On this Day in History ... 1st May

01 May is in May.

1191 Richard I arrives Limasol

1308 Treaty of Rheinfelden

1450 Murder of William de la Pole

1455 Battle of Arkinholm

1461 Battle of Towton

1464 Marriage of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville

1483 Arrest of the Woodville Affinity

1517 Evil May Day Riots

1536 Arrest of Anne Boleyn and her Co-accused

1540 May Day Jousting

1587 Singeing the King of Spain's Beard

1625 Proxy Marriage of Charles I and Henrietta Maria of France

1660 Declaration of Breda

1807 Abolition of the Slave Trade

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 1st May

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1048. This year came Sweyne (age 29) back to Denmark; and Harold (age 33), the uncle of Magnus, went to Norway on the death of Magnus, and the Northmen submitted to him. He sent an embassy of peace to this land, as did also Sweyne (age 29) from Denmark, requesting of King Edward (age 45) naval assistance to the amount at least of fifty ships; but all the people resisted it.

This year also there was an earthquake, on the calends of May, in many places; at Worcester, at Wick, and at Derby, and elsewhere wide throughout England; with very great loss by disease of men and of cattle over all England; and the wild fire in Derbyshire and elsewhere did much harm. In the same year the enemy plundered Sandwich, Kent [Map], and the Isle of Wight [Map], and slew the best men that were there; and King Edward (age 45) and the earls went out after them with their ships. The same year Bishop Siward resigned his bishopric from infirmity, and retired to Abingdon [Map]; upon which Archbishop Edsy resumed the bishopric; and he died within eight weeks of this, on the tenth day before the calends of November.

Florence of Worcester Continuation. 01 May 1118. Matilda (age 38), queen of England, died at Westminster on the calends [the 1st] of May, and was interred with due ceremony in that monastery. Many of the Normans broke the fealty they had sworn to king Henry, and regardless of the rights of their natural lord, transferred their homage to Lewis, king of France, and his great lords, although they were enemies. The before-mentioned pope, Gelasius, came by sea to Burgundy, and his arrival was immediately notified to all parts of France.

On 01 May 1191 King Richard "Lionheart" I of England (age 33) arrived in Limassol where he met with Guy I King Jerusalem (age 41).

On 01 May 1218 Rudolph I King Romans was born.

On 01 May 1238 or 03 May 1238 King Magnus VI of Norway was born to King Haakon IV of Norway (age 34).

On 01 May 1256 Mafalda Burgundy Queen Consort Castile (age 60) died.

On 01 May 1308 Albert Habsburg I Duke Austria (age 52) was murdered by his nephew John "Parricide" Habsburg (age 18) who he had deprived of his inheritance when Albert Habsburg I Duke Austria (age 52) forced John's (age 18) eleven year old father Rudolf Habsburg II Duke Austria to waive his rights to the Habsburg duchies of Austria and Styria as part of the Treaty of Rheinfelden.

Before 01 May 1450 William "Jackanapes" de la Pole 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 53) exiled for five years for having lost the English possessions in Northern France including Anjou and Maine which were part of Margaret of Anjou's wedding settlement. Before he left he wrote to his eight year old son John de la Pole 2nd Duke of Suffolk (age 7):

My dear and only well-beloved son, I beseech our Lord in Heaven, the Maker of all the World, to bless you, and to send you ever grace to love him, and to dread him, to the which, as far as a father may charge his child, I both charge you, and pray you to set all your spirits and wits to do, and to know his holy laws and commandments, by the which you shall, with his great mercy, pass all the great tempests and troubles of this wretched world.

And that also, knowingly, you do nothing for love nor dread of any earthly creature that should displease him. And there as any frailty maketh you to fall, beseech his mercy soon to call you to him again with repentance, satisfaction, and contrition of your heart, never more in will to offend him.

Secondly, next him above all earthly things, to be true liegeman in heart, in will, in thought, in deed, unto the king our aldermost high and dread sovereign lord, to whom both you and I be so much bound to; charging you as father can and may, rather to die than to be the contrary, or to know anything that were against the welfare or prosperity of his most royal person, but that as far as your body and life may stretch you live and die to defend it, and to let his highness have knowledge thereof in all the haste you can.

Thirdly, in the same way, I charge you, my dear son, always as you be bounden by the commandment of God to do, to love, to worship, your lady and mother; and also that you obey always her commandments, and to believe her counsels and advices in all your works, the which dread not but shall be best and truest to you. And if any other body would steer you to the contrary, to flee the counsel in any wise, for you shall find it naught and evil.

Thirdly, in the same way, I charge you, my dear son, always as you be bounden by the commandment of God to do, to love, to worship, your lady and mother; and also that you obey always her commandments, and to believe her counsels and advices in all your works, the which dread not but shall be best and truest to you. And if any other body would steer you to the contrary, to flee the counsel in any wise, for you shall find it naught and evil.

Moreover, never follow your own wit in nowise, but in all your works, of such folks as I write of above, ask your advice and counsel, and doing thus, with the mercy of God, you shall do right well, and live in right much worship, and great heart’s rest and ease.

And I will be to you as good lord and father as my heart can think.

And last of all, as heartily and as lovingly as ever father blessed his child in earth, I give you the blessing of Our Lord and of me, which of his infinite mercy increase you in all virtue and good living; and that your blood may by his grace from kindred to kindred multiply in this earth to his service, in such wise as after the departing from this wretched world here, you and they may glorify him eternally amongst his angels in heaven.

Written of mine hand,

The day of my departing from this land.

Your true and loving father

Chronicle of Gregory 1450. 01 May 1450. Ande at hys passynge ovyr the see warde he was mette with by-twyne Dovyr and Calys by dyvers schyppys, of the whyche was here Admyralle Nycholas of the Towre; and yn that shyppe soo beyng in the see they smote of hys hedde of the fore sayde Duke of Sowthefolke (age 53), and they caste bothe body and hys hedde in to the see. And aftyr that hyt was takyn uppe and brought unto the towne of Dovyr [Map], and aftyr from thens brought unto Wynkylfylde [Map] in Sowthefolke, and there hyt ys i-buryde; whos name was Syr Wylliam Pole (age 53).

On 01 May 1450 William "Jackanapes" de la Pole 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 53) was beheaded at sea whilst travelling into exile his ship having been intercepted by the Nicholas of the Tower, or by Admiral Nicholas of the Tower. His son John de la Pole 2nd Duke of Suffolk (age 7) succeeded 2nd Marquess Suffolk 1C, 5th Earl Suffolk. Margaret Beaufort Countess Richmond (age 6) by marriage Marchioness Suffolk 1C. Earl Pembroke forfeit.

On 01 May 1455 the Douglas rebellion was brought to an end at the Battle of Arkinholm near Langholm. Archibald Douglas Earl Moray (age 29) was killed. Hugh Douglas 1st Earl Ormonde was executed. John Douglas (age 22) escaped.

On 01 May 1461 James Butler 1st Earl Wiltshire 5th Earl Ormonde (age 40) was beheaded at Newcastle upon Tyne [Map] having been captured at, or after, the Battle of Towton. His brother John Butler 6th Earl Ormonde (age 39) succeeded 6th Earl Ormonde. Earl Wiltshire forfeit.

Chronicle of Gregory 1464. 01 May 1464. That same yere, the fyrste day of May be fore sayde or wrete, oure soverayne lorde the Kynge, Edwarde the iiij (age 22), was weddyd to the Lorde Ryvers (age 59) doughter; hyr name ys Dame Elyzabethe (age 27), that was wyffe unto Syr John Grey, sone and heyre unto the Lady Ferys of Groby (age 45). And thys maryage was kepte fulle secretely longe and many a day, that no man knewe hyt; but men mervelyd that oure soverayne lorde was so longe with owte any wyffe, and were evyr ferde that he had be not chaste of hys levynge.

On 01 May 1464 King Edward IV of England (age 22) and Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England (age 27) were married at Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire [Map]. Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 49), Elizabeth's mother, being the only witness. The date not certain. She the daughter of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 59) and Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 49). He the son of Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke York and Cecily "Rose of Raby" Neville Duchess York (age 48). He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward III of England.

The History of King Richard the Third by Thomas More. 01 May 1483. And as soon as they came in his presence, they alighted down with all their company about them. To whom the Duke of Buckingham said, "Go before, gentlemen and yeomen, keep your rooms." And thus in a goodly array, they came to the King (age 12) and, on their knees in very humble fashion, assuaged his Grace, who received them in very joyous and amiable manner, nothing earthly knowing nor mistrusting as yet. But even by and by, in his presence, they picked a quarrel with the Lord Richard Grey (age 26), the King's other brother by his mother, saying that he, with the Lord Marquis (age 28) his brother and the Lord Rivers (age 43) his uncle, had planned to rule the King and the realm, and to set variance among the lords, and to subdue and destroy the noble blood of the realm. Toward the accomplishing whereof, they said that the Lord Marquis (age 28) had entered into the Tower of London [Map], and thence taken out the King's treasure, and sent men to the sea. All of which things, these dukes knew well, were done for good purposes and necessary ones by the whole council at London, except that they must say something.

Unto which words, the King (age 12) answered, "What my brother marquis (age 28) has done I cannot say. But in good faith I dare well answer for mine uncle Rivers (age 43) and my brother (age 26) here, that they be innocent of any such matters.".

"Yea, my Liege," said the Duke of Buckingham, "they have kept their dealing in these matters far from the knowledge of your good Grace.".

And forthwith they arrested the Lord Richard (age 26) and Sir Thomas Vaughan (age 73), knight, in the King's (age 12) presence, and brought the King (age 12) and all back unto Northampton, Northamptonshire [Map], where they took again further counsel. And there they sent away from the King (age 12) whomever it pleased them, and set new servants about him, such as liked them better than him. At which dealing he wept and was nothing content, but it remedied not. And at dinner the Duke of Gloucester (age 30) sent a dish from his own table to the Lord Rivers (age 43), praying him to be of good cheer, all should be well enough. And he thanked the Duke (age 30), and prayed the messenger to bear it to his nephew, the Lord Richard (age 26), with the same message for his comfort, who he thought had more need of comfort, as one to whom such adversity was foreign. But for himself, he had been all his days used to a life therewith, and therefore could bear it the better. But for all this comfortable courtesy of the Duke of Gloucester (age 30), he sent the Lord Rivers (age 43) and the Lord Richard (age 26) with Sir Thomas Vaughan (age 73) into the north country to different places to prison and, afterwards, all to Pomfrait [Map], where they were, in conclusion, beheaded.

On 01 May 1483 King Richard III of England (age 30) arrested Richard Grey (age 26), Anthony Woodville 2nd Earl Rivers (age 43) and Thomas Vaughan (age 73) at Stony Stratford, Buckinghamshire [Map]. King Edward V of England (age 12) was taken under his uncle Richard's Protection to London.

On 01 May 1517 Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 74) entered the City with 1300 of his retainers to suppress the Riots.

Hall's Chronicle 1536. 01 May 1536. On Maye day were a solemn jousts kept at Grcnewyche [Map], and suddenly from the jousts the King departed having not above six persons with him, and came in the evening from Greenwich to his place at Westminster. Of this sudden departure many men mused, but most chiefly the Queen (age 35),

Wriothesley's Chronicle 1536. This yeare, on Maye daie, 1536, beinge Moundaie, was a great justing at Greenewych [Map], where was chalengers my Lorde of Rochforde (age 33) and others, and defenders Mr. Noris (age 54) and others.d.

Note d. Stow adds: "From these joustes King Henry sodainely departed to Westminster, haying only with him six persons, of which sodaine departore men manreiled."

Archaeologia Volume 23 Section V. Apon Setterdaye, beinge the xxiij daye of August, we rode toward Kermarddyn [Map], And in our journey in the mornynge we communed as foloweth:

Deane. George.

A my fayth the gere ye showed us of the maryage ys lyckly. But I never hearde of the Quenes that they shuld be thus handled.

George. In good fayth nor I; nother yet I never suspected, but I promise you there was moch mutteringe of Quene Annes deeth.

Deane. There was in deade.

George. And it ys the thinge that I marked as well, as ever I marked any thinge.

Deane. Did ye so? And I can tell nothinge of it for I was at that tyme at St. Dauids.

George. Na, ye were in the diocese of St. Assaph. For my Lorde was that tyme in Scotlonde. And I was the same tyme Mr. Norice’s (age 54) servante. I wrote a Letter of comforth vnto hym, and that after he was condemned. I haue the copie of the same Letter in my howse.

Deane. He had not your Letter.

George. Yes I delyvered it vnsealed vnto Mr. Lieutenant, And he delyvered it Mr. Noryce.

Deane. I pray the what canst thow tell of the matter? Let us heare.

George. The first that was taken was Markys (age 24), And he was at Stepneth in examinacyon on Maye even. I can not tell how he was examined, but apon Maye daye in the mornynge he was in the towre, the trewth ys he confessed it, but yet the sayeing was that he was fyrst grevously racked, which I cowlde never know of a trewth. Apon May daye Mr. Noryce justed. And after justinge the Kynge rode sodenly to Westminster, and all the waye as I heard saye, had Mr. Noryce in examinacyon and promised hym his pardon in case he wolde utter the trewth. But what so ever cowld be sayed or done, Mr. Norice wold confess no thinge to the Kynge, where vpon he was committed to the towre in the mornynge. And by the waye as his chapleyn tolde me he confessed, but he sayed at his arrayning, when his owne confession was layed afore hym, that he was deceaved to do the same by the Erie of Hampton that now ys1. But what so ever he sayed, he was cast.

Note 1. Sir William Fitzwilliam (age 46), Treasurer of the Household, who was created Earl of Southampton in 1537, the year after Anne’s execution. In the absence of all documentary evidence relating to the examinations, the Letters of Sir William Kyngston and Edward Baynton (all of them unfortunately mutilated), will not fail to be interesting. See Ellis’s Original Letters, first series, vol. ii. p. 52, et seq.

On 01 May 1540 a tournament was held at Westminster [Map]. Gregory Cromwell 1st Baron Cromwell Oakham (age 20), Thomas Poynings 1st Baron Poynings (age 28), Thomas Seymour 1st Baron Seymour (age 32), John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland (age 36), Richard Cromwell (age 45) and George Carew (age 36) were challengers.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 01 May 1559. The furst day of May ther was ij [4] pennys [pinnaces] was dekyd with stremars, baners, and flages, and trumpetes and drumes and gones, gahyng a Mayng [going a Maying], and a-ganst the Quen('s) plasse at Westmynster, and ther they shott and thruw eges [eggs] and oregns [against] on a-gaynst a-nodur, and with sqwybes, and by chanse on fell on a bage of gune-powdur and sett dyvers men a'fyre, and so the men drue to on syd of the penus [pinnaces], and yt dyd over-swelmed the pennus [pinnaces], and mony fell in the Temes, butt, thanke be God, ther was but on man drownyd, and a C [100] bottes [boats] abowtt here, and the Quen('s) (age 25) grace and her lordes and lades lokyng out of wyndows; thys was done by ix [4] of the cloke on May evyn last.

On 01 May 1566 Michiel Janszoon van Mierevelt was born in Delft.

On 29 Apr 1587 the English fleet commanded by Francis Drake (age 47) entered the Bay of Cádiz Spain in the evening to discover sixty Spanish and twenty French ships. The Spanish ships, under the command of Pedro de Acuña, sailed out to meet the English fleet but were forced to retire back to Cadiz before the superiority of the English. Gun positions on the shore opened fire, shelling the English fleet from the coast with little effect. During the night of the 29th and all the following day and night the battle raged in the bay. At dawn on 1 May, the English withdrew having destroyed around thirty-two Spanish ships, with a combined capacity of 10,000 tons, and captured four other ships, laden with provisions.

On 01 May 1614 Nathaniel Bacon (age 29) and Jane Meautys (age 33) were married.

On 01 May 1632 Frances Coleclough (age 74) died. She was buried at St Oswald's Church, Brereton [Map].

On 16 Jun 1643 William Smethwich (age 91) died. He was buried at St Oswald's Church, Brereton [Map]

Inscriptions on the monument "Here lieth the body of William Smethwicke of Smethwicke esq. who, mindful of his death, erected this monument for himself and, his wife, pious to God, pious in good workes which William was born Oct. 1, Anno D'ni 1551 and died June 16 Anno Dni' 1643." and

"Here alsoe lieth the body of Frances Smethwicke, daughter of Sir Anthony Coleclough, Knight, married to William Smethwicke aforesaid and lived in wedlocke with him 48 years a devout and hospitall matron, born Anno Dom: 1557, in the Castle of Kildare, in Ireland, Novemb. 6, and died 1st of May, 1632."

Frances Coleclough: On 06 Nov 1557 she was born to Anthony Coleclough at Kildare Castle. In 1585 William Smethwich and she were married.

William Smethwich: On 01 Oct 1551 he was born to Thomas Smethwick and Ann Vernon.

04 Apr 1660 The Declaration of Breda [Map], written on 04 Apr 1660, was a part of the process of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 29) being restored to the English throne written in response to a message sent by George Monck 1st Duke Albemarle (age 51). Initially secret the Declaration was made public on 01 May 1660. The Declaration promised a general pardon, retention of property religious toleration, payment of arrears to the army and continued army service.

Pepy's Diary. 01 May 1662. Sir G. Carteret (age 52), Sir W. Pen (age 41), and myself, with our clerks, set out this morning from Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map] very early, and got by noon to Petersfield, Hampshire; several officers of the Yard accompanying us so far. Here we dined and were merry. At dinner comes my Lord Carlingford (age 59) from London, going to Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map]: tells us that the Duchess of York (age 25) is brought to bed of a girl, [Mary, afterwards Queen of England.] at which I find nobody pleased; and that Prince Rupert (age 42) and the Duke of Buckingham (age 34) are sworn of the Privy Councell. He himself made a dish with eggs of the butter of the sparagus, which is very fine meat, which I will practise hereafter.

Pepy's Diary. 01 May 1665. Thence back by coach to Greenwich, Kent [Map], and in his pleasure boat to Deptford, Kent [Map], and there stopped and in to Mr. Evelyn's (age 44)1, which is a most beautiful place; but it being dark and late, I staid not; but Deane Wilkins (age 51) and Mr. Hooke (age 29) and I walked to Redriffe [Map]; and noble discourse all day long did please me, and it being late did take them to my house to drink, and did give them some sweetmeats, and thence sent them with a lanthorn home, two worthy persons as are in England, I think, or the world.

Note 1. Sayes Court [Map], the well-known residence of John Evelyn (age 44).

On or before 01 May 1679, the day he was buried at St Mary's Church, Long Newton [Map], George Vane of Long Newton (age 61) died.

George Vane of Long Newton: In 1618 he was born to Henry Vane "The Elder" and Frances Darcy.. On 27 Mar 1640 George Vane of Long Newton and Elizabeth Maddison were married. They had thirteen children.

On 01 May 1700 John Dryden (age 68) died.

On 01 May 1708 Lionel Tollemache 4th Earl Dysart was born to Lionel Tollemache (age 25) and Henrietta Cavendish (age 9).

On 01 May 1714 Henry Paget 1st Earl Uxbridge (age 51) was appointed Envoy Extraordinary to the Elector of Hanover (age 53), the future King George I. He requested he be made an Earl but Queen Anne of England Scotland and Ireland (age 49) declined his request. After George's succession Henry (age 51) was created 1st Earl Uxbridge on 19 Oct 1714. Mary Catesby Countess Uxbridge by marriage Countess Uxbridge.

On 01 May 1721 George Pitt 1st Baron Rivers was born to George Pitt of Stratfield Saye (age 31) in Geneva.

Between 01 May 1722 and 22 May 1722 Dorothy Lambton was born to Thomas Lambton.

On 01 May 1730 Francois de Troy (age 85) died.

On 01 May 1744 Thomas Fortescue was born to Chichester Fortescue (age 25) and Elizabeth Wesley (age 24).

After 01 May 1752. St Swithun's Church, Leadenham [Map]. Memorial to William Key (deceased)

William Key: Around 1688 he was born. In or before 1717 he and Ann Wife of William Key were married. On 01 May 1752 he died.

On 01 May 1775 Mary Montagu Duchess Montagu (age 64) died. Monument in St Edmund's Church, Warkton [Map]. Sculpted by Peter Mathias Van Gelder (age 33). Mary's monument is more decorative that her parent's; Rococo. The composition of the monument centres around an ornate funerary Urn, which stands upon a Pedestal containing an inscription to Mary. To the right sits a grief stricken woman, inconsolable over the loss of an aristocrat considered a great benefactor to the poor and needy. In her left arm she cradles a baby, and a second, tearful child sits at her feet. To the right of the woman is that of an older woman draped in a shawl, who gently caresses the hand of the first babe. To the left of the Urn, an angel comforts the mourners, pointing to heaven.

On 19 Feb 1780 Samuel Egerton (deceased) was buried at St Mary's Church, Rostherne [Map]. Sculpted by John "The Elder" Bacon (age 39). Figures representing Hope and Patience

The monument inscription describes those also buried in the vault: John Egerton, his wife Elizabeth Barbour buried 10 Feb 1743, her mother Elizabeth Hill (age 55) buried 17 Apr 1713 and John and Elizabeth's daughter-in-law Beatrix Copley (age 34) buried 01 May 1755.

On 01 May 1780 Princess Augusta of Prussia was born to Frederick William II King Prussia (age 35) and Queen Frederica Louisa of Prussia (age 28). She a great x 2 granddaughter of King George I of Great Britain and Ireland.

On 25 Mar 1807 the Slave Trade Act received Royal Assent. The Act prohibited the slave trade in the British Empire. The Bill was first introduced to Parliament in January 1807. It went to the House of Commons on 10 Feb 1807. After a debate lasting ten hours, the House agreed to the second reading of the bill to abolish the Atlantic slave trade by an overwhelming 283 votes for to 16. The Act took effect on 01 May 1807.

The last legal slave voyage was that of Kitty's Amelia which sailed on 27 Jul 1807 having received permission to sale on 27 Apr 1807 before the Act came into force. Kitty's Amelia arrived with 233 slaves at Jamaica 25 Jan 1808.

On 01 May 1829 Frederick Sandys was born to Anthony Sands (age 23) and Mary Ann Brown. His birth name being Antonio Frederic Augustus Sands.

On 01 May 1868 Frederick Charles I King Finland was born to Friedrich Wilhelm Hesse-Kassel (age 47). He a great x 3 grandson of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland.

On 01 May 1874 Romaine Brooks was born.

After 01 May 1883. All Saints Church, Sudbury [Map]. Monument to Augustus Henry Vernon 6th Baron Vernon (deceased) and his wife Harriet Frances Maria Anson Baroness Vernon (age 55) commissioned by their son George William Henry Venables-Vernon 7th Baron Vernon (age 29) who died before the monument was completed.

After 01 May 1883 Memorial to Augustus Henry Vernon 6th Baron Vernon (deceased) at All Saints Church, Sudbury [Map].

Births on the 1st May

On 01 May 1218 Rudolph I King Romans was born.

On 01 May 1218 John Hainault I Count Hainault was born to Bouchard Avesnes (age 36) and Margaret II Countess Flanders (age 15).

On 01 May 1238 or 03 May 1238 King Magnus VI of Norway was born to King Haakon IV of Norway (age 34).

On 01 May 1285 Edmund Fitzalan 9th Earl Arundel was born to Richard Fitzalan 8th Earl Arundel (age 18) and Alice Saluzzo Countess Arundel.

On 01 May 1308 Joan Capet Duchess Burgundy was born to Philip V King France I King Navarre (age 15) and Joan of Burgundy Queen Consort France (age 16). Coefficient of inbreeding 2.29%.

Around 01 May 1464 Arthur Plantagenet 1st Viscount Lisle was born illegitimately to King Edward IV of England (age 22) and Elizabeth Waite.

On 01 May 1527 Anne Warburton was born to Peter Warburton of Arley (age 23) and Elizabeth Winnington (age 26).

After 01 May 1527 Jane Warburton was born to Peter Warburton of Arley (age 23) and Elizabeth Winnington (age 26).

On 01 May 1566 Michiel Janszoon van Mierevelt was born in Delft.

On 01 May 1575 Elizabeth Bacon was born to Nathaniel Bacon (age 29) and Anne Gresham (age 25).

On 01 May 1608 Edward Grey was born to Philip Grey (age 32).

On 01 May 1616 Frederick Hohenzollern was born to Joachim Ernst Hohenzollern (age 32).

On 01 May 1622 Henry Goring 2nd Baronet was born to Henry Goring (age 44) and Mary Eversfield (age 33).

On 01 May 1623 George Speke was born to George Speke and Joan Portman.

On 01 May 1629 Elizabeth Danvers was born to John Danvers (age 40) and Elizabeth Dauntsey.

On 01 May 1630 Mary Hampden was born to John Hampden (age 34).

On 01 May 1637 Anne Bayning Countess of Oxford was born to Paul Bayning 2nd Viscount Bayning (age 21).

On or before 01 May 1642 Francis Drake 3rd Baronet was born to Thomas Drake (age 22) and Susan Crymes. He was baptised on 01 May 1642 at Buckland Monachorum, Devon.

On 01 May 1650 Archbishop William King was born.

On 01 May 1654 Edmund Fettiplace 2nd Baronet was born to John Fettiplace 1st Baronet (age 28) and Anne Wenman Lady Fettiplace (age 24).

On 01 May 1662 Francis Brereton 5th Baron Brereton was born to William Brereton 3rd Baron Brereton (age 30) and Frances Willoughby Baroness Brereton (age 37). He was baptised at St Paul's Church, Covent Garden on 02 May 1662.

On 01 May 1708 Lionel Tollemache 4th Earl Dysart was born to Lionel Tollemache (age 25) and Henrietta Cavendish (age 9).

On 01 May 1721 George Pitt 1st Baron Rivers was born to George Pitt of Stratfield Saye (age 31) in Geneva.

Between 01 May 1722 and 22 May 1722 Dorothy Lambton was born to Thomas Lambton.

On 01 May 1733 Hughes Bernard Maret was born at Dijon.

On 01 May 1744 Thomas Fortescue was born to Chichester Fortescue (age 25) and Elizabeth Wesley (age 24).

On 01 May 1745 Reverend Philip Wodehouse was born to Armine Wodehouse 5th Baronet (age 31) and Letitia Bacon Lady Woodhouse (age 30).

On 01 May 1775 Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Nassau Weilburg was born to Charles Christian Nassau Weilburg (age 40) and Carolina Orange Nassau (age 32). He a great grandson of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland.

On 01 May 1780 Princess Augusta of Prussia was born to Frederick William II King Prussia (age 35) and Queen Frederica Louisa of Prussia (age 28). She a great x 2 granddaughter of King George I of Great Britain and Ireland.

On 01 May 1784 John Fletcher aka Boughey 2nd Baronet was born to Thomas Fletcher 1st Baronet (age 37) and Anne Fenton.

On 01 May 1785 Cholmeley Charles William Dering was born to Edward Dering 7th Baronet (age 28).

On 01 May 1787 Jemima Rachel Drummond was born to James Drummond 11th Earl Perth (age 43) and Clementia Elphinstone Countess Perth (age 37).

On 01 May 1795 Henry John Hyde Seymour was born to Francis Edward Seymour (age 40) and Leonora Perkins (age 35).

On 01 May 1817 Nathaniel Alexander Staples 10th Baronet was born.

On 01 May 1825 Eleanor Vere Gordon was born to Alexander Gorden Cavalry (age 44) and Albinia Elizabeth.

On 01 May 1829 Frederick Sandys was born to Anthony Sands (age 23) and Mary Ann Brown. His birth name being Antonio Frederic Augustus Sands.

On 01 May 1857 Mary Florence Edith Clements was born to Francis Nathaniel Clements (age 45).

On 01 May 1868 Frederick Charles I King Finland was born to Friedrich Wilhelm Hesse-Kassel (age 47). He a great x 3 grandson of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland.

On 01 May 1874 Romaine Brooks was born.

On 01 May 1880 James Arthur Joicey 2nd Baron Joicey was born to James Joicey 1st Baron Joicey (age 34) and Elizabeth Amy Robinson (age 24).

On 01 May 1882 Evelyn Francis Edward Seymour 17th Duke Somerset was born to Edward Hamilton Seymour 16th Duke Somerset (age 21) and Rowena Wall Duchess Somerset (age 20).

On 01 May 1883 Major Philip Hamond was born to Charles Annesley Hamond (age 26).

On 01 May 1891 Thomas Carew Trollope 3rd Baron Kesteven was born to Major Robert Cranmer Trollope (age 38) and Ethel Mary Carew.

On 01 May 1891 Evelyn Maud Fisher was born to Francis Conrad Fisher (age 41) and Florence Letitia Fuller (age 38). She was baptised at Badulla, Uva Province.

On 01 May 1924 Peter Griffiths Earl Loudon was born.

On 01 May 1927 Henry Allen John Bathurst 8th Earl Bathurst was born to Allen Bathurst (age 31) and Violet Meeking (age 32).

On 01 May 1954 Paul Cave-Browne-Cave was born to Paul Asteley Cave-Browne-Cave (age 37).

Marriages on the 1st May

On 01 May 1464 King Edward IV of England (age 22) and Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England (age 27) were married at Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire [Map]. Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 49), Elizabeth's mother, being the only witness. The date not certain. She the daughter of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 59) and Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 49). He the son of Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke York and Cecily "Rose of Raby" Neville Duchess York (age 48). He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward III of England.

Before 01 May 1471 George Neville 4th and 2nd Baron Bergavenny (age 31) and Margaret Fenne Baroness Bergavenny were married. He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward III of England.

Before 01 May 1527 Peter Warburton of Arley (age 23) and Elizabeth Winnington (age 26) were married.

On 01 May 1530 Francis Weston (age 19) and Anne Pickering (age 16) were married.

On 01 May 1536 Robert Southwell (age 30) and Margaret Neville (age 16) were married at Mereworth, Kent. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

After 01 May 1542 Henry Fitzalan 19th Earl Arundel (age 30) and Mary Arundell Countess Arundel were married. He the son of William Fitzalan 18th Earl Arundel (age 66) and Anne Percy Countess Arundel (age 56). He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England.

On 01 May 1549 Nicholas of Lorraine Duke of Mercœur (age 24) and Marguerite Egmont (age 32) were married in Brussels [Map]. He the son of Antoine Lorraine II Duke Lorraine. They were third cousin once removed.

On 01 May 1561 Thomas Darcy (age 19) and Elizabeth Conyers (age 16) were married. They were third cousin once removed.

Before 01 May 1563 John Gifford (age 40) and Elizabeth Throckmorton (age 40) were married. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

Before 01 May 1581 William Babthorpe (age 52) and Barbara Constable were married. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

Before 01 May 1581 Walter Kerr of Cessford (age 73) and Isabel Kerr (age 51) were married. The difference in their ages was 22 years. They were second cousin once removed.

On 01 May 1614 Nathaniel Bacon (age 29) and Jane Meautys (age 33) were married.

On 01 May 1619 George Hastings (age 29) and Seymour Prynne were married.

On 01 May 1651 Edmund Alleyn 2nd Baronet (age 19) and Frances Gent Lady Allen (age 15) were married at St Giles in the Fields Church, Camden [Map]. She brought an estate of about £600 a year to the marriage. Arabella, their only daughter, who was heir to her brother Edmund Alleyn 3rd Baronet, eventually inherited their large estates. She married firstly, Francis Thompson; secondly, the Honorable George Howard. Under her will, dat. 20 June 1746, these estates passed in 1751 (after the death of Arthur Dobbs to whom she had conveyed them for life) to her cousin Sir Edmund Aleyn, the 8th Bart.

On 01 May 1655 Lionel Cranfield 3rd Earl Middlesex (age 30) and Rachael Fane Countess Bath and Middlesex (age 42) were married at St Bride's Church. She by marriage Countess Middlesex. She the daughter of Francis Fane 1st Earl of Westmoreland and Mary Mildmay Countess of Westmoreland. He the son of Lionel Cranfield 1st Earl Middlesex and Anne Brett Countess Middlesex.

Around 01 May 1673 Randolph Egerton of Betley (age 54) and Elizabeth Murray (age 23) were married. The difference in their ages was 31 years.

On 01 May 1690 Charles Trelawny (age 37) and Anne Lower were married. Her second husband having previously been married to William Morice.

On 01 May 1736 Charles Edwin (age 37) and Charlotte Hamilton (age 35) were married. She the daughter of James Hamilton Duke Hamilton, 1st Duke Brandon and Elizabeth Gerard Duchess Brandon (age 56).

On 01 May 1739 Euseby Isham (age 41) and Elizabeth Panting (age 22) were married.

On 01 May 1773 Thomas Slack of Braywick Lodge, Berkshire (age 28) and Elizabeth Maria Phipps (age 21) were married.

On 01 May 1783 Henry Gough-Calthorpe 1st Baron Calthorpe (age 34) and Frances Carpenter Baroness Calthorpe (age 21) were married. Frances Carpenter Baroness Calthorpe (age 21) by marriage Lady Gough-Calthorpe of Edgbaston in Warwickshire.

Before 01 May 1784 Thomas Fletcher 1st Baronet (age 37) and Anne Fenton were married.

On 01 May 1797 Edward Smith-Stanley 12th Earl of Derby (age 44) and Elizabeth Farren Countess Derby (age 38) were married. She by marriage Countess Derby. The marriage taking place six weeks after the death of his estranged wife Elizabeth Hamilton Countess Derby.

On 01 May 1822 Henry Winston Barron 1st Baronet (age 26) and Anna Leigh Guy Page-Turner Lady Barron were married.

Before 01 May 1829 Anthony Sands (age 23) and Mary Ann Brown were married.

On 01 May 1879 Llewelyn Nevill Vaughan Lloyd-Mostyn 3rd Baron Mostyn (age 23) and Mary Florence Edith Clements (age 22) were married.

Deaths on the 1st May

On 01 May 596 St Asaph died.

Around 01 May 1171 Diarmait Macmurrough (age 61) died.

On 01 May 1186 Raoul Normandy died.

On 01 May 1219 Raoul Lusignan Count Eu (age 59) died.

On 01 May 1255 Archbishop Walter Grey (age 75) died.

On 01 May 1256 Mafalda Burgundy Queen Consort Castile (age 60) died.

On 01 May 1278 William of Villehardouin died.

On 01 May 1308 Albert Habsburg I Duke Austria (age 52) was murdered by his nephew John "Parricide" Habsburg (age 18) who he had deprived of his inheritance when Albert Habsburg I Duke Austria (age 52) forced John's (age 18) eleven year old father Rudolf Habsburg II Duke Austria to waive his rights to the Habsburg duchies of Austria and Styria as part of the Treaty of Rheinfelden.

On 01 May 1325 Ida Odingsells Baroness Clinton (age 60) died at Maxstoke Castle [Map].

On 01 May 1360 Elizabeth Verdun Baroness Burghesh (age 60) died. She was buried at Croxden Abbey, Staffordshire [Map].

On 01 May 1447 Louis "Bearded" Wittelsbach VII Duke Bavaria (age 79) died.

On 01 May 1450 William "Jackanapes" de la Pole 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 53) was beheaded at sea whilst travelling into exile his ship having been intercepted by the Nicholas of the Tower, or by Admiral Nicholas of the Tower. His son John de la Pole 2nd Duke of Suffolk (age 7) succeeded 2nd Marquess Suffolk 1C, 5th Earl Suffolk. Margaret Beaufort Countess Richmond (age 6) by marriage Marchioness Suffolk 1C. Earl Pembroke forfeit.

On 01 May 1455 the Douglas rebellion was brought to an end at the Battle of Arkinholm near Langholm. Archibald Douglas Earl Moray (age 29) was killed. Hugh Douglas 1st Earl Ormonde was executed. John Douglas (age 22) escaped.

On 01 May 1461 James Butler 1st Earl Wiltshire 5th Earl Ormonde (age 40) was beheaded at Newcastle upon Tyne [Map] having been captured at, or after, the Battle of Towton. His brother John Butler 6th Earl Ormonde (age 39) succeeded 6th Earl Ormonde. Earl Wiltshire forfeit.

On 01 May 1467 William Bulkeley (age 67) died.

After 01 May 1481 John Vavasour died.

On 01 May 1512 Richard Lygon of Madresfield Court (age 45) died.

On 01 May 1539 Isabel Aviz Queen Consort Spain (age 35) died.

On 01 May 1539 Edmund Knyvet Baron Berners (age 55) died.

On 01 May 1542 Katherine Grey (age 30) died.

Between Dec 1549 and 01 May 1553 Oliver Plunkett 1st Baron Louth died. His son Thomas Plunkett 2nd Baron Louth succeeded 2nd Baron Louth.

On 01 May 1551 Edmund Knyvet (age 43) died.

On 01 May 1562 William Fettiplace (age 32) died.

On 01 May 1563 John Gifford (age 40) died.

On 01 May 1571 Thomas Plunkett 2nd Baron Louth died. His son Patrick Plunkett 3rd Baron Louth (age 22) succeeded 3rd Baron Louth.

On 01 May 1581 Walter Kerr of Cessford (age 73) died.

On 01 May 1581 William Gerard (age 63) died.

On 01 May 1581 Mary Gamage (age 66) died.

On 01 May 1581 William Babthorpe (age 52) died.

On 01 May 1588 Audrey Saunders (age 37) died.

On 01 May 1618 Edward Lewknor of Denham (age 32) died.

On 01 May 1621 Francis Eure (age 41) died.

On 01 May 1632 Frances Coleclough (age 74) died. She was buried at St Oswald's Church, Brereton [Map].

On 16 Jun 1643 William Smethwich (age 91) died. He was buried at St Oswald's Church, Brereton [Map]

Inscriptions on the monument "Here lieth the body of William Smethwicke of Smethwicke esq. who, mindful of his death, erected this monument for himself and, his wife, pious to God, pious in good workes which William was born Oct. 1, Anno D'ni 1551 and died June 16 Anno Dni' 1643." and

"Here alsoe lieth the body of Frances Smethwicke, daughter of Sir Anthony Coleclough, Knight, married to William Smethwicke aforesaid and lived in wedlocke with him 48 years a devout and hospitall matron, born Anno Dom: 1557, in the Castle of Kildare, in Ireland, Novemb. 6, and died 1st of May, 1632."

Frances Coleclough: On 06 Nov 1557 she was born to Anthony Coleclough at Kildare Castle. In 1585 William Smethwich and she were married.

William Smethwich: On 01 Oct 1551 he was born to Thomas Smethwick and Ann Vernon.

On 01 May 1640 Isabel María de Guzmán Duchess Frías (age 32) died.

On or before 01 May 1646 Katherine Burgh died. She was buried on 01 May 1646.

On 01 May 1663 Robert Walpole (age 69) died.

On or before 01 May 1679, the day he was buried at St Mary's Church, Long Newton [Map], George Vane of Long Newton (age 61) died.

George Vane of Long Newton: In 1618 he was born to Henry Vane "The Elder" and Frances Darcy.. On 27 Mar 1640 George Vane of Long Newton and Elizabeth Maddison were married. They had thirteen children.

On 01 May 1680 Elizabeth Bennett died.

On 01 May 1700 Francis Winnington (age 65) died.

On 01 May 1700 John Dryden (age 68) died.

Around 01 May 1708 Helen Middleton Countess Strathmore and Kinghorne (age 63) died.

On 20 Apr 1718 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet (age 64) died. He was buried at Greenwich, Kent [Map] on 01 May 1718. His son Theophilus Biddulph 3rd Baronet (age 33) succeeded 3rd Baronet Biddulph of Westcombe in Kent.

On 01 May 1718 Gilbert Elliot 1st Baronet (age 68) died. His son Gilbert Elliot 2nd Baronet (age 25) succeeded 2nd Baronet Elliot of Minto.

On 01 May 1730 Francois de Troy (age 85) died.

On 01 May 1740 Penelope Lovell (age 47) died.

On 01 May 1740 Reverend Francis Annesley (age 40) died.

On 01 May 1752 William Key (age 64) died.

Before 01 May 1755 Beatrix Copley (age 34) died from childbirth. On 01 May 1755 she was buried.

On 01 May 1762 William Bentinck 2nd Duke Portland (age 53) died. His son William Cavendish-Bentinck 3rd Duke Portland (age 24) succeeded 3rd Duke Portland, 4th Earl of Portland.

On 01 May 1771 Elizabeth Scottowe of Thorpe by Norwich died.

On 01 May 1775 Mary Montagu Duchess Montagu (age 64) died. Monument in St Edmund's Church, Warkton [Map]. Sculpted by Peter Mathias Van Gelder (age 33). Mary's monument is more decorative that her parent's; Rococo. The composition of the monument centres around an ornate funerary Urn, which stands upon a Pedestal containing an inscription to Mary. To the right sits a grief stricken woman, inconsolable over the loss of an aristocrat considered a great benefactor to the poor and needy. In her left arm she cradles a baby, and a second, tearful child sits at her feet. To the right of the woman is that of an older woman draped in a shawl, who gently caresses the hand of the first babe. To the left of the Urn, an angel comforts the mourners, pointing to heaven.

On 01 May 1781 Bishop John Thomas (age 84) died.

On 01 May 1800 Princess Philippine Hohenzollern (age 54) died.

On 01 May 1804 Henry Cecil 1st Marquess Exeter (age 50) died. His son Brownlow Cecil 2nd Marquess Exeter (age 8) succeeded 2nd Marquess Exeter, 11th Earl Exeter, 12th Baron Burghley.

On 01 May 1805 Colonel John Jenkinson (age 71) died.

On 01 May 1810 Evelyn Shirley (age 53) died.

On 01 May 1818 John Douglas (age 61) died.

On 01 May 1826 Elizabeth Powys Viscountess Sydney (age 90) died.

On 01 May 1827 Frances Carpenter Baroness Calthorpe (age 65) died.

On 01 May 1842 Henry Howard (age 84) died at Corby Castle, Cumberland [Map].

On 01 May 1851 Harriet O'Brien (age 76) died.

On 01 May 1862 Frederick Richard West (age 63) died.

On 01 May 1878 Charlotte Earle Beechey Baroness Grantley died.

On 01 May 1883 Admiral Frederick Edward Vernon-Harcourt (age 92) died.

On 01 May 1894 John Thomas Pelham (age 82) died.

On 01 May 1912 Maria Mansel died.

On 01 May 1920 Margaret "Daisy" Windsor (age 38) died.

On 01 May 1927 Weetman Dickinson Pearson 1st Viscount Cowdray (age 70) died.

On 01 May 1947 Sybil Lascelles Alexander (age 86) died.

On 01 May 1953 Michael Claude Bowes-Lyon (age 59) died.

On 01 May 1960 David Cecil Lycett Green (age 67) died.

On 01 May 1962 George William Lyttelton (age 79) died.

On 01 May 1962 Jean Templeton Reid (age 77) died.

On 01 May 1968 Harold George Nicolson of Sissinghurst Castle in Kent (age 81) died.

On 01 May 1973 Dulcie Edyth Angela Redford (age 78) died.

On 01 May 1995 William Anthony Furness 2nd Viscount Furness (age 66) died unmarried. Viscount Furness of Grantley in the West Riding of Yorkshire, Baron Furness of Grantley in the West Riding of Yorkshire extinct.

On 01 May 2000 Nigel Hadley D'Oyly 14th Baronet (age 85) died. His son Hadley Gregory D'Oyly 15th Baronet (age 43) succeeded 15th Baronet D'Oyly of Shottisham in Suffolk.