On this Day in History ... 18th March

18 Mar is in March.

978 Murder of King Edward the Martyr

1190 Massacre of the Jews at Bury St Edmunds

1445 Richard of York meets Margaret of Anjou

1554 Wyatt's Rebellion Executions

1601 Essex Rebellion

1696 Plot to Assassinate King William III

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 18th March

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 978. This year was King Edward (age 16) slain, at eventide, at Corfe-gate [Map], on the fifteenth day before the calends of April. And he was buried at Wareham, Dorset [Map] without any royal honour. No worse deed than this was ever done by the English nation since they first sought the land of Britain. Men murdered him but God has magnified him. He was in life an earthly king-he is now after death a heavenly saint. Him would not his earthly relatives avenge-but his heavenly father has avenged him amply. The earthly homicides would wipe out his memory from the earth-but the avenger above has spread his memory abroad in heaven and in earth. Those, Who would not before bow to his living body, now bow on their knees to His dead bones. Now we may conclude, that the wisdom of men, and their meditations, and their counsels, are as nought against the appointment of God. In this same year succeeded Ethelred Etheling (age 12), his brother, to the government; and he was afterwards very readily, and with great joy to the counsellors of England, consecrated king at Kingston [Map]. In the same year also died Alfwold, who was Bishop of Dorsetshire, and whose body lieth in the minster at Sherborn [Map].

Chronicle of English Kings Book 2 Chapter 9. 18 Mar 978. Meanwhile king Edward (age 16) conducted himself with becoming affection to his infant brother (age 12) and his step-mother (age 33); he retained only the name of king, and gave them the power; following the footsteps of his father's piety, and giving both his attention and his heart to good council. The woman (age 33), however, with that hatred which a step-mother only can entertain, began to meditate a subtle stratagem, in order that not even the title of king might be wanting to her child, and to lay a treacherous snare for her son-in-law [step-son], which she accomplished in the following manner. He was returning home, tired with the chase and gasping with thirst from the exercise, while his companions were following the dogs in different directions as it happened, when hearing that they dwelt in a neighbouring mansion, the youth proceeded thither at full speed, unattended and unsuspecting, as he judged of others by his own feelings. On his arrival, alluring him to her with female blandishment, she made him lean forward, and after saluting him while he was eagerly drinking from the cup which had been presented, the dagger of an attendant pierced him through. Dreadfully wounded, with all his remaining strength he clapped spurs to his horse in order to join his companions; when one foot slipping, he was dragged by the other through the trackless paths and recesses of the wood, while the streaming blood gave evidence of his death to his followers. Moreover, they then commanded him to be ingloriously interred at Wareham; envying him even holy ground when dead, as they had envied him his royal dignity while living. They now publicly manifested their extreme joy as if they had buried his memory with his body; but God's all-seeing eye was there, who ennobled the innocent victim by the glory of miracles. So much is human outweighed by heavenly judgment. For there lights were shown from above; there the lame walked; there the dumb resumed his fticulty of speech; there every malady gave way to health. The fame of this pervading all England, proclaimed the merits of the martyr. The murderess excited by it, attempted a progress thither; and was already urging forward the horse slie had mounted, when she perceived the manifest anger of God; for the same creature which she had heretofore constantly ridden, and which was used to outstrip the very wind in speed, now by command of God, stood motionless. The attendants, both with whips and clamours, urged him forward that he might carry his noble mistress with his usual readiness; but their labour was in vain. They changed the horse; and the same circumstance recurred. Her obdurate heart, though late, perceived the meaning of the miracle; wherefore, what she was not herself permitted to do, she suffered to be performed by another: for that Elferius, whom I before blamed for destroying the monasteries, repenting of his rashness, and being deeply distressed in mind, took up the sacred corpse from its unworthy burial-place, and paid it just and distinguished honours at Shaftesbury [Map]. He did not escape unpunished, however, for, within a year afterwards, he was eaten of the vermin which we call lice. Moreover, since a mind unregulated is a torment to itself, and a restless spirit endures its own peculiar punishment in this life, Elfthrida declining from her regal pride, became extremely penitent; so that at Werewell [Map], for many years, she clothed her pampered body in hair-cloth, slept at night upon the ground without a pillow; and mortified her flesh with every kind of penance. She was a beautiful woman; singularly faithful to her husband; but deserving punishment from the commission of so great a crime. It is believed and commonly reported, that from her violence to Edward, the country for a long time after groaned under the yoke of barbarian servitude.

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Florence of Worcester. 18 Mar 978. Edward, king of England (age 16), was foully murdered at Corvesireate [Map], at the instigations of his step-mother, queen Elfthritha (age 33), and was buried at Wareham [Map] without royal pomp.

On 18 Mar 978 King Edward I of England (age 16) was murdered at Corfe Castle, Dorset [Map] when visiting his younger half-brother Æthelred (age 12) and his [Æthelred's] mother Aelfthryth (age 33). He was buried in Wareham, Dorset [Map] without ceremony. His half brother King Æthelred II of England (age 12) succeeded II King England.

On 18 Mar 1190 at Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk [Map] fifty-seven of the Jewish population were murdered.

On 18 Mar 1445 Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York (age 33) met Margaret of Anjou (age 14) at Pontoise [Map] on his mission to bring her back to England for her marriage to King Henry VI of England and II of France (age 23).

Calendars. 18 Mar 1461. Westminster Palace [Map]. Grant, during the King's pleasure, to the King's kinsman Henry, Viscount Bourchier (age 57), was appointed the office of treasurer of the Exchequer in the same manner as Walter Hungerford, knight, late treasurer.

On 18 Mar 1476 Bishop Oliver King (age 44) became the king's 'first and principal Secretary' for the French tongue for life.

Letters and Papers 1533. 18 Mar 1533. R. O. 245. Bridget Hogan to Cromwell.

I thank you for the great pains taken for my husband and me touching the ward of Appilyard1, as we learn from Master Bonwiche. We beg you to finish it "in your own name, but fro Sir Edward (age 37) and fro Sir James," as it would not be good for my husband to meddle with them. He has written to Anthony Bonwic of this matter. Estbrodeham, 18 March. On Sunday last the parson of Asshill, within half a mile of my house, died. The benefice is in the gift of Sir Henry Wyatt. If you could get it for me, or one of my children, it would find him at school. It is worth £10 a year, "and stonds mytche be corne," which will help me and my house.

Hol., p. 1. Add.: Councillor.

Note 1. John, son and heir of Roger Appleyard. See vol. v., 80 (22). This letter may be of the year 1531 or 1532.

Letters 1536. 18 Mar 1536. Vienna Archives. 495. Chapuys (age 46) to Granvelle.

Knows not what to add to what he has written to the Emperor, except that he has been informed that of late the King said triumphantly at a full table how the Pope, fearing the Emperor's approach to Rome, had furnished the castle of St. Angelo to withdraw into, and was raising foot soldiers for the same reason. He also said that the marquis of Guasto had killed the marquis of Villa Franca, which was a very awkward thing for the Emperor. These are all French inventions, which this King has no great difficulty in believing. You will see by the letters I write to his Majesty, the gentle device of this King to extract money on pretext of charity by means of the offerings. If it succeed, as no doubt it will, he will gain an immense sum of money, for he will impose a tax according to his will which everyone will have to offer, and not engage to do so for once but for all the other innumerable inventions that this King daily puts forward in order to get money, at which the people is terribly grieved and almost desperate, but no man dare complain. The new amours of this King with the young lady [Jane Seymour (age 27)] of whom I have before written still go on, to the intense rage of the concubine (age 35); and the King fifteen days ago put into his chamber the young lady's brother (age 36).

London, 18 March 1535Fr., from a modern copy, pp. 2.

Letters 1536. 18 Mar 1536. R. O. 499. Thomas Warley to Lady Lisle (age 42).

Has attended at the Court for the kirtle which she has long looked for, and this morning had a token from Mrs. Margery that it should be delivered to him in the Queen's (age 35) wardrobe, where upon sight of the token he received it. It is of cloth of gold paned like the paper enclosed. Showed Mr. Blunt one of the sleeves that he might certify you of the same.

Went back to the Queen's (age 35) chamber to thank Mrs. Margery, but she had gone into the privy chamber, so that he could not speak with her. Will be at Court tomorrow, and send word what she says by the next messenger. Asks what he shall do with the kirtle. Suggests that Lady Lisle (age 42) should write letters of thanks to Mrs. Margery and George Tayllour, and remember those of the Queen's wardrobe. Mr. Raffe Sadler confirms what he wrote previously, that all abbeys of the yearly value of 300 marks and under shall be put down. When Sadler can come by any of the names, he will send them to Lord Lisle (age 71). The King has given to Mr. Blunt and his heirs the tenement that Thomas Knight of Calais dwells in. London, 18 March.

Wrote to lord and Lady Lisle (age 42) by Buck, lord Edmund's servant, to Lord Lisle (age 71), by London, archer on horseback, and to both by Thomas Audesle, of Devonshire, and has heard nothing from them since his coming.

Hol., pp. 2. Add: At Calais.

On 10 Mar 1538 Philip Hoby (age 33) arrived in Brussels [Map] with Hans Holbein The Younger (age 41) having been sent by Thomas Cromwell 1st Earl Essex (age 53) to procure a portrait of Christina Oldenburg Duchess Lorraine (age 16). King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 46) received the protrait on 18 Mar 1538 and was reported to have been pleased.

Wriothesley's Chronicle 1541. 18 Mar 1541. This yeare, the eightenth daie of March, Mr. William Rotchmeire was presented to the Kinge at Westminster at York Place, and their the Kinge made him knight, and Mr. Martin Bowes, one of the sherives, also.

Diary of Edward VI. 18 Mar 1551. The lady Mary (age 35) my sister came to me to Whestmuster1, wheare after salutacions she was called with my counsel into a chambre, where was declared how long I had suffered her masse against my will2 in hope of her reconciliation, and how now, being no hope, wich I perceived by her lettres, except I saw some short amendement, I could not beare it. She answerid that her soul was God('s), and her faith she wold not chaung, nor dissemble hir opinion with contrary doinges. It was said I constrained not her faith, but willed her (not as a king to rule, but3) as a subject to obey. And that her esaumple might breed to much inconvenience.

Note 1. "The XV. day of March the lady Mary rode through London unto Saynt John's [at Clerkenwell], her place, with fifty knights and gentlemen in velvet coats and chains of gold afore her, and after her fourscore gentlemen and ladies, every one having a pair of beads of black. She rode through Chepeside and through Smithfield. The xvij. day [not 18 as in the King's Journal] my lady Mary rode from Saynt John's through Fleet-street unto the court at Westminster, with many noblemen, of lords and knights and gentlemen, and ladies and gentlewomen; and at the court-gate she alighted, and was received by mr. Wingtield, the comptroller of the King's house, and many lords and knights, and so she was brought through the hall into the chamber of presence, and so she tarried there, and had a goodly banquet, two hom-s. And soon after she took her horse and rode unto Saynt John's; and there she lay all night; and on the morrow her Grace rode to New hall in Essex; and there bided in grace, with honour, thanked be God and the King her brother." — Machyn's Diary, p. 5.

Note 2. These words are struck through with the King's pen.

Note 3. These words are inserted above the line.

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Wriothesley's Chronicle 18 Mar 1554. 18 Mar 1554. The xviii of Marche, beinge Palme Sunday, the Ladie Elizabeth (age 20) was had to the Tower from Westminster by water privelie, after the Queene (age 38) had gone a procession, which was about x of the clock in the forenoone.

The same Palme Sunday the old service after the use of Sarum in Latyn was begone agayne and kept in Paules and other parishes, within the Cittie of London, with allso bearinge of Palmes, and creepinge to the Crosse on Good Fridaye, with the Sepulcher lights and the Resurrection on Easter daye.

Allso the Scriptures written on Rood-lofts and about the churches in London, with the armes of England, was washed out againste the feast of Easter in moste parte of all the parishe churches of the diocesse of London. And Dr. Feknama was made Deane of Paules, and Dr. May putt owt, and the sacrament of the aulter hanged or sett on the aulter in everie parishe churche.

Note a. John Feckenham.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 18 Mar 1554. The xviij day of Marche was kared to the Towre of London [Map] my lade Elsabeth('s) (age 20) grace, the quen('s) (age 38) syster, a-for none.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 18 Mar 1557. The xviij day of Marche was the monyth myn of the yerle of Sussex (deceased), and the hersse bornyng and standyng tyll durge, and masse done on the morow after yt was taken downe; and master Garter was ther to se ys standard and ys elmet, targat, cott, and banars sett up over hym, with alle thyng longyng therto.... man shuld where no ...

On 18 Mar 1601 Charles Danvers (age 33) and Christopher Blount (age 36) was beheaded for their part in the Essex Rebellion.

On 18 Mar 1609 Frederick III King Denmark was born to Christian IV King Denmark (age 31).

Diary of Anne Clifford 1619. 18 Mar 1619. The 18th I compared the two books of the Cliffords that Mr Keniston sent me down.

Evelyn's Diary. 18 Mar 1644. I went with Sir J. Cotton (age 23), a Cambridgeshire Knight, a journey into Normandy. The first day, we passed by Gaillon, the Archbishop of Rouen's Palace. The gardens are highly commended, but we did not go in, intending to reach Pontoise by dinner. This town is built in a very gallant place, has a noble bridge over the Oise, and is well refreshed with fountains.

Pepy's Diary. 18 Mar 1660. I rose early and went to the barber's [Jervas] in Palace Yard and I was trimmed by him, and afterwards drank with him a cup or two of ale, and did begin to hire his man to go with me to sea. Then to my Lord's lodging where I found Captain Williamson and gave him his commission to be Captain of the Harp, and he gave me a piece of gold and 20s. in silver. So to my own house, where I staid a while and then to dinner with Mr. Shepley at my Lord's lodgings. After that to Mr. Mossum's, where he made a very gallant sermon upon "Pray for the life of the King and the King's son". (Ezra vi. 10.) From thence to Mr. Crew's (age 62), but my Lord not being within I did not stay, but went away and met with Mr. Woodfine, who took me to an alehouse in Drury Lane, and we sat and drank together, and ate toasted cakes which were very good, and we had a great deal of mirth with the mistress of the house about them. From thence homewards, and called at Mr. Blagrave's, where I took up my note that he had of mine for 40s., which he two years ago did give me as a pawn while he had my lute. So that all things are even between him and I. So to Mrs. Crisp, where she and her daughter and son and I sat talking till ten o'clock at night, I giving them the best advice that I could concerning their son, how he should go to sea, and so to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 18 Mar 1661. Home and called at my Lady Batten's, and supped there, and so home. This day an ambassador from Florence was brought into the town in state. Good hopes given me to-day that Mrs. Davis is going away from us, her husband going shortly to Ireland. Yesterday it was said was to be the day that the Princess Henrietta (age 16) was to marry the Duke d'Anjou' in France. This day I found in the newes-booke that Roger Pepys (age 43) is chosen at Cambridge for the town, the first place that we hear of to have made their choice yet. To bed with my head and mind full of business, which do a little put me out of order, and I do find myself to become more and more thoughtful about getting of money than ever heretofore.

Pepy's Diary. 18 Mar 1662. After dinner to the office again, where Sir G. Carteret (age 52) and we staid awhile, and then Sir W. Pen (age 40) and I on board some of the ships now fitting for East Indys and Portugall, to see in what forwardness they are, and so back home again, and I write to my father by the post about Brampton Court, which is now coming on. But that which troubles me is that my Father has now got an ague that I fear may endanger his life. So to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 18 Mar 1667. A little before noon comes my old good friend, Mr. Richard Cumberland (age 35), to see me, being newly come to town, whom I have not seen almost, if not quite, these seven years. In his plain country-parson's dress. I could not spend much time with him, but prayed him come with his brother, who was with him, to dine with me to-day; which he did do and I had a great deal of his good company; and a most excellent person he is as any I know, and one that I am sorry should be lost and buried in a little country town, and would be glad to remove him thence; and the truth is, if he would accept of my sister's fortune, I should give £100 more with him than to a man able to settle her four times as much as, I fear, he is able to do; and I will think of it, and a way how to move it, he having in discourse said he was not against marrying, nor yet engaged. I shewed him my closet, and did give him some very good musique, Mr. Caesar being here upon his lute.

Pepy's Diary. 18 Mar 1667. They gone I to the office, where all the afternoon very busy, and among other things comes Captain Jenifer to me, a great servant of my Lord Sandwich's (age 41), who tells me that he do hear for certain, though I do not yet believe it, that Sir W. Coventry (age 39) is to be Secretary of State, and my Lord Arlington (age 49) Lord Treasurer. I only wish that the latter were as fit for the latter office as the former is for the former, and more fit than my Lord Arlington (age 49). Anon Sir W. Pen (age 45) come and talked with me in the garden, and tells me that for certain the Duke of Richmond (age 28) is to marry Mrs. Stewart (age 19), he having this day brought in an account of his estate and debts to the King (age 36) on that account.

Pepy's Diary. 18 Mar 1668. Thence Sir W. Coventry (age 40), W. Pen (age 46) and I, by Hackney-coach to take a little ayre in Hyde Parke, the first time I have been there this year; and we did meet many coaches going and coming, it being mighty pleasant weather; and so, coming back again, I 'light in the Pell Mell [Map]; and there went to see Sir H. Cholmly (age 35), who continues very ill of his cold. And there come in Sir H. Yelverton (age 34), whom Sir H. Cholmly (age 35) commended me to his acquaintance, which the other received, but without remembering to me, or I him, of our being school-fellows together; and I said nothing of it. But he took notice of my speech the other day at the bar of the House; and indeed I perceive he is a wise man by his manner of discourse, and here he do say that the town is full of it, that now the Parliament hath resolved upon £300,000, the King (age 37), instead of fifty, will set out but twenty-five ships, and the Dutch as many; and that Smith is to command them, who is allowed to have the better of Holmes in the late dispute, and is in good esteem in the Parliament, above the other.

Pepy's Diary. 18 Mar 1668. Thence away by coach to my bookseller's, and to several places to pay my debts, and to Ducke Lane [Map], and there bought Montaigne's Essays, in English, and so away home to dinner, and after dinner with W. Pen (age 46) to White Hall, where we and my Lord Brouncker (age 48) attended the Council, to discourse about the fitness of entering of men presently for the manning of the fleete, before one ship is in condition to receive them. W. Coventry (age 40) did argue against it: I was wholly silent, because I saw the King (age 37), upon the earnestness of the Prince, was willing to it, crying very sillily, "If ever you intend to man the fleete, without being cheated by the captains and pursers, you may go to bed, and resolve never to have it manned"; and so it was, like other things, over-ruled that all volunteers should be presently entered. Then there was another great business about our signing of certificates to the Exchequer for [prize] goods, upon the £1,20,000 Act, which the Commissioners of the Treasury did all oppose, and to the laying fault upon us. But I did then speak to the justifying what we had done, even to the angering of Duncomb and Clifford, which I was vexed at: but, for all that, I did set the Office and myself right, and went away with the victory, my Lord Keeper saying that he would not advise the Council to order us to sign no more certificates. But, before I began to say anything in this matter, the King (age 37) and the Duke of York (age 34) talking at the Council-table, before all the Lords, of the Committee of Miscarriages, how this entering of men before the ships could be ready would be reckoned a miscarriage; "Why", says the King (age 37), "it is then but Mr. Pepys making of another speech to them"; which made all the Lords, and there were by also the Atturny and Sollicitor-Generall, look upon me.

Pepy's Diary. 18 Mar 1669. Thence to visit Ned Pickering (age 51) and his lady (age 36), and Creed and his wife, but the former abroad, and the latter out of town, gone to my Lady Pickering's (age 43) in Northamptonshire, upon occasion of the late death of their brother, Oliver Pickering, a youth, that is dead of the smallpox. So my wife and I to Dancre's (age 44) to see the pictures; and thence to Hyde Park, the first time we were there this year, or ever in our own coach, where with mighty pride rode up and down, and many coaches there; and I thought our horses and coach as pretty as any there, and observed so to be by others. Here staid till night, and so home, and to the office, where busy late, and so home to supper and to bed, with great content, but much business in my head of the office, which troubles me.

Pepy's Diary. 18 Mar 1669. Up, and to see Sir W. Coventry (age 41), and walked with him a good while in the Stone Walk: and brave discourse about my Chancellor (age 60), and his ill managements and mistakes, and several things of the Navy, and thence to the office, where we sat all the morning, and so home to dinner, where my wife mighty finely dressed, by a maid that she hath taken, and is to come to her when Jane goes; and the same she the other day told me of, to be so handsome. I therefore longed to see her, but did not till after dinner, that my wife and I going by coach, she went with us to Holborne, where we set her down. She is a mighty proper maid, and pretty comely, but so so; but hath a most pleasing tone of voice, and speaks handsomely, but hath most great hands, and I believe ugly; but very well dressed, and good clothes, and the maid I believe will please me well enough.

Roger Whitley's Diary. 18 Mar 1690. Tuesday, I went to G.Mainwaring's (age 47); then to Booths, here Sheriffe Randle Batho & many frinds were; then went together to Roode Dee; after us came the other Sheriffe, Grosvenor, Leeming, Lord Cholmely &c; the Court was opened by Proclamation in the usual manner; my sonne (age 39) & neare 30 (old interl) freemen demanded the pole; Sheriffe Partington denyed it (Sheriffe Randle Batho for it) protested against shutting up the books & declaring till all were poled; Grosvenor & Leeming brought Pemberton (the madman, & one more with an intent to pole & endeavord to bring others but could not & seeing our Party considerable & more coming on (18 of which demanded the pole under their hands) but Sheriffe Partington would not yield to it; shut up the books; declared the pole in favour of Grosvenor & Leeming; Sheriffe Randle Batho declared for me & G.Mainwaring (age 47) orderd Parry (onder Towne Clarke) to publish it; Partington commanded Constables to put him downe & carry him to prison (but they did not), then Randle Batho got up himselfe & desired Mainwaring to publish me, & G.Mainwaring (age 47) duly chose & that he would retorne us; then Partington & ye other Party left the Court (I think without ajournment:) went to the Penthouse; Randle Batho & we stayd; the books were cast up, & closed; Proclamation made; we were carryed up in chaires (with great nombers of people) dined at the Sunne, Randle Batho, severall Aldermen, &c. with us; they sealed our Indentures; went to the Penthouse to annexe them to the writ; Partington refused it; soe did the Seale Keeper; we sent it away to the Clark of the Crowne by Morgan Whitley; we dined there about 2, parted about 5; went with Streete to Shire Hall; poled, went to the Sunne (many frinds there) parted at 9.

Calendars. 18 Mar 1693. Whitehall. The Earl of Nottingham to the Lord Lieutenant. The King has considered your letters concerning the parliament of Ireland, and commands me to tell you to prorogue it for six weeks or two months. The King's present intentions are that it should not sit till about September, unless some unforeseen accident should alter this resolution. In the meantime, the bills which you have transmitted will be considered, and his Majesty has ordered that as soon as the judges shall come from their circuits, they shall meet and consider the claims of the House of Commons relating to money bills; for though the judges of Ireland have made the matter plain, yet the opinion of the judges here will strengthen and add weight to it, 'and if can be resolved what measures should be taken in the money bills to be passed when parliament sits. The King is dissatisfied with the proceedings of the City of Londonderry in choosing such a mayor as your Excellency represents; but with this case there can be no other directions but such as the law gives, which the King would have pursued.

It will be scarcely practicable to keep the two newly-raised Scotch regiments here, because they are to have the same pay as those of Ireland, and any regiments from hence will not be so well contented with it, but you are to dispose of those two Scotch regiments in quarters as may best prevent the inconvenience which you apprehend. [S.P. Ireland King's Letter Book 1, p. 452.];

Calendars. 18 Mar 1693. Whitehall. The same to the same. The House of Lords has lately made an address to the King representing several abuses in the management of the affairs of Ireland, and his Majesty has commanded me to send you the enclosed extract with the following directions upon them.

That you require an account from the Commissioners of Enquiry of the several matters contained in the three first articles and transmit the same to his Majesty.

That you enquire into the abuses complained of in the fourth article.

That you send an account of what ground there is for the complaint in the sixth article, and take care that nothing of that nature be done for the future.

As to what is mentioned in the seventh artcile about the the Lord Mayor of Dublin, the practice being founded upon the construction of an Act of Parliament, the King wishes you to be very "tender" in executing it in future.

The King commands you to enquire the reason Sweetman was not prosecuted, or what was done against him. He is mentioned in the eighth article.

The House of Commons has likewise made an address in which is the following article:—By recruiting your troops with Irish papists and such persons, who were in open rebellion against you, to the great endangering and discouraging of the good and loyal protestant subjects in that kingdom.;

His Majesty wishes you to inquire into it and direct the order against this abuse to be duly executed.

And the King wishes you to transmit an account of these matters as soon as possible.

I enclose you, by his Majesty's commands, a letter from Bristol to a "Parliament man" that you may inquire into the grounds of the complaint in it and prosecute it as it deserves. Note. The enclosed letter was from Richard Dent and directed to John Dutton Colt, esq., a member of the House of Commons, London, dated Bristol, March 8, 1692-8. [S.P. Ireland King's Letter Book 1, p. 451.]

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Calendars. 18 Mar 1693. Kensington. Commissions for William Helmsley, gent., to be ensign to Captain Hamilton in John, Lord Cutts', regiment of foot [H.O. Military Lintry Book 2, p. 389]; for James Haskett, esq., to be town major of the town and garrison of Portsmouth and of the forts and fortifications thereunto belonging [Ibid., p. 3840]; for Richard Goddard, gent., to be Leutenant of Captain Edward Croft's company, in Colonel Henry Trelawny's regiment of foot [Ibid., p. 347]; and for Thomas Frazer, clerk, to be chaplain to the regiment of Scots' foot guards, commanded by Brigadier George Ramzey [Ibid., p. 842].

Calendars. 18 Mar 1693. Kensington. Appointment of Charles, Earl of Carlisle, as governor of the town and castle of Carlisle and of the forts and fortifications there. [Ibid., p. 340.]

Calendars. 18 Mar 1693. Whitehall. The Earl of Nottingham to the Commissioners of the Treasury. The King commands me to acquaint you that he has thought fit to continue Mr. Molesworth's allowance, granted to him as envoy extraordinary to the King of Denmark, until the present Saturday on which day the privy seal in that behalf shall cease and determine. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 2, p. 680.]

Calendars. 18 Mar 1693. Whitehall. Warrantto [Viscount Sydney] to appoint William, Earl of Inchiquin, governor of the town of Kinsale, and of the fort near that place, in the room of John, Viscount Fitzharding, at a fee of 20s. per day. [S.P. Dom. Signet Office Letter Book 12, p. 591.]

Calendars. 18 Mar 1693. Whitehall. Warrant for Lewis Fountaine and Peter le Fevre, two French prisoners, to be delivered to the Commissioners for the Exchange of Prisoners of War. [H.O. Warrant Book 6, p. 521.]

Calendars. 18 Mar 1693. Kensington. Warrant for a grant of letters patent to John Loftingh for his invention of an instrument or engine for making thimbles "for men, women and children," in England, thus saving the heavy importation duty of these articles from Germany and other parts abroad. [H.O. Warrant Book 6, p. 522.]

Calendars. 18 Mar 1693. Whitehall. Allowance to the executors of the late William Harbord, esq., of the expenses of the said William Harbord, their Majesties' ambassador extraordinary to the Ottoman Porte, from the 10th Noyv., 1692-3. [Ibid., p. 523.]

Calendars. 18 Mar 1693. Kensington. Warrant addressed to William Oldys and Samuel Franklin to withdraw the proceedings made in the Court of Admiralty against the ship Crown of Whitehaven, commanded by Elisha Gale. [Ibid., p. 524.]

Calendars. 18 Mar 1693. Whitehall. Passes for Anne Parent, Catherine le Coq, Noe Bets, and John Coq, twosmall children, and Picronne Marouse, with three children, viz.: Giles, Mary and Thomas, to go to Harwich and Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 36, p. 520]; and for Mr. Robert Foreman, ditto [Ibid. 87, p. 1].

Calendars. 18 Mar 1693. Whitehall. The Navy Board to the Lords of the Admiralty. We conceive that by putting the men employed in this summer's service to short allowance, a considerable charge will be saved to their Majesties, several species of victual being now so dear; the expense in victualling ships will be lessened, and the pretences of coming in to revictual will be obviated, if the Victualling Commissioners deliver their whole proportions on board, and the commanders see them duly taken in, and not left behind, as we hear has been too often practised of late.

We cannot find any precedent in the books of this office, since the restoration, for putting the Channel fleet to short allowance on their first setting out in war time, nor have we ever heard of such a thing being done, or of the Channel fleet being on short allowance as a whole. In some foreign voyages, particularly to the W: Indies, there is a necessity for it, and the seamen provide themselves accordingly at their going forth. In case this be done, it will be absolutely necessary for some of the Victualling Commissioners, or their agents, to accompany the fleet with money to pay them monthly as proposed.

It is a question whether the butter and cheese put on board will last good so long as will be necessary under the method of lengthening the victualling. [H.O. Admiralty 6, No. 2.]

Calendars. 18 Mar 1693. Whitehall. The same to Mr. Blathwait. The King intends to have an encampment of his forces here, and wishes you to prepare a list of such regiments as will be most proper to be so disposed. [Ibid.]

On 18 Mar 1696 Robert Charnock (age 33) was hanged for his involvement in the 1696 Plot to Assassinate King William III.

Evelyn's Diary. 18 Mar 1701. I let Sayes Court, Deptford [Map] to Lord Carmarthen (age 42), son to the Duke of Leeds (age 69). 28th. I went to the funeral of my sister Draper, who was buried at Edmonton in great state. Dr. Davenant displeased the clergy now met in Convocation by a passage in his book, p. 40.

Minutes of the Society of Antiquaries. 18 Mar 1719. Mr Vertue according to order having been at Kensington to view the copy of Holbein's picture of Henry the Eighth on the wall at Whitehall reports that the picture is about 4 foot long 3 foot broad wherein are the effigies of the King and his Queen, Henry VII and his Queen but the faces are so small that if it be reduced to a size fit for engraving he thinks it will not answer the intentions of the Society.

On 18 Mar 1809 Major-General Robert Wrey (age 88) was buried at St Peter's Church, Tawstock [Map]. Inscription: In Memory of ROBERT WREY Esqre Major General in the Portuguese Service, and Governor of CHAVES, departed this Life 18th Day of March 1809, aged 88 Years, Sincerely regretted by numerous Friends, and most by those who knew him best. Also of ANNE (age 84) his Wife, who was the Daughter of Dean MEAD of CORK, She died the 3rd Day of Novr 1813, at the advanced Age of Eighty Years, much beloved and respected.

Major-General Robert Wrey: On or before 13 Mar 1721 he was born to Bourchier Wrey 5th Baronet and Diana Rolle. He was baptised at St Peter's Church, Tawstock on 13 Mar 1730. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.36%. In 1750 Major-General Robert Wrey and Anne Meade were married. Before 18 Mar 1809 Major-General Robert Wrey died. This date may be wrong since it is the day of his burial?

Anne Meade: Around 1725 she was born to William Meade. On 03 Nov 1813 she died.

On 18 Mar 1848 Princess Louise Caroline Alberta Windsor Duchess Argyll was born to Prince Albert Saxe Coburg Gotha (age 28) and Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom (age 28). Coefficient of inbreeding 7.16%.

After 18 Mar 1853. St Peter and St Paul's Church, Rock [Map]. Memorial slab of Henry Lingen and his family.

The London Gazette 27173. War Office, 18th March, 1900. Yeomanry Cavalry.

Yorkshire Hussars (Princess of Wales's Own) Major and Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel E. W. Beckett (age 43). Dated 14th March, 1900

On 18 Mar 1913 George I King Greece (age 67) died. His son Constantine I King Greece (age 44) succeeded I King Greece. Sophia Hohenzollern Queen Consort Greece (age 42) by marriage Queen Consort Greece.

On 18 Mar 1948 Brigadier-General Claude Berners Westmacott (deceased) was buried with full military honours at Church of St John Wall, Staffordshire [Map]. The Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier B. C. S. Clarke, D.S.O., who was his Adjutant 1912-1914, together with Lieut.-Colonel L. G. H. Bryant, Commanding at Norton, represented the Regiment at the funeral. A bugler of the Regiment sounded the "Last Post" and "Reveille," and a beautiful wreath was sent by the Regiment.

After 18 Mar 1963. All Saints Church, Sudbury [Map]. Monument to Francis William Lawrance Venables-Vernon 9th Baron Vernon (deceased) and his wife Violet Miriam Nightingale Clay Baroness Vernon (age 68).

Francis William Lawrance Venables-Vernon 9th Baron Vernon: In 1889 he was born to George William Henry Venables-Vernon 7th Baron Vernon and Frances Margaret Lawrance Baroness Vernon. On 09 Feb 1915 Francis William Lawrance Venables-Vernon 9th Baron Vernon and Violet Miriam Nightingale Clay Baroness Vernon were married. On 11 Nov 1916 George Francis Augustus Venables-Vernon 8th Baron Vernon died at Malta. His brother Francis William Lawrance Venables-Vernon 9th Baron Vernon succeeded 9th Baron Vernon of Kinderton in Cheshire. Violet Miriam Nightingale Clay Baroness Vernon by marriage Baroness Vernon of Kinderton in Cheshire. On 18 Mar 1963 Francis William Lawrance Venables-Vernon 9th Baron Vernon died. His son John Venables-Vernon 10th Baron Vernon succeeded 10th Baron Vernon of Kinderton in Cheshire.

Violet Miriam Nightingale Clay Baroness Vernon: Around 1895 she was born to Colonel Charles Herbert Clay and Violet Harriet Nightingale. On 28 Sep 1978 she died.

Births on the 18th March

On 18 Mar 1395 John Holland 2nd Duke Exeter was born to John Holland 1st Duke Exeter (age 43) and Elizabeth Lancaster Duchess Exeter (age 32) at Dartington, Devon. He a great grandson of King Edward III of England.

On 18 Mar 1523 Anne Talbot Countess Pembroke was born to George Talbot 4th Earl of Shrewsbury (age 55) and Elizabeth Walden (age 32).

On 18 Mar 1609 Frederick III King Denmark was born to Christian IV King Denmark (age 31).

On 18 Mar 1683 Ralph Verney 1st Earl Verney was born to John Verney 1st Viscount Fermanagh (age 42) and Elizabeth Palmer.

On 18 Mar 1791 John "Good Earl" Talbot 16th Earl of Shrewsbury was born to John Joseph Talbot (age 25) and Catherine Clifton (age 18).

On 18 Mar 1808 Thomas James Agar aka Agar-Robartes 1st Baron Robartes was born to Charles Bagenal Agar (age 38) and Anna Maria Hunt.

On 18 Mar 1808 John Villiers Shelley 7th Baronet was born to John Shelley 6th Baronet (age 36).

On 18 Mar 1813 William Calder Marshall was born to William Marshall and Annie Calder at either Gilmour Place in Edinburgh or Stevenage, Hertfordshire.

On 18 Mar 1821 Henry Strickland was born to George Strickland 7th Baronet (age 38) and Mary Constable.

On 18 Mar 1828 Son Wentworth-Fitzwilliam was born to Charles Wentworth-Fitzwilliam 5th and 3rd Earl Fitzwilliam (age 41) and Mary Dundas (age 40). He died the same day. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.25%.

On 18 Mar 1848 Princess Louise Caroline Alberta Windsor Duchess Argyll was born to Prince Albert Saxe Coburg Gotha (age 28) and Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom (age 28). Coefficient of inbreeding 7.16%.

On 18 Mar 1913 Margaret Geddes was born to Auckland Geddes 1st Baron Geddes (age 33).

On 18 Mar 1914 Ernest Augustus Hanover was born to Ernest Augustus Hanover Duke Brunswick (age 26) and Viktoria Luise Hohenzollern Duchess Brunswick (age 21). He a great x 2 grandson of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.

On 18 Mar 1918 Charles North was born to Frederick George North 8th Earl Guildford (age 41).

On 18 Mar 1947 John Hamilton Spencer-Smith 7th Baronet was born to Thomas Cospatric Hamilton-Spencer-Smith 6th Baronet (age 29).

Marriages on the 18th March

Before 18 Mar 1434 Richard Strange 3rd Baron Dunster 7th Baron Strange Knockin (age 52) and Elizabeth Cobham Baroness Strange and Mohun (age 15) were married. She by marriage Baroness Strange Knockin, Baroness Mohun of Dunster. The difference in their ages was 37 years.

Around 18 Mar 1453 John Scrope 4th Baron Scrope of Masham (age 65) and Matilda Greystoke Baroness Scrope Masham (age 27) were married. She by marriage Baroness Scrope of Masham. The difference in their ages was 38 years. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

Before 18 Mar 1654 Charles Fairfax 5th Viscount Fairfax and Abigail Yate were married. She by marriage Viscountess Fairfax of Emley in Tipperary.

Before 18 Mar 1683 John Verney 1st Viscount Fermanagh (age 42) and Elizabeth Palmer were married.

On 18 Mar 1728 Henry Bromley 1st Baron Montfort (age 22) and Frances Wyndham (age 23) were married.

On 18 Mar 1771 John Thorold 9th Baronet (age 36) and Jane Hayford Lady Thorold were married.

On 18 Mar 1816 George Byron 7th Baron Byron (age 27) and Elizabeth Chandos-Pole (age 22) were married at St George's Church, Hanover Square.

On 18 Mar 1828 George Prévost 2nd Baronet (age 24) and Jane Williams Lady Prevost were married. She by marriage Lady Prevost of Belmont in Hampshire.

Deaths on the 18th March

On 18 Mar 978 King Edward I of England (age 16) was murdered at Corfe Castle, Dorset [Map] when visiting his younger half-brother Æthelred (age 12) and his [Æthelred's] mother Aelfthryth (age 33). He was buried in Wareham, Dorset [Map] without ceremony. His half brother King Æthelred II of England (age 12) succeeded II King England.

On 18 Mar 1076 Ermengarde Blanche Ingelger Duchess Burgundy (age 58) died.

On 18 Mar 1103 Sybilla Conversano Duchess Normandy died.

On 18 Mar 1222 Yolande Coucy Countess Dreux (age 58) died.

On 18 Mar 1272 John Fitzalan 7th Earl of Arundel (age 25) died. His son Richard Fitzalan 8th Earl of Arundel (age 5) succeeded 8th Earl Arundel Sussex.

On 18 Mar 1496 Thomas Burgh 1st Baron Burgh (age 65) died. He was buried at Holy Trinity Church Gainsborough. His son Edward Burgh (age 33) was deemed insane so not summoned to Parliament; Baron Burgh extinct.

On 18 Mar 1508 Albert Wittelsbach IV Duke Bavaria (age 60) died. On 18 Mar 1508 His son William Wittelsbach IV Duke Bavaria (age 14) succeeded IV Duke Bavaria.

On 18 Mar 1638 Mary Cecil Countess Norwich died.

On 18 Mar 1654 Mary Beaumont Countess of Northampton (age 50) died.

On 18 Mar 1658 Thomas Wodehouse 2nd Baronet (age 73) died. His son Philip Wodehouse 3rd Baronet (age 49) succeeded 3rd Baronet Woodhouse of Wilberhall.

After 18 Mar 1664 Elizabeth Maxwell Countess Winton died.

On 18 Mar 1670 John Anderson 2nd Baronet (age 41) died. His son Edmund Anderson 3rd Baronet (age 9) succeeded 3rd Baronet Anderson of Broughton in Lincolnshire.

On 18 Mar 1675 Arthur Chichester 1st Earl Donegal (age 68) died. He was buried at St Nicholas' Church, Carrickfergus, County Antrim. His nephew Arthur Chichester 2nd Earl Donegal succeeded 2nd Earl Donegal, 3rd Viscount Chichester of Carrickfergus, 4th Baron Chichester of Belfast. Jane Ichyngham Countess Donegall by marriage Countess Donegal.

On 18 Mar 1690 William Portman 6th Baronet (age 46) died without issue. Baronet Portman of Orchard Portman in Somerset extinct. His estate was inherited by his aunt Anne's (age 77) son Henry Seymour. He also died without issue so the estate was inherited by his aunt Joan's great-grandson William Berkeley aka Portman (age 9).

On 18 Mar 1696 Anne St John Countess Rochester (age 81) died.

On 18 Mar 1745 Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford (age 68) died. His son Robert Walpole 2nd Earl Orford (age 44) succeeded 2nd Earl Orford. Margaret Rolle Countess Orford (age 36) by marriage Countess Orford.

On 18 Mar 1749 Matthew Decker 1st Baronet (age 70) died. Baronet Decker of London extinct.

On 18 Mar 1751 William Coventry 5th Earl Coventry (age 75) died. His son George Coventry 6th Earl Coventry (age 28) succeeded 6th Earl Coventry.

On 18 Mar 1773 Ludovic Grant 7th Baronet (age 66) died. His son James Grant 5th Earl Seafield (age 34) succeeded 8th Baronet Grant of Colquhoun.

On 18 Mar 1773 Thomas Hales 4th Baronet (age 47) died. His brother Philip Hales 5th Baronet (age 38) succeeded 5th Baronet Hales of Beakesbourne in Kent.

On 18 Mar 1776 Mary Assheton Baroness Curzon (age 82) died.

On 18 Mar 1780 Susanna Kennedy Countess Winton (age 90) died at Auchans Castle, Auchans.

On 18 Mar 1793 Thomas Woods Knollys 7th Earl Banbury (age 65) died. He was buried at Winchester Cathedral [Map]. His son William Knollys 8th Earl Banbury (age 30) de jure 8th Earl Banbury, 7th Viscount Wallingford, 7th Baron Knollys.

On 18 Mar 1814 Margaret Georgiana Poyntz Countess Spencer (age 76) died.

On 18 Mar 1843 William Montagu 5th Duke Manchester (age 71) died. His son George Montagu 6th Duke Manchester (age 43) succeeded 6th Duke Manchester, 9th Earl Manchester, 9th Viscount Mandeville, 9th Baron Montagu of Kimbolton. Millicent Sparrow Duchess Manchester (age 45) by marriage Duchess Manchester.

On 18 Mar 1844 Maria Forbes Countess Clarendon (age 83) died.

On 18 Mar 1856 Henry Pottinger 1st Baronet (age 66) died. His son Frederick Pottinger 2nd Baronet (age 25) succeeded 2nd Baronet Pottinger of Richmond.

On 18 Mar 1884 Arthur Douglas Bateman Scott 5th and 4th Baronet (age 23) died. His uncle Edward Dolman Scott 6th and 5th Baronet (age 58) succeeded 6th Baronet Scott of Great Barr in Staffordshire, 5th Baronet Bateman of Hartington Hall in Derbyshire.

On 18 Mar 1913 George I King Greece (age 67) died. His son Constantine I King Greece (age 44) succeeded I King Greece. Sophia Hohenzollern Queen Consort Greece (age 42) by marriage Queen Consort Greece.

On 18 Mar 1914 Florence Maude Baroness Braybrooke died.

On 18 Mar 1929 William Pery 4th Earl of Limerick (age 65) died. His brother Edmund Pery 5th Earl of Limerick (age 40) succeeded 5th Earl Limerick. Angela Olivia Trotter Countess of Limerick (age 32) by marriage Countess Limerick.

On 18 Mar 1966 Kathleen Pelham Burn Countess Drogheda (age 79) died.

On 18 Mar 1994 Alvilde Bridges Viscountess Chaplin (age 84) died.