On this Day in History ... 15th May
15 May is in May.
1536 Trial of Brereton, Norris, Smeaton, and Weston
1536 Trial of Anne and George Boleyn
Events on the 15th May
On 15 May 1092 King Philip I of France (age 39) and Bertrade Montfort Queen Consort France (age 22) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort of France. They were married despite their both having living spouses: Bertha Gerulfing Queen Consort France (age 37) and Fulk "Réchin" Anjou 4th Count Anjou (age 49) respectively. He the son of King Henry I of France and Anne Rurik Queen Consort France.
On 15 May 1254 Isabel Neville of Raby (age 78) died. She has an effigy at St Mary's Church, Staindrop [Map] at the side of which is also an effigy of a child.
Isabel Neville of Raby: Around 1176 she was born. In or before 1197 Robert Fitzmaldred and she were married. The difference in their ages was 26 years.
On 15 May 1266 Henry "Almain" Cornwall (age 30) and John Warenne 6th Earl of Surrey (age 35) fought for the King at Chesterfield [Map] during the Battle of Chesterfield. Henry Hastings (age 31), John Clinton, Roger Mandeville, John Eyvil, Baldwin Wake (age 28) all fought on the rebel side. The rebel Robert Ferrers 6th Earl of Derby (age 27) was captured.
On 15 May 1268 Peter of Savoy 1st Earl of Richmond (age 65) died. He left the Honour of Richmond to his niece Eleanor of Provence Queen Consort England (age 45) who transferred it to the crown.
Calendars. 15 May 1385. Pardon to John Quenyld, fishmonger, 'sumtyme duellyng in Edyngbregg,' of outlawries in the counties of Southampton and Middlesex, for not appearing in the King's Bench to answer Hugh Crane and John Glemesford respectively touching trespasses, or to pay the king a ransom in each case, he having now surrendered to the Marshalsea prison [Map], as certified by Robert Tresiliam, chief justice,
Chronicle of England by Jean de Waurin Volume 6. [15 May 1464]. Chapter 4.30. Of a battle that took place quite near Newcastle upon Tyne where the Duke of Somerset (age 28) was captured, along with several other great lords captured and killed by the Earl of Northumberland (age 33).
It so happened around this time that between Scotland and Northumberland, the Duke of Somerset, the principal governor of Queen Margaret, had assembled a large force to raid and inflict damage upon the Kingdom of England, particularly targeting those loyal to King Edward. Although the said Duke of Somerset had recently received a pardon from the King and returned to his court, he could not hold himself back. Instead, he preferred to return to King Henry's side rather than remain with King Edward's party. He clearly recognized that King Henry's faction lacked the strength to resist against King Edward's power, who had previously shown him great honour and respect. Despite this, he abandoned King Edward's side to rejoin King Henry and support those who had no power to benefit him, as he had previously experienced.
It so happened that in that season, about fifteen miles from Newcastle upon Tyme or Tyne, the brother of the Earl of Warwick, then known as the Earl of Northumberland, accompanied by the Baron of Greystoke (age 50), the Lord of Crup, the Lord of Welles (age 36), and Sir John Buckingham, was informed that there were the Duke of Somerset, the Lord Ros (deceased), the Earl of Helmsley, Sir Thomas Fiderme, and the Lord of Talbot. They rode in that direction and encountered each other in such a way that there was a great slaughter and many men were killed. But eventually, the Earl of Northumberland, brother to the Earl of Warwick, led them all to complete defeat and on the same day captured the Duke of Somerset, who was promptly beheaded. Also captured were those from his party who were there at Newcastle upon Tyne, namely the Earl of Helmsley, the Lords of Ros (deceased) and Talbot (age 49), along with Sir John Fiderme, in the year 1463.
Warkworth's Chronicle 1464. 15 May 1464. Also in the iiijth yere of the Kynge Edwarde, the monethe of Maij, the Duke of Somersett, the Lorde Roos (deceased), the Lorde Moleyns (age 33), Talboys the Earl [Baron] of Kyme (age 49), Sire Phylippe Wenterworth (age 40), Sire Thomas Fynderne, gadred a grete peple of the northe contre1. And Sere Jhon Nevelle, that tyme beynge Earl of Northumberlonde, with 10,000 men come uppon them, and there the comons fleede that were with them, and ther the forseide lordes were takene and afterward behedede3. But thenne the Lorde Montagu (age 33), the Earl of Warwick (age 35)s brothere, whiche the Kynge had made Earl of Northumberlonde, was mighty and strong by the same, &c. And for so moche as the Kynge and his counselle thought that he wolde holde with his Earl of Warwick (age 35), therfor the Kyng and his counselle made the countre to desire that they might have the ryghtfull heyre Percy, sonne to Henry Percy that was slayne at Yorke Feld, to be the Earl of Northumberlond, and so it was doone. And after this the Kynge made Lorde Montagu (age 33), Marquyus Montagu, and made his sonne (age 3) Duke of Bedford, whiche schulde wedde the princesse, the Kynges heldest doughter, whiche, by possibylite, schuld be Kynge of England, and so he hade many fayre wordys and no lordeschyppys, but alwey he promysed he wuld do, &c,
Note 1. Gadred a grete peple of the northe contre. The following very curious document is from a MS. in the College of Arms (L.9):— "Anno Edwardi quarti quarto et mensis Maij die xxvij. scilicet in die san[c]te Trinitatis.
The Kyng lay in the Palois of York, and kept his astate solemply; and tho there create he Sir John Nevelle, Lord Mowntage, Earl of Northumberland. And than my lorde of Warrewike toke upon hym the jorney, by the Kynges commandement and auctoritee, to resiste the Rebellions of the Northe, acompanyed with hym my sayde Lorde of Northumberland his brother.
"Item, the xxiijti, day of Juyne, my saide Lorde of Warrewike, with the puissaunce, cam before the castelle of Alwike, and ad it delivered by appointement; And also the castell of Dunstanboroughe, where that my said Lord kept the feest of Saint John Baptist."
"Item, my said Lorde of Warrewike, and his broder Earl of Northumberland, the xxv. day of Juyn, leyede siege unto the Castelle of Bamburghe, there within being Sir Rauf Grey, with suche power as attendid for to keepe the said castelle ayen the power of the Kinges and my said Lord, as it apperith by the heroudes reporte, by the whiche my Lord sent to charge them to delyvere it under this forme, as ensewithe; Chester, the Kinges heroude, and Warrewike the heroude, had this commaundement, as foloweth, -to say unto Sir Rauf Gray, and to other that kept his Rebelliouse oppynyon, that they shule delivere that place contynent aftyr that summacion, and every man for the tyme being disposed to receyve the Kynges grace, my said Lord of Warrewike, the Kinges lieutenant, and my Lord of Northumbreland, Wardeyn of themarches, grauntith the Kyng['s] grace and pardon, body, lyvelodes, reservyng ij. persounes, is understoude, Sir Humfrey Neville and Sir Rauf Grey, thoo tweyn to be oute of the Kinges grace, without any redempcion. Than the answere of Sir Rauf Grey followithe unto the said heroudes, he clerely determynyng withinne hymself to liffe or to dye within the said place; the heroudes, according to my Lordes commandement, charged hym with all inconveniences that by possible might fall in offence ayenst Allemighty God, and sheding of bloode; the heroude saying in this wise, My Lordes ensurithe yow, upon their honour, to susteyne siege before yowe these vij. yeres, or elles to wynne yowe."
Item, my sayde Lorde Lieutenant, and my Lord Wardeyn, hath yeven us ferther comaundement to say unto yowe, if ye deliver not this Juelle, the whiche the king our most dradde soverain Lord hath so gretly in favour, seing it marcheth so nygh hys awncient enemyes of Scotland, he specially desirethe to have it, hoole, unbroken, with ordennaunce; if ye suffre any greet gunne laide unto the wal, and be shote and prejudice the wal, it shall cost yowe the Chiftens hede; and so proceding for every gunne shet, to the leest hede of any persoune within the said place. Than the saide Sir Rauf Grey deperted from the saide heroud, ant put hym in devoir to make deffence.
And than my Lorde lieutenant had ordennede alle the Kinges greet gonnes that where charged at oons to shute unto the said Castelle, Newe-Castel the Kinges greet gonne, and London the second gonne of irne; the whiche betyde the place, that stones of the walles flewe unto the see; Dysyon, a brasin gonne of the Kinges, smote thouroughe Sir Rauf Grey's chamber oftentimes; Edward and Richard Bombartell, and other of the Kinges ordennaunce, so occupied by the ordonnaunce of my said Lord, with men of armes and archirs, wonne the castelle of Bamburg with asawte, mawgrey Sir Rauf Grey, and tooke hym, and brought hym to the Kynge to Doncastre, and there was he execut in this fourme as followith. My lorde Earl of Worcestre, Connestable of Englond, sitting in jugement, told hym jugement, and remambrid hym, saying unto hym; "Sir Rauf Grey, thou hast take the ordir of Knyghthode of the Batthe, and any soe taking that ordir ought to kepe his faithe the whiche he makes; therfor remembre the[e] the lawe! wilt thou shall procede to jugement? thees maters shewith so evidently agayn the, that they nedithe not to examyn the of them, by certein persounes of the Kinges true subgettes, the whiche thou hast wounded, and shewithe here that thou canst not deny this; thou hast drawen the with force of armes unto the Kyng oure most natural soverain Lorde, the whiche tho wotest wele yave unto the suche trust, and in suche wise mynystred his grace unto the, that thou haddist his castels in the Northe partie to kepe; thou hast betraied Sir John Asteley Knyght, and brother of the gartier, the whiche remaignethe in the hand of the Kynges oure soverain Lord enemyes in Fraunce.
Item, thou hast withstoud and maade fences ageynst the Kynges maiestie, and his lieutenant the worthy Lorde my broder of Warrwike; it apperith by the strookes of the greet gunnes in the Kyng walles of his castell of Bamburghe. For the[se] causes, dispost the to suffre thy penaunce aftyr the lawe. The Kyng had ordenned that thou shuldest have hadd thy sporys striken of by the hard heles, with the hand of the maister cooke, that whiche is here redy to doo, as was promysed at the tyme that he tooke of thy spurres; he said to yee, as ys accustumed, that 'And thou be not true to thy soverain Lord, I shal smyte of thy sporys with this knyf herd by the helys,' and so shewne hym the maistre cooke redy to doo his office, with apron and his knyff.
"Item, Sir Rauff Grey, the Kyng had ordenned here, thou maist see, the Kynge of armes and heroudes, and thine own propre cote of armes, that whiche they shuld teere of thy body, and so thou shuldist as wel be disgraded of thy worshipp, noblesse, and armes, as of the order of Knyghthode; and also here is an oder cote of thin armes reversed, the which thou shuldest have werne of thy body, going to that dethe warde, for that belongethe aftyr the lawe. Notwithstanding, of the disgrading of knygthode, and of thine armes, et noblesse, the King pardons that for thy noble grauntfader, the whiche suffrid trouble for the Kynges moost noble predecesseurs2. Than, Sir Rauf Grey, this shal be thy penaunce, -thou shalt goo on thy feet unto the towneseend, and there thou shalt be laide downe and drawen to a scaffold maade for thee, and that thou shalt have thyne hede smite of thi body, to be buriede in the freres; thi heede where it pleased the Kyng."
Note 2. Sir Ralph Grey, of Wark, Heton, and Chillingham (lineal ancestor of the Earls of Tankerville, as well as of the present Earl Grey) was the grandson of Sir Thomas Grey, beheaded at Southampton with the Earl of Cambridge, Aug. 5, 1415. See the whole sheet pedigree of Grey in Raine's North Durham. - J.G.N.
"Quintodecimo die mensis Maij, apud Exham, decapitati sunt Dux Somersett, Edmundus Fizthu miles, Brasdshaw, Wauter Hunt, Blac Jakis. Decimo-septimo die mensis Maii, apud Novum-Castrum, decapitati sunt Dominus de Hungarforde, Dominus Roos, Dominus Thomas Fynderum, Edwardus de la Mare, Nicholaus Massam. Apud Medetham, xviijo die mensis Maii, decapitati sunt Dominus Philippus Wentworth, Willielmus Penyngton, Warde de Topcliff, Oliverus Wentworth, Willielmus Spilar, Thomas Hunt, le foteman Regis Henrici. Apud Eboracum, xxvº die mensis Maii, decapitati sunt Dominus Thomas Husye, Thomas Gosse, Robertus Merfynn, Johannes Butlerus, Rogerus Water, janitor Regis Henrici, Thomas Fenwyke, Robertus Cocfeld, Willielmus Bryte, Willielmus Dawsonn, Johannes Chapman. Apud Eboracum, xxviijo die mensis Maii, decapitati sunt Johannes Elderbek, Ricardus Cawerum, Johannes Roselle, Robertus Conqueror. [On the fifteenth day of May, at Hexham, Northumberland [Map], the Duke of Somerset (age 28), Edmund Fizthu, Bradshaw, Wauter Hunt, and Black Jakis were decapitated. On the seventeenth day of May, at Newcastle, the Lord of Hungerford (age 33), Lord Roos (deceased), Lord Thomas Fynderum, Edward de la Mare, and Nicholas Massam were decapitated. At Middleham Castle [Map], on the eighteenth day of May, the Lord Philip Wentworth (age 40), William Penyngton, Ward of Topcliff, Oliver Wentworth, William Spilar, Thomas Hunt, the footman of King Henry, were decapitated. At York, on the twenty-fifth day of May, Lord Thomas Husye, Thomas Gosse, Robert Merfynn, John Butler, Roger Water, the doorkeeper of King Henry, Thomas Fenwyke, Robert Cocfeld, William Bryte, William Dawsonn, and John Chapman were decapitated. At York, on the twenty-eighth day of May, John Elderbek, Richard Cawerum, John Roselle, and Robert Conqueror were decapitated.]" — MS. Arundel, Coll. Arm. 5, fol. 170, rº.
On 15 May 1464 a Yorkist army commanded by John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu (age 33) defeated a Lancastrian army commanded by Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset (age 28) at Hexham, Northumberland [Map] during the Battle of Hexham.
Those fighting for York included John Stafford 1st Earl Wiltshire (age 36), John Scrope 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton (age 26) and Richard Welles 7th Baron Welles, Baron Willoughby (age 36).
Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset (age 28) was beheaded following the battle. The general pardon which he has previously received was annulled. Duke Somerset, Marquess Dorset, Earl Somerset and Earl Dorset forfeit for the second time. His son Edmund Beaufort 3rd Duke of Somerset (age 25) was styled by supporters of the House of Lancaster as Duke of Somerset but had not right to do so.
Philip Wentworth (age 40) was executed at Middleham [Map].
Chronicle of England by William of Worcester. On the [15th] day of the said month of May, John Lord Montagu, Barons Greystoke and Willoughby, with an armed force numbering four thousand, arrived in sight of the Duke of Somerset's army. Upon seeing this, the Duke and a large part of his army fled, and his entire army was dispersed. In the chase, the Duke was captured by servants of John Middleton, knight, and presented to the lords at Hexham. On the same day, he was beheaded and buried in the abbey there. Along with the Duke, Edward Fysshe, knight, Blake Jakes, John Bryce, Thomas Hunt were beheaded. Within the next three days, Thomas Lord Roos and Robert Lord Hungerford, hiding in a certain forest near Hexham, were captured and condemned before the said Lord Montagu at Newcastle and beheaded there, along with Thomas Fynderne, knight. Shortly after, William Tailboys, Earl of Kyme, was likewise captured there and beheaded. Of others captured at Hexham, John Boteler, esquire, from the county of Somerset, Robert Mirfyne, and twelve others were brought to York to the King, condemned by the Constable of England, and beheaded judicially, except John Nayler, a courtier of King Henry VI, who, although condemned, was later pardoned through the special efforts of a former clerk of the chancery, the then-resident chancellor of England, with Henry Upton, one of six chancery clerks.
die dicti mensis Maii Johannes dominus Mountagu, barones de Graystok and Whiloughby, cum gente armata, ad numerum iiij.m. venerunt in conspectu exercitus ducis Somersetiæ. Quo viso, dux cum magna parte sui exercitus fugit et totus exercitus suus diruptus est. Et in chacea dux per servientes Johannis Medelton, militis, captus et præsentatus est dominis apud Hexham, et eodem die decollatus est, et in abbatia ibidem sepultus. Cum dicto duce decollati sunt Edus. Fysshe, miles, Blake Jakes, Johannes Bryce, Thomas Hunt. Et infra tres dies sequentes Thomas dominus Roos et Robertus dominus Hungerford, in quadam silva prope Hexham absconditi, capti sunt, ac apud Novum Castrum coram dicto domino Mountagu damnati et [cum] Thoma Fynderne, milite, ibidem decollati sunt. Et cito post Willelmus Taylboys, comes Kyme, captus ibidem similiter decollatus est. Et de aliis captis apud Hexham, Johannes Boteler, armiger, de comitatu Somersetiæ, Robertus Mirfyne, ac ad numerum xij. personarum, adducti ad Eboracum ad regem, judicialiter coram constabulario Angliæ damnati et decollati sunt, Johanne Nayler, cursario cancellariæ Henrici VI., excepto, qui damnatus et, mediante postea cancellario Angliæ, perdonatus est per specialem laborem unius quondam clerici sui, dicto cancellario tunc temporis commorantis, cum Henrico Upetone, uno vj. clericorum cancellariæ.
Chronicle of Gregory 1464. 15 May 1464. The xv day of May folowynge this good Lord Mountegewe (age 33) let to be smete of the heddys of thes men, the whyche that her namys here folowyn in wrytyng: Henry Beaufort Duke of Somerset (age 28), Edmon Fysche, knyght, Edmon Bradschawe, Water Hunte, Blacke Jakys.
Letters and Papers 1528. 11 Jun 1528. R. O. Wood's Lett., vol. II. 39. 4357. Lady Elizabeth Tailbois (age 57) to Wolsey (age 55).
Has received his letters, dated Durham Place, 15 May, desiring her to deliver to Sir Gilbert Tailbois (age 30), her son, lands to the yearly value of £100, the residue of those worth £200, appointed by Act of Parliament to him and his wife (age 30) after her husband's decease, an annuity of £40, and the money received from the lands from Mayday last. Will give him the lands, but begs to be excused from giving the money for the following reasons:-1. Since her husband's (age 61) visitation, when he was committed to Wolsey by the King, his rents have been employed for household expences and the marriages of his children, and not in wasteful expences. 2. There is now 150 marks owing of the marriage money of one of their children, for which her nearest friends are bound. 3. Her other son (age 26), brother to Sir Gilbert, has no assignment for his living, and must be provided for. 4. William Bongham, an old servant of her husband's (age 61), who was accustomed to provide wheat and grain for the household, has gone away with money enough to provide for the whole year, and she is obliged to make fresh provision with the rents of the lordships for which her son Sir Gilbert asks, and of other lands also. 6. There are 10 score wild beasts in the lordship of Kyme, from which they used to provide beef for the household, but from which they can now get no profit. Has had little comfort since her husband's (age 61) last visitation, "and for the pleasure of God I have yielded me thereunto," and now my husband (age 61) is aged it would be hard to live in penury, and be unable to discharge our friends of the sums in which they are bound for us. If my son obtain his demands, we shall be obliged to break up house and "sparpull" our children and servants. He has now in his hands lands worth £342 17s. 11¾d.,-more than she and her husband (age 61) have. Will do all she can for him when her children are provided for and her debts paid. Goltaght, 11 June. Signed.
On 15 May 1531 Maria Habsburg Spain Duchess Cleves was born to Ferdinand I Holy Roman Emperor (age 28) and Anne Jagiellon Holy Roman Empress (age 27).
Calendars. 27. "The Queen exhibited such constancy, patience, and faith towards God that all the spectators, even her enemies, and those persons who previously had rejoiced at her misfortune out of their hatred to the doctrine of the religion which she had introduced into England, testified and proclaimed her innocence and chastity.
28. "Without being questioned they themselves answered the accusations brought against the Queen. It is no new thing, said they, that the King's Chamberlains should dance with the ladies in the bedchamber. Nor can any proof of adultery be collected from the fact that the Queen's brother took her by the hand and led her into the dance among the other ladies, or handed her to another, especially if that person was one of the royal chamberlains. For it is a usual custom thoughout the whole of Britain that ladies married and unmarried, even the most coy, kiss not only a brother, but any honourable person, even in public. It is the custom also with young women to write to their near relatives when they have become pregnant, in order to receive their congratulations. The King also was most anxious for an heir, and longed for nothing more than to know that the Queen was pregnant.
29. "From such arguments as those which were advanced against the Queen they affirmed that no probable suspicion of adultery could be collected; and that therefore there must have been some other reason which moved the King. Possibly it might be the same as that which induced him to seek for a cause of divorce from his former Queen, namely, the desire of having an heir.
30. "He was still further strengthened in his desire for a new marriage by perceiving that all the male children to which the Queen gave birth came into the world dead, and that for some years past she had not conceived. For the King was apprehensive that after his own decease civil wars would break out, and that the crown would again be transferred to the family of the White Rose if he left no heir behind him.
31. "And further, the King was angry with the Queen because of the want of success which attended the embassy which, at her instigation, he had despatched into Germany, the Princes of which would not enter into a league with him against the Emperor, unless for the defence of the purer doctrine. They demanded more money than he was willing to give, nor would they permit Philip [Melancthon] to come into England. And the King was exceedingly indignant because the Princes of Germany doubted his faith.
32. "Moreover, they said that the Emperor, the Pope, Ferdinand, and the other Princes were banded against the King, and that he was in danger from them on account of the change of religion; nor was there anyone among the Kings and Princes who would render him assistance in the event of the Emperor declaring war against him in consequence of the divorce of his aunt, Queen Catherine, and the substitution of a second wife.
33. "How the matter actually stood would, however, they said, speedily be made known; whether he had executed the Queen for having broken her marriage vows, or for fear of the war which was about to break out in consequence of the changes in religion, and the divorce of the Emperor's aunt. For if he executed the Queen only on account of the suspicion of adultery, no change in religion would follow; but if out of fear of the war about religion and the divorce, then Lutheranism would be driven out of England and sent back into Germany, to those Princes who would not make a treaty with the King in the matter of the divorce. If, however, he was already in love with some other woman out of his anxiety for an heir, neither could this long be kept a secret. For so ardent was he when he had begun to form an attachment, that he could give himself no rest; so much so that when he was raving about Queen Anne and some of his friends were dissuading him from the divorce, he said that he preferred the love of the Queen to half his realm. It was in vain that his Councillors, and among the number Thomas More, the Chancellor, opposed this measure; for he sent agents to all the more renowned cities in France, Italy, and Germany, to collect the suffrages of the doctors in the matter of the divorce, not without the expenditure of an immense sum of money, concerning which he also consulted Luther and Philip.
34. "While the guests were thus talking at table in my hearing it so happened that a servant of Crumwell's came from the Court and sitting down at the table, asked the landlord to let him have something to eat, for he was exceedingly hungry.
35. "In the meantime, while the food was being got ready, the other guests asked him what were his news? Where was the King? What was he doing? Was he sorry for the Queen? He answered by asking why should he be sorry for her? As she had already betrayed him in secresy, (fn. 1) so now was he openly insulting her. For just as she, while the King was oppressed with the heavy cares of state, was enjoying herself with others, so he, when the Queen was being beheaded, was enjoying himself with another woman.
36. "While all were astonished and ordered him to hold his tongue, for he was saying what no one would believe, and that he would bring himself into peril if others heard him talking thus, he answered, 'You yourselves will speedily learn from other persons the truth of what I have been saying.'
37. "The landlord, who was a servant of Crumwell's, hearing this, said, 'It is not fitting for us to dispute about such affairs. If they are true they will be no secret. And when I go to Court I will inquire carefully into these matters.'
38. "The person, however, who had first spoken, answered that he had the King's orders that none but the Councillors and secretaries should be admitted, and that the gate of the country house should be kept shut in which the King had secluded himself.
On 15 May 1536 Queen Anne Boleyn (age 35) tried at the King's Hall in the Tower of London [Map].
Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 63) was appointed Lord High Steward and presided. Henry Howard (age 20) attended. Henry Pole 1st Baron Montagu (age 44) was one of the judges. Elizabeth Browne Countess of Worcester (age 34) was the principal witness.
The jurors were:
Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 52).
Edward Clinton 1st Earl Lincoln (age 24).
Thomas Fiennes 9th Baron Dacre Gilsland (age 21).
George Hastings 1st Earl Huntingdon (age 49).
Thomas Manners 1st Earl of Rutland (age 44).
John Mordaunt 1st Baron Mordaunt (age 56).
Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland (age 38).
Henry Parker 11th Baron Marshal 10th Baron Morley (age 55).
Edward Stanley 3rd Earl of Derby (age 27).
Thomas Stanley 2nd Baron Monteagle (age 28).
John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford (age 65).
Thomas Wentworth 1st Baron Wentworth (age 35).
Henry Somerset 2nd Earl of Worcester (age 40).
Henry Percy 5th Earl of Northumberland.
Thomas Burgh 7th Baron Cobham 5th Baron Strabolgi 1st Baron Burgh (age 48).
Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 40).
William Fitzalan 18th Earl of Arundel (age 60).
Henry Fitzalan 19th Earl of Arundel (age 24).
Thomas Audley 1st Baron Audley Walden (age 48).
Edward Powers Lord Powers.
William Sandys 1st Baron Sandys Vyne (age 66).
Thomas Ware.
Andrew Windsor 1st Baron Windsor (age 69).
George Brooke 9th Baron Cobham (age 39).
She was found guilty and sentenced to be beheaded. John Spelman (age 56) signed the death warrant.
After Anne's trial her brother George Boleyn Viscount Rochford (age 33) was also tried and found guilty.
Letters 1536. 15 May 1536. R. O. 876. Trial of Anne Boleyn (age 35) and Lord Rochford (age 33).
Record of pleas held at the Tower of London before Thomas Duke of Norfolk (age 63), treasurer and Earl marshal, lord high steward, citing:—
1. Patent appointing the said Duke steward of England hac vice for the trial of queen Anne and Lord Rochford (age 33). Westm., 12 May 28 Henry VIII.
2. Mandate to Sir John Baldewyn, Sir Richard Lister, Sir John Porte, Sir John Spelman, Sir Walter Luke, Sir Anth. Fitzherbert, Sir Thos. Englefeld, and Sir William Shelley, special commissioners of Oyer and Terminer for Middlesex, to return all indictments found against queen Anne and Lord Rochford (age 33). Westm., 13 May 28 Henry VIII.
3. Similar mandate to Sir John Baldewyn, Sir Walter Luke, Sir Anth. Fitzherbert, and Sir William Shelley, special commissioners for Kent. Westm., 13 May 28 Henry VIII.
4. Mandate to Sir William Kyngestone, constable of the Tower, to bring queen Anne and Lord Rochford (age 33) before the Lord High Steward when required. Westm., 13 May 28 Henry VIII.
5. The Lord High Steward issued his precept, 13 May, to Sir John Baldewyn and his fellows in Middlesex, to return the indictments at the Tower before him on Monday, 15 May, and a similar precept to Sir J. Baldewyn, Luke, and his fellows in Kent; a third precept to the constable of the Tower to bring queen Anne and Lord Rochford (age 33) that day before him; and a fourth to Ralph Felmyngham, serjeant-at-arms, to summon such and so many lords of the kingdom, peers of the said queen Anne and Lord Rochford (age 33), by whom the truth may appear.
6. Pleas held before the Duke of Norfolk (age 63), steward of England, at the Tower, on Monday, 15 May 28 Henry VIII.
The justices bring in the indictments for Middlesex and Kent, Sir William Kingston (age 60) produces the prisoners, and Ralph Felmyngham declares that he has summoned the peers. Proclamation being then made, the peers answer to their names; viz., Charles Duke of Suffolk (age 52), Henry marquis of Exeter, William Earl of Arundel, John Earl of Oxford (age 65), Henry Earl of Northumberland (age 34), Ralph Earl of Westmoreland (age 38), Edward Earl of Derby (age 27), Henry Earl of Worcester, Thomas Earl of Rutland (age 44), Rob. Earl of Sussex, George Earl of Huntingdon, John lord Audeley, Thos. lord La Ware, Henry lord Mountague, Henry lord Morley, Thos. lord Dacre, George lord Cobham, Henry lord Maltravers, Edward lord Powes, Thos. lord Mount Egle, Edward lord Clynton, William lord Sandes, Andrew lord Wyndesore, Thos. lord Wentworth, Thos. lord Burgh, and John lord Mordaunt.
7. Indictment found at Westminster on Wednesday next after three weeks of Easter, 28 Henry VIII.1 before Sir John Baldwin, &c., by the oaths of Giles Heron (age 32), Roger More, Richard Awnsham, Thos. Byllyngton, Gregory Lovell, Jo. Worsop, William Goddard, William Blakwall, Jo. Wylford, William Berd, Henry Hubbylthorn, William Hunyng, Rob. Walys, John England, Henry Lodysman, and John Averey; who present that whereas queen Anne has been the wife of Henry VIII. for three years and more, she, despising her marriage, and entertaining malice against the King, and following daily her frail and carnal lust, did falsely and traitorously procure by base conversations and kisses, touchings, gifts, and other infamous incitations, divers of the King's daily and familiar servants to be her adulterers and concubines, so that several of the King's servants yielded to her vile provocations; viz., on 6th Oct. 25 Henry VIII., at Westminster, and divers days before and after, she procured, by sweet words, kisses, touches, and otherwise, Henry Noreys, of Westminster, gentle man of the privy chamber, to violate her, by reason whereof he did so at Westminster on the 12th Oct. 25 Henry VIII.; and they had illicit intercourse at various other times, both before and after, sometimes by his procurement, and sometimes by that of the Queen. Also the Queen, 2 Nov. 27 Henry VIII. and several times before and after, at Westminster, procured and incited her own natural brother, George Boleyn (age 33), Lord Rochford, gentleman of the privy chamber, to violate her, alluring him with her tongue in the said George's mouth, and the said George's tongue in hers, and also with kisses, presents, and jewels; whereby he, despising the commands of God, and all human laws, 5 Nov. 27 Henry VIII., violated and carnally knew the said Queen, his own sister, at Westminster; which he also did on divers other days before and after at the same place, sometimes by his own procurement and sometimes by the Queen's. Also the Queen, 3 Dec. 25 Henry VIII., and divers days before and after, at Westminster, procured one William Bryerton, late of Westminster, gentleman of the privy chamber, to violate her, whereby he did so on 8 Dec. 25 Henry VIII., at Hampton Court, in the parish of Lytel Hampton, and on several other days before and after, sometimes by his own procurement and sometimes by the Queen's. Also the Queen, 8 May 26 Henry VIII., and at other times before and since, procured Sir Fras. Weston, of Westminster, gentleman of the privy chamber, &c., whereby he did so on the 20 May, &c. Also the Queen, 12 April 26 Henry VIII., and divers days before and since, at Westminster, procured Mark Smeton (age 24), groom of the privy chamber, to violate her, whereby he did so at Westminster, 26 April 27 Henry VIII.
Moreover, the said Lord Rochford (age 33), Norreys, Bryerton, Weston, and Smeton (age 24), being thus inflamed with carnal love of the Queen, and having become very jealous of each other, gave her secret gifts and pledges while carrying on this illicit intercourse; and the Queen, on her part, could not endure any of them to converse with any other woman, without showing great displeasure; and on the 27 Nov. 27 Henry VIII., and other days before and after, at Westminster, she gave them great gifts to encourage them in their crimes. And further the said Queen and these other traitors, 31 Oct. 27 Henry VIII., at Westminster, conspired the death and destruction of the King, the Queen often saying she would marry one of them as soon as the King died, and affirming that she would never love the King in her heart. And the King having a short time since become aware of the said abominable crimes and treasons against himself, took such inward displeasure and heaviness, especially from his said Queen's malice and adultery, that certain harms and perils have befallen his royal body.
And thus the said Queen and the other traitors aforesaid have committed their treasons in contempt of the Crown, and of the issue and heirs of the said King and Queen.
8. Record of indictment and process before Baldewyn, Luke, and others, in co. Kent.
The indictment found at Deptford, on Thursday, 11 May 28 Henry VIII., is precisely similar in character to the Middlesex indictment, except as regards times and places; viz., that the Queen at Estgrenewyche, 12 Nov. 25 Henry VIII., and divers days before and since, allured one Henry Noreys, late of Est Grenewyche, to violate her, whereby he did so on the 19 Nov., &c.; that on 22 Dec. 27 Henry VIII., and divers other days, at Eltham, she allured George Boleyn, Lord Rochford (age 33), &c., whereby he did so, 29 Dec., &c.; that on the 16 Nov. 25 Henry VIII., and divers, &c., at Est Grenewyche, she allured one William Bryerton, late of Est Grenewyche, &c., whereby he did so, 27 Nov., &c.; that on the 6 June 26 Henry VIII., &c., at Est Grenewyche, she allured Sir Fras. Weston, &c., whereby he did so, 20 June, &c.; that on the 13 May 26 Henry VIII. &c., at Est Grenewyche, she allured Mark Smeton (age 24), &c., whereby he did so, 19 May 26 Henry VIII.
And further that the said Boleyn, &c. grew jealous of each other; and the Queen, to encourage them, at Eltham, 31 Dec. 27 Henry VIII., and divers times before and since, made them presents, &c.; that the Queen and the others, 8 Jan. 27 Henry VIII., conspired the King's death, &c., and that she promised to marry one of the traitors whenever the King was dead, affirming she would never love him, &c.
And afterwards, Monday, 15 May, queen Anne comes to the bar before the Lord High Steward in the Tower, in the custody of Sir William Kingston (age 60), pleads not guilty, and puts herself on her peers; whereupon the said Duke of Suffolk (age 52), marquis of Exeter, and other peers, are charged by the High Steward to say the truth; and being examined from the lowest peer to the highest, each of them severally saith that she is guilty.
Judgment:—To be taken to prison in the Tower, and then, at the King's command, to the Green within the Tower, and there to be burned or beheaded as shall please the King.
The same day, Lord Rochford (age 33) is brought before the High Steward in the custody of Sir William Kingston (age 60), and pleads not guilty. The peers are charged, with the exception of the Earl of Northumberland (age 34), who was suddenly taken ill, and each of them severally saith that he is guilty.
Judgment:—To be taken to prison in the Tower, and then drawn through the city of London, to the gallows at Tyburn, &c., as usual in high treason.
R. O. 2. Originals of the above indictments, commission to the Lord High Steward, mandates and precept, with the original panel of peers. Several of these documents are a good deal injured.
Note 1. See Report III. of Dep. Keeper of the Pub. Records, App. ii. 243. The whole of the proceedings are printed by Mr. Hamilton in the Appendix to Vol. I. of Wriothesley's Chronicle.
Letters 1536. 15 May 1536. Hannaert has written to Granvelle on the 9th that he had just heard that the king of England's Concubine (age 35) had been surprised in bed with the King's organist (age 24). If this be so, as it is very probable that God has permitted it after her damnable life, we think the King will be more inclined to treat, especially as regards our cousin; but you must use great dexterity lest the King intend a marriage in France, and that he should rather choose one of his own subjects, either the one with whom he is in love or some other. We trust that if there be anything in it you will let us know with diligence. We send letters of credence for you for the dukes of Richmond, Norfolk, and Suffolk, and also for Cromwell, such as you will see by the copies. Pontremulo, 15 May 1536.
P.S.—Since the above was written your man George has arrived, who confirms the news touching the King's Concubine (age 35), and, as we suppose that the King will put her and her accomplices to death and take another wife, as he is of amorous complexion and always desires to have a male child, and as on the side of France they will not fail to offer him a match, you will suggest, when you can, to him or Cromwell, a marriage with the Infanta of Portugal, daughter of our sister the queen of France, who has 400,000 ducats dowry by testament. Another marriage might be arranged for the Infant Don Loys of Portugal, our brother-in-law, with the princess of England. You must point out to them that these matches would be very expedient, both to remove past scruples and to promote strict amity between us, him, and Portugal, and would be very advantageous to England in case the King should have a male child by this marriage, as he may reasonably hope from the youth and bringing up of the Infanta. If you see the King not inclined to these marriages you might propose one between the King and our niece, the duchess dowager of Milan, a beautiful young lady, well brought up and with a good dowry; treating at the same time of the other marriage between Don Loys and our cousin. But we should greatly prefer the former match with the Infanta, for the good of both, and in order to be able to dispose of our niece of Milan otherwise. Bersel, 15 May 1536. Fr., from a modern copy, pp. 3.
Wriothesley's Chronicle 1536. 15 May 1536. After this, immediately the Lord of Rocheforde (age 33), her brother, was arreigned for treason, which was for knowinge the Queene, his sister, carnallie, moste detestable against the la we of God and nature allso, and treason to his Prince, and allso for conspiracie of the Kinges death: Whereunto he made aunswere so prudentlie and wiselie to all articles layde against him, that manreil it was to heare, and never would confesse anye thinge, but made himselfe as cleare as though he had never offended. Howbeit he was there condemned by 26 lordes and barons of treason, and then my Lord of Northfolke (age 63) gave him this judgment: That he should goo agayne to prison in the Tower [Map] from whence he came, and to be drawne from the saide Towre of London thorowe the Cittie of London to the place of execution called Tybume [Map], and there to be hanged, beinge alyve cutt downe, and then his members cutt of and his bowells taken owt of his bodie and brent [burned] before him, and then his head cutt of and his bodie to be divided in 4 peeces, and his head and bodie to be sett at suche places as the King should assigne; and after this the court brake up for that tyme. The Major of London with certeyne Aldermen were present at this arreignment of the Queene and her brother, with the wardeins and 4 persons more of 12 of the principall craftes of London.
Letters 1536. 15 May 1536. 908. Chapuys (age 46) to Charles V.
On the 15th the said Concubine and her brother (age 33) were condemned of treason by all the principal lords of England, and the Duke of Norfolk (age 63) pronounced sentence. I am told the Earl of Wiltshire (age 59) was quite as ready to assist at the judgment as he had done at the condemnation of the other four. Neither the putain (age 35) nor her brother (age 33) was brought to Westminster like the other criminals. They were condemned within the Tower, but the thing was not done secretly, for there were more than 2,000 persons present. What she was principally charged with was having cohabited with her brother and other accomplices; that there was a promise between her and Norris (age 54) to marry after the King's death, which it thus appeared they hoped for; and that she had received and given to Norris certain medals, which might be interpreted to mean that she had poisoned the late Queen and intrigued to do the same to the Princess. These things she totally denied, and gave to each a plausible answer. Yet she confessed she had given money to Weston (age 25), as she had often done to other young gentlemen. She was also charged, and her brother likewise, with having laughed at the King and his dress, and that she showed in various ways she did not love the King but was tired of him. Her brother was charged with having cohabited with her by presumption, because he had been once found a long time with her, and with certain other little follies. To all he replied so well that several of those present wagered 10 to 1 that he would be acquitted, especially as no witnesses were produced against either him or her, as it is usual to do, particularly when the accused denies the charge.
I must not omit, that among other things charged against him as a crime was, that his sister (age 35) had told his wife (age 31) that the King "nestoit habile en cas de soy copuler avec femme, et quil navoit ne vertu ne puissance1." This he was not openly charged with, but it was shown him in writing, with a warning not to repeat it. But he immediately declared the matter, in great contempt of Cromwell and some others, saying he would not in this point arouse any suspicion which might prejudice the King's issue. He was also charged with having spread reports which called in question whether his sister's daughter was the King's child. To which he made no reply. They were judged separately, and did not see each other. The Concubine was condemned first, and having heard the sentence, which was to be burnt or beheaded at the King's pleasure, she preserved her composure, saying that she held herself "pour toute saluee de la mort2," and that what she regretted most was that the above persons, who were innocent and loyal to the King, were to die for her. She only asked a short space for shrift (pour disposer sa conscience3). Her brother, after his condemnation, said that since he must die, he would no longer maintain his innocence, but confessed that he had deserved death. He only begged the King that his debts, which he recounted, might be paid out of his goods.
Although everybody rejoices at the execution of the putain, there are some who murmur at the mode of procedure against her and the others, and people speak variously of the King; and it will not pacify the world when it is known what has passed and is passing between him and Mrs. Jane Semel (age 27). Already it sounds ill in the ears of the people, that the King, having received such ignominy, has shown himself more glad than ever since the arrest of the putain; for he has been going about banqueting with ladies, sometimes remaining after midnight, and returning by the river. Most part of the time he was accompanied by various musical instruments, and, on the other hand, by the singers of his chamber, which many interpret as showing his delight at getting rid of a "maigre vieille et mechante bague4," with hope of change, which is a thing specially agreeable to this King. He supped lately with several ladies in the house of the Bishop of Carlisle, and showed an extravagant joy, as the said Bishop came to tell me next morning, who reported, moreover, that the King had said to him, among other things, that he had long expected the issue of these affairs, and that thereupon he had before composed a tragedy, which he carried with him; and, so saying, the King drew from his bosom a little book written in his own hand, but the Bishop did not read the contents. It may have been certain ballads that the King has composed, at which the putain and her brother laughed as foolish things, which was objected to them as a great crime.
Note 1. "was not skilful in case of copulating with a woman, and that he had neither virtue nor power".
Note 2. "for every death salute".
Note 3. to dispose of one's conscience.
Note 4. skinny old nasty ring
Note 5. This part of the letter was written on the 17th. See further on, at the beginning of the last paragraph.
Letters 1536. 24 May 1536. Add. MS. 8,715, f. 252. B. M. 956. Bishop of Faenza (age 36) to Mons. Ambrogio.
According to information from England, received by the King yesterday, on the 15th inst. the Queen (deceased) was degraded, and the following day was to be executed,—either burnt or beheaded; but first her brother (deceased), four gentlemen, and an organist (deceased), with whom she had misconducted herself, were to be quartered in her presence. It is not true that her father (age 59) and mother were imprisoned, but the former (age 59), being on the Council, was present at his daughter's (deceased) sentence. All was done in the presence of the French ambassador only. It is said that the King has been in danger of being poisoned by that lady (deceased) for a whole year, and that her daughter (age 2) is supposititious, being the child of a countryman (villano); but these particulars are not known for certain, according to what the King said today. The discovery was owing to words spoken by the organist (deceased) from jealousy of others. They are expecting now the declaration of the true daughter to reinstate her and annul what was done in favor of the other. Has not omitted to show what may be done on this occasion for the honor of God, &c. The French king answered that he ardently desired to bring back Henry to the Church, and that he would not fail in endeavouring to do so. He knows that the Imperialists have offered the king of England the queen of Hungary as a wife, but it is thought he will not take her, as she is in bad health, and not fit to bear children. He has today sent a person to his Ambassador about these affairs. He thinks it would be easy to bring back the King if it were not for his avarice, which is increased by the profit he draws from Church goods. The English ambassadors here are in very great joy. Knowing that one of them was a good man, and a friend of his, caused the opportunity and advantage of the King's coming back to the Pope to be shown to him; and that he should be neutral, and give the Emperor and (French) king to understand that he would oppose whoever refused peace; that there was not a better opportunity of wiping out the stains on his character, and making himself the most glorious King in the world; that every one should do his duty, and they would find in the Pope that true piety and goodness which ought now to be known to all the world. The Ambassador, and Winchester also, who is the other, thanked him, saying, with many tears, that this was their only desire, and they would do their part, so that they hoped we should soon embrace each other.
Ital., modern copy, pp. 6. Headed: Al Signor Protonotario Ambrogio, Da Lione, li 24 Maggio 1536.
Letters 1536. Norris (age 54), Weston (age 25), Brereton, and Marks (age 24) are already condemned to death, having been arraigned at Westminster on Friday last. The Queen and her brother are to be arraigned tomorrow, and will undoubtedly go the same way. "I write no particularities; the things be so abominable that I think the like was never heard. Gardiner will receive £200 of the £300 that were out amongst these men, notwithstanding great suit hath been made for the whole; which though the King's highness might give in this case, yet his Majesty doth not forget your service; and the third £100 is bestowed of the Vicar of Hell (age 46), upon [whom]1 though it be some charge unto you, his Highness trusteth ye will think it well bestowed." From the Rolls in haste, 14 May.
P.S.—Wallop will not be forgotten, though Cromwell cannot tell at present how much he is to have. The King is highly pleased with the services of both. Signed.
Pp. 3. In Wriothesley's hand. Add. Endd.
Note 1. This word seems to be omitted. The despatch must have been hurriedly written, and two or three verbal errors have been overlooked.
Letters 1536. 15 May 1536. R. O. 878. Rochford (age 33), Norris (age 54), and Brereton. Lord Rochford's lands. Account of their yearly value.
Farms:—Manor of South Kent, and honor and lordship of Rayley, Essex, sold to the Earl of Wiltshire (age 59); manor of Grymston, worth £10 a year. Offices:—Stewardship of Beaulyu, Essex, £10 and keeping of the new park there, £4 10s. 3d.; keeping of the house of Our Lady of Bethlem without Bishopsgate, without account; keeping, &c. of the parks of Rayley and Thundersley and the bailliwick of the hundred of Rocheford, £16 20d.; keeping of the park of King's Hatfelde, 100s. 10d.; keeping of the manor, &c. of Beaulyu, Essex, and baileywick of the m[anors] of Newhall, Dorehame, Walkefare hall and P[ower]s, [See Vol. IV., 4993 (15).] Essex, £21 5s. 10d.; stewardship and other offices of Tunbridge, receivership and bailliwick of Brestede, keeping, &c. of the manor and park of Penshurst and the parks of Northleigh and Northlands, Kent, £28 15s. 10d.; constableship of Dover and keeping of the v. ports, —; constableship of Kelingworth, £13 6s. 8d.; keeping of Kelingworth park, 60s. 8d.; portership of Kelingworth castle, 30s. 4d.; bailiff and feudary of the liberty of the duchy in Warwickshire; keeping of the King's woods at Kelingworth, £4 11s. Annuities:—One of 50 mks., of the bp. of Winchester £200, and of the abbot of St. Albans £133 6s. 8d.
Grand total, £441 10s. 9d.
ii. Lands, &c. of Henry Norres (age 54), Esquire to the Body.
Account of Edmund Asshefelde, his receiver, for the year ending Michaelmas, 27 Henry VIII.
Arrearages, £692 8s. 2¾d.
Farms:—In co. Linc., the lordships of Barton upon Humber, £65, and Thursway and Tewelly, £13; in co. Notts., manor and lordship of Stokebardolph, Shelforde and Gedlyng, £45; cos. Beds. and Hunts., manor and lordship of Tylbroke and Southoo, £36 10s.; cos. Berks. and Dors., divers lands, £36; co. Rutl., lordship of Longhame, £81; co. Kent, lands in Greenwich, £15 10s.; co. Oxford, lordship of Duklyngton Fryngforde and Barley park, £32 10s.; manor of Mynster Lovell, £46; co. Bucks, "lands with the park which was never rented," nil; co. Surrey, house in Kewe never rented, nil. Total, £370 10s.
Offices:—Of the "Exchequireship" to the Body, £33 6s. 8d.; mastership of the Hart hounds, £18 5s.; Black Rod, £18 5s.; "gravership" of the Tower, £20; collectorship of the subsidy in London, worth 80 marks a year, sold to Richard Hill his deputy for ready money, nil; mastership of the hawkes, £40; keeping of the manor of Pleasaunce at Green wich, £24 17s. 8d.; stewardship of Mynsterlovell, £4 13s. 4d.; of Burfor town, £8 12s. 4d.; chamberlainship of North Wales, £20; constableship of Wallingford castle, £50; "wayreship" (weighership) of Southampton —; baileywick of Watlington, £6 20d.; mastership of the game of Whichewoode with Cornebury park, £27 2s. 6d.; keeping of Windsor little park, £4 11s. 3d.; of Foly Johns park —; of Ewelme park and manor, &c., £12 3s. 6d.; constableship, &c. of Donyngton castle and park, £16; baileywick of Kydlington, 100s.; of Buckl . d, —; of Newnam, 60s.; lieutenantship of Waltham forest —; keeping of Copped Hall park, —; of Hoknorton park, —; mastership of game and fee-farm of the lordship of Eltam, —; stewardships of Banbury, £6, of Osney, £4; and of the seven hundreds of Circetor, £6 13s. 4d.; fee of my Lord of Northumberland, £13 6s. 8d.; of lord Conyers, 66s. 8d.; of the abbot of Welbeke, 66s. 8d.; office of Sunyng, of the gift of the bp. of Salisbury, £13 6s. 8d.; stewardship of Abendon, £10; of Reading abbey, 100s.; of Brewan abbey, 66s. 8d.; of Malmsbury abbey, £10; of the University of Oxford, 100s. Total of offices, £395 5s. 7d.
Annuities:—Out of the Exchequer, £33 6s. 8d.; of the see of Winchester, £122; from the chamberlain of North Wales, over and above 40 marks for the constableship of Bewmares castle given to Richard Bowkeley, £360; out of the King's receipt, £26 13s. 4d.; of lord Dacres of the South, £20 Total, £562
Total "ultra arrerag," £1,327 15s. 7d.
iii. Lands, &c. of William Brereton, Esquire. Account for the year ended Michaelmas last 27 Henry VIII.
Lands in farm of the King:—To him and my lady in survivorship, lordship of Echells, £68 6s. 3½d., manor of Alderlaie, £20 12s. 5½d., and manor and lordship of Aldeford, Chesh., £53 14s. 1½d., with lands of Aldeforde, in Flintshire, 106s. 8d.; in all £47 clear, and the King paid. Lordship of Mottrom in Londendale, £46 19s. 2d., to him and his brother Uryan in survivorship, manor and lordship of Shotwyks and Sage Hall, £22 12s. 8d.; lands in Chester, parcel of Mottrom in Longdendale, 20s., to him and his heirs; manor of Lesnes, —; lands in Charleyton, Chesh., £6 14s. 8d.; ferries of North Wales, £20 2s. 4d. clear; lordship of Fyncheley, Midd., £25 19s. 4½d.: total £271 7s. 9d. Lands in farm of the Duke of Richmond (age 16):—Demesnes of Holt Castle, with the "weyre houks" and other pasture in the lordship of Bromefeld, £19 17s. 9d.; the horsemill in Holt town, 33s. 4d.: total, £21 11s. 1d. Farms:—of the Earl of Derby, of marshes in Alford, Coddington, and Twylston, Chesh., £18 19s., worth £8 10s. 8d., the King paid; of lord Audelay, the lordship of Tatenhall, co. Chester, £38 3s. 4½d., "worth nothing;" gift of Sir Randall Brereton, his father, lands in Malpas, &c., of the annuity of William Brereton, Esquire, 64s. 1d.; of Sir Anthony Browne, the lordship of Newhall, Chesh., £65 17s. 6d., "worth nothing by the year:" total, £120 3s. 11½d.
Sir John Savage's lands in farm of the King during the nonage of John, son and heir of the said Sir John, with my lady his wife's jointure:—In co. Chester, the lordship of Shipbroke, £85 2s., manors and lordships of Clyfton, £27 11s. 4d., Bradley, £14 9s. 11d., Makkelfeld, £12 2s. 8d., Huxley, £7 13s. 8d., Barrowe, £67 19s. 4½d., Chedell, £74 10½d., Coulle and Hurleston, £20 11s. 8½d.; in co. Shropp., lordships of Edelburnell, £13 16s. 7d., Crofton (with the manor), £7 13s. 8d., Sutton, £6 10s. 11d., Wotton Ovenbury, £14 4s. 7d., Hopebowdler, 55s. 1d., Wycus Malbus (Nantwich) for the barony there, 30s.; in co. Derby, lordships of Stanby, 34s. 17s. ½d., Elmeton, £16, Ilkeston, £37, Holmeffeld, £13 6s. 8d.; lordship of Graundby and Sutton, Notts, £36 4s. 7d.; lordship of Dowre, Derb., "nil, for he hath not accounted;" castle and manors of Gryse, Notts., "nil, in the hands of Richard Savage, the elder;" in co. Stafford, manors and lordships of Rossheton, £18 6s. 7¼d., and Tayne, £12 7s. ½d.; lordship of Shepfeld, Leic., £10; a meadow and tenement in Leicester, "nil, in the hands of John Savage:" total, £534 4s. 3¾d.
In farm:—of Dr. Chamber, tithe corn of Pykyll, £13 6s. 8d.; of the abbot of Vala Crucis, tithe corn of Ruabon, £26 13s. 4d., "for the which he paid nothing:" total, £40 Offices by the King:—chamberlainship of Chester, £22 10s., and Randall Brereton for the fee of chamberlain, £26 13s. 4d., £49 3s. 4d. clear; constable of Chester castle, £18 5s.; escheator of Chester, £10 10s.; rangership of Dalamer forest, £4 11s. 3d.; stewardship of Halton, 100 [s.]; comptrollership of Chester and Flintshire, £12 3s. 4d.; stewardship of Bromefeld, £20; receivership there, £13 6s. 8d.; master fostership, 60s.; office of serjeant at Paxe there, £4; of improver there, 60s. 10d.; keeping of Mersley park, 60s. 10d.; stewardship of Crykeland, £10; receivership there, 100s.; annuity of Denbigh, £6 13s. 4d.; sheriffship of Flintshire, £20; keeping of Halton park, 60s. 10d.: total, £190 15s. 5d. Other offices:— stewardship of lord Audeley's lands in Chester, £6 13s. 4d.; receivership of Newhall, Coulle, and other lands of Sir Anthony Browne, 50s.; annuity of the abbot of Norton, £4 13s. 4d.; of Anthony Kingeston, 53s. 4d.; the abbot of Chester, £20; abbot of Vala Riall, £20; stewardship of Sir William Brereton's lands in Malpas, 40s: total, £58 10s.
Grand total of Brereton's lands, &c., 1,2361. 12s. 6¼d.
Large paper, pp. 16. 3 blank leaves.
R. O. 879. Norris and Brereton.
Grant to Henry Norres (age 54), squire of the Body, of the stewardship of the manors of Lewesham and East Greenwich, with a yearly fee of £3 6s. 8d. [A.D. 1532.—See Vol. V., 1065 (22)]. Lat. Draft, pp. 2. Endd.
R. O. 2. Draft warrant to the Treasurer and Chamberlains of the Exchequer, in behalf of Thomas Brigges, deputy to Henry Norres (age 54), to whom the rangership of Whichwood Forest, Oxon, was granted by patent 24 Nov. 21 Henry VIII., with 6d. a day out of the issues of cos. Oxon and Berks,—to levy £17 arrears of the said 6d., which are unpaid since 5 June 26 Henry VIII. through insufficiency of the said issues, out of the petty custom of the port of London. [Date apparently 16 April 1536]. Pp. 2. Draft, mutilated. Endd.: £55 12s. 6d.—£28
R. O. 3. A list of William Brereton's offices; viz., chamberlain of Chester, escheator, baron of the Exchequer [i.e., of Chester], receiver general and surveyor, constable of the castle. "Also he maketh the coroners." Steward of Halton Castle and keeper of the prisoners there, steward to all abbeys and priories within the shire. "Steward to the king of Mottram in Longdendale, wherein he hath great manrede; steward and farmer of Echees, .... and Alderly, and farmer for the King of the same .... £100 by the year," &c. P. 1. Mutilated and defaced by damp. Endd.:
William Brereton offices.
R. O. 4. Accounts of John Norbury, general receiver of the lands of William Brereton in cos. Chester, Flint, and other counties, from 22 to 25 Henry VIII., containing numerous names of tenants, farmers, and officers.
A large folio volume of 41 leaves, numbered in pencil.
S. B. 5. Grant to W. Breerton, page of the chamber, of the wardship and marriage of Godfrey son and heir of Roger Fuljambe. [This S. B. is undated, but was probably issued early in the year 1529. See Vol. IV. 5508 (1). It has accordingly been placed on the file of the 21st year].
R. O. 6. A remembrance to Master Secretary of three offices in the King's gift, which William Brearton late had, in Cheshire; the riding forestership of Dealamer Forest, 4d. a day; keepership of Shotwike park, 2d. the [day]; escheatorship, £10 a year. P. 1. Endd.: [Hen]ry Annesley, Groom of the Chamber.
R. O. 880. Robert B[arnes] to Cromwell. Is informed that through the death of these false men the mastership of Bedlam1 shall be void. Begs for that promotion, which he would rather have than a bishopric. Hears it is worth £40 If he had it, would be near Cromwell, who might be a witness of his conversation. Need compels him to write, for he has nothing and nobody to care for him. Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.: Anno xxviio.
R. O. 881. Robert Bar [Barnes] (age 41) to Cromwell. Desires to speak two or three words with him. "My matters pertain to God's glory and to the salvation of your soul, which our Heavenly Father ever keep for the sweet bulde (blood?) of his dear Son, Jesus Christ." Hol., p. 1. Add.: Master Secretary.
Note 1. Lord Rochford (age 33) was master of Bethlehem Hospital. See IV. 5815 (27); also in this Vol., No. 878, preceding. The endorsement is therefore wrong.
Letters 1536. 15 May 1536. Vienna Archives. 888. Charles V. to Chapuys.
We send with this other letters of ours, written for the purpose of being shown to Cromwell and the Council, and even to the King if you think fit, but you must not deliver a copy or let them out of your hands. In them we refer to our previous letters, in order that you may add or diminish as the state of matters requires. If the King consent to treat we wish you to follow substantially our previous letters, and, if there be any difficulty and you cannot do better, you are to temporise, either on the pretext of communicating with us, or otherwise, so that the King may not directly or indirectly assist France, without further pretending to the king of England that Francis can be induced to forbear from war for any reason but want of power, and we trust we are strong enough to withstand him. Moreover, we think that in this the king of England would think he had done much for us, and would become more intractable in other matters.
Wriothesley's Chronicle 1536. Item, on Munday,c the 15th of May, 1536, there was arreigned within the Tower of London [Map] Queene Anne (age 35),d for treason againste the Kinges owne person, and there was a great scaffold made in the Kinges Hall within the Tower of London [Map], and there were made benches and seates for the lordes, my Lord of Northfolke (age 63) sittinge under the clothe of estate, representinge there the Kinges person as Highe Steward of Englande and uncle to the Queene, he holdinge a longe white staffe in his hande, and the Earle of Surrey (age 20) his sonne and heire, sittinge at his feete before him holdinge the golden staffe for the Earle Marshall of Englande, which sayde office the saide duke had in his handes; the Lord Awdley Chauncellour of England (age 48), sittinge on his right hande, and the Duke of Suffolke on his left hande, with other marqueses, earles, and lordes, everie one after their degrees.
Note c. Stow's account seems to hare been taken from this, with considerable verbal differences and some omissions.
Note d. There was no precedent for the trial of a Queen for treason, so Henry determined that she should be arraigned before a commission of Lords, as had been practised in the case of the Duke of Buckingham.
Wriothesley's Chronicle 1536. 15 May 1536. And first the Kinges commission was redd, and then the Constable of the Tower (age 60)e and the Lieutenant (age 56) brought forthe the Queene (age 35) to the barre, where was made a chaire for her to sitt downe in, and then her indictment was redd afore her,g whereunto she made so wise and discreet aunsweres to all thinges layde against her, excusinge herselfe with her wordes so clearlie, as thoughe she had never bene faultie to the same,a and at length putt her to the triall of the Peeres of the Realme, and then were 26 of the greatest peeres there present chosen to passe on her, the Duke of Suffolke beinge highest, and, after they had communed together, the yongest lorde of the saide inquest was called first to give verdict, who sayde guiltie, and so everie lorde and earle after their degrees sayde guiltie to the last and so condemned her. And then the Duke of Northfolke (age 63) gave this sentence on her, sayinge: Because thou haste offended our Sovereigne the Kinges grace, in committinge treason against his person, and here attaynted of the same,' the lawe of the realme is this, that thou haste deserved death, and thy judgment is this: That thow shalt be brent here within the Tower of London on the Greene [Map], els to have thy head smitten of as the Kinges pleasure shal be further knowne of the same; and so she was brought to warde agayne, and two ladies wayted on her, which came in with her at the first, and wayted still on her, whose names were the Ladie Kingstone (age 60) and the Ladie Boleyn (age 56), her aunte.
Note e. Sir William Kingston (age 60).
Note f. Sir Edmond Walsingham (age 56).
Note g. Her indictment, which comprised six sereral charges, is preserred in the Public Record Office, with the subsequent proceedings thereon.
Note a. Upon her examination she positively denied she had ever been false to the King; but, being told that Norris, Weston, Brereton, and Smeton had accused her, she said she ought not to conceal certain things which had passed between her and them. See Burnet, tom, i. pp. 191, 280, &c.
Tudor Tracts by Pollard Chapter 3. The 15th of May [1544], we dislodged our camp out of the town of Leith; and set fire in every house, and burnt it to the ground.
The same night, we encamped at a town of the Lord Seaton's where we burnt and razed his chief castle, called Seaton, which was right fair; and destroyed his orchards and gardens, which were the fairest and best in order that we saw in all that country. We did him the more despite, because he was the chief labourer to help their Cardinal out of prison: who was the only [sole] author of their calamity.
The same day, we burnt a fair town of the Earl Bothwell, called Haddington [Map], with a great nunnery and a house of friars.
Wriothesley's Chronicle 1547. The fiftenth daie of Male, 1547, Doctor [Smith], of Wydington Collegeb, preached at Poules Crosse [Map], and their recanted and burned tow bookes which he had latelie sett fourth, one of traditions and another of unwrytten verities, and there he professed a new sincere doctrine contrarie to his old papisticall ordre, as his articles in wry ting playnelie sheweth.
Note b. Whittingtcm's College and Hospital.
Holinshed's Chronicle 1547. 15 May 1547. On the fifteenth of Maie doctor Smith recanted at Paules crosse.
Diary of Edward VI. 15 May 1547. Doctour Smith of Oxford4 recauntid at Poulis certain opinions of the masse, and that Christ was not according to th' ordre of Melchisedec.
Note 4. Richard Smith, regius professor of divinity at Oxford. "On the 15. of May, being Sunday, doctor Smith, master of Whitington colledge in London, doctor of divinity, and reader of the same in the King's colledge at Oxford, recanted at Paules crosse, declaring his former bookes and teachings to be erronious and hereticall." (Stowe's Chronicle.)
The words of his recantation are printed in the Appendix to Strype's Life of Cranmer, num. XXXIX. See bishop Gardiner's remarks on the occasion in a letter to the Protector dated the 6th June, printed in Foxe, first edit, and in edit. 1838, vi. 40; and on Smith's religious opinions generally see the Index to Strype's Works, 1828, ii. 279. He was the preacher in 1555 at the burning of Latimer and Ridley.
Diary of Edward VI. 15 May 1550. It was apointed that al the light horsmen of Bolein [Boulogne] and the men of armes shuld be paid their wages, and be led by the lord marquis of Northampton (age 38), capitain of the pensionaries, and al the gard of Bolein [Boulogne] under the lord admiral. Also that the chiefest capitaines shuld be sent, with 600 with them, to the strenghthening of the frontieres of Scoteland.
The comprehension of peax with Scoteland1 was accepted so fare as the league went, and sealed with the (unfinished).
Note 1. The act of comprehension of Scotland in the peace with France, dated at Edinburgh 13 kal. Maii 1555, and sealed with the great seal of Scotland, is printed in Rymer's Foedera, &c. xv. 255.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 15 May 1551. The xv day the Lady Mary (age 35) rode through London unto St. John's, her place, with fifty knights and gentlemen in velvet coats and chains of gold afore] her, and after her iiij [score gentlemen and ladies, every] one havyng a peyre of bedes [of black. She rode through] Chepe-syde and thrugh Smythfeld, -the v. K. E. vj.
Note. The lady Mary rode to St. John's, her place. That is, to the house of the late knights hospitallers at Clerkenwell. On the circumstances of the princess's visit to court at this time see her brother's diary in Burnet.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 15 May 1559. The xv day of May dyd pryche at Powlles [cross] [Map] master Gryndalle (age 40), and ther was the quens consell, the duke of Norfoke (age 23), my lord keper of the seylle, and my lord of Arundell (age 47), my lord treysorer (age 76), my lord marques of Northamtun (age 47), my lord admerall (age 49), my lord of Sussex (age 34), my lord of Westmorland (age 34), my lord of Rutland (age 32), and mony mo lordes and knyghtes, my lord mare (age 50) and the althermen; and after sermon done they whent to my lord mayre (age 50) to dener, and my lord Russell (age 32).
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.
Diary of Anne Clifford 1616. 15 May 1616. Upon the 15th my Lord (age 27) came down from London and my Coz. Cecily Neville (age 16)1, my Lord (age 27) lying in Leslie Chamber and I in my own.
Note 1. Daughter to Lady Abergavenny, who was sister to Robert Earl of Dorset.
Diary of Anne Clifford 1617. 15 May 1617. The 15th the Child put on her white coats and left off many things from her head, the weather growing extreme hot.
Mrs Ryder came here and told me Lord Sheffield’s (age 51) wife (age 77) was lately dead since the King went from York.
Diary of Anne Clifford 1619. 15 May 1619. The 15th I went by water to the Savoy to my Lord Carew, and spoke to him very earnestly in behalf of Peter Coolinge and his son for a gunner’s place in Carlisle and received a reasonable good answer from him. After the shower was past, my Lady Dudley which was my Mother’s old friend came to see me and brought her daughter Margaret with her.
My Lord (age 30) and I intended to have gone home into the country and had sent the coach and horses; about then there came a sudden great shower which stayed our going.
My Lord (age 30) brought me to Westminster Abbey where I stayed to see the tombs and the place where the Queen was buried in an angle in Henry 7th’s Chapel.
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1663. The Portugalls have choused us1, it seems, in the Island of Bombay, in the East Indys; for after a great charge of our fleets being sent thither with full commission from the King (age 32) of Portugall to receive it, the Governour by some pretence or other will not deliver it to Sir Abraham Shipman, sent from the King (age 32), nor to my Lord of Marlborough (age 45); which the King (age 32) takes highly ill, and I fear our Queen (age 24) will fare the worse for it. The Dutch decay there exceedingly, it being believed that their people will revolt from them there, and they forced to give over their trade. This is talked of among us, but how true I understand not. Sir Thomas showed me his picture and Sir Anthony Vandike's, in crayon in little, done exceedingly well.
Note 1. The word chouse appears to have been introduced into the language at the beginning of the seventeenth century. In 1609, a Chiaus sent by Sir Robert Shirley, from Constantinople to London, had chiaused (or choused) the Turkish and Persian merchants out of £4,000, before the arrival of his employer, and had decamped. The affair was quite recent in 1610, when Jonson's "Alchemist" appeared, in which it is alluded to.
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1663. Thence to Mr. Coventry (age 35); and sitting by his bedside, he did tell me that he sent for me to discourse upon my Lord Sandwich's (age 37) allowances for his several pays, and what his thoughts are concerning his demands; which he could not take the freedom to do face to face, it being not so proper as by me: and did give me a most friendly and ingenuous account of all; telling me how unsafe, at this juncture, while every man's, and his actions particularly, are descanted upon, it is either for him to put the Duke upon doing, or my Lord himself to desire anything extraordinary, 'specially the King (age 32) having been so bountifull already; which the world takes notice of even to some repinings. All which he did desire me to discourse with my Lord of; which I have undertook to do. We talked also of our office in general, with which he told me that he was now-a-days nothing so satisfied as he was wont to be. I confess I told him things are ordered in that way that we must of necessity break in a little time a pieces.
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1663. Strange were the effects of the late thunder and lightning about a week since at Northampton, coming with great rain, which caused extraordinary floods in a few hours, bearing away bridges, drowning horses, men, and cattle. Two men passing over a bridge on horseback, the arches before and behind them were borne away, and that left which they were upon: but, however, one of the horses fell over, and was drowned. Stacks of faggots carried as high as a steeple, and other dreadful things; which Sir Thomas Crew (age 39) showed me letters to him about from Mr. Freemantle and others, that it is very true.
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1663. My Lord Hinchingbrooke (age 15), I am told, hath had a mischance to kill his boy by his birding-piece going off as he was a-fowling. The gun was charged with small shot, and hit the boy in the face and about the temples, and he lived four days.
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1663. Thence walked to Westminster, and there up and down in the Hall and the Parliament House all the morning; at noon by coach to my Lord Crew's, hearing that Lord Sandwich (age 37) did dine there; where I told him what had passed between Mr. Coventry (age 35) and myself; with which he was contented, though I could perceive not very well pleased. And I do believe that my Lord do find some other things go against his mind in the House; for in the motion made the other day in the House by my Lord Bruce, that none be capable of employment but such as have been loyal and constant to the King (age 32) and Church, the General [Monk] and my Lord were mentioned to be excepted; and my Lord Bruce did come since to my Lord, to clear himself that he meant nothing to his prejudice, nor could it have any such effect if he did mean it. After discourse with my Lord; to dinner with him; there dining there my Lord Montagu of Boughton, Northamptonshire, Mr. William Montagu (age 45) his brother, the Queen's Sollicitor, &c., and a fine dinner. Their talk about a ridiculous falling-out two days ago at my Lord of Oxford's (age 36) house, at an entertainment of his, there being there my Lord of Albemarle (age 54), Lynsey (age 55), two of the Porters, my Lord Bellasses (age 48), and others, where there were high words and some blows, and pulling off of perriwiggs; till my Lord Monk (age 54) took away some of their swords, and sent for some soldiers to guard the house till the fray was ended. To such a degree of madness the nobility of this age is come!
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1663. After dinner I went up to Sir Thomas Crew (age 39), who lies there not very well in his head, being troubled with vapours and fits of dizziness: and there I sat talking with him all the afternoon from one discourse to another, the most was upon the unhappy posture of things at this time; that the King (age 32) do mind nothing but pleasures, and hates the very sight or thoughts of business; that my Baroness Castlemaine's (age 22) rules him, who, he says, hath all the tricks of Aretin1 that are to be practised to give pleasure. In which he is too able .... but what is the unhappiness in that, as the Italian proverb says, "lazzo dritto non vuolt consiglio [Translation: An erection seeks no advice]". If any of the sober counsellors give him good advice, and move him in anything that is to his good and honour, the other part, which are his counsellers of pleasure, take him when he is with my Baroness Castlemaine's (age 22), and in a humour of delight, and then persuade him that he ought not to hear nor listen to the advice of those old dotards or counsellors that were heretofore his enemies: when, God knows! it is they that now-a-days do most study his honour. It seems the present favourites now are my Lord Bristol (age 50), Duke of Buckingham (age 35), Sir H. Bennet (age 45), my Lord Ashley (age 41), and Sir Charles Barkeley (age 33); who, among them, have cast my Chancellor (age 54) upon his back, past ever getting up again; there being now little for him to do, and he waits at Court attending to speak to the King (age 32) as others do: which I pray God may prove of good effects, for it is feared it will be the same with my Lord Treasurer (age 56) shortly. But strange to hear how my Lord Ashley (age 41), by my Lord Bristol's (age 50) means (he being brought over to the Catholique party against the Bishopps, whom he hates to the death, and publicly rails against them; not that he is become a Catholique, but merely opposes the Bishopps; and yet, for aught I hear, the Bishopp of London (age 64) keeps as great with the King (age 32) as ever) is got into favour, so much that, being a man of great business and yet of pleasure, and drolling too, he, it is thought, will be made Lord Treasurer (age 56) upon the death or removal of the good old man. My Lord Albemarle (age 54), I hear, do bear through and bustle among them, and will not be removed from the King's good opinion and favour, though none of the Cabinett; but yet he is envied enough. It is made very doubtful whether the King (age 32) do not intend the making of the Duke of Monmouth (age 14) legitimate2; but surely the Commons of England will never do it, nor the Duke of York (age 29) suffer it, whose lady (age 26), I am told, is very troublesome to him by her jealousy.
Note 1. An allusion to Aretin's infamous letters and sonnets accompanying the as infamous "Postures" engraved by Marc Antonio from the designs of Julio Romano (Steinman's "Memoir of Barbara, Duchess of Cleveland", privately printed, 1871).
Note 2. Thomas Ross, Monmouth's tutor, put the idea into his head that Charles II had married his mother. The report was sedulously spread abroad, and obtained some kind of credence, until, in June, 1678, the King (age 32) set the matter at rest by publishing a declaration, which was entered in the Council book and registered in Chancery. The words of the declaration are: "That to avoid any dispute which might happen in time to come concerning the succession of the Crown, he (Charles) did declare, in the presence of Almighty God, that he never gave, nor made any contract of marriage, nor was married to Mrs. Barlow, alias Waters, the Duke of Monmouth's (age 14) mother, nor to any other woman whatsoever, but to his present wife, Queen (age 24) Catherine, then living".
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1663. But it is wonderful that Sir Charles Barkeley (age 33) should be so great still, not [only] with the King (age 32), but Duke also; who did so stiffly swear that he had lain with her1. And another one Armour that he rode before her on horseback in Holland I think.... No care is observed to be taken of the main chance, either for maintaining of trade or opposing of factions, which, God knows, are ready to break out, if any of them (which God forbid!) should dare to begin; the King (age 32) and every man about him minding so much their pleasures or profits.
Note 1. The conspiracy of Sir Charles Berkeley (age 33), Monsieur Blanfort aka Lord Arran, Jermyn, Talbot, and Killigrew to traduce Anne Hyde (age 26) was peculiarly disgraceful, and the conduct of all the actors in the affair of the marriage, from Lord Clarendon downwards, was far from creditable (see Lister's "Life of Clarendon", ii. 68-79).
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1664. In the evening came Mr. Vernaty to see me and discourse about my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) business, and also my uncle Wight (age 62) and Norbury, but I took no notice nor showed any different countenance to my uncle Wight (age 62), or he to me, for all that he carried himself so basely to my wife the last week, but will take time to make my use of it. So, being exceeding hot, to bed, and slept well.
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1665. Thence to the Duke of Albemarle (age 56) to give him account of my day's works, where he shewed me letters from Sir G. Downing (age 40), of four days' date, that the Dutch are come out and joyned, well-manned, and resolved to board our best ships, and fight for certain they will.
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1666. Up and to the office, where we met and sat all the morning. At noon home to dinner, and after dinner by coach to Sir Philip Warwicke's (age 56), he having sent for me, but was not within, so I to my Lord Crew's (age 68), who is very lately come to towne, and with him talking half an houre of the business of the warr, wherein he is very doubtful, from our want of money, that we shall fail. And I do concur with him therein. After some little discourse of ordinary matters, I away to Sir Philip Warwicke's (age 56) again, and was come in, and gone out to my Lord Treasurer's (age 59); whither I followed him, and there my business was, to be told that my Lord Treasurer (age 59) hath got £10,000 for us in the Navy, to answer our great necessities, which I did thank him for; but the sum is not considerable.
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1667. At his accounts, wherein I very high against him, till late, and then we broke up with little done, and so broke up, and I to my office, where late doing of business, and then home to supper and to bed. News still that my Lord Treasurer (age 60) is so ill as not to be any man of this world; and it is said that the Treasury shall be managed by Commission. I would to God Sir G. Carteret (age 57), or my Lord Sandwich (age 41), be in it! But the latter is the more fit for it.
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1667. So with utmost content I away with Sir G. Carteret (age 57) to London, talking all the way; and he do tell me that the business of my Lord Hinchingbrooke (age 19) his marriage with my Lord Burlington's (age 54) daughter (age 22) is concluded on by all friends; and that my Lady (age 22) is now told of it, and do mightily please herself with it; which I am mighty glad of.
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1667. Yet, Lord! to see how our silly Lord Bruncker (age 47) would have stood to have justified this rogue, though to the reproach of all us who have signed, which I shall never forget to have been a most malicious or a most silly act, and I do think it is as much the latter as the other, for none but a fool could have done as this silly Lord hath done in this business. So the Duke of York (age 33) did like our report, and ordered his being secured till he did give his security, which did fully content me, and will I hope vindicate the office. It happened that my Lord Arlington (age 49) coming in by chance was at the hearing of all this, which I was not sorry for, for he did move or did second the Duke of York (age 33) that this roguery of his might be put in the News-book that it might be made publique to satisfy for the wrong the credit of this office hath received by this rogue's occasion.
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1667. Being come, we up to the Duke of York's (age 33) chamber, who, when ready, we to our usual business, and being very glad, we all that signed it, that is, Sir J. Minnes (age 68), W. Batten (age 66), W. Pen (age 46), and myself, and then Sir G. Carteret (age 57) and Sir W. Coventry (age 39), Bruncker (age 47), and T. Harvy (age 41), and the officers of the Ordnance, Sir J. Duncombe (age 44), and Mr. Cholmely (age 34) presented our report about Carcasse, and did afterwards read it with that success that the Duke of York (age 33) was for punishing him, not only with turning him out of the office, but with what other punishment he could, which nobody did forward, and so he escaped, only with giving security to secure the King (age 36) against double tickets of his and other things that he might have wronged the King (age 36) or subject in before his dismission.
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1668. Thence I to my Lord Brouncker's (age 48), at Mrs. Williams's, and there dined, and she did shew me her closet, which I was sorry to see, for fear of her expecting something from me; and here she took notice of my wife's not once coming to see her, which I am glad of; for she shall not-a prating, vain, idle woman.
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1668. Thence with Lord Brouncker (age 48) to Loriners'-hall1, by Mooregate, a hall I never heard of before, to Sir Thomas Teddiman's burial, where most people belonging to the sea were. And here we had rings: and here I do hear that some of the last words that he said were, that he had a very good King, God bless him! but that the Parliament had very ill rewarded him for all the service he had endeavoured to do them and his country; so that, for certain, this did go far towards his death. But, Lord! to see among [the company] the young commanders, and Thomas Killigrew (age 56) and others that come, how unlike a burial this was, O'Brian taking out some ballads out of his pocket, which I read, and the rest come about me to hear! and there very merry we were all, they being new ballets.
Note 1. The Loriners, or Lorimers (bit-makers), of London are by reputation an ancient mistery, but they were first incorporated by letters patent of 10 Queen Anne (December 3rd, 1711). Their small hall was at the corner of Basinghall Street in London Wall. The company has no hall now.
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1668. Up, and betimes to White Hall, and there met with Sir H. Cholmly (age 35) at Sir Stephen Fox's (age 41), and there was also the Cofferer (age 64), and we did there consider about our money and the condition of the Excise, and after much dispute agreed upon a state thereof and the manner of our future course of payments.
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1668. Thence to the Duke of York (age 34), and there did a little navy business as we used to do, and so to a Committee for Tangier, where God knows how my Lord Bellasses's (age 53) accounts passed; understood by nobody but my Lord Ashly (age 46), who, I believe, was mad to let them go as he pleased. But here Sir H. Cholmly (age 35) had his propositions read, about a greater price for his work of the Mole, or to do it upon account, which, being read, he was bid to withdraw. But, Lord! to see how unlucky a man may be, by chance; for, making an unfortunate minute when they were almost tired with the other business, the Duke of York (age 34) did find fault with it, and that made all the rest, that I believe he had better have given a great deal, and had nothing said to it to-day; whereas, I have seen other things more extravagant passed at first hearing, without any difficulty.
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1668. By and by the corpse went; and I, with my Lord Brouncker (age 48), and Dr. Clerke, and Mr. Pierce, as far as the foot of London-bridge; and there we struck off into Thames Street, the rest going to Redriffe [Map], where he is to be buried. And we 'light at the Temple [Map], and there parted; and I to the King's house, and there saw the last act of "The Committee", thinking to have seen Knepp there, but she did not act. And so to my bookseller's, and there carried home some books-among others, "Dr. Wilkins's Reall Character", and thence to Mrs. Turner's (age 45), and there went and sat, and she showed me her house from top to bottom, which I had not seen before, very handsome, and here supped, and so home, and got Mercer, and she and I in the garden singing till ten at night, and so home to a little supper, and then parted, with great content, and to bed. The Duchesse of Monmouth's hip is, I hear, now set again, after much pain. I am told also that the Countess of Shrewsbury is brought home by the Duke of Buckingham (age 40) to his house, where his Duchess saying that it was not for her and the other to live together in a house, he answered, Why, Madam, I did think so, and, therefore, have ordered your coach to be ready, to carry you to your father's, which was a devilish speech, but, they say, true; and my Lady Shrewsbury is there, it seems.
Evelyn's Diary. 15 May 1677. Came the Earl of Peterborough (age 55), to desire me to be a trustee for Lord Viscount Mordaunt and the Countess, for the sale of certain lands set out by Act of Parliament, to pay debts.
Roger Whitley's Diary. 15 May 1690. Thursday, Peter Bostock came about work; Kat: Calvert came to see us; Bidolph & I went towards Chester, about 10 Hoole & his daughter came to see us; we alighted at Wrights, went to G.Mainwaring's (age 47): dined there with Scranmore, Streete, 2 Lees, Minshall, Frith, Shales, &c. Crew came past 3, left us past 4; I left them past 5, visited Hunt, there was Sherrard; I went thence to the Sunne; there was Deane, Murray, 2 Anderson's, G.Mainwaring (age 47), Lee, Minshall, Johnson, Bidolph,&c. Bidolph & I went thence past 7; called at the Golden Lyon on Sir William Aston; he was at supper with Hunt, Brook, & 3 or 4 more; we left them presently. went home.
Evelyn's Diary. 15 May 1692. My niece, M. Evelyn, was now married to Sir Cyril Wyche (age 60), Secretary of State for Ireland. After all our apprehensions of being invaded, and doubts of our success by sea, it pleased God to give us a great naval victory, to the utter ruin of the French fleet, their admiral and all their best men-of-war, transport-ships, etc.
On 15 May 1711 Anne Crewe (age 61) died. Monument at St Bertoline's Church, Barthomley [Map].
Anne Crewe: John Offley of Madely in Staffordshire and she were married. In Sep 1649 she was born to John Crewe of Crewe and Carew Gorges.
Avebury by William Stukeley. 15 May 1724. Table XXII. Prospect of Kennet Avenue from the Druids tumulus on Hakpen hill. May 15th 1724. [On the left West Kennet Long Barrow [Map], in the middle Silbury Hill [Map], Avebury very right]
Thomas Bateman 1845. On the 15th of May, 1845, four barrows, [Note. These barrows have been consumed by Hillhead and Hind Low Quarries] situated at short distances from each other upon a tract of land denominated Hind Lowe, distant about a mile from the village of Church Sterndale, were examined. The first barrow opened was the smallest and the most perfect in appearance. On digging down the centre, part of a rude urn was found immediately beneath the surface of the barrow; a little lower down was a small square cist, formed of four flat limestones, placed on an edge, and covered with a similar stone, which contained the skeleton of an infant. Below this were found the remains of three more infants, part of the skeleton of an adult, a calcined flint arrow-head, various animal teeth, and many rats' bones. The second barrow had, at some former period, been almost entirely removed, a small portion round the outside of the circle, distinctly showing the former size of the mound, being all which now remains. Into this two small excavations were made, which produced numerous human teeth and bones, a small piece of an urn, a flint saw, and a spear-head of the same material, both of them calcined, and the usual adjunct of rats' bones.
The third barrow is about fifteen yards in diameter and four feet in height, and is formed of loose stones, with a slight admixture of soil. A cutting was made through the centre, without the effect of discovering the primary interment. Probably the labourers (being left to themselves) were not sufficiently carefull in their researches, and overlooked it. On this account, nothing of the slightest interest occurred, all that was found being the bones of two human skeletons, animal bones, and the remains of rats, in a confused heap just beneath the turf.
The fourth is a very large, stony tumulus, or cairn, owing to which and to want of time, it was by no means satisfactorily examined. Nevertheless, an excavation was made, ten feet in length and six feet in width, through the centre of the barrow, and continued downwards until the solid rock was reached, without finding any interment, the only articles found being some small pieces of an urn, human bones, both burnt and unburnt, bones of deer and rats, and a small bit of thin brass, of indefinite form, and probably of no great antiquity. The original interment is most probably still lying undisturbed in some part of the area of this huge barrow but certainly not in the centre. Owing to the shortness of time allowed by the length of the day after the opening of the other three tumuli, nothing decisive could be ascertained, except a conviction of the impolicy of attempting to explore so many barrows in one day.
On 15 May 1875 Bishop Joseph Barber Lightfoot (age 47) was enthroned as Bishop of Durham.
On 15 May 1894 Henry Alexander (age 34) committed suicide, for want of money, by swallowing oxalic acid in the Oriental Hotel at Broadway and Thirty-Ninth Street.
On 15 May 1976, her seventy-third birthday, Marigold Lubbock Countess Londesborough (age 73) died.
Marigold Lubbock Countess Londesborough: On 15 May 1903 she was born to Edgar Lubbock. On 07 Sep 1935 Hugo Denison 4th Earl of Londesborough and she were married at St Oswald's Church, Blankney. He the son of William Henry Francis Denison 2nd Earl Londesborough and Grace Adelaide Fane Countess Londesborough.
On 15 May 2001 Princess Anne Windsor (age 50) visited St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map] to celebrate 21 years of restoration work and to commemorate the 800th anniversary of its first rebuilding.
Princess Anne Windsor: On 15 Aug 1950 she was born to Philip Mountbatten Duke Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.
Births on the 15th May
On 15 May 1531 Maria Habsburg Spain Duchess Cleves was born to Ferdinand I Holy Roman Emperor (age 28) and Anne Jagiellon Holy Roman Empress (age 27).
On 15 May 1613 George Seton Master of Seton was born to George Seton 3rd Earl Winton (age 28) and Anne Hay Countess Winton (age 21).
On 15 May 1645 George "Hanging Judge" Jeffreys 1st Baron Jeffreys was born to John Jeffreys (age 37) at Acton Park.
On 17 Apr 1664 Aubrey de Vere was born to Aubrey de Vere 20th Earl of Oxford (age 37) and Hester Davenport Countess of Oxford (age 22). He was baptised on 15 May 1664 at St Paul's Church, Covent Garden.
On 15 May 1674 John Cecil 6th Earl Exeter was born to John Cecil 5th Earl Exeter (age 26) and Anne Cavendish Countess Exeter (age 25).
On 15 May 1683 Christian Ludwig II Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin was born to Frederick I Duke of Mecklenburg Grabow (age 45).
On 15 May 1706 Charles Mathew Goring 5th Baronet was born to Henry Goring 4th Baronet (age 26).
On 15 May 1724 Elizabeth Dormer Countess Shrewsbury and Waterford was born to John Dormer 7th Baron Dormer (age 32).
On 15 May 1757 John Hely-Hutchinson 2nd Earl of Donoughmore was born to John Hely-Hutchinson (age 33) and Christiana Nixon 1st Baroness Donoughmore (age 25).
On 15 May 1794 Robert John Malet Palk was born to Lawrence Palk 2nd Baronet (age 28) and Dorothy Elizabeth Vaughan (age 30).
On 15 May 1797 Constantine Phipps 1st Marquess Normanby was born to Henry Phipps 1st Earl Mulgrave (age 42) and Martha Sophia Thomson Maling Countess Mulgrave. He a great x 3 grandson of King James II of England Scotland and Ireland.
On 15 May 1804 Henry Anson was born to Thomas Anson 1st Viscount Anson (age 37) and Anne Margaret Coke Viscountess Anson (age 25).
On 15 May 1839 George John Brudenell was born to Ernest Brudenell-Bruce 3rd Marquess Ailesbury (age 28) and Louisa Elizabeth Horsley Beresford Marchioness Ailesbury (age 25).
On 15 May 1852 John Manners-Sutton 3rd Baron Manners was born to John Manners-Sutton 2nd Baron Manners (age 34) and Lydia Sophia Dashwood (age 27).
On 15 May 1867 Lionel Sackville-West 3rd Baron Sackville was born to William Sackville-West (age 37) and Georgina Dodwell.
On 15 May 1869 Mary Stuart Keppel was born to William Keppel 7th Earl Albermarle (age 37) and Sophia Mary MacNab of Dundurn Castle (age 36).
On 15 May 1875 Mary Cecil Curzon 17th Baroness Zouche was born to George Augutus Curzon (age 38).
On 15 May 1883 Ninian Edward Crichton-Stuart was born to John Crichton-Stuart 3rd Marquis of the Isle of Bute (age 35) and Gwendolen Mary Anne Fitzalan Howard Marchioness Bute (age 29).
On 15 May 1885 Maurice Roche 4th Baron Fermoy was born to James Roche 3rd Baron Fermoy (age 33) and Frances Ellen Work Lady Fermoy (age 27).
On 15 May 1886 Mary Borden Lady Spears was born.
On 15 May 1919 Robert Charles Darling 2nd Baron Darling was born to Major John Clive Darling (age 31) and Eleanor Joan Martin Powell.
Marriages on the 15th May
On 15 May 1092 King Philip I of France (age 39) and Bertrade Montfort Queen Consort France (age 22) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort of France. They were married despite their both having living spouses: Bertha Gerulfing Queen Consort France (age 37) and Fulk "Réchin" Anjou 4th Count Anjou (age 49) respectively. He the son of King Henry I of France and Anne Rurik Queen Consort France.
On 15 May 1346 James Butler 2nd Earl Ormonde (age 14) and Elizabeth Darcy Countess Ormonde (age 14) were married at Ormond, County Tipperary. She by marriage Countess Ormonde. She the daughter of John Darcy 1st Baron Darcy of Knayth (age 66) and Joan Burgh Countess Kildare (age 46). He the son of James Butler 1st Earl Ormonde and Eleanor Bohun Countess Ormonde (age 41). They were third cousin once removed. He a great grandson of King Edward I of England.
On 15 May 1459 James Douglas 1st Earl Morton and Joan Stewart Countess Morton (age 31) were married. She by marriage Countess Morton. She the daughter of King James I of Scotland and Joan Beaufort Queen Consort Scotland. They were first cousin once removed. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.
After 15 May 1539 George Tailboys 2nd Baron Tailboys 10th Baron Kyme (age 16) and Margaret Skipwith Baroness Tailboys were married. She by marriage Baroness Tailboys of Kyme. He the son of Gilbert Tailboys 1st Baron Tailboys and Elizabeth "Bessie" Blount Baroness Clinton and Tailboys (age 41).
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.
On 15 May 1684 Heneage Finch 5th Earl Winchilsea (age 27) and Anne Kingsmill Countess Winchelsea (age 23) were married. She by marriage Countess Winchilsea. He the son of Heneage Finch 3rd Earl Winchilsea (age 56) and Mary Seymour Countess Winchelsea. He a great x 5 grandson of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.
On 15 May 1699 Henry Bunbury 3rd Baronet (age 22) and Susannah Hanmer Lady Bunbury (age 22) were married. They had four sons and five daughters. She by marriage Lady Bunbury of Bunbury in Oxfordshire and Stanney Hall in Cheshire.
On 15 May 1707 George Brudenell 3rd Earl Cardigan (age 21) and Elizabeth Bruce 3rd Countess Cardigan (age 18) were married at St Martin in the Fields [Map]. She by marriage Countess Cardigan. She the daughter of Thomas Bruce 3rd Earl Elgin 2nd Earl Ailesbury (age 51) and Elizabeth Seymour Countess Elgin and Ailesbury.
On 15 May 1742 Francis Greville 1st Earl Brooke Warwick Castle 1st Earl Warwick (age 22) and Elizabeth Hamilton Countess Brooke Warwick Castle and Warwick (age 22) were married. She by marriage Baroness Brooke of Beauchamps Court in Warwickshire.
On 15 May 1759 James Waldegrave 2nd Earl Waldegrave (age 44) and Maria Walpole Duchess Gloucester and Edinburgh (age 22) were married. She by marriage Countess Waldegrave. The difference in their ages was 21 years. He the son of James Waldegrave 1st Earl Waldegrave and Mary Webb Countess Waldegrave. He a great grandson of King James II of England Scotland and Ireland.
On 15 May 1775 Frederick Irby 2nd Baron Boston (age 25) and Christian Methuen were married.
On 15 May 1792 Lawrence Palk 2nd Baronet (age 26) and Dorothy Elizabeth Vaughan (age 28) were married. She the daughter of Wilmot Vaughan 1st Earl Lisburne (age 64) and Dorothy Shafto Countess Lisburne (age 59).
On 15 May 1845 Lawrence Palk 1st Baron Haldon (age 27) and Maria Harriett Hesketh Baroness Haldon were married. They had four sons and two daughters.
On 15 May 1901 John Frecheville Ramsden 6th Baronet (age 24) and Joan Buxton Lady Ramsden (age 20) were married.
Before 15 May 1941 Lieutenant-Commander John Thurburn Currie (age 36) and Rita Emily Carr-Ellison Duchess Grafton (age 29) were married.
On 15 May 1958 Charles John Robert Manners 10th Duke Rutland (age 38) and Frances Helen Sweeny Duchess of Rutland (age 21) were married. She by marriage Duchess Rutland. She the daughter of Charles Francis Sweeny (age 48) and Margaret Whigham Duchess of Argyll (age 45). He the son of John Henry Montagu Manners 9th Duke Rutland and Kathleen Tennant Duchess Rutland (age 63).
Deaths on the 15th May
Before 15 May 1218 Robert Marmion 3rd Baron Marmion (age 65) was killed in a fight with the forces of Ranulf de Blondeville Gernon 6th Earl Chester 1st Earl Lincoln (age 48) at Scrivelsby. His son Robert Marmion 4th Baron Marmion (age 36) succeeded 4th Baron Marmion of Tamworth in Staffordshire Feudal.
On 15 May 1268 Peter of Savoy 1st Earl of Richmond (age 65) died. He left the Honour of Richmond to his niece Eleanor of Provence Queen Consort England (age 45) who transferred it to the crown.
On 15 May 1464 a Yorkist army commanded by John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu (age 33) defeated a Lancastrian army commanded by Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset (age 28) at Hexham, Northumberland [Map] during the Battle of Hexham.
Those fighting for York included John Stafford 1st Earl Wiltshire (age 36), John Scrope 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton (age 26) and Richard Welles 7th Baron Welles, Baron Willoughby (age 36).
Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset (age 28) was beheaded following the battle. The general pardon which he has previously received was annulled. Duke Somerset, Marquess Dorset, Earl Somerset and Earl Dorset forfeit for the second time. His son Edmund Beaufort 3rd Duke of Somerset (age 25) was styled by supporters of the House of Lancaster as Duke of Somerset but had not right to do so.
Philip Wentworth (age 40) was executed at Middleham [Map].
On 15 May 1509 Nicholas Griffin 10th Baron Latimer Braybrooke (age 33) died. His son Thomas Griffin 11th Baron Latimer Braybrooke de jure 11th Baron Latimer of Braybrook.
On 15 May 1609 Edward Stradling (age 80) died. His second cousin John Stradling 1st Baronet (age 46) inherited St Donat's Castle.
Around 15 May 1617 Ursula Tyrwhitt (age 77) died in Boston [Map]. See Diary of Anne Clifford.
On 15 May 1630 Thomas Gerard 2nd Baronet (age 46) died at Winwick Parish Newhall, Rufford. His son William Gerard 3rd Baronet (age 18) succeeded 3rd Baronet Gerard of Bryn in Lancashire.
Around 15 May 1657 Susanna Style Lady Reade died.
On 15 May 1670 John Browne 1st Baronet (age 66) died. His son George Browne 2nd Baronet (age 43) succeeded 2nd Baronet Browne of The Neale in County Mayo. Alicia Bingham Lady Browne (age 39) by marriage Lady Browne of The Neale in County Mayo.
On 15 May 1682 Bishop Henry Bridgeman died.
On 15 May 1684 Frances Yelverton Viscountess Hatton died.
On 15 May 1695 Patrick Lyon 3rd Earl Strathmore and Kinghorne (age 51) died. His son John Lyon 4th Earl Strathmore and Kinghorne (age 32) succeeded 4th Earl Strathmore and Kinghorne. Elizabeth Stanhope Countess Strathmore and Kinghorne (age 32) by marriage Countess Strathmore and Kinghorne.
On 15 May 1713 Thomas Delves 3rd Baronet (age 82) died. His son Thomas Delves 4th Baronet (age 60) succeeded 4th Baronet Delves of Dodington in Cheshire.
On 15 May 1843 George Coventry 8th Earl Coventry (age 58) died. His grandson George Coventry 9th Earl Coventry (age 5) succeeded 9th Earl Coventry.
On 15 May 1846 Spencer Rodney 5th Baron Rodney (age 61) died at Harley Street Marylebone. He was buried at Eye, Suffolk. His nephew Robert Dennett Rodney 6th Baron Rodney (age 25) succeeded 6th Baron Rodney of Rodney Stoke in Somerset.
On 15 May 1870 Harriet Anne Bisshopp 13th Baroness Zouche (age 82) died. Her son Robert Curzon 14th Baron Zouche Harringworth (age 60) succeeded 14th Baron Zouche Harringworth.
On 15 May 1915 Edith Somerset Countess Londesborough (age 76) died.
On 15 May 1925 Edward Geoffrey Broadley Palmer 10th Baronet (age 60) died. His son Geoffrey Frederick Neill Palmer 11th Baronet (age 31) succeeded 11th Baronet Palmer of Carlton in Northampton.
On 15 May 1941 Arthur Foljambe 2nd Earl of Liverpool (age 70) died. His half brother Gerald Foljambe 3rd Earl of Liverpool (age 63) succeeded 3rd Earl Liverpool.
On 15 May 1983 Dorothy Charlotte Forster Baroness Wardington (age 92) died.
On 15 May 2000 Ziki Robertson 11th Baroness Wharton (age 66) died. Her son Myles Christopher David Robertson 12th Baron Wharton (age 35) succeeded 12th Baron Wharton.
On 15 May 2005 Anthony Ashley-Cooper 11th Earl of Shaftesbury (age 27) died of a heart attack. His brother Nicholas Ashley-Cooper 12th Earl of Shaftesbury (age 25) succeeded 12th Earl Shaftesbury, 12th Baron Ashley of Wimborne St Giles, 13th Baronet Cooper of Rockbourne in Southampton.
On 15 May 2021 Edward John Peregrine Cust 7th Baron Brownlow (age 85) died. His son Peregrine Cust 8th Baron Brownlow (age 46) succeeded 8th Baron Brownlow of Belton in Lincolnshire, 11th Baronet Cust of Stamford in Lincolnshire
