On this Day in History ... 12th May

12 May is in May.

878 Battle of Edington

1191 Wedding of King Richard I and Berengaria of Navarre

1388 Merciless Parliament

1535 Sweating Sickness Outbreak

1536 Imprisonment and Trial of Anne Boleyn and her Co-Accused

1537 Pilgrimage of Grace

1641 Trial and Execution of the Earl of Strafford

1666 Great Plague of London

1762 Creation of New Peers

1937 Coronation of George VI

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 12th May

Around 12 May 878 King Alfred "The Great" of Wessex (age 29) defeated the Viking army led by Guthrum Viking at the Battle of Edington at Edington, Wiltshire (the location is subject to dispute; possibly Heddington, Wiltshire).

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Around 12 May 878. Then, in the seventh week after Easter, he rode to Brixton by the eastern side of Selwood; and there came out to meet him all the people of Somersersetshire, and Wiltshire, and that part of Hampshire which is on this side of the sea; and they rejoiced to see him. Then within one night he went from this retreat to Hey; and within one night after he proceeded to Heddington; and there fought with all the army, and put them to flight, riding after them as far as the fortress, where he remained a fortnight. Then the army gave him hostages with many oaths, that they would go out of his kingdom. They told him also, that their king would receive baptism. And they acted accordingly; for in the course of three weeks after, King Guthrum, attended by some thirty of the worthiest men that were in the army, came to him at Aller, which is near Athelney [Map], and there the king became his sponsor in baptism; and his crisom-leasing was at Wedmor. He was there twelve nights with the king (age 29), who honoured him and his attendants with many presents.

On 12 May 1182 Valdemar "Great" I King Denmark (age 51) died. His son Canute VI King of Denmark (age 19) succeeded VI King Denmark.

On 12 May 1191 King Richard "Lionheart" I of England (age 33) and Berengaria of Navarre Queen Consort England (age 26) were married at Chapel of St George at Limassol Castle. She was crowned Queen Consort England. She the daughter of Sancho "Wise" King Navarre (age 59) and Sancha Ivrea. He the son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England (age 69). They were half fourth cousins.

Richard's sister Joan Plantagenet Queen Consort Sicily (age 25) was present.

After 12 May 1260 Constance Rouerge Queen Consort Navarre (age 80) died.

On 12 May 1343 Edward "Black Prince" (age 12) was created Prince of Wales.

On 03 Feb 1388 the Merciless Parliament commenced. It ended on 04 Jun 1388. Its primary function was to prosecute members of the Court of King Richard II of England (age 21). The term "Merciless" is contemporary having been coined by the chronicler Henry Knighton.

Michael de la Pole 1st Earl Suffolk (age 58) was sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered in his absence. He had escaped to France.

Archbishop Alexander Neville (age 47) was found guilty of treason and it was determined to imprison him for life in Rochester Castle, Kent [Map]. He fled to Louvain [Map] where he became a parish priest for the remainder of his life.

On 19 Feb 1388 Robert Tresilian was hanged naked and his throat cut. See Chronicle of Adam of Usk.

On 25 Mar 1388 Nicholas Brembre was hanged. He was buried at Christ Church Greyfriars [Map].

On 05 May 1388 Simon Burley (age 48) was executed despite the protestations of his friend Edmund of Langley 1st Duke York (age 46). See Chronicle of Adam of Usk.

On 12 May 1388 John Beauchamp 1st Baron Beauchamp (age 69) was beheaded at Tower Hill [Map]. He was buried at Worcester Cathedral [Map]. Baron Beauchamp of Kidderminster forfeit.

Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland (age 26) was attainted.

Letters and Papers 1535. 12 May 1535. R. O. 708. John Husee to Lady Lisle (age 41).

I received your letter today by Robert Johnson with the quails, which I have delivered, and for which all parties thank you. Mr. Basset is well, and is a great lawyer. Bremelcome has the water imperial, which shall be used according to your writing. As to the plague, Mr. Sulyer and Mr. Danestre will see to him as though he were their own kin. He breaks his fast daily before leaving his chamber. I have delivered him £3 as Bury has not yet come, and he is going to Mr. Danaster these holidays. The "febre" of his taffeta gown has made him a doublet. Of all this I will make plain reckoning at my coming. Today I have sent by John Awgur, master of the Julian of Erith, such vessel and liveries as my Lord wrote for. I hope the spices and wax have arrived, with Mr. James's cloak cloth, which I sent by Drywry. Mr. Wyndham cometh not up before the time, so I ride to him early tomorrow, and will be shortly after at Calais. London, 12 May.

Mr. Marshal1 is at Calais, and sped not to his mind.

Hol., p. 1. Add.

Note 1. Sir Edward Ryngeley.

Letters 1536. 12 May 1536. R. O. 855. John Husee to Lord Lisle (age 72).

I delivered your letter to Mr. Secretary, who promises to be your very friend. I could not see the King, but delivered his letter through Sir John Russell, who promises to consult with Mr. Secretary on your behalf; but there is no time to make suit till the matters now in hand be overblown. As to the friar (Mr. Secretary would they were all at the Devil), he shall be rid, but it will be tomorrow ere I have the letter for his despatch, which Goodall will bring, who will depart tomorrow night. You may tell Mr. Porter, Mr. Treasurer will meddle with no matter till this business be rid. Today Mr. Norrys (age 54), Weston (age 25), Bryerton, and Markes (age 24) have been arraigned, and are judged to be drawn, hanged, and quartered. They shall die tomorrow or Monday. Anne the queen (age 35), and her brother (age 33), shall be arraigned in the Tower, some think tomorrow, but on Monday at furthest, and that they will suffer there immediately "for divers considerations, which are not yet known." Mr. Payge and Mr. W[y]at (age 15) are in the Tower, but it is thought without danger of life, though Mr. Payge is banished the King's court for ever. A new Parliament is summoned to commence on Thursday in Whitsun week. Walter Skynner comes over to your Lordship with my Lord Chancellor's letters, to summon you and lord Grey, but you will not go without further licence. Here is one Hall, serjeant-at-arms, who desires much to speak with Mr. Degory Graynfyld. London, 12 May.

Mr. Rossell sent his servant, the bearer, to me while I was writing. Please write some kind letter to Mr. Russell and Mr. Hennage, and write again to Mr. Secretary. Hol., p. 1. Add.

Letters 1536. 12 May 1536. R. O. 854. Sir John Russell (age 51) to Lord Lisle (age 72).

On behalf of the bearer, who has been sore troubled to his utter undoing unless Lisle will make him a victualler in his retinue. Today Mr. Norres (age 54) and such other as you know are cast, and the Queen (age 35) shall go to her judgment on Monday next. I have delivered the King your letters. I wonder your Lordship did not write to me that I might have made suit for you. Westm., 12 May. Signed. P. 1. Add.: Deputy of Calais. Endd.

Letters 1536. 12 May. R. O. 848. Trial of Weston (age 25), Norris (age 54), and others.

Special commission of Oyer and Terminer for Middlesex to Sir Thomas Audeley, Chancellor, Thomas Duke of Norfolk (age 63), Charles Duke of Suffolk (age 52), John Earl of Oxford (age 65), Ralph Earl of Westmoreland (age 38), Thomas Earl of Wiltshire (age 59), Rob. Earl of Sussex, William lord Sandys, Thomas Crumwell (age 51), chief secretary, Sir William Fitzwilliam (age 46), Sir William Paulet (age 53), Sir John Fitzjames, Sir John Baldewyn, Sir Richard Lister, Sir John Porte, Sir John Spelman, Sir Walter Luke, Sir Ant. Fitzherbert, Sir Thomas Englefeld, and Sir William Shelley. Westm., 24 April 28 Henry VIII.

ii. The justices' precept to the sheriff of Middlesex for the return of the grand jury at Westminster on Wednesday, 10 May next. Dated 9 May 28 Henry VIII.—Grand jury panel annexed, 16 sworn.

iii. Indictment found in Middlesex against Anne Boleyn (age 35), &c. as in No. 876, with marginal note stating that it was sent before the Duke of Norfolk (age 63) as steward of England, hac vice, as regards all matters touching the Queen and Lord Rochford (age 33).

iv. The justices' precept to the constable of the Tower to bring up Sir Francis Weston (age 25), Henry Noreys (age 54), William Bryerton, and Mark Smeton (age 24), at Westminster, on Friday next after three weeks of Easter. Westm., 10 May 28 Henry VIII.—With reply of the Constable endorsed.

v. The justices' precept to the sheriff of Middlesex for the return of the petty jury for the trial of Henry Noreys (age 54), William Bryerton, and Sir Francis Weston [here follows an erasure which evidently contained the name of Mark Smeaton (age 24)]. Westm., 12 May 28 Henry VIII.—With panel annexed.

vi. Special commission of Oyer and Terminer for Kent, to Sir Thomas Audeley (age 48), Chancellor, Thomas Duke of Norfolk (age 63), Charles Duke of Suffolk (age 52), John Earl of Oxford (age 65), Ralph Earl of Westmoreland (age 38), Rob. Earl of Sussex, Thomas Crumwell, chief secretary, Sir William Fitzwilliam (age 46), Sir William Paulet (age 53), Sir John Fitzjames, Sir John Baldewyn, Sir Richard Lyster, Sir John Porte, Sir John Spelman, Sir Walter Luke, Sir Anth. Fitzherbert, Sir Thomas Englefeld, and Sir William Shelley. Westm., 24 April 28 Henry VIII.

vii. The justices' precept to the sheriff of Kent for the return of the grand jury at Deptford, on Thursday, 11 May. Endd. by Sir Edward Wotton, sheriff.—Panel of grand jury annexed.

viii. Indictment found in Kent, as in No. 876, with memorandum in margin, as in section iii.

ix. Record of the sessions holden Friday after three weeks of Easter 28 Henry VIII. before the above justices. Noreys, Bryerton, Weston, and Smeton (age 24) were brought up in the custody of the constable of the Tower, when Smeton (age 24) pleaded guilty of violation and carnal knowledge of the Queen, and put himself in the King's mercy. Noreys, Bryerton, and Weston pleaded Not guilty. The jury return a verdict of Guilty, and that they have no lands, goods, or chattels.

Judgment against all four as in cases of treason; execution to be at Tyburn.

The above file of documents is endorsed: "Sessiones Comitatuum Middlesexiæ et Kanciæ primo tentæ apud villam Westmonasterii in comitatu Midd. coram Thoma Audeley, milite, Cancellario Angliæ, et aliis, &c., et secundo tentæ apud Depford in comitatu Kanciæ coram Johanne Baldewyn, milite et aliis, anno regni Regis Henrici VIII. vicesimo octavo."

Wriothesley's Chronicle 1536. Item, the 12th daie of Maie, 1536, being Fridaie, their were arraygned at Westminster [Map]g Sir Frances Weston (age 25), knight, Henrie Norrisy (age 54) esquier, Brerton, and Markes (age 24), being all fower of the Kinges Privie Chamberh, and their condemned of high treason against the Kinge (age 44) for using fornication with Queene Anne (age 35), wife to the Kinge, and also for conspiracie of the Kinges death, and their judged to be hanged, drawen, and quartered, their members cutt of and brent [burned] before theim, their heades cutt of and quartered; my Lord Chauncelor (age 48) being the highest Commissioner he geving their judgment, with other lordes of the Kinges Counsell being presente at the same tyme..

Note g. They were tried by a Commission of Oyer and Terminer in Westminster Hall, after having been twice indicted. True bills were found by the two grand juries of the counties of Kent and Middlesex, the crimes they were charged with being said to be done in both counties.

Note h. Sir Francis Western and William Brereton, esq. of the King's Privy Chamber. Henry Norris, Groom of the Stole, and one Mark Smeton, a musician.

Pouch VIII. King's Bench Records In The Public Record Office. Baga De Secretis. Pouch VIII.

This Pouch is indorsed "Sessiones Comitatuum Middlesexise et Kanciee primo tent apud villam Westmonasterii in comitatu Middlesexiæ coram Thoma Audeley, milite, Cancellario Angliæ et aliis &c. et secundo tent' apud Depford in comitatu Kanciæ coram Johanne Baldewyn, milite, et aliis, anno regni regis Henrici Octavi vicesimo octavo."

Trial and conviction of Mark Smeaton, Henry Noreys, William Bryerton, and Sir Francis Weston. Adultery with Queen Anne Boleyn. - Special Sessions of Oyer and Terminer, 12 May, 1536, 28 Hen.

On 12 May 1537 Abbot Adam Sedbar (age 35) was captured. He was imprisoned in the Beauchamp Tower, Tower of London [Map] where his inscribed name on the wall "ADAM SEDBAR. ABBAS JOREVALL 1537" can still be seen.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 12 May 1552. The xij day of May the Kynges (age 14) grace [rode through] Grenwyche Parke [Map] unto Blake-heth [Map], with ys ga[rd with bows] and arowes, and in ther jerkenes and dobeletes. [The King's] grase ran at the ryng, and odur lordes and kn [yghts.]

On 12 May 1641 Thomas Wentworth 1st Earl Strafford (age 48) was beheaded at Tower Hill [Map]. His execution was attended by an enormous crowd.

Wenceslaus Hollar (age 33). Engraving of the execution of Thomas Wentworth 1st Earl Strafford (age 48) marked as C with James Ussher (age 60) marked as A.

Wenceslaus Hollar: On 23 Jul 1607 he was born. Pepy's Diary. 22 Nov 1666. Up, and to the office, where we sat all the morning, and my Lord Bruncker did show me Hollar's new print of the City, with a pretty representation of that part which is burnt, very fine indeed; and tells me that he was yesterday sworn the King's servant, and that the King hath commanded him to go on with his great map of the City, which he was upon before the City was burned, like Gombout of Paris, which I am glad of. On 25 Mar 1677 he died.

Evelyn's Diary. 12 May 1641, I beheld on Tower-hill [Map] the fatal stroke which severed the wisest head in England from the shoulders of the Earl of Strafford (age 48), whose crime coming under the cognizance of no human law, or statute, a new one was made, not to be a precedent, but his destruction. With what reluctancy the King (age 40) signed the execution, he has sufficiently expressed; to which he imputes his own unjust suffering - to such exorbitancy were things arrived.

Pepy's Diary. 12 May 1662. Mr. Townsend called us up by four o'clock; and by five the three ladies, my wife and I, and Mr. Townsend, his son and daughter, were got to the barge and set out. We walked from Mortlake, Richmond to Richmond, Surrey [Map], and so to boat again. And from Teddington to Hampton Court [Map] Mr. Townsend and I walked again. And then met the ladies, and were showed the whole house by Mr. Marriott; which is indeed nobly furnished, particularly the Queen's (age 23) bed, given her by the States of Holland; a looking-glass sent by the Queen-Mother (age 52) from France, hanging in the Queen's (age 23) chamber, and many brave pictures.

Pepy's Diary. 12 May 1666. So home by water, and there hard till 12 at night at work finishing the great letter to the Duke of Yorke (age 32) against to-morrow morning, and so home to bed. This day come home again my little girle Susan, her sicknesse proving an ague, and she had a fit soon almost as she come home. The fleete is not yet gone from the Nore. The plague encreases in many places, and is 53 this week with us.

Pepy's Diary. 12 May 1666. At noon home, where I find my wife troubled still at my checking her last night in the coach in her long stories out of Grand Cyrus, which she would tell, though nothing to the purpose, nor in any good manner1. This she took unkindly, and I think I was to blame indeed; but she do find with reason, that in the company of Pierce, Knipp, or other women that I love, I do not value her, or mind her as I ought. However very good friends by and by, and to dinner, and after dinner up to the putting our dining room in order, which will be clean again anon, but not as it is to be because of the pictures which are not come home.

Note 1. Sir Walter Scott observes, in his "Life of Dryden (age 34)", that the romances of Calprenede and Scuderi, those ponderous and unmerciful folios, now consigned to oblivion, were, in their day, not only universally read and admired, but supposed to furnish the most perfect models of gallantry and heroism. Dr. Johnson read them all. "I have", says Mrs. Chapone, "and yet I am still alive, dragged through 'Le Grand Cyrus,' in twelve huge volumes; 'Cleopatra,' in eight or ten; 'Ibrahim,' 'Clelie,' and some others, whose names, as well as all the rest of them, I have forgotten" ("Letters to Mrs. Carter"). No wonder that Pepys sat on thorns, when his wife began to recite "Le Grand Cyrus" in the coach, "and trembled at the impending tale". B.

Evelyn's Diary. 12 May 1684. The utter mine of the Low Country was threaten'd by the siege of Luxembergh, if not timely reliev'd, and by the obstinacy of the Hollanders, who refus'd to assist the Prince of Orange (age 33), being corrupted by the French.

Evelyn's Diary. 12 May 1684. I return'd to London, where I found the Commissioners of the Admiralty abolish'd, and the office of Admiral restor'd to ye Duke (age 50), as to the disposal and ordering all Sea businesse; but his Ma* (age 53) sign'd all Petitions, Papers, Warrants, and Commissions, that the Duke, not acting as Admiral by commission or office, might not incur the penalty of the late Act against Papists and Dissenters holding offices, and refusing the Oath and Test. Every one was glad of this change, those in the late Commission being utterly ignorant in their duty, to the greate damage of the Navy.

On 04 May 1762 King George III of Great Britain and Ireland (age 23) created a number of new peerages ...

Edward Noel 1st Viscount Wentworth (age 46) was created 1st Viscount Wentworth.

William Courtenay 7th Earl Devon (age 53) was created 1st Viscount Courtenay.

Thomas Pelham Holles 1st Duke Newcastle-under-Lyme (age 68) was created 1st Baron Pelham of Stanmer in Sussex with default to his cousin Thomas Pelham (age 34).

Caroline Lennox 1st Baroness Holland (age 39) was created 1st Baron Holland in Lincolnshire. Henry Fox 1st Baron Holland (age 56) by marriage Baron Holland in Lincolnshire.

John Perceval 2nd Earl Egmont (age 51) was created 1st Baron Lovel and Holland of Enmore in Somerset.

John Montagu 1st Baron Montagu (age 27) was created 1st Baron Montagu of Boughton in Northamptonshire.

Joseph Damer 1st Earl Dorchester (age 44) was created 1st Baron Milton of Milton Abbey in Dorset.

Edward Hussey-Montagu 1st Earl Beaulieu (age 41) was created 1st Baron Beaulieu of Beaulieu in Hampshire with a special remainder to his heirs male with his current wife Isabella Montagu Duchess Manchester (age 56).

On 12 May 1762 George Venables-Vernon 1st Baron Vernon (age 53) was created 1st Baron Vernon of Kinderton in Cheshire. Martha Harcourt Baroness Vernon of Kinderton (age 46) by marriage Baroness Vernon of Kinderton in Cheshire.

George Fox Lane 1st Baron Bingley (age 65) was created 1st Baron Bingley. Harriet Benson Baroness Bingley (age 57) by marriage Baroness Bingley.

On 12 May 1765 Amy "Emma Hart Lady Hamilton" Lyon was baptised.

On 12 May 1771 Adolph Frederick King Sweden (age 60) died in Stockholm apparently after having consumed a large meal, consisting of lobster, caviar, sauerkraut, kippers and champagne, topped off with 14 servings of his favourite dessert: hetvägg, made of semla pastries served in bowls of hot milk.

Gustav III King Sweden (age 25) succeeded King Sweden. Queen Sophia of Sweden (age 24) by marriage Queen Sweden.

Archaeologia Volume 3 Section XLIII. An Account of the Body of King Edward the First, as it appeared on opening his Tomb in the Year 1774. By Sir Joseph Ayloffe (age 66), Bart. V. P. S. A. and F. R. S. Read at the Society of Antiquaries, May 12, 1774.

1911 Encyclopædia Britannica. Shelley and Williams, both of them insatiably fond of boating, had a small schooner named the "Don Juan" (or more properly the "Ariel"), built at Genoa after a design which Williams had procured from a naval friend, but the reverse of safe. They received her on the 12th of May, found her rapid and alert, and on the 1st of July started in her to Leghorn, to meet Leigh Hunt, whose arrival in Italy had just been notified.

After 12 May 1921. Church of St Oswald, Methley [Map]. Memorial to Archdeacon Henry Armstrong Hall (deceased) sculpted by Frederick John Wilcoxson (age 33).

Archdeacon Henry Armstrong Hall: On 02 Jun 1853 he was born at Parkhurst, Isle of Wight. In 1898 he was appointed Rector of Church of St Oswald, Methley. On 12 May 1921 he died at Methley Rectory.

Births on the 12th May

On 12 May 1325 Rupert II Elector Palatine was born to Adolph Count Palatine Rhine (age 24).

On 12 May 1442 Edmund Trafford was born to John Trafford (age 22) and Elizabeth Ashton (age 11).

On 12 May 1496 King Gustav I of Sweden was born.

On 12 May 1515 Christoph Duke of Württemberg was born.

On 12 May 1525 William Gresley was born to George Gresley (age 31) and Catherine Dudley.

On 12 May 1585 John Oglander was born to William Oglander of West Dean, Sussex and Anne Dillington at Nunwell House, Isle of Wight.

On 12 May 1615 Charles Hotham was born to John Hotham 1st Baronet (age 25) in Scorborough and Anne Rokeby.

On 12 May 1648 Philip Foley was born to Thomas Foley (age 31).

On 12 May 1653 Friedrich Palatinate Simmern was born to Charles Louis Palatinate Simmern (age 35) and Charlotte Hesse-Kassel (age 25). He a great grandson of King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland.

On 12 May 1669 John Lindsay-Crawford 1st Viscount Garnock was born to Patrick Lindsay (age 16).

On 12 May 1680 James Colebrooke was born at Arundel [Map].

On or before 12 May 1697 Thomas Edwardes was born to Johnathan Edwardes (age 43) and Mary Bray.

On 12 May 1725 Louis Philippe "The Fat" Bourbon I Duke Orléans was born to Louis Bourbon Duke Orléans (age 21) and Margravine Johanna Baden Baden Duchess Orléans at Palace of Versailles, Versailles.

On 12 May 1743 William Pigott was born.

On 12 May 1744 Stephen Glynne 7th Baronet was born to John Glynne 6th Baronet (age 32).

Around 1755 Edward Astley was born to Edward Astley 4th Baronet (age 25) and Rhoda Delaval (age 29). She died before 12 May 1755 when she was buried at St Matthew's Church Widcombe. Given the close of the dates he may have been a twin. Before 1757 Edward Astley (age 2) died.

On 14 Apr 1755 Editha Rhoda Astley was born to Edward Astley 4th Baronet (age 25) and Rhoda Delaval (age 29). She died before 12 May 1755 when she was buried at St Matthew's Church Widcombe.

On 12 May 1769 William Joseph Denison Banker was born to Joseph Denison (age 43).

On 12 May 1774 Henry Digby was born to Henry Digby 1st Earl Digby (age 42).

On 12 May 1784 James Maitland 9th Earl Lauderdale was born to James Maitland 8th Earl Lauderdale (age 25) and Eleanor Todd Countess Lauderdale (age 22).

On 12 May 1788 Abraham Montefiore of Stamford Hill was born.

On 12 May 1790 Henry Wyndham was born illegitimately to George O'Brien Wyndham 3rd Earl Egremont (age 38) and Elizabeth Ilive Countess Egremont (age 21).

On 12 May 1792 Reverend Horace Robert Pechell was born to Augustus Pechell of Berkhampstead in Hertfordshire (age 38).

On 12 May 1808 Robert Tolver Gerard 1st Baron Gerard was born to John Gerard of Windle Hall, Lancashire and Elizabeth Ferrers (age 29).

On 12 May 1809 Richard Boyle 4th Earl Shannon was born to Henry Boyle 3rd Earl Shannon (age 37).

On 12 May 1816 Edmund Beckett 1st Baron Grimthorpe was born to Edmund Beckett aka Denison 4th Baronet (age 29) and Maria Beverley Lady Beckett (age 21) at Carlton Hall Newark.

On 12 May 1818 Commander Charles Randle Egerton was born to Wilbraham Egerton (age 36) and Elizabeth Sykes (age 40). Coefficient of inbreeding 3.12%.

On 12 May 1829 Agnes Georgiana Elizabeth Hay Countess Fife was born to William Hay 18th Earl Erroll (age 28) and Elizabeth Fitzclarence Countess Erroll (age 28). She a granddaughter of King William IV of the United Kingdom.

On 12 May 1834 Captain Arthur Lister-Kaye was born to John Lister Lister-Kaye 2nd Baronet (age 32).

On 12 May 1835 William George Craven was born to George Augustus Craven (age 24).

On 12 May 1840 George Cadogan 5th Earl Cadogan was born to Henry Cadogan 4th Earl Cadogan (age 28) and Mary Sarah Wellesley Countess Cadogan (age 31). Coefficient of inbreeding 6.25%.

On 12 May 1853 Henry Birkbeck was born to Henry Birkbeck of Stoke Holy Cross (age 32) and Mary Anne Hamond.

On 12 May 1876 Harald Oldenburg was born to Prince Frederick Christian Oldenburg (age 45) and Helena Windsor (age 29). He a grandson of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.

On 12 May 1879 Feodora Saxe Meiningen was born to Bernhard Saxe Meiningen III Duke Saxe Meiningen (age 28) and Charlotte Hohenzollern (age 18). She a great granddaughter of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.

On 12 May 1880 Eva Mary Louise Trefusis was born to Colonel Walter Rodolph Trefusis (age 42) and Mary Charlotte Montagu-Douglas-Scott (age 28). Coefficient of inbreeding 1.69%.

In 12 May 1894 Hester Frances Dames-Longworth was born.

On 12 May 1900 Alistair Grahame was born to Kenneth Grahame Writer (age 41) and Elspeth Thomson (age 38).

On 12 May 1917 Hans Albrecht Glücksburg was born to Wilhelm Friedrich Christian Glücksburg Duke Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Glücksburg (age 25) and Marie Melita Hohenlohe Langenburg Duchess Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Glücksburg (age 18). He a great x 2 grandson of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.

On 12 May 1919 David Mountbatten 3rd Marquess Milford Haven was born to George Mountbatten 2nd Marquess Milford Haven (age 26) and Nadejda Mikhailovna Torby Marchioness Milford Haven (age 23) at Edinburgh [Map]. He a great x 2 grandson of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.

Marriages on the 12th May

On 12 May 1191 King Richard "Lionheart" I of England (age 33) and Berengaria of Navarre Queen Consort England (age 26) were married at Chapel of St George at Limassol Castle. She was crowned Queen Consort England. She the daughter of Sancho "Wise" King Navarre (age 59) and Sancha Ivrea. He the son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England (age 69). They were half fourth cousins.

Richard's sister Joan Plantagenet Queen Consort Sicily (age 25) was present.

On 12 May 1240 Robert Bruce 5th Lord Annandale (age 25) and Isabel Clare Lady Annandale (age 13) were married. She by marriage Lord Annandale. She the daughter of Gilbert Clare 5th Earl Gloucester 4th Earl Hertford and Isabel Marshal Countess Cornwall, Gloucester and Hertford. They were third cousin once removed. He a great x 4 grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.

After 12 May 1427 William Granville (age 45) and Philippa Bonville (age 1) were married. The difference in their ages was 44 years. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England.

Before 12 May 1442 John Trafford (age 22) and Elizabeth Ashton (age 11) were married.

Before 12 May 1585 William Oglander of West Dean, Sussex and Anne Dillington were married.

Around 12 May 1649, the date of the licence, John Twisleton 1st Baronet (age 35) and Elisabeth Fiennes (age 18) were married.

On 12 May 1656 Thomas Hickman Windsor 1st Earl Plymouth (age 29) and Anne Savile (age 22) were married.

On or after 12 May 1684 John Shaw 2nd Baronet (age 24) and Margaret Peake Lady Shaw were married by a licence dated 12 May 1684. She by marriage Lady Shaw of Eltham in Kent.

Before 12 May 1697 Johnathan Edwardes (age 43) and Mary Bray were married.

On 12 May 1698 Frederick IV Duke of Holstein Gottorp (age 26) and Hedvig Sophia of Sweden (age 16) were married. She the daughter of Charles XI King Sweden and Ulrika Eleonora Oldenburg.

On 12 May 1700 William Bentinck 1st Earl of Portland (age 50) and Jane Martha Temple Countess Portland (age 28) were married. She by marriage Countess of Portland. The difference in their ages was 22 years.

On 12 May 1748 Horatio Walpole 1st Earl Orford (age 24) and Rachel Cavendish (age 20) were married. She the daughter of William Cavendish 3rd Duke Devonshire (age 49) and Catherine Hoskyns Duchess Devonshire (age 49).

On 12 May 1761 Edward Lascelles 1st Earl Harewood (age 20) and Anne Chaloner Baroness Harewood (age 18) were married at St George's Church, Hanover Square.

On 12 May 1767 Francis Baring 1st Baronet (age 27) and Harriet Herring Lady Baring (age 17) were married.

On 12 May 1773 John Norris (age 39) and Charlotte Townshend were married.

On 12 May 1803 Hans Francis Hastings 12th Earl Huntingdon (age 23) and Frances Cobbe Countess Huntingdon were married.

12 May 1807 George Ferrars Townshend 3rd Marquess Townshend (age 28) and Sarah Dunn-Gardner Marchioness Townshend were married. He the son of George Townshend 2nd Marquess Townshend (age 54) and Charlotte Mainwaring Ellerker Countess of Leicester.

On 12 May 1824 Brownlow Cecil 2nd Marquess Exeter (age 28) and Frances Isabella Selina Poyntz Marchioness of Exeter (age 21) were married. She by marriage Marchioness Exeter. He the son of Henry Cecil 1st Marquess Exeter and Sarah Hoggins Countess Exeter.

On 12 May 1840 Commander William Dent Hedley Dent (age 44) and Ellen Mary Kerr (age 24) were married.

On 12 May 1842 Henry Legge (age 38) and Maria Rogers were married. He the son of George Legge 3rd Earl Dartmouth and Frances Finch Countess Dartmouth.

On 12 May 1854 Charles Watson-Copley 3rd Baronet (age 26) and Georgiana Tredcroft Lady Watson-Copley (age 27) were married at Genoa. She by marriage Lady Watson of Fulmer in Buckinghamshire.

On 12 May 1879 Eustace Balfour (age 24) and Frances Campbell (age 21) were married. She the daughter of George Douglas Campbell 8th Duke Argyll (age 56) and Elizabeth Georgiana Leveson-Gower Duchess Argyll.

Deaths on the 12th May

On 12 May 805 Archbishop Æthelhard died.

On 12 May 866 Hugh Welf died.

On 12 May 1148 Roger Hauteville III Duke of Apulia (age 30) died.

On 12 May 1182 Valdemar "Great" I King Denmark (age 51) died. His son Canute VI King of Denmark (age 19) succeeded VI King Denmark.

After 12 May 1260 Constance Rouerge Queen Consort Navarre (age 80) died.

On 12 May 1264 Roger Tosny (age 28) died at Flamstead, Hertfordshire.

On 12 May 1291 Thomas Furnival (age 60) died.

On 12 May 1293 Bishop Thomas Bek (age 49) died.

Around 12 May 1330 William Boteler 8th Baron Warrington (age 55) died.

On 12 May 1335 Margery de Braose (age 70) died at Bytham Castle, Lincolnshire [Map].

On 12 May 1372 Margaret Neville (age 43) died.

On 03 Feb 1388 the Merciless Parliament commenced. It ended on 04 Jun 1388. Its primary function was to prosecute members of the Court of King Richard II of England (age 21). The term "Merciless" is contemporary having been coined by the chronicler Henry Knighton.

Michael de la Pole 1st Earl Suffolk (age 58) was sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered in his absence. He had escaped to France.

Archbishop Alexander Neville (age 47) was found guilty of treason and it was determined to imprison him for life in Rochester Castle, Kent [Map]. He fled to Louvain [Map] where he became a parish priest for the remainder of his life.

On 19 Feb 1388 Robert Tresilian was hanged naked and his throat cut. See Chronicle of Adam of Usk.

On 25 Mar 1388 Nicholas Brembre was hanged. He was buried at Christ Church Greyfriars [Map].

On 05 May 1388 Simon Burley (age 48) was executed despite the protestations of his friend Edmund of Langley 1st Duke York (age 46). See Chronicle of Adam of Usk.

On 12 May 1388 John Beauchamp 1st Baron Beauchamp (age 69) was beheaded at Tower Hill [Map]. He was buried at Worcester Cathedral [Map]. Baron Beauchamp of Kidderminster forfeit.

Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland (age 26) was attainted.

On 12 May 1405 Marie Guelders Duchess Jülich died.

On 12 May 1406 Ralph Radclyffe (age 78) died.

On 12 May 1422 Walter Tyrrell (age 74) died.

On 12 May 1444 Robert Hill of Shilston (age 52) died.

On 12 May 1444 Alice Berkeley (age 65) died.

On 12 May 1482 Catherine Fray (age 35) died.

On 12 May 1490 Joan Aviz (age 38) died.

On 12 May 1491 Gervase Clifton (age 53) died.

On 12 May 1529 Cecily Bonville Marchioness Dorset (age 68) died. She was buried at Church St Mary the Virgin Astley.

Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset (age 51) succeeded 8th Baron Harington, 3rd Baron Bonville,

On 12 May 1532 Abbot John Islip (age 68) died.

On 12 May 1542 Thomas Purefoy (age 70) died.

On 12 May 1551 Margaret Fortescue Baroness Wentworth (age 49) died.

On 12 May 1576 Catherine Talbot Countess Pembroke (age 26) died.

On 12 May 1580 Eleanor Habsburg Spain (age 11) died.

On 12 May 1584 Edward Watson (age 68) died at Rockingham Castle, Northamptonshire [Map].

On 12 May 1598 William Cromer (age 67) died.

On 12 May 1614 Elinora Brocket (age 40) died.

On 12 May 1627 Sarah Crouch (age 53) died.

On 12 May 1641 Thomas Wentworth 1st Earl Strafford (age 48) was beheaded at Tower Hill [Map]. His execution was attended by an enormous crowd.

Wenceslaus Hollar (age 33). Engraving of the execution of Thomas Wentworth 1st Earl Strafford (age 48) marked as C with James Ussher (age 60) marked as A.

Wenceslaus Hollar: On 23 Jul 1607 he was born. Pepy's Diary. 22 Nov 1666. Up, and to the office, where we sat all the morning, and my Lord Bruncker did show me Hollar's new print of the City, with a pretty representation of that part which is burnt, very fine indeed; and tells me that he was yesterday sworn the King's servant, and that the King hath commanded him to go on with his great map of the City, which he was upon before the City was burned, like Gombout of Paris, which I am glad of. On 25 Mar 1677 he died.

On 12 May 1661 Richard Berkeley (age 83) died.

On 12 May 1662 Francis Lennard 14th Baron Dacre Gilsland (age 43) died. He was buried at Chevening, Sevenoaks. His son Thomas Lennard 1st Earl of Sussex (age 7) succeeded 15th Baron Dacre Gilsland. Anne Fitzroy Countess Sussex (age 1) by marriage Baroness Dacre Gilsland.

On 12 May 1682 Thomas Bludworth (age 62) died.

On 12 May 1689 John Reresby 2nd Baronet (age 55) died. He was buried at St Leonards Church, Thrybergh. His son William Reresby 3rd Baronet (age 21) succeeded 3rd Baronet Reresby of Thribergh in Yorkshire.

On 12 May 1689 Robert Dormer (age 60) died.

On 12 May 1690 John Rushworth (age 78) died.

On 12 May 1691 Letitia Hicks Countess Donegal (age 64) died.

On 12 May 1712 Robert "Beau Handsome" Fielding (age 62) died.

On 12 May 1717 Walter Kirkham Blount 3rd Baronet (age 67) died. His nephew Edward Blount 4th Baronet (age 15) succeeded 4th Baronet Blount of Sodington.

On 12 May 1724 William Strickland 3rd Baronet (age 59) died from a fall from a horse during a fox hunt. His son William Strickland 4th Baronet (age 38) succeeded 4th Baronet Strickland of Boynton in Yorkshire. Catherine Sambrooke Lady Strickland (age 18) by marriage Lady Strickland of Boynton in Yorkshire.

On 12 May 1727 Henry Campbell (age 6) died.

On 12 May 1743 Stephen Cornwallis (age 39) died.

On 12 May 1744 William Kemp of Antingham in Norfolk (age 68) died.

On 12 May 1756 John Cotes (age 75) died.

On 12 May 1762 Mary Woods (age 78) died.

On 12 May 1766 John Tempest of Sherburne Durham (age 56) died.

On 12 May 1767 Wriothesley Digby (age 70) died.

On 12 May 1770 Anne Beresford died.

On 12 May 1771 Adolph Frederick King Sweden (age 60) died in Stockholm apparently after having consumed a large meal, consisting of lobster, caviar, sauerkraut, kippers and champagne, topped off with 14 servings of his favourite dessert: hetvägg, made of semla pastries served in bowls of hot milk.

Gustav III King Sweden (age 25) succeeded King Sweden. Queen Sophia of Sweden (age 24) by marriage Queen Sweden.

On 12 May 1775 Fredericka Saxe Coburg Altenburg (age 59) died.

On 12 May 1800 Ludwig Karl Hesse-Kassel (age 8) died.

On 12 May 1828 Thomas Assheton-Smith of Ashley in Cheshire (age 76) died.

On 12 May 1835 or 21 May 1835 Arthur Kaye Legge (age 68) died.

On 12 May 1845 John Evans 6th Baron Carbery (age 79) died without surviving male issue. His nephew George Patrick Evans 7th Baron Carbery (age 35) succeeded 7th Baron Carbery.

On 12 May 1846 Robert Waller Otway 1st Baronet (age 76) died. He was buried in the northwest quadrant in the centre Kensal Green Cemetery. His son George Graham Otway 2nd Baronet (age 29) succeeded 2nd Baronet Otway of Brighthelmstone in Sussex.

On 12 May 1856 Reverend Henry Moore (age 71) died.

On 12 May 1859 Augustus Robert Spencer-Churchill died.

On 12 May 1870 Lucy Walbanke-Childers Baroness Auckland (age 34) died.

On 12 May 1870 Caroline Bertie died.

On 12 May 1878 Eleonora Arundell died.

On 12 May 1881 William Howard (age 66) died.

On 12 May 1891 Louisa Anne Stuart Marchioness Waterford (age 73) died.

On 12 May 1907 Sophia Philippa Sidney died.

On 12 May 1908 Lora Mary Lane-Fox died.

On 12 May 1913 William McEwan (age 85) died.

On 12 May 1921 Archdeacon Henry Armstrong Hall (age 67) died at Methley Rectory.

On 12 May 1927 Walter Talbot Kerr (age 87) died.

On 12 May 1938 George Eustace Cooke-Yarborough (age 62) died.

On 12 May 1941 Mildred Coke Countess Lichfield (age 87) died. She was buried at St Stephen's Church, Great Heywood [Map].

On 12 May 1941 Grace Cecilie Gordon Countess Lonsdale (age 86) died.

On 12 May 1941 Charles Howard 20th Earl of Suffolk, 13th Earl Berkshire (age 35) was killed. He had succeessfully defused thirty-four bmbs. The thirty-fifth exploded at Erith Marshes, Kent bomb cemetery. The 250kg bomb, dropped six months earlier, contained a a Zus 40 booby trap that detonated when the Type 17 fuse was withdrawn. The explosion killed fourteen people: the Earl, his chauffeur Fred Hards, his secretary Eileen Beryl Morden (who died in the ambulance), and eleven other people who were nearby.

Michael Howard 21st Earl of Suffolk, 14th Earl Berkshire (age 6) succeeded 21st Earl Suffolk, 14th Earl Berkshire.

On 12 May 1948 Vere Fane 14th Earl of Westmoreland (age 55) died at his home near Badminton, Gloucestershire. His son David Fane 15th Earl of Westmoreland (age 24) succeeded 15th Earl of Westmoreland.

On 12 May 1958 Princess Ingeborg Glücksburg (age 79) died.