1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes

1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes is in 16th Century Events.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Christian III King Denmark Dies Frederick II Succeeds

On 01 Jan 1559 Christian III King Denmark (age 55) died. His son Frederick II King Denmark (age 24) succeeded II King Denmark.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Coronation of Elizabeth I

Henry Machyn's Diary. Jan 1559. The (blank) day in Crystynmas weyke they begane [to build] skayffold(s) in dyvers plasses in London for pa[geants] agaynst the crounassyon of quen Elesabetth, that [is to be the] xv day of January, and the condut nuw paynted.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 12 Jan 1559. The xij day the Qwen('s) (age 25) grace toke her barge at Whytt-halle toward the Towre, and shott the bryge, and my lord mare (age 50) and the althermen, and all the craftes, in barges with stremars and baners of ther armes.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 13 Jan 1559. The xiij day of January with-in the Towre the Quen mad Knyghtes of the Baythe x.

Note. P. 186. The Knights of the Bath made at the Coronation of queen Elizabeth were in number eleven, viz.:—

John lord Darcy of the North (age 19),

John lord Sheffield (age 21),

John lord Darcy of Chiche (age 27),

Sir Robert Rich (age 22),

Sir Roger North (age 29),

Sir John Zouch,

Sir Nicholas Pointz (age 31),

Sir John Berkeley,

Sir Edward Unton (age 25),

Sir Henry Weston (age 24),

Sir George Speke (age 29),

See Anstis's History of the Order of the Bath, App. lxx.; and Nicolas, Appx. p. xiv.

On 13 Jan 1559 two new peerages were created ...

Henry Carey 1st Baron Hunsdon (age 32) was created 1st Baron Hunsdon. Anne Morgan Baroness Hunsdon (age 30) by marriage Baroness Hunsdon.

Oliver St John 1st Baron St John (age 37) was created 1st Baron St John of Bletso. Agnes Fisher Baroness St John Bletso (age 33) by marriage Baroness St John of Bletso.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 14 Jan 1559. [The xiv day of January the Queen (age 25) came in a chariot from] the Towre [Map], with all the lordes and ladies [in crimson] velvet, and ther horses trapyd with the sam, and [trumpeters in] red gownes blohyng, and all the haroldes in ther cottes armur, and all the strettes stroyd with gravell; and at Grasyus strett [Map] a goodly pagantt of kyng [Henry] the viij and quen Ane ys wyff and of ther lenege, and in Cornelle [Map] a-nodur goodly pagantt of kyng Henry and kyng Edward the vjth; and be-syd Soper lane in [Cheap a]nodur goodly pagantt, and the condyth pentyd; [and] at the lytylle condutt a-nodur goodly pagant of a qwyke tre and a ded, and the quen had a boke gyffyn her ther; and ther the recorder of London and the chamburlayn (age 38) delevered unto the quen a purse of gold fulle to the waluw of (blank); and so to the Flett strett to the condyt, and ther was a-nodur goodly pagantt of the ij chyrchys; and at Tempylle bare was ij grett gyanttes, the one name was Goott-magott [Gogmagog] a Albaon and the thodur Co(rineus.)

Henry Machyn's Diary. 15 Jan 1559. The xv day was the crounasyon of quen Elsabeth (age 25) at Westmynster abbay [Map], and theyr all the trumpettes, and knyghtes, and lordes, and haroldes of armes in ther cotte armurs; and after all they in ther skarlett, and all the bysshopes in skarlett, and the Quen, and all the fottmen waytyng a-pone the quene, to Westmynster hall; ther mett all the byshoppes, and all the chapell with iij crosses, and in ther copes, the byshoppes mytered, and syngyng Salve festa dyes; and all the strett led with gravell, and bluw cloth unto the abbay, and raylled on evere syd, and so to the abbay to masse, and ther her grasse was crounyd; and evere offeser rede against she shuld go to dener to Westmynster hall [Map], and evere offeser to take ys offes at serves a-pone ther landes; and my lord mare (age 50) and the althermen.

On 15 Jan 1559 Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 25) was crowned I King England by Bishop Owen Oglethorpe (age 52) at Westminster Abbey [Map].

Margaret Audley Duchess Norfolk (age 19) carried the train. Archbishop Nicholas Heath (age 58) censed. Edward Dymoke (age 51) attended as the Queen's Champion. Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk (age 22), Francis Talbot 5th Earl of Shrewsbury (age 59), Henry Fitzalan 19th Earl Arundel (age 46), Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter (age 16) and William Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke (age 58) attended.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 16 Jan 1559. The xvj day of [January] was gret justes at the tylt-[yard], iiij chalengers, the duke of Northfoke (age 22) and (unfinished)

Henry Machyn's Diary. 17 Jan 1559. The xvij day of January was tornayhyng at the barears at Whythalle.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, 1559 Creation of Garter Knights

Henry Machyn's Diary. 23 Apr 1559. [The xxiij day of April, being saint George's day, the Queen (age 25) went about the hall, and all the knights of the] Garter that [went singing in proces]syon, and a-bowt the cowrt; the sam day at after [noon were] knyghtes electyd of the Garter the duke of Norfok (age 23), the marques of Northamtun (age 47) [Note. Restored since he had been degraded in 1553], the erle of Rutland (age 32), and my lord Robard Dudley (age 26), the master of the quen('s) horse.

On 23 Apr 1559 Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 25) created Garter Knights:

340th Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk (age 23).

341st Henry Manners 2nd Earl of Rutland (age 32).

342nd Robert Dudley 1st Earl of Leicester (age 26).

William Parr 1st Marquess Northampton (age 47) was restored 312th. He had been degraded in 1553.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 06 Jun 1559. [The vj day of June saint George's feast was kept at Windsor [Map];] the yerle of Pembroke (age 58) was the [Queen's substitute,] lord Montycutt (age 30) and my lord of ....; ther was stallyd at that tyme the duke of [Norfolk] (age 23), my lord marques of Northamtun (age 47), and the yerle of [Rutland] (age 32), and my lord Robart Dudley (age 26) the master of the quen('s) horse, nuw mad knyghtes of the Garter, and ther was gret [feasting] ther, and ther be-gane the comunion that day and Englys.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Henry II of France Dies Francis and Mary "Queen of Scots" Succeed

On 10 Jul 1559 King Henry II of France (age 40) was killed whilst jousting in celebration of his daughter's (age 14) marriage to Philip "The Prudent" II King Spain (age 32). His son Francis II King France King Consort Scotland (age 15) succeeded II King France: Capet Valois Angoulême. Mary Queen of Scots (age 16) by marriage Queen Consort France. They would reign for eighteen months only with Francis dying in Dec 1560. Francis and Mary would have no issue.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 20 Jul 1559. The xx day of July kyng Phelype (age 32) was mared [married] unto the Frenche kyng('s) (deceased) dowthur (age 14), and grett justes mad ther, and the Frenche kyng (deceased) dyd just [joust], and ther he had on of ys ees stryken owtt with a spyld [splinter] of a spayre, that he ded of the stroke, by one (blank).

On 20 Jul 1559 Philip "The Prudent" II King Spain (age 32) and Elizabeth Valois Queen Consort Spain (age 14) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Spain. She the daughter of King Henry II of France (deceased) and Catherine Medici Queen Consort France (age 40). He the son of Charles V Holy Roman Emperor and Isabel Aviz Queen Consort Spain. They were fourth cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Funeral of Frances Brandon

Henry Machyn's Diary. 05 Dec 1559. The v day (of) Dessember was bered in Westmynster abbay [Map] my lade Frances (deceased) the wyff of Hare duke of Suffolke, with a gret baner of armes and viij banar-rolles, and a hersse and a viij dosen penselles, and a viij dosen skockyons, and ij haroldes of armes, master Garter (age 49) and master Clarenshux (age 49), and mony morners.Funeral of Frances Brandon

Note. P. 217. Funeral of Frances duchess of Suffolk. Daughter of Charles Brandon, duke of Suffolk, and Mary queen dowager of France, daughter of king Henry VII. She was first married to Henry Grey, marquess of Dorset, who was created duke of Suffolk in 1551 (see p. 10); by whom she was mother of queen Jane: and afterwards accepted the hand of Adrian Stokes (age 40) esquire, who erected her monument in Westminster abbey. Their portraits together are engraved by Vertue. Her style by our Diarist as "my lady Frances" did not arise either from ignorance or accident. The title "lady" was then equivalent to the modern title "princess;" and the duchess usually bore it, as her daughter "the lady Jane" had done, as distinctive of her being a member of the Blood Royal.—The heralds' account of her funeral is preserved in the College of Arms, I. 9, f. 153–4, and I. 14, f. 154–157.

On 05 Dec 1559 Frances Brandon Duchess of Suffolk (deceased) was buried in St Edmund's Chapel in Westminster Abbey [Map] at a ceremony conducted by Bishop John Jewel (age 37). Her daughter Catherine Grey Countess Hertford (age 19) was Chief Mourner. Mary Grey (age 14) was present. Her effigy was paid for by Adrian Stokes (age 40): recumbent effigy is dressed in the Ermine robes signifying she was a duchess with a pendant around her neck possibly designed by Cornelius Cure.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Consecration of Matthew Parker as Archbishop of Canterbury

Henry Machyn's Diary. 16 Dec 1559. The xvj day of Desember was the sam man bered in sant Don stones in the est, master Cottell, that was slayne with (the) falle, and he had a sarmon, and all ys compene in ther clothyng, and a grett dener, for ther was mad mon [moan] for hym, and a dolle.... Parker (age 55) electyd byshope of Canturbere.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 17 Dec 1559. The xvij day of Desember was the nuw byshope of [Canterbury,] doctur Parker (age 55), was mad ther at Lambeth.

On 17 Dec 1559 Archbishop Matthew Parker (age 55) was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace [Map] by Bishop William Barlow (age 61).

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, 1559 Consecration of new Bishops

In 1559 five new Bishops were consecrated including:

Archbishop Edwin Sandys (age 40) was consecrated Bishop of Worcester.

Bishop William Barlow (age 61) was consecrated Bishop of Chichester.

Archbishop Edmund Grindal (age 40) was consecrated Bishop of London.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 20 Dec 1559. The xx day of Desember a-for non, was sant Thomas evyn, my lord of Canturbere (age 55) whent to Bow chyrche and ther wher v nuw byshopes mad.1559 Consecration of new Bishops

Note. P. 220. New bishops made. A tabular list of the new bishops will be found in Strype, Annals, i. 157.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, 1560 Consecration of new Bishops

On 21 Jan 1560 two Bishops were consecrated ...

Bishop Nicholas Bullingham (age 40) was consecrated Bishop of Lincoln.

Archbishop Thomas Young (age 53) was consecrated Bishop of St David's at Lambeth Palace [Map] by Archbishop Matthew Parker (age 55).

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Death of Amy Robsart wife of Robert Dudley

On 08 Sep 1560, the day of the Abingdon Fair, Amy Robsart (age 28) died from falling down stairs at Cumnor Place Abingdon [Map]. She was married to Robert Dudley 1st Earl of Leicester (age 28), favourite of Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 27), who was with Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 27) at Windsor Castle [Map] at the time. Foul play was suspected but not proven. The event was regarded as suspicious by many. The Queen's reputation being tarnished she could not risk a marriage with Dudley.

The inquest into her death concluded ...

Inquisition as indenture held at Cumnor [Map] in the aforesaid county [Oxfordshire] on 9 September in the second year of the reign of the most dread Lady Elizabeth, by the grace of God queen of England, France, and Ireland, defend of the faith, etc., before John Pudsey, gent, a coroner of the said lady queen in the aforesaid county, on inspection of the body of Lady Amy Dudley, late wife of Robert Dudley, knight of the most noble order of the garter, there lying dead: by oath of Richard Smith, gent., Humphrey Lewis, gent., Thomas Moulder, gent., Richard Knight, Thomas Spyre, Edward Stevenson, John Stevenson, Richard Hughes, William Cantrell, William Noble, John Buck, John Keene, Henry Lanlgey, Stephen Ruffyn, and John Sire: which certain jurors, sworn to tell the truth at our request, were adjourned from the aforesaid ninth day onwards day by day very often; and finally various several days were given to them by the selfsame coroner to appear both before the justices of the aforesaid lady queen at the assizes assigned to be held in the aforesaid county and before the same coroner in order there to return their verdict truthfully and speedily, until 1 August in the third year of the reign of the said lady queen; on which day the same jurors say under oath that the aforesaid Lady Amy on 8 September in the aforesaid second year of the reign of the said lady queen, being alone in a certain chamber within the home of a certain Anthony Forster, esq., in the aforesaid Cumnor, and intending to descend the aforesaid chamber by way of certain steps (in English called 'steyres') of the aforesaid chamber there and then accidentally fell precipitously down the aforesaid steps to the very bottom of the same steps, through which the same Lady Amy there and then sustained not only two injuries to her head (in English called 'dyntes') - one of which was a quarter of an inch deep and the other two inches deep - but truly also, by reason of the accidental injury or of that fall and of Lady Amy's own body weight falling down the aforesaid stairs, the same Lady Amy there and then broke her own neck, on account of which certain fracture of the neck the same Lady Amy there and then died instantly; and the aforesaid Lady Amy was found there and then without any other mark or wound on her body; and thus the jurors say on their oath that the aforesaid Lady Amy in the manner and form aforesaid by misfortune came to her death and not otherwise, as they are able to agree at present; in testimony of which fact for this inquest both the aforesaid coroner and also the aforesaid jurors have in turn affixed their seals on the day.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Death of Francis II King France Charles IX Succeeds

On 05 Dec 1560 Francis II King France King Consort Scotland (age 16) died. His brother Charles IX King France (age 10) succeeded IX King France: Capet Valois Angoulême. Mary Queen of Scots (age 17) no longer Queen of France she returned to Scotland arriving at Leith 19 Aug 1561 after having been in France for thirteen years.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, 1561 Creation of Garter Knights

Henry Machyn's Diary. 23 Apr 1561. [The xxiij of April, saint George's day, was kept] holy at the quen['s court , . ] her halle in copes to the nombur of XXX, with [O God^ the father of Hewyn, have merce on .. • . and the owtter cowrt to the gatt, and rond abowt st [rewed with rushes;] and after cam master Garter (age 51), and master Norres (age 51), and master dene of the ch[apel, in copes] of cremesun saten, with a crosse of sant Gorge red, and [eleven knights] of the garter in ther robes, and after the Quen('s) (age 27) grace in [her robes, and] all the garde in ther ryche cottes; and so bake to the [Chapel,] after serves done, bake thruge the hall to her graces chambur, and that done her grace and the lord(s) wh[ent to dinner,] and her grace wher goodly servyd; and after the lordes [sitting on one] syd, and servyd in gold and sylver 5 and after dener [there were] knyghtes of the Garter electyd ij, my lord of Shrewsbere (age 33) [and my] lord of Hunsdon (age 35); and ther wher all the haroldes in ther cote armurs afor the quen('s) grace, master Clarenshux (age 51), Lanckostur, Rychemond, Wyndsor, Yorke, Chastur, Blumantyl, .

On 23 Apr 1561 at a lavish ceremony Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 27) appointed two new Garter Knights ...

344th George Talbot 6th Earl of Shrewsbury (age 33).

345th Henry Carey 1st Baron Hunsdon (age 35).

Henry Machyn's Diary. 18 May 1561. The xviij day of May was sant Gorge fest keptt at Wyndsor [Map], and ther was stallyd ther the yerle of Shrowsbere (age 33) and my lord of Hunsdon (age 35), and the yerle of Arundell (age 49) was the quens deputte, and the way my lord Monteguw (age 32) and my lord Pagett (age 55), and so they came to cherche; and after matens done, they whent a prosessyon rond about the cherche, so done the mydes and so rond a-bowt, and a X almes-knyghtes in red kyrtylles, and a-loft a robe of purpull cloth syd with a crosse of sant Gorge, and after the verger, and then the clarkes and prestes a xxiiij syngyng the Englys prossessyon in chopes [copes] xxxiiij, and sum of them in gray ames [amices] and in calabur, and then cam my lord of Hunsdun (age 35), and after my lord Montyguw (age 32), and after the yerle of Shrowsbere (age 33), and after my lord Pagett (age 55), and after the yerle of Arundell (age 49), all they in their robes, and master Garter (age 51) and master Norres (age 51) and master dene in cremesun saten robes, with red crosses on ther shuldurs, and after rod up to the castylle to dener.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, 1562 News Years Day Gift Giving

On 01 Jan 1562 the New Years Gift Giving was held. Those who gave gifts provide an interesting who's who of the Elizabethan Court soon after Elizabeth I's Coronation. Queen Elizabeth (age 28) was present since a number are described as "With the Qene her Majestie."

For 'dimy' read 'demi' ie half-sovereigns.

Neweeyeur's Gyftes gevon to the Quene her Majestie by those Parsons whose Names hereafter ensue, the first of January, the Yere above wrytten.

By the Lady Margaret Strainge (age 22), a little round mounte of golde to conteyne a pomaunder in it. With the Qene her Majestie. Note. Lady Margaret Strange married Henry Stanley Lord Strange (age 30) on 07 Feb 1555. In 1561 he had not succeeded to Earldom of Derby and was known by the courtesy title Lord Strange. She is listed first since she was one of the few remaining direct descendants of Henry VII, being a great-granddaughter by his daughter Mary Tudor. Margaret Clifford (age 22) was first in line to succeed in 1568 but died in 1596 before Elizabeth I.

Dukes, Marquises and Earls.

By the Duke of Norfolke (age 25), in a purse of purple silke and golde knit, in sundry coynes of golde £20 0s 0d.

By the Marquis of Winchester (age 79), High Threasourer of Englande, in a purse of crymsen satten, in angells £20 0s 0d.

By the Marquis of Northampton (age 50), in a purse of crymsen silke and gold knit, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Arundell (age 49), Lord Steward, in a paper, in angels, £30 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Shrewesburye (age 34), in a red silke purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Darbye (age 52), in a purse of crymsen satten, embraudered with golde, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Pembroke (age 61), in a purse of black silk and silver knit, in new angells £30 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Bedforde (age 35), in a purse of black silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Rutlande (age 35), in a purse of red silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraigns and angells £20 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Huntingdon, in a red silk purse, in angells £15 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Westmerlande (age 37), in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £10 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Oxforde (age 46), in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £10 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Northumberlande (age 34), in a purse of black silke and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d. With the Quene her Highness.

By the Earle of Warwike (age 32), a smocke wrought with black silk, a peire of slevis, and a partelett wrought with gold, silver, and black silke. Delivered to the Baroness Cobham (age 23).

By the Viscounte Mountague (age 33), in a purse of cloth of golde, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.

Bishops. The list of Bishops ends with "With her said Majestie"; unclear whether this refers to all the Bishops listed.

By the Archbusshop of Caunterbury (age 57), in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £40 0s 0d.

By the Archbusshop of York (age 61), in soveraigns £30 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Duresme (age 42), in a purse of crymson silk and gold knytt, in angells £30 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Ely (age 69), in a red vellat purse, in angells £30 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Wynchester (age 52), in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt and set with pearles, in angells £20 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of London (age 43), in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Salisbury (age 39), in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Worcester (age 43), in a black vellat purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Lyncoln (age 42), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Chychester (age 64), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Norwich (age 50), in a blew silk purse £13 6s 8d.

By the Busshop of Hereforde (age 52), in a green silk purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Lychfield and Coventry (age 48), in a red satten purse, in angells £13 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Rochester (age 48), in a red purse, in gold £13 6s 8d.

By the Busshop of Saint Davies (age 55), in a red silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Bathe, in a purse of red silk, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Exetour, in a blew silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Peterborowe, in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Chester, in a red purse, in angells and soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

Duchesses and Countesses.

By the Duchess of Norfolke (age 22), in a prse of crymsen silk and gold knyt, in angells £20 0s 0d.

By the Duchess of Somerset (age 65), in a purse of silver and black silk, in royalls and ducketts £14 0s 0d. Probably the Dowager Duchess of Somerset since her husband Edward Seymour 1st Duke Somerset had been executed in 1552, and their children disinherited as a result.

By the Countess of Surrey, in a purse of tawny silk and gold, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d. Dowager since her husband Henry Howard 1516-1547, by courtesy Earl Surrey, had been executed in 1547.

By the Countess of Pembroke (age 38), in a cherry bag of crymsen satten, in new angells £15 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Bedford (age 36), in a purse of crymsen silk and silver knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Darby (age 51), in a purse of crymson sattin embrodred with gold, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Oxford (age 36), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Shrewisbury, Dowager (age 62), in a purse of black silk knytt, in dimy soveraignes £12 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Shrewisbury (age 37), in a red silk purse knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Huntingdon, Dowager (age 51), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Huntingdon (age 24), in a red purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Northumberland (age 24), in a purse of black silk and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Rutland (age 29), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £13 6s 8d.

Viscountesses.

By the Vicountess Hereford, Dowager (age 42), six hankercheffes edged with gold delivered to the said Baroness Cobham (age 23).

By the Vicountess Mountague (age 24), in a purse of cloth of gold, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

Lordes.

By the Lorde Keeper of the Great Seale, Bacon (age 51), in a purse of silver knytt, in angells £13 6s 8d.

By the Lorde William Howard, Lord Chamberlen (age 52), in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Pagett (age 56), in a greene purse in dimy soveraignes £13 6s 8d.

By the Lorde Clynton, Lord Admyrall (age 50), in gold £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Riche (age 65), in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Lorde North (age 66), in a purse of purple silk and silver, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Lumley (age 29), in a paper, in angells £20 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Hastings of Loughboro (age 41), in a red silk purse, in French crowns £13 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Stafford (age 60), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Windsor (age 30), in a purse of crymsn silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.

by Lorde John Graye (age 38), a haunce pott of allabaster garnished with silver gilt. Delivered in charge to John Asteley, Esq Master and Threasourer of her Highnes Jewels and Plate. Lord John Grey assumed to be a courtesy title his father being Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset.

By the Lorde Barkeley (age 27), in a red purse, in gold £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Mountejoye (age 29), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Abergavennye (age 36), in a purse of red silke, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Scrowpe (age 28), in a purse of blak silk and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Caree of Hundesdon (age 35), in a purse of crymsen silk, in double ducketts £13 6s 8d.

By the Lorde Strainge (age 30), in a purse of red silk and gold, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d. Lord Strange being the courtesy title for the Earldom of Derby. He wouldn't inherit until 1572.

By the Lorde Darcey of Chichey (age 30), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes, £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Shefild (age 24), in a red silk purse, in gold £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Shandowes (age 40), in a blak silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.

Ladyes.

By the Baroness Howarde (age 47), in a purse of crymsen silk and knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.

By the Baroness Clinton (age 35), a peire of sleevis of gold, pulled out with lawne. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham (age 23).

By the Baroness Genevillet, in gold £6 13s 4d.

By the Lady Barkeley (age 24), Lord Barkeley's wife, in gold £5 0s 0d.

By the Lady Mountejoye (age 30), in a red silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Lady Abergavenny, in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.

By the Lady Caree of Hundesdon (age 33), in a blak purse knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Lady Taylboyes, Sir Peter Carewe's (age 48) wyfe, in a purse of blak silk and silver, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.

By the Baroness Cobham (age 23), a partelett and a peire of sleeves of sypers wrought with silver and blak silke. Re-delivered to herself.

By the Lady Dakers (age 21), a warming ball of gold, per oz. 3 oz. dim. With her said Majestie.

By the Lady Shefilde (age 20), a paire of sleeves wrought with fringe of blak silk and lozeng of gold. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.

By the Margaret Baroness Scrope (age 18), in a purse of blak silk and silver, in angells £7 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.

By the Lady Shandowes (age 38), a peire of sleeves and a partlett of gold and silver knytt, cawle fashion. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.

By the Lady Knowlles (age 38), a feyne carpett of needleworke, theverende frienged and buttoned with gold and silk. Delivered to John Torneworth, Groom of the Privy Chamber.

By the Lady Butler, in a little white purse, in French crowns £6 0s 0d. With her said Majestie. Unclear as to who Lady Butler refers to.

By the Lady Raclyef, a peire of sleeves of cameryk, all over sett with purle, and two sweet bags. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, 1562 Battle of Dreux

On 19 Dec 1562 Jean d'Annebault was killed at the 1562 Battle of Dreux.

On 19 Dec 1562 the Battle of Dreux was fought between Catholics, who were victorious, and Huguenots commanded by Anne I Duke of Montmorency (age 69) and Louis Bourbon Prince Condé (age 32) respectively.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 26 Dec 1562. The xxvj day of Desember cam tydynges unto the cowrt thatt the prynse of Condutt (age 32) and the duke of Gwys (age 43) mett in the [field,] and that the prynse was taken, and mony [many] taken and slayne, [and many] taken pressonars.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, 1563 Talbot Herbert Double Wedding

Henry Machyn's Diary. 15 Feb 1563. The xv day of Feybruary cam rydyng to London [through Ch]epe unto Cold Harbard my yonge lord Talbott (age 11) with iij skore [horse].

Henry Machyn's Diary. 17 Feb 1563. The xvij day of Feybruary was a dobull marege at [Baynard's] Castyll [Map] at the yerle of Pembroke('s) plase, my lord Talbot (age 11) unto my lade (Anne) Harbard (age 13), and my lord Harbard of Cardyff (age 25) unto my lade (age 13) the [eldest] syster unto my lord Talbot (age 11); and after was a grett denner as [has] bene sene, for iiij days, and evere nyght gret mummeres and m[asks.]

On 17 Feb 1563 at Castle Baynard [Map] a double wedding between two pairs of siblings, Talbot and Herbert, took place ...

Henry Herbert 2nd Earl Pembroke (age 25) and Catherine Talbot Countess Pembroke (age 13) were married. She the daughter of George Talbot 6th Earl of Shrewsbury (age 35) and Gertrude Manners Countess Shrewsbury and Waterford (age 38). He the son of William Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke (age 62) and Anne Parr Countess Pembroke. They were third cousin once removed.

Francis Talbot (age 11) and Anne Herbert (age 13) were married. She the daughter of William Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke (age 62) and Anne Parr Countess Pembroke. He the son of George Talbot 6th Earl of Shrewsbury (age 35) and Gertrude Manners Countess Shrewsbury and Waterford (age 38). They were third cousin once removed.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Wreck of The Greyhound

On 19 Mar 1563 the Greyhound was wrecked on its journey to Le Havre with the loss of around two-hundred lives.

Captain Thomas Finch (age 51) drowned.

Brothers John Wentworth (age 25) and James Wentworth (age 23) drowned.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 21 Mar 1563. The xxj day of Marche tydynges cam to the cowrt that on off the quen's shypes callyd the Grahond was lost gohyng to Nuwhavyn; the captayn was ser Thomas Fynche (deceased) knyghtt of Kent, and ys brodur and on of my lord Cobbam('s) brodur and ij of my lord Whentforth ('s) bredurne [John Wentworth (deceased) and James Wentworth (deceased)] and mony gentyll men and mynstorels; [one] of my lord of Warwyke('s) newys [nephews], and a good mastur; and mony [good] marenars and sawgears [soldiers] to the nombur of (blank)

Henry Machyn's Diary. May 1563. The (blank) day of May was mayd for a gentyllman of Dovre ys nam (blank) the wyche he was drownyd at Rye [going] with ser Thomas Fynche; he had a pennon of armes and a cote armur and a dosen of skochyons.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, 1563 Creation of Garter Knights

Henry Machyn's Diary. 22 Apr 1563. The xxij day of Aprell, was sant Gorge's evyn, at v of the cloke the knyghtes of the Garter cam downe from the quen('s) chambur thrugh the halle to here chapell, and yt was strod with gren ryssys, [and all] the haroldes in ther cott armurs, master Perkullys, master Ruges-dragon, master Lanckaster, master Rychmond, and master Somersett, and master Norray (age 65) and master Clarenshux (age 53), master Garter (age 53), and master dene, my lord of Hunsdon (age 37), my lord Montyguw (age 34), my lord Robartt (age 30), my lord of Lughborow (age 42), the yerle of Shrowsbere (age 35), my lord admeralle (age 51), my lord chamburlayn, the yerle of Ruttland (age 36), the yerle of Darbe (age 53), the marques of Northamtun (age 51), the duke of Northfoke (age 27), (the) yerle of Arundell (age 50), and the yerle of Penbroke (age 62), and so evere man to ys own plase in the chapell of ther owne sett.... cam a prosessyon up thrugh the halle to .... furst the serjant of the vestre with a sylver rod, [then the] chylderyn in ther surples, and then the qwyre sy[nging the English] prosessyon in copes of cloth of gold to the nombur of .... haroldes of armes and sergantes of armes, furst Ruges[croix and] Ruge-dragon, and then cam master Lonkastur and master Rychmond and master [Somerset;] furst my lord of Hunsdon, my lord Montyguw, my lord Robartt, my lord of Lowthborow, my lord admeralle, my lord chamburlayn, the yerle of Rutland, the yerle of [Shrewsbury,] the yerle of Darbe, the yerle of Penbroke, the marques of [Northampton,] the yerle of Arundell, the duke of Northfoke; and then [master Garter,] master Norres (age 65), the dene of the chapell, they iij in cremesun saten v[elvet;] and next the byshope of Wynchestur and ser Wylliam Peter in [robes of] cremesun velvett with red crosses on ther robes, and ser .... and the yerle of Northumberland bare the sword, and the(n) the [Queen] in her robe, and master Knolles bare the quen('s) trayn, and after ....

Henry Machyn's Diary. 24 Apr 1563. The sam day was elected knyghtes of the Garter the yerle of Northumberland (age 35) and the yerle of Warwyke (age 33).

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Elizabeth I's visit to Cambridge University

In Aug 1564 Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 30) visited Cambridge University accompanied by William Howard 1st Baron Howard (age 54) and William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley (age 43). William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley (age 43) was created Master of Arts: Cambridge University.

John Astley (age 57) was created Master of Arts: Cambridge University.

On 10 Aug 1564 Edward Manners 3rd Earl of Rutland (age 15) was created Master of Arts: Cambridge University.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Marriage of Richard Keyes and Mary Grey

On 19 Aug 1565 Thomas Keyes (age 41) and Mary Grey (age 20) were married. Elizabeth Stafford (age 19) and Ursula Stafford (age 12) were witnesses. The difference in their ages was 21 years. She the daughter of Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk and Frances Brandon Duchess of Suffolk. She a great granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Murder of David Rizzio

On 09 Mar 1566 at eight o'clock in the evening David Rizzio (age 33) was murdered in the presence of the six months pregnant Mary Queen of Scots (age 23) and her half-sister Jean Stewart Countess Argyll (age 33) at Holyrood Palace [Map] by rebels led by Patrick Ruthven 3rd Lord Ruthven. Rizzio was dragged through the bed chamber into the adjacent Audience Chamber and stabbed an alleged 57 times. Mary's husband Henry "Lord Darnley" Stewart (age 20) was suspected of being one of the murderers.

On 15 Mar 1566 Mary Queen of Scots (age 23) writes to Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 32):

As first hes takin our houss slane our maist [most] speciall servand (age 33) in our awin [own] presence & thaireftir haldin our propper personis captive tressonneblie, quhairby [whereby] we war constrainit to escaipe straitlie about midnyght out of our palice of halliruidhouss [Map] to the place quhair [where] we ar for the present, in the grittest danger feir of our lywis & ewill [ill] estate that evir princes on earth stuid [stood] in.

We thotht to have writtin to you this letter with oure awin [own] hand, that therby ye myght have better onestand all our meaning & takin mair [more] familliarlie therewit. Bot of trewt [truth] we ar so tyrit [tired] & ewill [ill] at eass [ease], quhat [what] throw rydding of twenty millis [miles] in v [5] horis [hours] of the nyght as wit the frequent seikness & weill dispositioun be th'occasioun of our child/that we could not at this tyme as we was willing to have done…

Your richt [right] gud sister and cusignes [cousin] Marie R.

Jean Stewart Countess Argyll: Around 1533 she was born illegitimately to King James V of Scotland and Elizabeth Bethune. She a great granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland. In 1553 Archibald Campbell 5th Earl Argyll and she were married. She by marriage Countess Argyll. She the daughter of King James V of Scotland and Elizabeth Bethune. He the son of Archibald Campbell 4th Earl Argyll and Helen Hamilton Countess Argyll. They were third cousins. She a great granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland. On 07 Jan 1588 Jean Stewart Countess Argyll died.

Patrick Ruthven 3rd Lord Ruthven: he was born to William Ruthven 2nd Lord Ruthven and Janet Halyburton Lady Dirletoun. Before 1551 Patrick Ruthven 3rd Lord Ruthven and Janet Douglas were married. She the daughter of Archibald Douglas 6th Earl Angus. After 1551 Patrick Ruthven 3rd Lord Ruthven and Janet Stewart were married. His second marriage, her fourth. She the daughter of John Stewart 2nd Earl Atholl and Janet Campbell Countess Atholl. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward III of England. On 13 May 1566 Patrick Ruthven 3rd Lord Ruthven died.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Elizabeth I's visit to Oxford University

Around Aug 1566 Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 32) visited Oxford University. William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley (age 45) was created Master of Arts: Oxford University.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Murder of Lord Darnley

On 10 Feb 1567 Henry "Lord Darnley" Stewart (age 21) was murdered at Kirk O Field. Around two in the morning two barrels of gunpowder exploded beneath his room. His body and that of his valet William Taylor were found outside, surrounded by a cloak, a dagger, a chair, and a coat. Darnley was dressed only in his nightshirt. There were no visible marks on the body. He was buried at Holyrood Abbey, Holyrood.

On 24 Feb 1567 Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 33) wrote to her cousin Mary Queen of Scots (age 24) regarding the murder of Mary's husband Henry "Lord Darnley" Stewart (deceased) as follows:

Madam (age 24),

My ears have been so astounded and my heart so frightened to hear of the horrible and abominable murder of your husband (deceased) and my own cousin that I have scarcely spirit to write: yet I cannot conceal that I grieve more for you than him. I should not do the office of a faithful cousin and friend, if I did not urge you to preserve your honour, rather than look through your fingers at revenge on those who have done you that pleasure as most people say. I counsel you so to take this matter to heart, that you may show the world what a noble Princess and loyal woman you are. I write thus vehemently not that I doubt, but for affection. [Translated from the French; extract - lines 1-12]

On 02 Jun 1581 James Douglas 4th Earl Morton (age 65) was executed for his part in the murder of Lord Darnley.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Marriage of Mary "Queen of Scots" and Lord Bothwell

On 15 May 1567 James "Lord Bothwell" Hepburn 1st Duke Orkney (age 33) and Mary Queen of Scots (age 24) were married in the Great Hall Holyrood House. She the daughter of King James V of Scotland and Mary of Guise Queen Consort Scotland. He the son of Patrick Hepburn 3rd Earl Bothwell and Agnes Sinclair Countess Bothwell. They were half third cousin once removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Battle of St Denis

On 10 Nov 1567 brothers John Norreys 1547-1597 and William Norreys (age 19) were present at St Denis during the Battle of St Denis.

Mary Queen of Scots escapes from Lochleven Castle

On 02 May 1568 Mary Queen of Scots (age 25) escaped from Lochleven Castle, Kinross with the help of George Douglas of Helenhill (brother of William Douglas 6th Earl Morton (age 28), the castle's owner) and Claud Hamilton 1st Lord Paisley (age 21).

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Battle of Langside

On 13 May 1568 the army of Mary Queen of Scots (age 25) commanded by Archibald Campbell 5th Earl Argyll (age 34) was defeated by the army of the Regent her illegitimate half-brother James Stewart 1st Earl Moray Regent (age 37).

John Campbell was killed.

William "Younger" Douglas 7th Lord Drumlanrig and Robert Seton 1st Earl Winton (age 15) fought.

Claud Hamilton 1st Lord Paisley (age 21) and George Seton 7th Lord Seton (age 37) fought for the Queen.

John Graham 6th Earl Menteith fought for the Earl of Moray.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Mary Queen of Scots escapes to England

On 16 May 1568 Mary Queen of Scots (age 25) escaped across the Solway Firth into England. The following day, 17 May 1568 she wrote to her cousin Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 34) from Workington Hall [Map]. The letter states ...

describes the treasonable actions of her enemies, who 'have robbed me of everything I had in the world' and expresses her confidence in Elizabeth 'not only for the safety of my life, but also to aid and assist me in my just quarrel'. Describing herself as Elizabeth's 'very faithful and affectionate good sister, cousin and escaped prisoner, Mary begs for an audience; 'I entreat you to send to fetch me as soon as you possibly can', for 'I am', she bemoans, 'in a pitiable condition, not only for a queen, but for a gentlewoman, for I have nothing in the world but what I had on my person when I made my escape, travelling sixty miles across the country the first day, and not having since ever ventured to proceed except by night, as I hope to declare before you if it pleases you to have pity, as I trust you will, upon my extreme misfortune.''

The following day, 18 May 1568 Mary Queen of Scots (age 25) was escorted to Carlisle Castle [Map].

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Battle of Jarnac

On 13 Mar 1569 Louis Bourbon Prince Condé (age 38) was killed after surrendering at the Battle of Jarnac. His son Henri Bourbon Condé Prince Condé (age 16) succeeded Prince Condé. His son Charles Bourbon Condé Count Soissons (age 2) succeeded Count Soissons.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Rising of the North

In 1569 Cuthbert Neville (age 20) died during the Rising of the North.

In 1569 Egremont Radclyffe took part during the Rising of the North.

In 1569 Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex (age 27) provided signal service in suppressing the Northern Rebellion of 1569, serving as high marshal of the field under Ambrose Dudley 3rd Earl Warwick (age 39) and Edward Clinton 1st Earl Lincoln (age 57).

In 1569 Charles Neville 6th Earl of Westmoreland (age 26) took part during the Rising of the North for which he forfeited Raby Castle, County Durham [Map] to the Crown.

On 13 May 1895 Thomas Percy 7th Earl of Northumberland was beatified.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, James Stewart 1st Earl Moray Assassinated by Firearm

On 23 Jan 1570 James Stewart 1st Earl Moray Regent (age 39) was assassinated at Linlithgow by James Hamilton of Bothwellhaugh, a supporter of Mary Queen of Scots (age 27). His daughter Elizabeth Stewart 2nd Countess Moray (age 4) succeeded 2nd Countess Moray. As he was passing in a cavalcade in the main street below, Hamilton fatally wounded him with a carbine shot from a window of his uncle Archbishop Hamilton's (age 57) house. He was the first head of government to be assassinated by a firearm.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Ridolphi Plot

Around Mar 1571 the Ridolphi Plot was a Catholic plan to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 37) and replace her with Mary Queen of Scots (age 28) would would marry Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk (age 34). Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 37) and Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk (age 34) were cousins through their Great Grandmother Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey.

On 29 Aug 1571 Norfolk's secretaries William Barker and Robert Higford entrusted to Thomas Browne, a Shrewsbury draper, what was purported to be a bag of silver coin for delivery to Laurence Bannister, one of Norfolk's officials in the north of England. Browne grew suspicious of the bag's weight, opened it, and discovered 600 pounds in gold from the French ambassador, destined for Scotland on Mary's behalf, and ciphered letters. Because he knew Norfolk was under suspicion, Browne reported his find to William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley (age 50), the Secretary of State. Higford and Barker were interrogated, the letters were partly deciphered, and a search for the cipher key at Howard House uncovered a ciphered letter from Mary Stuart hidden under a doormat.

On 07 Sep 1571 Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk (age 35) was imprisoned at Tower of London [Map] for his involvement in the Ridolphi Plot.

Around Sep 1571 William Brooke 10th Baron Cobham (age 43) was implicated in the Ridolphi Plot and imprisoned at home for months.

In Jan 1572 Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk (age 35) was tried for high treason for his involvement in the Ridolphi Plot. Thomas Sackville 1st Earl Dorset (age 36) acted as judge.

George Talbot 6th Earl of Shrewsbury (age 44) was appointed Lord High Steward for the trial.

Walter Mildmay (age 51) helped prepare evidence against Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk (age 35).

On 02 Jun 1572 Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk (age 36) was executed for his involvement in the Ridolphi Plot. He was buried at St Peter ad Vincula Church, Tower of London [Map]. Duke Norfolk forfeit..

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, 1571 Triple Wedding

On 16 Dec 1571 a triple wedding was celebrated at Whitehall Palace [Map] ... with Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 38) present ...

Edward Dudley 4th Baron Dudley (age 46) and Mary Howard Baroness Dudley (age 23) were married. She by marriage Baroness Sutton of Dudley. The difference in their ages was 23 years. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England.

Edward de Vere 17th Earl of Oxford (age 21) and Anne Cecil Countess of Oxford (age 15) were married. She by marriage Countess of Oxford. He the son of John de Vere 16th Earl of Oxford and Margery Golding Countess of Oxford.

Edward Somerset 4th Earl of Worcester (age 21) and Elizabeth Hastings Countess of Worcester (age 25) were married. She by marriage Countess Worcester. She the daughter of Francis Hastings 2nd Earl Huntingdon and Catherine Pole Countess Huntingdon (age 60). He the son of William Somerset 3rd Earl of Worcester (age 45) and Christina North Countess of Worcester. They were third cousin once removed.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Jul 1575 Rathlin Island Massacre

Before 25 Jul 1575 Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex (age 33) ordered Francis Drake (age 35) and John Norreys (age 28) to confront Scottish refugees on Rathlin Island. On 25 Jul 1575 the garrison surrendered.

On 26 Jul 1575 the English forces killed more than six hundred Scots and Irish men, women and children. The entire family of Sorley Boy MacDonnell were killed.

After 26 Jul 1575 Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex (age 33) wrote to Francis Walsingham (age 43) that Sorley Boy MacDonnell watched the massacre from the mainland helplessly and was "like to run mad from sorrow".

History of the Macdonnels of Antrim. [Jul 1575 Rathlin Island Massacre]. On the 20th of July, Norris appeared off the island, and on the second day after his arrival he landed a large force by means of a flotilla of boats. In the fortress now (and probably then) known as Bruce's castle, Sorley had placed a garrison of about fifty men, and into it also had crowded the higher class of refugees, increasing the number of persons inside the walls to about two hundred. The commander of the garrison, whose name is not mentioned by Essex, was slain at the first encounter. The command then devolved on the constable of the castle, whose name also is unrecorded, and who appears to have surrendered sooner than he ought to have done, considering the immense advantage of his position. But we must permit Essex to tell the concluding part of this horrible tale, which he did with much pride and delight, in his letter to the queen: — "He (the constable) came out and made large requests, as their lives, their goods, and to be put into Scotland, which requests Captain Noreys refused, offering them as slenderly as they did largely require; viz., to the aforesaid constable his life only, and his wife's, and his child's, the place and goods to be delivered to Captain Norrey's disposition, the constable to be prisoner one month, the lives of all within to stand upon the courtesy of the soldiers. The constable, knowing his estate and safety to be very doubtful, accepted this composition, and came out with all his company. The soldiers being moved and much stirred with the loss of their fellows that were slain, and desirous of revenge, made request, or rather pressed, to have the killing of them, which they did all, saving the persons to whom life was promised; and a pledge which was prisoner in the castle, was also saved, who is son to Alexander Oge Macalister Harry, (194) who pretendeth to be a chief of the Glinnes, which prisoner Sorley Boy held pledge for his father's better obedience unto him. There were slain that came out of the castle of all sorts 200; and presently news is brought me out of Tyrone that they be occupied still in killing, and have slain that they have found hidden in caves and in cliffs of the sea, to the number of 300 or 400 more. They had within the island 300 kine, 3000 sheep, and 100 stud mares, and of bear corn upon the ground there is sufficient to find 200 men for a whole year." See Lives of the Devereux, Earls of Essex, vol. i., pp. 115, 116.

Note 194. Harry. — Correctly Carrach, the sobriquet borne by this sept of the Macdonnells, because of their descent from Alexander, surnamed Carrach, a younger son John of Isla. At the period of this massacre, Alexander Carrach and Sorley Boy were at variance, as occasionally happened, especially when the latter was beset by enemies of from without. For Alexander Carrach's descent, see p. 18, supra.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Coronation and Marriage of Henry III King France

On 13 Feb 1575 Henry III King France (age 23) was crowned III King France: Capet Valois Angoulême at Reims Cathedral.

On 14 Feb 1575 Henry III King France (age 23) and Louise Lorraine Queen Consort France (age 21) were married at Reims Cathedral; the day after his coronation. She by marriage Queen Consort France. He the son of King Henry II of France and Catherine Medici Queen Consort France (age 55). They were fourth cousins.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, 1577 Oxford Black Assizes

Around Mar 1577 a virulent outbreak of gaol fever occurred in Oxford killing around 300 people.

After 25 Jul 1577 Robert Bell (age 38) died of gaol fever.

In Jul 1577 Thomas D'Oyly died.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Francis Walsingham's Mission to the Low Countries

In 1578 William Brooke 10th Baron Cobham (age 50) joined the Mission to the Low Countries.

2nd Millennium, 16th Century Events, 1559-1579 Elizabeth I Accedes, Battle of Alcácer Quibir or the Three Kings

On 04 Aug 1578 Sebastian King Portugal (age 24) was killed at the Battle of Alcácer Quibir or the Three Kings. He was succeeded by his great uncle Henrique Aviz Cardinal King Portgal 1512-1580.