrose Baroness Leconfield, daughter of Archibald John Primrose and Catherine Lucy Wilhelmina Stanhope Duchess of Cleveland, and had issue.
On 31st July 1841 Reginald Brabazon 12th Earl of Meath was born to William Brabazon 11th Earl of Meath (age 37) and Harriot Brooke Countess Meath. He married 1868 Mary Jane Maitland Countess Meath, daughter of Thomas Maitland 11th Earl Lauderdale and Amelia Young, and had issue.
On 31st July 1854 Mary Fitzgerald De Ros 24th Baroness Ros of Helmsley was born to Dudley Fitzgerald De Ros 23rd Baron Ros Helmsley (age 27) and Elizabeth Egerton Baroness Ros of Helmsley (age 22). She married 2nd October 1878 Anthony Lucius Dawson 3rd Earl of Dartrey and had issue.
On 31st July 1857 Augustus Alexander Brooke-Pechell 7th Baronet was born to George Samuel Brooke-Pechell 5th Baronet (age 38) and May Robertson Bremner.
On 31st July 1858 Richard Eustace Bellew of Mount Firoda, Castlecomer in Kilkenny was born to Edward Joseph Bellew 2nd Baron Bellew (age 28) and Augusta Mary Bryan (age 24).
On 31st July 1859 Walter Gerald Ponsonby was born to Walter William Brabazon Ponsonby 7th Earl Bessborough (age 37) and Louisa Susan Cornwallis Eliot Countess Bessborough (age 33).
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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On 31st July 1897 William Craven 5th Earl Craven was born to William Craven 4th Earl Craven (age 28) and Cornelia Martin Countess Craven (age 25). He married 14th October 1911 Mary Williamina George Countess Craven and had issue.
On 31st July 1903 Arthur Gore 7th Earl of Arran was born to Arthur Gore 6th Earl of Arran (age 34) and Maud Jacqueline Marie Beauclerk van Kattendyke Countess of Arran.
On 31st July 1910 Mary Agnes Wood was born to Edward Frederick Lindley Wood 1st Earl Halifax (age 29) and Dorothy Evelyn Augusta Onslow Countess Halifax (age 25). She died aged less than one years old.
On 31st July 1910 Anne Dorothy Wood Countess Feversham was born to Edward Frederick Lindley Wood 1st Earl Halifax (age 29) and Dorothy Evelyn Augusta Onslow Countess Halifax (age 25). She married 14th December 1936 Charles Duncombe 3rd Earl Feversham, son of Charles William Reginald Duncombe 2nd Earl Feversham and Marjorie Blanche Eva Greville Countess Feversham, and had issue.
On 31st July 1924 Rear-Admiral Peter Anson 7th Baronet was born to Edward Reynell Anson 6th Baronet (age 22).
On 31st July 1949 Henrietta Charlotte Eiluned Paget was born to George Charles Henry Victor Paget 7th Marquess Anglesey (age 26).
On 31st July 1951 William Fletcher-Vane 2nd Baron Inglewood was born to William Fletcher-Vane 1st Baron Inglewood (age 42).
On 31st July 1963 Charles Howard Bromley 11th Baronet was born to Rupert Bromley 10th Baronet (age 27).
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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On 31st July 1978 Rufus Hugo Giles Sebright 16th Baronet was born to Peter Giles Vivian Sebright 15th Baronet (age 24).
On 31st July 1617 Francis Leigh 1st Earl Chichester (age 19) and Audrey Boteler Countess Chichester were married.
On 31st July 1622 Edward Barkham 1st Baronet (age 30) and Francis Berney were married.
On 31st July 1667 Edward Montagu 2nd Earl Manchester (age 65) and Margaret Russell Countess Manchester and Carlisle were married. She by marriage Countess Manchester. She the daughter of Francis Russell 4th Earl Bedford and Catherine Brydges Countess Bedford. He the son of Henry Montagu 1st Earl Manchester and Catherine Spencer.
On 31st July 1755 James Douglas 14th Earl Morton (age 53) and Bridget Heathcote Countess Morton were married. She by marriage Countess Morton. He the son of George Douglas 13th Earl Morton.
On 31st July 1790 Frederick VI King of Denmark and Norway (age 22) and Marie Sophie Hesse-Kassel Queen Consort Denmark and Norway (age 22) were married. He the son of Christian VII King of Denmark and Norway (age 41) and Caroline Matilda Hanover Queen Consort Denmark and Norway. They were first cousins. He a great grandson of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland. She a great granddaughter of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland.
On 31st July 1800 Charles Burroughs-Paulet 13th Marquess Winchester (age 36) and Anne Andrews Marchioness of Winchester (age 27) were married. She by marriage Marchioness Winchester. He the son of George Paulett 12th Marquess Winchester and Martha Ingoldsby Marchioness Winchester.
On 31st July 1832 John Bell William Mansel 11th Baronet (age 25) and Mary Georgiana Dymoke (age 25) were married.
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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On 31st July 1851 John Strange Jocelyn 5th Earl Roden (age 28) and Sophia Hobhouse Countess Roden were married. He the son of Robert Jocelyn 3rd Earl Roden (age 62) and Maria Frances Catherine Stapleton Countess Roden.
On 31st July 1860 William Horsley-Beresford 3rd Baron Decies (age 49) and Catherine Anne Dent Baroness Decies (age 20) were married. The difference in their ages was 28 years.
On 31st July 1951 Richard William Orde-Powlett 7th Baron Bolton (age 22) and Christine Helene Weld-Forester Baroness Bolton (age 19) were married. They were fifth cousin once removed.
On 31st July 1392 Henry Scrope 1st Baron Scrope of Masham (age 79) died at York [Map]. His son Stephen (age 47) succeeded 2nd Baron Scrope of Masham.
On 31st July 1396 Archbishop William Courtenay (age 54) died at Maidstone, Kent [Map]. He was buried in the quire of Canterbury Cathedral [Map].
On 31st July 1624 Henry Lorraine II Duke Lorraine (age 61) died without male issue. His brother Francis (age 52) succeeded II Duke Lorraine.
On 31st July 1662 Charlotte Molyneux Lady Stanley died. She was buried at St Mary's Church, Eastham [Map].
On 31st July 1687 Francis Rouse 3rd Baronet died. His brother Thomas succeeded 4th Baronet Rouse of Rouse Lench in Worcestershire.
On 31st July 1710 Edward Rich 6th Earl Warwick 3rd Earl Holland (age 37) died. His son Edward (age 12) succeeded 7th Earl Warwick, 4th Earl Holland, 9th Baron Rich of Leez.
On 31st July 1713 Frederick William I Duke Mecklenburg-Schwerin (age 38) died.
On 31st July 1719 Frances Fairfax Countess Buchan (age 56) died.
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.
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On 31st July 1750 John V King Portugal (age 60) died. His son Joseph (age 36) succeeded King Portugal.
On 31st July 1758 Francis Willoughby 2nd Baron Middleton (age 65) died. His son Francis (age 32) succeeded 3rd Baron Middleton, 4th Baronet Willoughby of Wollaton.
On 31st July 1781 John Bligh 3rd Earl Darnley (age 61) died. His son John (age 14) succeeded 4th Earl Darnley, 13th Baron Clifton of Leighton Bromswold in Huntingdonshire.
On 31st July 1818 Thomas Anson 1st Viscount Anson (age 51) died. His son Thomas (age 22) succeeded 2nd Viscount Anson of Shugborough and Orgrave in Staffordshire and 2nd Baron Soberton of Soberton in Hampshire.
On 31st July 1829 Henry Orland Chamberlain 1st Baronet (age 56) died. His son Henry (age 32) succeeded 2nd Baronet Chamberlain of London. Harriet Mullen Lady Chamberlain by marriage Lady Chamberlain of London.
On 31st July 1859 Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound 2nd Earl Minto (age 76) died. His son Gilbert (age 45) succeeded 3rd Earl Minto of Minto in Roxburghshire, 6th Baronet Elliot of Minto.
On 31st July 1888 Francis "Frank" Holl (age 43) died.
On 31st July 1905 Charles Cunliffe Smith 3rd Baronet (age 77) died. His son Drummond (age 44) succeeded 4th Baronet Smith of Tring Park in Hertfordshire.
Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes
Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.
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On 31st July 1913 Balthazar Walter Foster 1st Baron Ilkeston (age 73) died. His son Balthazar (age 45) succeeded 2nd Baron Ilkeston of Ilkeston in Derbyshire.
On 31st July 1914 Robert Curzon 15th Baron Zouche (age 63) died. His sister Darea (age 54) succeeded 16th Baroness Zouche Harringworth.
On 31st July 1917 William Morton Eden 5th Baron Auckland (age 58) died. His son Frederick (age 22) succeeded 6th Baron Auckland of West Auckland.
On 31st July 1945 Alexandrina Louise Maud Vane-Tempest Viscountess Allendale (age 81) died.
On 31st July 1949 John Cavendish Lyttelton 9th Viscount Cobham (age 67) died. His son Charles (age 39) succeeded 10th Viscount Cobham, 7th Baron Lyttelton of Frankley in Worcestershire, 7th Baron Westcote, 13th Baronet Lyttelton of Frankley.