On this Day in History ... 24th March

24 Mar is in March.

1338 French Raid on Portsmouth

1339 French Raid on Harwich

1458 Loveday

1550 Peace of Boulogne

1556 Salisbury Execution of Protestant Martyrs

1603 Death of Queen Elizabeth I Accession of James I

1616 Thomas Overbury Murder and Trial of his Murderers

1668 Bawdy House Riots

1688 Siege of Colchester

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 24th March

On 24 Mar 1338 a large fleet of small French coastal ships sailed across the Channel from Cales [Map] and into the Solent where they landed and burnt the town of Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map].

On 24 Mar 1339 a French fleet raided Harwich [Map].

On 24 Mar 1458 at Westminster Hall [Map] King Henry VI (age 36) made a great speech [See Chronicle of St Albans] the purpose of which was to ensure future peace in his Kingdom. Some were required to pay fines in recomponse for deaths at the First Battle of St Albans some three years before, some prisoners were released, some were bound to good behaviour, and future arbitration.

After the speech King Henry VI (age 36), Queen Margaret (age 28), John "Butcher" Clifford 9th Baron Clifford (age 22), Richard Neville Earl Salisbury (age 58), Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury (age 29), Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke Somerset (age 22), Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke York (age 46), Henry Percy 3rd Earl of Northumberland (age 36) and Thomas Percy 1st Baron Egremont (age 35) processed, hand-in-hand to St Paul's Cathedral [Map] and a ttended a service presided over by Cardinal Thomas Bourchier (age 40).

Chronicle of Robert Fabyan 1458. 24 Mar 1458. In token and for joy wherof, the King, the Queen, and all the said lordys, upon our Lady day annunciacion in Lent, at Paulys went solempnly in processyon, and soone after euery Lord departyd where his pleasure was. And in ther moneth of2 .... folowing, was a great fray in Flete strete, atwene the inhabytauntys3 of the saide strete ; in which fray a gentylman, being the quenys attourney, was slayen. Vpon the Thursday in Whitson weke, the Duke of Somerset, with Antony Ryuers, and other, iiii. kepte iustis of peace before the Queen within the Towre of London, agayne thre esquyers of the quenys, and in lyke maner at Grenewych the Sonday folowing. And upon Trynyte Sunday or the Monday folowing, certeyne shyppys, apperteyning unto the Earl of Warwick, mette with a flote of Spanyardys, and after longe and cruell fyght, toke. vi. of them laden with iron and other marchaudyse, and drowned and chasyd to the noumber of. xxvi. not without sheding of blode on both partyes ; for of the Englyssheme were slayen an hundreth, and many moo woundyd and sore hurte.

Note 1. ii. edit. 1533. 1542. 155

Note 2. of March. MS.

Note 3. the men of court and the inhabytauntys.

Chronicle of Gregory 1451-1460. 24 Mar 1458. Ande thys same yere at Covyntre there was made a pesse [Note. peace] by-twyne the Duke of Somersett Harry (age 22), and the Earl of Saulysbury (age 58), and the Erle of Warwycke (age 29), for the dethe of hys fadyr Duke of Somersette, that the Duke of Yorke (age 46) put to dethe at Synt Albonys. And thys tretys was made at Covyntre, in the holy tyme of Lentyn, by the mene of Kyng Harry the VI. And alle that holy tyme of Lentyn there myght noo mane man that shulde preche by-fore the kynge, but that he shulde shewe hys sarmon in wrytyng, were he docter or other, in so moche the lordys woldys A B C wolde assygne what he schulde say, as for any thynge that longyd unto the comyn wele, and yf he passyd hyr commaundement he schulde lese hys costys, and goo as he come, withowte mete and drynge. But a becheler of holy devynyte come to that cytte, and whenn he come to preche byfore the kyng, as Maystyr Wylliam Saye, Dene of Poulys and Dene of the kyngys chapylle, hadde desyryd and asygnyd, A B C axyd hys name, and hys name was Mayster Wylliam Ive, at that tyme beyng at Wynchester in Wycham ys college. And A B C sayde that they moste nedys se hys sarmon and hys purposse, that he was a vysyd to say by-fore the kynge the Sonday nexte comynge. And he fulle goodly toke them hys papyr; and they seyng and redynge hys papyr, commaundyd to leve owte and put a way many troughtys. But that same Mayster Wylliam Ive sayde but lytylle, but whenn he come to pulpyt he sparyd not to sayd the troughthe, and reportyd by-fore the kyng that A B C made the sarmonys that were sayde fore, and not thoo that prechyd, and that causyd that þe men that prechyd hadde but sympylle sarmons, for hyr purposse was alle turnyde upsodowne 3 and that they hadde made love days as Judas made whythe a cosseb with Cryste for they cyste ovyr the mane. The grete rewarde that he hadde for hys labyr was the rydyng of viij xx myle yn and owte for hys travayle, and alle hys frendys fulle sory for hym. But qui veritatem dicit caput fractum habebit, &c. And that same yere alle thes lordys departyd from the Parlyment, but they come nevyr alle togedyr after that tyme to noo Parlyment nor conselle, but yf hyt were in fylde with spere and schylde.

Note b. kiss.

Diary of Edward VI. 24 Mar 1550. Peax4 concluded between Englaund, Fraunce, and Scoteland, by, on th' English side, Jhon erl of Bedford lord previ seal, lord Paget de Beaudesert, sir William Petre (age 45) secretary, and sir Jhon Mason (age 47); on the French side, monsuir de Bochepot5, mons. Chastillon,1a Guillart de Mortier,2a and Bouchetel de Sarcy,3a upon condicions, that al titles, tributs and defensis shuld remaine; that the fault of on(e) man, except he be unpunished, shuld not breake the league; that the shippes of marchaundis shal passe to and froe, that pirats shall be called bake, and shippes of warre; that prisoners shal be deliverid of both sides; that we shal not warr with Scoteland, except new occasion be gieven; that Boulein, with the pecis of new conquest, and 2 basilicus,4a 2 demy canons, 3 culvrins, 2 dimy culvrins, 3 sacres, 6 faucons, 94 hagbutes a croke with wodden tayles,5a 21 iron peces; and Lodres1b and Dunglas, with, all th' ordonaunce, saving that that cam from Hadington, shall, within six monthes after this peax proclaimed, be delivred, and for that the French to pay 200,000 scutes within three dayes after the delivery of Boullein, and 200,000 scutes on our Ladie day in harvest next ensuyng, and that if the Scottes raised Lodr. et [?]. we shuld raise Roxborough and Aymouth. For the performance of wich on the 7 of April shuld be deliveride at Guisnes and Ard thies hostagies:

2Marques de Means (age 31).1c, My lord of Soutlifolke (age 14).2c

Mons. Trimouille (age 29).1d My lord of Hertford (age 10).2d

Mons. d'Anguien (age 21).3d My lord Talbot (age 22).4d

Mons. Montmorency (age 19).5d My lord Fizwarren (age 21).6d

Mons. Henaudiere.7d My lord Matravers (age 12).8d

Vicedam de Chartres (age 28).9d My lord Straunge (age 18).10d

Note 4. The commission issued by Henry H. King of France on the 20th Jan. to his four plenipotentiaries to treat for peace is printed in Rymer, Fœdera, xv. 202, and that to the same persons for its ratification, dated 31 March, ibid. p. 220. King Edward's instructions to his commissioners are printed by Burnet, History of the Eeformation, ii. Eecords, No 49, followed (No. 50) by other articles devised in answer to certain doubts moved on the 27th Feb. The original of the latter paper is in MS. Cotton. Caligula, E. IV. (not E. I. as Burnet gives the reference) fol. 270, preceded by other original instructions, also bearing the signatures of the King and council. The treaty itself is printed in Rymer's collection, xv. 211.

Note 5. François de Montmorency (age 54), seigneur de la Rochepot, governor of the isle of France, and lieutenant-general in Picardy. He was younger brother to the constable Anne duc de Montmorency (age 57); and died in 1551. Auselme, Histoire Genealogique, iii. 603.

Note 1a. Gaspard de Coligny II. seigneur de Chatillon-sur-Loing, son of Gaspard de Coligny I. marshal of France, who died in 1541, and brother to Odet cardinal de Châtillon and François seigneur d'Andelot. He was born in 1516, and was now lieutenant-general of the Boulenois in the absence of the seigneur de la Rochepot. After the death of the seigneur d'Annebaut, in 1552, he was made admiral of France. He was afterwards still more distinguished as the chief of the Huguenots, and was one of the victims of the massacre of St. Bartholomew in 1572. Anselme, Histoire Geneal. vii. 152, 883.

Note 2a. André Guillart seigneur du Mortier, a privy councillor.

Note 3a. Guillerm Bochetel seigneur de Sassy, secretary of state and the finances, and greffier of the order of St. Michael.

Note 4a. The acquittance of the French commissioners on the receipt of the artillery and munitions here mentioned, dated the 24th March, is printed in Rymer, xv. 218. The list agrees very nearly with that given by King Edward: — "c'est assavoir, deux Gros Cannons qu'on appelle Bazehqs, deux Demys Canons, trois Coullevrines, deux Demyes Coulevrines, deux Sacres, six Faulcons, soixante quartorze Harquebuzes a crochet de bronze, quinze pieces de fer qu'on appelle Serpentines bons et mauvais, six Harquebuzes de fer a crocq, quatre barillz pouldre serpentine, septcens boulletz de fer pour demyz canons, quatre cens quatre vingtz boullets de fer pour coullevrines, quatre cens quatre vingtz douze boullets de fer pour demys coullevrines, et quatre vingtz douze boullets de fer pour sacres "Two of the "long French pieces called Basiliques" had been brought to Portsmouth, and are mentioned in a warrant addressed to sir Francis Flemming, April 2, 1550. (Council Book.)

Note 5a. The MS. is indistinct in the word "tayles" or "rayles;" but the figures are 94, instead of 74, according to the French receipt. "Hagbuttes of croke of yron" occur in an inventory of the royal artillery, 1 Edw. VI. printed in Meyrick's Critical Inquiry into Antient Armour, vol. iii. p. 11: and the croke is there explained as "the crooked part of the butt protected by iron." The hakbute, or harquebus, was "a short but heavy fire-arm whicli preceded the musket, and carried a ball of about three ounces. The stock of it greatly resembled that of a cross-bow." (Glossary in the same work.) I suspect the crook was really a rest to support it when discharged.

Note 1b. Lauder, in Scotland.

Note 2b. The French hostages were given as security for the payment of the sum of 200,000 crowns in the following August; the English as security for the restoration of the town of Boulogne to France. The custom of giving hostages during the period of a treaty for peace is one of very remote antiquity. "Jurisconsultis obsides dicuntur, qui dati sunt a populi Komani hostibus pro captivis redimendis, vel pro pace componenda." (Lexicon Antiq. Eoman.) The selection of the children of persons of high rank for this purpose may also be traced to the Roman times. Csesar mentions a resolution "Obsides nobilissimi cujusque liberos poscere." (De Bello Gall. i. 31. j The same custom may be traced existing at long intervals in subsequent ages. On the treaty with Scotland in 1139, David king of Scots gave as hostages to king Stephen the sons of five earls. (Ric. of Hexham, in Twysden's Decern Scriptores.) At the conclusion of peace between Edward II. and France in 1325, ten noble youths, who happened at the time to be wards of the Crown, were appointed to accompany the royal train. Their names were Edward de Monthermer, Bernard de la Bret, Jame le Botiller, Johan de Multon, Eobert de Ferrers, Johan Lestrange, Esteven Dabingdon, Hugh le Despenser, Donenald de Mar, and Eic. Tuyt. Each was to be attended either by a maistre or a compaignon. (Archasologia, xxxvi. 248.) On the present occasion the English hostages were all youths; but those of the French were of more advanced age. On the 28th of March the council directed "lettres to the duchesse of Suffolke to give order as the duke of Suffolke her son (being appointed to be a hostage in France) may be furnished and accompanied as to their honours and state belongeth; so as he may be beyond the seas by Easter day; and signifying his abode there not to be long, and his charges to be maintained by the Kinges Matie. The like letters to the duke of Somerset for th'earl of Hertford his son; to th'earl of Warwick for the lord Lisle (age 23) his son; to th' earl of Shrewsbury (age 50) for the lord Talbot (age 22); to the earl of Bedford for the lord Russell; to the earl of Derby for the lord Straunge (age 18); to the earl of Huntingdon for the lord Hastings; to the earl of Bath for the lord Fitzwarren; to the earl of Arundell for the lord Matravers. [Of these it will be perceived that three, the lords Lisle, Russell, and Hastings, were afterwards excused.] Letters to the lord Talbot for his speedy repayre hither by post for the same purpose. "On the 1st of April" the receiver of the Wards has warrant for CC markes to the duke of Suffolke towards his furniture into France." On the following day the Council issued a "warrant to mr. Ayleworth receiver of Devon and Cornwall for C li. to the lord Fitzwarren son to the earle of Bath, towards his furniture, being appointed one of the noblemen hostages to be sent into France. Also a warrant to mr. Wilhams for C li. to the lord Talbot, of the sales, for like purpose. Letters to the lord Cobham (age 53), deputy of Calais, to provide carriage for the stuff and other necessaryes of the hostages, with lodging. Mr. Williams had warrant for M li. to Robert Beverley for the household of the hostages, imprest of the sales. Letter to the said Beverley to defray money upon the warrant of Richard Blunt; governour of the hostages. Warrant to (blanJc) for xl li. towards the furniture of the officers of the household of the hostages, as followeth, for the Pantry, Ewry, Buttrey, Cellar, Kitchen, Pastry, and ScuUery, viij in number, according to the bill." On the xiij April the council sent "lettres to mr. Dansell to have in readiness M'M' crownes of the sunne to be sent into France to the Kinges matie hostages there, whensoever mr. Richard Blount their governour, or in his absence he that shall have the chief charge of them, shall send for the same; wherein he [Dansell] shoulde be repayd according to the value of the money." On the vij May, "a warrant to (blank) for payment of CC marks by waie of his Matie gifte towards the charges of the furniture of the erle of Hertford, appointed one of the hostaiges lately sent into Fraunce." On the iiij July "a warrant to (blank) to paie CCxlvli. xvj s. iijd. to the duke of Somerset in recompense of his charges emploied on the erle of Hertford when he was sent hostaige."

Note 1c. Francois de Lorraine (age 31), marquis de Mayenne, eldest son of Claude first duc de Guise (age 53), and brother to Mary queen of Scotland (age 7). His father died whilst he was in England on this occasion, on the 12th April, 1550. He became prince de Joinville in 1552, and grand-maitre of France in 1559. He was killed at the siege of Orleans in 1563. Anselme, Hist. Geneal. de France, iii. 486, viii. 387.

Note 2c. Charles Brandon, second duke of Suffolk (1545), who died of the sweating sickness in 1551. Two miniatures of him (one of which is incorrectly assigned to his brother) are engraved in Chamberlain's Holbein Heads. Other particulars respecting him are collected in a note to Machyn's Diary, p. 318.

Note 1d. Louis III (age 29). of the name, seigneur de la Tremouille, born in 1521. For his military services in Italy, and elsewhere, Charles IX. erected his vicomté of Thouars into a duchy in 1563. He died at the seige of Mesle in 1577. Anselme, iv. 170.

Note 2d. Edward Seymour (age 10), the Protector's (age 50) heir apparent, by his second wife Anne Stanhope (age 53); restored to the dignity of earl of Hertford by queen Elizabeth in 1559, and died in 1621. Mr. Tytler, vol. i. p. 279, has printed a letter of the duke of Somerset to lord Cobham, deputy of Calais, thanking him for letters dated 13th April 1550, whereby "we be advertised of the good health of our son the earl of Hertford, and also of his behaviour towards the company where he cometh, gaining thereby much commendation, whereof we be right glad." The duke, though no longer Protector, retained the royal "We."

Note 3d. Jean de Bourbon (age 21), comte de Soissons et d'Enghien, brother to Anthony de Bourbon (age 31) at this time duc de Vendosme and afterwards king of Navarre, and to the cardinal de Bourbon (age 26). He was bom in 1528, and died of a pistol-shot received at the battle of St. Quintin in 1557. Anselme, i. 330.

Note 4d. George Talbot (age 22), only son of the earl of Shrewsbury (age 50): he succeeded as ninth earl 1560, and died 1590.

Note 5d. François de Montmorency (age 19), eldest son of the constable Anne duc de Montmorency (age 57). He was born in 1530, and when duc de Montmorency was grand maitre and constable of France; he was elected a knight of the Garter in 1572, as his father had been in 1532. He died in 1579. Anselme, iii. 604.

Note 6d. John Bourchier (age 21), son and heir apparent of William [John] earl of Bath (age 51). He died in his father's life-time, leaving issue William, who succeeded his grandfather in 1560 [1561].

Note 7d. Jean III. seigneur d'Annebaut, only son of Claude d'Annebaut (age 55), marshal and admiral of France, by Françoise de Toumemine, baronne de la Hunaudaye, whose title he now bore. He died of wounds received at the battle of Dreux in 1562, and was the last of his ancient family. Anselme, vii. 179.

Note 8d. Henry FitzAlan (age 12), only son of the earl of Arundel (age 37), born in 1538. He also died during his father's life, in the year 1556, and the ancient earldom went in consequence to the Howards.

Note 9d. Francois de Vendome (age 28), vldame de Chartres, succeeded his father in 1526, and died in 1563, in his 38th year, or, according to other authorities, in 1560. Anselme, viii. 731.

Note 10d. Henry Stanley (age 18), son and heir apparent of the earl of Derby (age 40). He succeeded his father (age 40) as the fourth earl in 1576 [1572?], and died in 1592 [1593].

On 24 Mar 1556 Protestant Martyrs Willam Coberley, John Maundrel and John Spicer were burned at the stake in Salisbury Marketplace, Wiltshire [Map].

Foxe's Book of Martyrs. 24 Mar 1556. Those articles thus answered, (for their articles were one, and their answers in manner like,) the chancellor read their condemnation, and so delivered them to the sheriff: Then spake John Spicer, saying; "O Master Sheriff, now must you be their butcher, that you may be guilty also with them of innocent blood before the Lord." This was the twenty-hird day of March, anno 1556; and the twenty-fourth day of the same month they were carried out of the common gaol [Map] to a place betwixt Salisbury and Wilton, where were two posts set for them to be burnt at: which men coming to the place, kneeled down, and made their prayers secretly together; and then, being disclothed to their shirts, John Maundrel spake with a loud voice, "Not for all Salisbury;" which words men judged to be an answer to the sheriff, which offered him the queen's pardon if he would recant. And after that in like manner spake John Spicer, saying, "This is the joyfullest day that ever I saw." Thus were they three burnt at two stakes; where most constantly they gave their bodies to the fire, and their souls to the Lord, for testimony of his truth.

Note. Tradition suggests they were burned at the location of the Spike, indicating a stake or, subsequently, a gallows, indicated 'S' bottom left on John Speed's map of 1611.

On 24 Mar 1603 Elizabeth I (age 69) died at Richmond Palace [Map] around three in the morning. Her first cousin twice removed King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 36) succeeded I King England Scotland and Ireland.

Immediately following her death Robert Carey 1st Earl Monmouth (age 43) started on horseback for Edinburgh to inform King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 36) arriving at Holyrood Palace [Map] late on the 26 Mar 1603. His conduct met with general disapproval and merited censure as contrary to all decency, good manners and respect. George Carew and Thomas Lake (age 35) were sent by the Council to formally inform James of her death.

Diary of Anne Clifford 1603. 24 Mar 1603. The 20th [Note. A mistake for the 24th?] Mr Flocknall, my Aunt Warwick's man, brought us word from his Lady, that the Queen died about 2/3 o’clock in the morning.

This message was delivered to my Mother (age 42) and me in the same chamber where afterwards I was married.

Note 1. I was at Queen Elizabeth’s death thirteen years and two months old, and Mr Richard Sackville was fourteen years old, he being then at Dorset House with his grandfather and that great family.

At the death of this worthy Queen my mother and I lay at Austin Friars in the same chamber where afterwards I was married.

Diary of Anne Clifford 1603. 24 Mar 1603. About 10 o’clock King James was proclaimed in Cheapside by all the Council with great joy and triumph.1 I went to see and hear. This peaceable coming-in of the King was unexpected of all sorts of people. Within two or three days we returned to Clerkenwell again. A little after this Queen Elizabeth’s corpse came by night in a barge from Richmond to Whitehall, my Mother (age 42) and a great company of ladies attending it, where it continued a great while standing in the Drawing Chamber, where it was watched all night by several lords and ladies, my Mother (age 42) sitting up with it two or three nights, but my Lady would not give me leave to watch, by reason I was held too young. At this time we used to go very much to Whitehall, and walked much in the garden which was frequented by lords and ladies, my Mother (age 42) being all full of hopes, every man expecting mountains and finding molehills, excepting Sir R. Cecil (age 39) and the house of the Howards, who hated my Mother (age 42) and did not much love my Aunt Warwick. About this time my Lord Southampton (age 29) was enlarged of his imprisonment out of the Tower. When the corpse of Queen Elizabeth had continued at Whitehall as the Council had thought fit, it was carried with great solemnity to Westminster,2 the lords and ladies going on foot to attend it, my Mother (age 42) and my Aunt of Warwick being mourners, but I was not allowed to be one, because I was not high enough, which did much trouble me then, but yet I stood in the church at Westminster to see the solemnities performed. A little after this my Lady and a great deal of other company as Mrs Eliz. Bridges (age 25), Lady Newtin, and her daughter Lady Finch (age 43) [?], went down with my Aunt Warwick to North Hall, and from thence we all went to Tibbalds to see the King who used my Mother (age 42) and aunt very graciously, but we all saw a great change between the fashion of the Court as it is now and of that in the Queen’s time, for we were all lousy by sitting in the chamber of Sir Thomas Erskine (age 37). As the King came out of Scotland, when he lay at York, there was a strife between my Father (age 44) and Lord Burleigh3 (who was the President,) who should carry the sword, but it was adjudged on my Father’s side because it was an office by inheritance and so it lineally descended to me. From Tibbalds the King went to Charterhouse, where Lord T. Howard (age 41) was created Earl of Suffolk, and Lord Mountjoy (age 40) Earl of Devonshire, and restored Lords Southampton (age 29) and Essex (age 12), who stood attainted, likewise he created many barons, among which my uncle Russell (age 43) was made Lord Russell of Thorney, [sic] and for knights they were innumerable. All this spring I had my health very well. My Father (age 44) used to come to us sometimes at Clerkenwell but not often, for he had at this time as it were wholly left my Mother (age 42), yet the house was kept still at his charge.

Note 1. The first time that King sent to the Lords in England, he gave command that the Earls of Northumberland (age 38), Cumberland (age 44), Lord Thomas Howard (age 41), and Lord Mountjoy (age 40) should be added to the Council.

Note 2. Queen Elizabeth’s funeral was on Thursday, April the 8th.

Note 3. A dispute between George Earl of Cumberland (age 44), and the Lord Burleigh.

On 24 Mar 1603 Henry Frederick Stewart Prince of Wales (age 9) was created Duke Cornwall.

On 24 Mar 1607 Admiral Michiel de Ruyter was born.

On 24 Mar 1611 Robert Carr 1st Earl Somerset (age 24) was created 1st Viscount Rochester and to the Privy Council. Robert Carr 1st Earl Somerset (age 24) was now the Kings (age 44) favourite.

Diary of Anne Clifford 1616. 22 Mar 1616. Upon the 22nd my Lady and I went in a coach to Whingfield and rode about the Park and saw all the woods.1

Note 1. Upon the 24th my Lady Somerset (age 25) was sent by water from Blackfriars as Prisoner to the Tower.

On 24 Mar 1650 Bishop Jonathan Trelawny 3rd Baronet was born to Jonathan Trelawny 2nd Baronet (age 27) and Mary Seymour (age 31). Coefficient of inbreeding 3.12%.

Pepy's Diary. 24 Mar 1666. After dinner I to White Hall to a Committee for Tangier, where the Duke of Yorke (age 32) was, and I acquitted myself well in what I had to do. After the Committee up, I had occasion to follow the Duke into his lodgings, into a chamber where the Duchesse (age 29) was sitting to have her picture drawn by Lilly (age 47), who was there at work. But I was well pleased to see that there was nothing near so much resemblance of her face in his work, which is now the second, if not the third time, as there was of my wife's at the very first time. Nor do I think at last it can be like, the lines not being in proportion to those of her face.

Pepy's Diary. 24 Mar 1668. Thence up and down Westminster by Mrs. Burroughes her mother's shop, thinking to have seen her, but could not, and therefore back to White Hall, where great talk of the tumult at the other end of the town, about Moore-fields [Map], among the 'prentices, taking the liberty of these holydays to pull down bawdy-houses1. And, Lord! to see the apprehensions which this did give to all people at Court, that presently order was given for all the soldiers, horse and foot, to be in armes! and forthwith alarmes were beat by drum and Trumpet through Westminster, and all to their colours, and to horse, as if the French were coming into the town! So Creed, whom I met here, and I to Lincolne's Inn-fields, thinking to have gone into the fields to have seen the 'prentices; but here we found these fields full of soldiers all in a body, and my Lord Craven (age 59) commanding of them, and riding up and down to give orders, like a madman. And some young men we saw brought by soldiers to the Guard at White Hall, and overheard others that stood by say, that it was only for pulling down the bawdy-houses; and none of the bystanders finding fault with them, but rather of the soldiers for hindering them. And we heard a justice of the Peace this morning say to the King (age 37), that he had been endeavouring to suppress this tumult, but could not; and that, imprisoning some [of them] in the new prison at Clerkenwell, the rest did come and break open the prison and release them; and that they do give out that they are for pulling down the bawdy-houses, which is one of the greatest grievances of the nation. To which the King (age 37) made a very poor, cold, insipid answer: "Why, why do they go to them, then?" and that was all, and had no mind to go on with the discourse. Mr. Creed and I to dinner to my Lord Crew (age 70), where little discourse, there being none but us at the table, and my Lord and my Lady Jemimah, and so after dinner away, Creed and I to White Hall, expecting a Committee of Tangier, but come too late. So I to attend the Council, and by and by were called in with Lord Brouncker (age 48) and Sir W. Pen (age 46) to advise how to pay away a little money to most advantage to the men of the yards, to make them dispatch the ships going out, and there did make a little speech, which was well liked, and after all it was found most satisfactory to the men, and best for the King's dispatch, that what money we had should be paid weekly to the men for their week's work until a greater sum could be got to pay them their arrears and then discharge them. But, Lord! to see what shifts and what cares and thoughts there was employed in this matter how to do the King's work and please the men and stop clamours would make a man think the King (age 37) should not eat a bit of good meat till he has got money to pay the men, but I do not see the least print of care or thoughts in him about it at all. Having done here, I out and there met Sir Fr. Hollis (age 25), who do still tell me that, above all things in the world, he wishes he had my tongue in his mouth, meaning since my speech in Parliament. He took Lord Brouncker (age 48) and me down to the guards, he and his company being upon the guards to-day; and there he did, in a handsome room to that purpose, make us drink, and did call for his bagpipes, which, with pipes of ebony, tipt with silver, he did play beyond anything of that kind that ever I heard in my life; and with great pains he must have obtained it, but with pains that the instrument do not deserve at all; for, at the best, it is mighty barbarous musick.

Note 1. It was customary for the apprentices of the metropolis to avail themselves of their holidays, especially on Shrove Tuesday, to search after women of ill fame, and to confine them during the season of Lent. See a "Satyre against Separatists", 1642. "Stand forth, Shrove Tuesday, one a' the silenc'st bricklayers; 'Tis in your charge to pull down bawdy-houses". Middleton's Inner Temple Masque, 1619, Works, ed. Bullen, vii., 209.

Evelyn's Diary. 24 Mar 1682. At the meeting of the Royal Society were exhibited some pieces of amber sent by the Duke of Brandenburg (age 62), in one of which was a spider, in another a gnat, both very entire. There was a discourse of the tingeing of glass, especially with red, and the difficulty of finding any red color effectual to penetrate glass, among the glass-painters; that the most diaporous, as blue, yellow, etc., did not enter into the substance of what was ordinarily painted, more than very shallow, unless incorporated in the metal itself, other reds and whites not at all beyond the superfices.

Evelyn's Diary. 24 Mar 1688. I went with Sir Charles Littleton (age 60) to Sheen [Map], a house and estate given him by Lord Brounker; one who was ever noted for a hard, covetous, vicious man; but for his worldly craft and skill in gaming few exceeded him. Coming to die, he bequeathed all his land, house, furniture, etc., to Sir Charles (age 60), to whom he had no manner of relation, but an ancient friendship contracted at the famous siege of Colchester, forty years before. It is a pretty place, with fine gardens, and well planted, and given to one worthy of them, Sir Charles (age 60) being an honest gentleman and soldier. He is brother to Sir Henry Littleton (age 64) of Worcestershire, whose great estate he is likely to inherit, his brother being without children. They are descendants of the great lawyer of that name, and give the same arms and motto. He is married to one Mrs. Temple (age 39), formerly Maid of Honour to the late Queen (age 49), a beautiful lady, and he has many fine children, so that none envy his good fortune.

Evelyn's Diary. 24 Mar 1688. There are many good pictures, especially of Vandyke's, in both these houses, and some few statues and small busts in the latter.

On 24 Mar 1707. St Oswald's Church, Ashbourne [Map]. Monument to William Boothby 1st Baronet (age 69) and Hill Brooke.

Hill Brooke: Around 1636 she was born to William Brooke and Pembroke Lennard. On 06 Apr 1657 William Boothby 1st Baronet and she were married at Chiswick. On 14 May 1704 Hill Brooke died.

On 29 Feb 1720 Ulrika Eleonora Palatinate Zweibrücken Queen Consort Sweden (age 32) abdicated King Sweden. On 24 Mar 1720 her husband Frederick I King Sweden (age 43) was appointed I King Sweden.

On 24 Mar 1745 John Frederick Sackville 3rd Duke Dorset was born to John Sackville (age 31) and Frances Leveson-Gower (age 24).

In 24 Mar 1767 Christian Fredericke Zincke (age 84) died at Lambeth, Surrey [Map].

In 1772 the original church of the site of Church of St Rumbold, Stoke Doyle [Map] was demolished. The first service in the current church was held on 24 Mar 1727, with funds largely provided by Edward Ward.

Edward Ward: he was born to Edward Ward and Elizabeth Papillon.

Life of William Morris. William Morris, the eldest son and third child of William Morris (age 36) and Emma Shelton, was born at Elm House, Clay Hill, Walthamstow, on the 24th of March, 1834. His ancestry was on neither side in any way remarkable, and family records in the undistinguished middle class, whether commercial or professional, to which both his parents belonged, are generally scanty in amount and do not go far back. Such fact's as have been preserved may be briefly set down, without laying any stress on what is known or what is unknown in the history of the family.

On 24 Mar 1834 William Morris was born to William Morris (age 36) and Emma Shelton (age 30) at Elm House, Clay Hill.

On 24 Mar 1842 Samuel Allsopp 2nd Baron Hindlip was born.

After 24 Mar 1946. St Mary's Churchyard, Chirk. Commonwealth War Grave of 1403645 Leading Aircraftman David Morris Williams Royal Air Force died 24 Mar 1946 aged twenty-four. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Attached to RAF North Witham, accidently drowned at Brampton. Son of David And Maria Ann Williams, of Chirk.

In 24 Mar 1953 Victoria Mary Teck Queen Consort England (age 85) died.

Births on the 24th March

On 24 Mar 1257 Yolande Lusignan was born to Hugh Lusignan XII Count Lusignan VII Count La Marche III Count Angoulême (age 22) and Jeanne Fougères Countess Lusignan Countess La Marche and Angoulême.

On 24 Mar 1330 William Latimer 4th Baron Latimer of Corby was born to William Latimer 3rd Baron Latimer of Corby (age 30) and Elizabeth Botetort Baroness Latimer Corby at Scampston, Ryedale.

On 24 Mar 1335 Edward Despencer 1st Baron Despencer, Baron Burghesh was born to Edward Despencer (age 25) and Anne Ferrers (age 36) at Essendine Ryall, Rutlandshire. He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England. Coefficient of inbreeding 1.78%.

On 24 Mar 1433 Anne Beaufort was born to Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke Somerset (age 27) and Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset (age 24). She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

On 24 Mar 1441 Ernest Elector Saxony was born to Frederick II Duke Saxony (age 28) and Margaret of Austria (age 25).

On 24 Mar 1493 William Cunningham 4th Earl Glencairn was born to Cuthbert Cunningham 3rd Earl Glencairn (age 16).

On 24 Mar 1537 Thomas Southwell was born to Robert Southwell (age 31) and Margaret Neville (age 17) at Mereworth, Kent.

On 24 Mar 1607 Admiral Michiel de Ruyter was born.

On 24 Mar 1615 John St John was born to John St John 1st Baronet (age 29) and Anne Leighton.

On 24 Mar 1650 Bishop Jonathan Trelawny 3rd Baronet was born to Jonathan Trelawny 2nd Baronet (age 27) and Mary Seymour (age 31). Coefficient of inbreeding 3.12%.

On 24 Mar 1685 John Fane 7th Earl of Westmoreland was born to Vere Fane 4th Earl of Westmoreland (age 40) and Rachel Bence Countess of Westmoreland.

On 24 Mar 1730 Mary Wray was born to John Wray 12th Baronet (age 40) and Frances Norcliffe Lady Wray (age 29).

On 24 Mar 1745 John Frederick Sackville 3rd Duke Dorset was born to John Sackville (age 31) and Frances Leveson-Gower (age 24).

On 24 Mar 1753 Frances Manners Countess Tyrconnel was born to John Manners Marquess of Granby (age 32) and Frances Seymour (age 24).

On 24 Mar 1760 Charles Compton 1st Marquess Northampton was born to Spencer Compton 8th Earl of Northampton (age 21) and Jane Lawton Countess Northampton.

On 24 Mar 1797 Sackville Lane-Fox was born to James Lane-Fox (age 40) and Marcia Lucy Pitt (age 41).

On 24 Mar 1801 William Beauclerk 9th Duke St Albans was born to William Beauclerk 8th Duke St Albans (age 34) and Maria Janetta Nelthorpe Duchess St Albans. He a great x 3 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 24 Mar 1822 Mary Stapleton Viscountess Falmouth 13th Baroness Despencer was born to Thomas Stapleton (age 29) and Frances Woodley (age 62).

On 05 Mar 1825 Julia Charlotte Fane was born to William Mildmay Fane (age 35) and Louisa Hay Dashwood (age 33). She was baptised on 24 Mar 1825 at Agra, Bengal.

On 24 Mar 1828 Wilhelmine Oldenburg was born to Christian August Oldenburg II Duke Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Augustenburg (age 29) and Louise Sophie Danneskiold Samsøe Duchess Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Augustenburg. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland.

On 24 Mar 1834 William Morris was born to William Morris (age 36) and Emma Shelton (age 30) at Elm House, Clay Hill.

On 24 Mar 1837 Prince Philippe Wettin was born to King Leopold I of Belgium (age 46) and Louise Orléans Queen Consort Belgium (age 24).

On 24 Mar 1842 Samuel Allsopp 2nd Baron Hindlip was born.

On 24 Mar 1844 Julia Frances Somerville Lady Blackett was born to Kenelm Somerville (age 56).

On 12 Mar 1854 Edith Katherine Manners was born to John James Robert Manners 7th Duke Rutland (age 35) and Catherine Louise Georgina Marlay (age 23). Her mother died three weeks later. On 24 Mar 1854 Edith Katherine Manners died.

On 24 Mar 1859 Henry Lopes 1st Baron Roborough was born to Massey Lopes 3rd Baronet (age 40).

On 24 Mar 1860 Raleigh Grey was born to Alfred Grey (age 26).

On 24 Mar 1873 Hugh Douglas Blackett 8th Baronet was born to Edward William Blackett 7th Baronet (age 42) and Julia Frances Somerville Lady Blackett (age 29).

On 24 Mar 1879 Aubrey Nelthorpe Beauclerk was born to William Nelthorpe Beauclerk (age 29).

On 24 Mar 1897 Gottfried Hermann Alfred Hohenlohe Langenburg was born to Ernst Hohenlohe Langenburg II Prince (age 33) and Alexandra Windsor Princess (age 18). He a great grandson of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.

On 24 Mar 1940 John Palmer 4th Earl of Selborne was born to Captain William Palmer (age 28).

On 24 Mar 1946 Christopher Guy Dyke Acland 6th Baronet was born to Antony Guy Acland 5th Baronet (age 29) and Margaret Joan Rooke Lady Acland.

On 24 Mar 1958 Alexandra Sitwell was born to Sacheverell Reresby Sitwell 7th Baronet (age 30) and Penelope Forbes (age 34).

On 24 Mar 1966 Jago Eliot was born to Peregrine Nicholas Eliot 10th Earl of St Germans (age 25).

Marriages on the 24th March

Before 24 Mar 1300 William Latimer 3rd Baron Latimer of Corby and Elizabeth Botetort Baroness Latimer Corby were married. She by marriage Baroness Latimer of Corby.

Before 24 Mar 1335 Edward Despencer (age 25) and Anne Ferrers (age 36) were married. They were second cousins. He a great grandson of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England.

Before 24 Mar 1429 Nicholas Broughton and Philippa Lovell were married.

Before 24 Mar 1553 Alexander Graham of Wallaceston and Marion Seton Countess Eglinton (age 58) were married. The difference in their ages was 28 years; she, unusually, being older than him. He the son of William Graham 2nd Earl Montrose (age 61) and Janet Keith Countess Montrose. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

On 24 Mar 1729 Henry Grey 1st Duke Kent (age 58) and Sophia Bentinck Duchess Kent (age 27) were married. She by marriage Duchess Kent. The difference in their ages was 30 years. She the daughter of William Bentinck 1st Earl of Portland and Jane Martha Temple Countess Portland (age 57). He the son of Anthony Grey 1453 1490 11th Earl Kent and Mary Lucas Countess Kent.

On 24 Mar 1749 William Watts (age 27) and Frances "Begum Johnson" Croke (age 23) were married in Calcutta, India.

On 24 Mar 1798 John Trollope 6th Baronet (age 32) and Anne Thorold were married.

On 24 Mar 1845 Cornwallis Maude 1st Earl Montalt (age 27) and Clementina Elphinstone-Fleming Viscountess Hawarden (age 22) were married.

Deaths on the 24th March

On 24 Mar 832 Archbishop Wulfred died.

On 24 Mar 1113 Humphrey "Bearded" Bohun (age 73) died in Tatterford, Norfolk.

On 24 Mar 1224 William Mowbray 6th Baron Thirsk (age 51) died. Baron Thirsk extinct.

On 24 Mar 1275 Beatrice Plantagenet (age 32) died in London. She was buried at Greyfriars Church Farringdon Within [Map].

On 24 Mar 1287 or 26 Mar 1287 Queen Ingeborg of Norway (age 43) died.

Before 24 Mar 1299 Hawise Burgh died.

On 24 Mar 1386 John I Count of Auvergne died. His son John II Count Auvergne succeeded II Count Auvergne and Count Boulogne.

On 24 Mar 1390 Elizabeth Darcy Countess Ormonde (age 57) died.

On 24 Mar 1428 Hugh Luttrell of Dunster Castle (age 64) died in Shaftesbury, Dorset.

On 24 Mar 1439 Philippa Aviz (age 8) died.

On 24 Mar 1504 Margaret Bedingfield (age 29) died.

On 24 Mar 1522 Christopher Urswick (age 74) died in Hackney. He was buried in St Augustine's Church Hackney.

On 24 Mar 1574 Henry Denny (age 34) died.

On 24 Mar 1582 James Dyer (age 72) died.

On 24 Mar 1603 Elizabeth I (age 69) died at Richmond Palace [Map] around three in the morning. Her first cousin twice removed King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 36) succeeded I King England Scotland and Ireland.

Immediately following her death Robert Carey 1st Earl Monmouth (age 43) started on horseback for Edinburgh to inform King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 36) arriving at Holyrood Palace [Map] late on the 26 Mar 1603. His conduct met with general disapproval and merited censure as contrary to all decency, good manners and respect. George Carew and Thomas Lake (age 35) were sent by the Council to formally inform James of her death.

On 24 Mar 1605 Elizabeth Russell Countess Bath died.

On 24 Mar 1607 Hew Kennedy (age 40) died.

On 24 Mar 1620 Katherine Cromwell (age 58) died.

On 24 Mar 1644 Cecilia Renata Habsburg Spain (age 32) died.

On 24 Mar 1645 Thomas Aston 1st Baronet (age 44) died. His son Willoughby Aston 2nd Baronet (age 4) succeeded 2nd Baronet Aston of Aston.

On 24 Mar 1661 Thomas Bedingfield (age 68) died.

Before 24 Mar 1662 Henry Mildmay 16th Baron Fitzwalter (age 17) died. He was buried on 24 Mar 1662. His brother Benjamin Mildmay 17th Baron Fitzwalter (age 16) succeeded 17th Baron Fitzwalter.

On 24 Mar 1669 John Russell 3rd Baronet (age 29) died. His son William Russell 4th Baronet (age 5) succeeded 4th Baronet Russell of Chippenham in Wiltshire.

On 24 Mar 1675 Johnathan Goddard (age 58) died.

On 24 Mar 1676 Cicely Compton Baroness Arundel Wardour (age 66) died.

On 24 Mar 1683 John Barrington (age 78) died.

On 24 Mar 1684 Elizabeth Hotham (age 33) died.

On 24 Mar 1685 Henry Thompson (age 60) died.

On 24 Mar 1687 William Spencer (age 56) died.

On 24 Mar 1737 Karl Frederick Adolf Wettin died at Weißenfels, Burgenlandkreis, Saxony-Anhalt.

On 24 Mar 1739 Agmondisham Vesey (age 62) died.

On 24 Mar 1741 Susanna Henshaw Lady Winn (age 31) died.

On 24 Mar 1741 Elizabeth Folkes Lady Hamner (age 41) died.

On 24 Mar 1744 George Campbell died.

On 24 Mar 1748 Coventry Carew 6th Baronet (age 31) died without issue. Baronet Carew of Antony in Cornwall extinct. Some sources refer to a seventh and eighth Baronet although it is unclear who these are? Reginald Pole aka Pole-Carew inherited the manor of Antony, Cornwall and changed his surname from Pole to Pole-Carew.

In 24 Mar 1767 Christian Fredericke Zincke (age 84) died at Lambeth, Surrey [Map].

On 24 Mar 1772 Dorothea Wedgwood (age 64) died.

On 24 Mar 1774 Anne Seymour-Conway died.

On 24 Mar 1775 Caroline Sackville Lady Milton died.

On 24 Mar 1780 Anne Sophia Grey died.

On 24 Mar 1780 Catherine Dashwood Lady Jenkinson (age 87) died.

On 24 Mar 1787 Elizabeth Risdon (age 77) died.

On 24 Mar 1796 Hercules Rowley 2nd Earl Langford (age 58) died unmarried. Viscount Langford of Longford Lodge extinct.

On 24 Mar 1797 Richard Lockwood (age 85) died without issue.

On or before 24 Mar 1798 Anne Busby Lady Tynte died. On 24 Mar 1798 she was buried at the Church of St Edward King and Martyr, Goathurst [Map].

On 24 Mar 1806 Georgiana Augusta Leveson-Gower (age 36) died.

On 24 Mar 1838 Abraham Hume 2nd Baronet (age 89) died. Baronet Hume of Wormleybury in Hertfordshire extinct.

On 24 Mar 1852 Jane Crawfurd Bruce died.

On 24 Mar 1863 Lionel Frederick Archibald Fitzclarence (age 5) died.

On 24 Mar 1869 George Chetwynd 3rd Baronet (age 59) died. His son George Chetwynd 4th Baronet (age 19) succeeded 4th Baronet Chetwynd of Brocton Hall in Staffordshire.

On 24 Mar 1870 William Williams 1st Baronet (age 78) died. His son Frederick Martin Williams 2nd Baronet (age 40) succeeded 2nd Baronet Williams of Tregullow in Cornwall. Mary Christian Law Lady Williams by marriage Lady Williams of Tregullow in Cornwall

On 24 Mar 1871 Thomas Agnew (age 76) died.

On 24 Mar 1877 Marianne Sarah Rowley (age 87) died.

On 24 Mar 1877 Jane "Jeanie" Elizabeth Hughes (age 48) died.

On 24 Mar 1879 Thomas Hughan of Airds (age 66) died.

On 24 Mar 1879 Amelius Wentworth Beauclerk (age 63) died.

On 24 Mar 1881 Augusta Maria Hare (age 48) died.

On 24 Mar 1894 Captain George Fitzclarence (age 57) died.

On 24 Mar 1909 Dean Herbert Mortimer Luckock (age 75) died. He was buried in the Cathedral Close at Lichfield Cathedral [Map].

On 24 Mar 1913 Dorothy Walpole (age 86) died.

On 24 Mar 1924 Theodora Grosvenor (age 83) died.

Around 24 Mar 1930 Beatrice Mary Leslie Hore-Ruthven (age 58) died.

On 24 Mar 1936 Helena aka Ena Wertheimer (age 61) died.

On 24 Mar 1945 George Kemp 1st Baron Rochdale (age 78) died. His son John Kemp 1st Viscount Rochdale (age 38) succeeded 2nd Baron Rochdale of Rochdale in Lancashire.

On 24 Mar 1946 Arthur Augustus William Harry Ponsonby (age 75) died.

On 24 Mar 1946 Vice Admiral Charles Andrew Fountaine (age 66) died. His son Andrew Douglas Algernon Fountaine (age 27) inherited Narford Hall.

In 24 Mar 1953 Victoria Mary Teck Queen Consort England (age 85) died.

On 24 Mar 1980 Gerald Gordon Ley 3rd Baronet (age 77) died.

On 24 Mar 1989 Edmund Stockdale 1st Baronet (age 85) died.