On this Day in History ... 23rd April

23 Apr is in April.

871 Battle of Merton

1016 Death of King Æthelred "Unready"

1016 Coronation of Edmund Ironside

1287 Battle of the Counts

1344 Creation of the Order of the Garter

1366 Creation of Garter Knights

1369 Creation of Garter Knights

1376 Creation of Garter Knights

1377 Creation of Garter Knights

1445 Marriage of Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou

1483 Edward V leaves Ludlow

1502 Death of Prince Arthur

1525 Creation of Garter Knights

1526 Creation of Garter Knights

1541 Creation of Garter Knights

1543 Creation of Garter Knights

1552 Creation of Knights of the Garter

1554 Creation of Garter Knights

1557 Creation of Garter Knights

1559 Creation of Garter Knights

1561 Creation of Garter Knights

1593 Creation of Garter Knights

1661 Coronation of Charles II

1666 Great Plague of London

1685 Coronation James II and Mary

1702 Queen Anne Accession

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 23rd April

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 725. This year died Wihtred (age 55), King of Kent, on the ninth day before the calends of May, after a reign of thirty-two winters. His pedigree is above; and he was succeeded by Eadbert. Ina (age 55) this year also fought with the South-Saxons, and slew Ealdbert, the etheling, whom he had before driven into exile.

On 23 Apr 725 King Wihtred of Kent (age 55) died. His son King Eadbert I of Kent succeeded King of Kent. He may have eigned with his brothers King Æthelbert II of Kent and King Alric of Kent.

On 23 Apr 771 Childebert III King of the Franks (age 92) died. His son Dagobert III King of the Franks succeeded King of the Franks.

On 23 Apr 871 King Æthelred of Wessex (age 24) died possibly as a result of wounds received at the Battle of Merton which took place a month earlier.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1016. This year came King Knute (age 21) with a marine force of one hundred and sixty ships, and Earldorman Eadric "Streona aka Acquisitive" Mercia with him, over the Thames into Mercia at Cricklade, Wiltshire [Map]; whence they proceeded to Warwickshire, during the middle of the winter, and plundered therein, and burned, and slew all they met. Then began Edmund the etheling (age 26) to gather an army, which, when it was collected, could avail him nothing, unless the king (age 50) were there and they had the assistance of the citizens of London. The expedition therefore was frustrated, and each man betook himself home. After this, an army was again ordered, under full penalties, that every person, however distant, should go forth; and they sent to the king (age 50) in London, and besought him to come to meet the army with the aid that he could collect. When they were all assembled, it succeeded nothing better than it often did before; and, when it was told the king, that those persons would betray him who ought to assist him, then forsook he the army, and returned again to London. Then rode Edmund the etheling (age 26) to Earl Utred in Northumbria; and every man supposed that they would collect an army King Knute (age 21); but they went into Stafforddhire, and to Shrewsbury, Shropshire [Map], and to Chester, Cheshire [Map]; and they plundered on their parts, and Knute (age 21) on his. He went out through Buckinghamshire to Bedfordshire; thence to Huntingdonshire, and so into Northamptonshire along the fens to Stamford [Map]. Thence into Lincolnshire. Thence to Nottinghamshire; and so into Northumbria toward York [Map]. When Utred understood this, he ceased from plundering, and hastened northward, and submitted for need, and all the Northumbrians with him; but, though he gave hostages, he was nevertheless slain by the advice of Earldorman Eadric "Streona aka Acquisitive" Mercia, and Thurkytel, the son of Nafan, with him. After this, King Knute (age 21) appointed Eric earl over Northumbria, as Utred was; and then went southward another way, all by west, till the whole army came, before Easter, to the ships. Meantime Edmund Etheling (age 26) went to London to his father (age 50): and after Easter went King Knute (age 21) with all his ships toward London; but it happened that King Ethelred (age 50) died ere the ships came. He ended his days on St. George's day; having held his kingdom in much tribulation and difficulty as long as his life continued.

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On 23 Apr 1016 King Æthelred II of England (age 50) died. His son King Edmund "Ironside" I of England (age 26) succeeded I King England although tthe Witan meeting at Southampton chose King Canute of England (age 21).

After 23 Apr 1016 King Edmund "Ironside" I of England (age 26) was crowned I King England by Archibishop Ælfstan aka Lyfing. His reign lasted seven months.

On 23 Apr 1124 King Alexander I of Scotland (age 46) died. His brother King David I of Scotland (age 40) succeeded I King Scotland. Maud Queen Consort Scotland (age 50) by marriage Queen Consort Scotland.

On 23 Apr 1151 Adeliza of Louvain Queen Consort England (age 48) died. She was buried at Reading Abbey, Berkshire [Map].

On 23 Apr 1287 Guy Montfort Count Nola (age 43) was captured during the Battle of the Counts.

On 23 Apr 1344. The date somewhat unclear; it may have been before. King Edward III of England (age 31) formed the Order of the Garter. The date is somewhat unclear. The first reliable record occurs in autumn of 1348 when the King's wardrobe account shows Garter habits being issued. The Order may have been formed before then with some traditions such as the mantle, and the garter and motto, possibly being introduced later. The Garter refers to an event at Wark Castle [Map] at which King Edward III of England (age 31) picked up the Countess of Salisbury's fallen garter and saying to the crowd "Honi soit qui mal y pense" ie Shame on him who thinks badly of it, or possibly, he brings shame on himself who thinks badly of it. The Countess of Salisbury could refer to his future daughter-in-law Joan "Fair Maid of Kent" Princess Wales (age 15) or her former mother-in-law Catherine Grandison Countess of Salisbury (age 40). The event has also been drescribed as taking place at @@Calias.Creation of the Order of the Garter

Catherine Grandison Countess of Salisbury: Around 1304 she was born to William Grandison 1st Baron Grandison and Sibylla Tregoz Baroness Grandison at Ashford, Herefordshire. Around 1320 William Montagu 1st Earl Salisbury and she were married. She by marriage Baroness Montagu. On 23 Nov 1349 Catherine Grandison Countess of Salisbury died at Bisham Abbey.

On 23 Apr 1362 John Sully (age 79) was appointed 39th Knight of the Garter by King Edward III of England (age 49).

On 23 Apr 1369 King Edward III of England (age 56) created new Garter Knights

46th John Neville 3rd Baron Neville of Raby (age 32).

47th Robert Dampierre (age 46).

48th John Hastings 2nd Earl Pembroke (age 21). Some sources say 1370 but that would be inconsistent with the numbering?

49th Thomas Grandison 4th Baron Grandison (age 30).

50th Guy de Bryan (age 50). Possibly on 31 Dec 1369?.

On 23 Apr 1376 King Edward III of England (age 63) created a number of new Garter Knights ...

54th John Montfort V Duke Brittany (age 37).

55th Thomas Banastre (age 42).

56th William Ufford 2nd Earl Suffolk (age 37).

57th Hugh Stafford 2nd Earl Stafford (age 40).

58th Thomas Holland 2nd Earl Kent (age 26). He the son of Joan "Fair Maid of Kent" Princess Wales (age 47) whose second husband was Edward III's son Edward "Black Prince" (age 45).

59th Thomas Percy 1st Earl of Worcester (age 33) was appointed 59th. He the son of Mary Plantagenet Baroness Percy daughter of Henry Plantagenet 3rd Earl of Leicester 3rd Earl Lancaster who was the first cousin of Edward III's father King Edward II of England.

60th William Beauchamp 1st Baron Bergavenny (age 33).

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On 23 Apr 1377 King Edward III of England (age 64) created three new Garter Knights:

61st Richard of Gloucester (age 10) (the future Richard III).

62nd Henry Bolingbroke (age 10) (the future Henry IV).

63rd John Burley (age 52).

On 23 Apr 1381 John Holland 1st Duke Exeter (age 29) was appointed 68th Knight of the Garter by King Richard II of England (age 14).

On 23 Apr 1394 Hugh Calverley (age 70) died. He was probably buried in St Boniface's Church, Bunbury [Map]. Monument Early Plate Bascinet Period. Finely carved Calf's Head on the breastplate representing Hugh Calveley's canting arms. Calf's Head Crest. Hip Belt. Basinet with unusual decorated Orle.

On 23 Apr 1416 Thomas Camoys 1st Baron Camoys (age 65) was appointed 122nd Knight of the Garter by King Henry V of England (age 29).

On 23 Apr 1464 Joan Valois Queen Consort France was born to King Louis XI of France (age 40) and Queen Charlotte of Savoy (age 22). Coefficient of inbreeding 2.65%.

On 23 Apr 1483 King Edward V of England (age 12) left Ludlow, Shropshire [Map] with his uncle Anthony Woodville 2nd Earl Rivers (age 43).

After 23 Apr 1485. St Andrew's Church, Blickling [Map]. Memorial brass to Isabella Boleyn (deceased). The inscription reads "Hic jacet Isabella Cheyne, quondam Uxor Willi. Cheney Amigeri, de Insula de Shippey, in Comitatu Cancie que obijt xxiijo die Mensis Aprilis, Anno Domini Mcccclxxxv, cuius anime propicietur DeusAmen." i.e. "Here lies Isabella Cheyne, formerly the wife of Will. Cheney Knight, of the Island of Shippey, in the County of Canterbury, who died on the xxiith day of the month of April, in the year of the Lord Mccclxxxv, may God bless her soul."

Isabella Boleyn: Henry Aucher and she were married. William Cheney and she were married. In 1434 she was born to Geoffrey Boleyn and Ann Hoo at Blickling, Norfolk. On 23 Apr 1485 Isabella Boleyn died at Blickling, Norfolk.

On 23 Apr 1502 Prince Arthur's (deceased) funeral was held at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map] presided over by Bishop William Smyth (age 42). George Grey 2nd Earl Kent (age 48), George Talbot 4th Earl of Shrewsbury (age 34), Richard Grey 3rd Earl Kent (age 21), John Grey 2nd Baron Grey of Powis (age 17) and Richard Pole (age 40) attended. Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 59) was Chief Mourner. Edward Howard (age 26) and Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex (age 19) carried The Canopy.

Richard Pole: In 1462 he was born to Geoffrey Pole and Edith St John at Isleworth. Around 1491 Richard Pole and Margaret York Countess of Salisbury were married. She the daughter of George York 1st Duke of Clarence and Isabel Neville Duchess Clarence. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Edward III of England. On 15 Jan 1504 Richard Pole died.

On 23 Apr 1509 Afonso Aviz was born to Manuel "Fortunate" I King Portugal (age 39) and Maria Trastámara Queen Consort Portugal (age 27). Coefficient of inbreeding 8.38%.

Letters and Papers 1515. 23 Apr 1515. Shrewsb. MSS. A. f. 29. Coll. of Arms. 1815. TH. ALEN to the EARL OF SHREWSBURY.

Has told my Lord Cardinal of the Earl's illness, and that of his servants, which he well perceives is no feigned matter. Today he and Babynton asked the Cardinal when he would appoint the Earl to come up for the matter betwixt him and Sir Henry Marny. He said "Counsel my lord to get him into clean eeir (air) and divide his household in sundry places, and if the danger of sickness be past by the next term then to be at London." Babington, however, hopes to have respite till Michaelmas term. Has sent by the same carrier such stuff as he brought up in a cloth sack. Has spoken with Sir Wistan Broun, who is willing to pay this term. "Your lordship hath his obligation. All such stuff as Allan Kyng provided for the King's grace, your lordship and divers other mo, is taken upon the sea with a Scottishman dwelling in Depe." Coldharbert, 23 April, "with the rude hand of your priest, Thomas Alen."

P.S.—My Lord of Buckingham came to London on Monday. Northumberland has not yet spoken with the King.

Hol., p. 1. Add.: To my lord.

Hall's Chronicle 1522. 23 Apr 1522. THE King (age 30) this yere kept the day of S. George with great solemnity, at his manor of Richemond [Map], where were elected to the Order of the Garter, Don Ferdinando (age 19) brother to the Emperor (age 22), and Archduke of Austria, and Sir Richard Wingfield (age 53) knight by the Emperor’s means, to the which the Emperor had given two hundred pound pension, out of the house of Burgundy, which Sir Edward Poynings before had of the Emperors gift.

In 1525, probably around St George's Day, 23 Apr 1525, King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 33) created four new Knights of the Garter:

285th. William Fitzalan 18th Earl of Arundel (age 49).

286th. Thomas Manners 1st Earl of Rutland (age 33).

287th. Henry Fitzroy 1st Duke Richmond and Somerset (age 5).

288th. Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland (age 26).

In 1526, probably around St George's Day, 23 Apr 1526, King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 34) created four new Knights of the Garter:

289th. William Blount 4th Baron Mountjoy (age 48).

290th. William Fitzwilliam 1st Earl of Southampton (age 36).

291st. Henry Guildford (age 37).

292nd. King Francis I of France (age 31).

Calendars. April 23 [1532]. Sanuto Diaries, v. lvi. p. 167. 761. Carlo Capello to the Signory.

Received the Signory's letters of the 8th January and 11th March, with the advices from Constantinople. Went to the Court, and by the King's order conferred with the Duke of Norfolk, to whom communicated the advices, and justified the Signory for having exacted a loan from the clergy, about which the Duke appeared to know nothing, but was not sorry to hear it, because at the last session of Parliament the annats payable at Rome were abolished.

At the moment of his arrival at the Court, one of the chief gentlemen in the service of said Duke of Norfolk, with 20 followers, assaulted and killed in the sanctuary of Westminster Sir (D'no) William Peninthum (sic) chief gentleman and kinsman of the Duke of Suffolk (age 48). In consequence of this, the whole Court was in an uproar, and had the Duke of Suffolk (age 48) been there, it is supposed that a serious affray would have taken place. On hearing of what had happened, he (Suffolk) was on his way to remove the assailants by force from the sanctuary, when the King sent the Treasurer [Thomas Cromwell] to him, and made him return, and has adjusted the affair; and this turmoil displeased him. It is said to have been caused by a private quarrel, but I am assured it was owing to opprobrious language uttered against Madam Anne (age 31) by his Majesty's sister, the Duchess of Suffolk (age 36), Queen Dowager of France.

The affair of the divorce becomes daily more difficult. The Bishops of France and of this island replied lately that they could not assent to it without the Pope's consent, because, when created, they swear not to oppose the Pope's wishes; and the King's desire increases; whilst by letters from Rome it is heard that in all the debates the Queen may be styled King of this island, by reason of the love the people bear her, for her goodness and wisdom.

Yesterday, Monseigneur Falconetto arrived here in 15 days from the Emperor, to demand assistance against the Turk. He went this morning to the Court with another Imperial ambassador resident here.

London, 23rd April. Registered by Sanuto 31st May.

[Italian.]

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Hall's Chronicle 1533. 23 Apr 1533. The king in the beginning of this twenty-fifth yere kept the day of Saint George, at his Manor of Greenwich, with great solemnity, and the Court was greatly replenished, with lords, knights and with ladies and gentlewomen, to a great number, with all solace and pleasure. You have hard the last yere, how the Parliament had enacted that no person should after a day, appeal to Rome for any cause, whatsoever it were, and that the Queen now, called the Princes Dowager, had appealed to the Court of Rome, before the act made, so that it was doubted, whether that appeal were good or not. This question was well handled in the Parliament house, but much better in the Convocation house, but in both houses it was alleged, yea, and by books showed, that in the Counsels of Calcedone, Affricke, Toletane, and diverse other famous Counsels, in the primitive Churche, yea, in the time of Saint Augustine, it was affirmed, declared, and determined, that a cause rising in one Province, should be determined in the same, and that neither the patriarch of Constantinople, should meddle in causes moved in the jurisdiction of the patriarch of Antioch, nor no bishop should intermit, within anothers Province or country: which things were so clerkly opened, so cunningly set forth to all intent, that every man that had wit, and was determined to follow the truth, and not affect nor wilfully wedded to his own mind, might plainly see that all appeals made to Rome, were clearly void and of none effect: which Doctrines and Counsels, were showed to the lady Katerine Princes Dowager, but she (as women love to lose no dignity) ever continued in her old song, trusting more to the Popes partiality, than to the determination of Christ's verity. Whereupon the Archbishop of Canterbury, accompanied with the bishops of London, Winchester, Bath, Lincoln, and diverse other great clerks, in a great number rode to Dunstable, which is six miles from Ampthil, where the Princes Dowager lay, and there by a Doctor called Doctor Lee, she was ascited to appear before the said Archbishopp, in cause of Matrimony, in the said town of Dunstable, and at the day of appearance she would not appear, but made default, and so she was called peremptory, every day, fifteen days together, and at the last for lack of appearance, and for contumacy, by the assent of all the learned men there being present, she was divorced from the king, and their Marriage declared to be void and of none effect, which sentence given, the Archbishop and all the other, returned whether it pleased them.

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Hall's Chronicle 1533. After which divorce sued, many wise men said, that the king was not well counselled, to marry the lady Anne Boleyn (age 32), before the divorce were adjudged, for by marrying before the first marriage was dissolved, they said, that the second marriage might be brought in question, and verily they said true, for so it was in the month of May, three year following, as you shall here after, when I come to the time. Of this divorce every man spoke, as his discretion and wisdom was, for wise men said that it was Godly and honourably done, for the discharge of the King’s conscience, and profitable for the surety of the realm, and that God loved this marriage, considering that the new Queen, was so soon with child. Other said that the bishop of Rome, would curse all Englishmen and that the emperor and he, would invade the realm, and destroy the people, and especially the Spaniards boasted much, but thanks be to God, their doings were much less than their words: but after every man had talked enough, there was no more communing of the matter, but all was in peace.

Hall's Chronicle 1537. 23 Apr 1537. This year at the feast of St George, was the Lord Cromwell (age 52) made knight of the Gartier.

In 1541, probably around St George's Day, 23 Apr 1541, King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 49) created four new Knights of the Garter:

306th. Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset (age 41).

307th. Henry Howard (age 25).

308th. John Gage (age 61).

309th. Anthony Wingfield (age 54).

In 1543, probably around St George's Day, 23 Apr 1543, King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 51) created three new Knights of the Garter:

310th. John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland (age 39).

311th. William Paulet 1st Marquess Winchester (age 60).

312th. William Parr 1st Marquess Northampton (age 31).

Holinshed's Chronicle 1545. 23 Apr 1545. This yeare on saint Georges daie sir Thomas Wriothestleie lord chancellor of England was made knight of the garter. [...] Also Trinitie terme was adiourned by reason of the warres, but the escheker and the court of the tenths were open, for those that were accomptable in either of the said courts.

Diary of Edward VI. 23 Apr 1550. Mons. Trimouille and the vicedam of Chartres and mons. Henaudiere cam to the court, and saw the ordre of the garter1 and the knightes with the souverain receive the communion.

Note 1. "At a chaptre holden at Grenwiche on St. George's daye at eveninge, being the xxiijd day of Aprille, and likewise the next day by the soreraigne of the noble order of the Garter, then present with the Soveraigne the duke of Somerset, the marques of Dorsett (age 33), the marques of Northampton (age 38), th'erle of Bedford, th'erle of Wiltishere, the lord Pagett, sir Thomas Chenye, sir John Gage, sir Anthony Wingfelde, and sir Anthony Sentleger." See further in Anstis, Register of the Order of the Garter, ii. 445.

On 23 Apr 1552 King Edward VI of England and Ireland (age 14) created two new Garter Knights:

329th. Henry Neville 5th Earl of Westmoreland (age 27)

330th. Andrew Dudley (age 45).

Henry Machyn's Diary. 23 Apr 1552. The xxiij day of Aprell, the wyche was sant Jorge day, the Kyng('s) grace, behyng at Westmynster at ys plase, dyd where ys robes of the garter, and the yong yerle of Warwyke beyryng of the kynges sword afor hym thrugh the halle unto the chapell; and ys grase dyd offer, and the resyduw .... evyngsong, and w ... Kynges grace dyd chuysse in the sted of the [earl [Note. Duke!] of Som]ersett the yerle of Westmorland (age 27), and sir Andrew [Dudley,] (age 45) captayne of Gynes, was chosen of the garter the ...

Note. Election of the earl of Westmerland of the garter. In the privy council 10 May 1552. A warrante to the Exchequer to paye unto sir Gilberte Dethicke (age 42) knighte, alias Garter principall kinge at armes, beinge presently to be sente by the kinges majestie to the earle of Westemerlande with the order of the Garter, the some of twentye poundes.

"A comissyon for the said sir Gylberte Dethicke to take upe v. poste horses for himselfe, his servantes, and guide." (MS. Harl. 352, f. 228 b.)

The following entry may here also be added:

"22 Apr 1553. A warrante to sir John Williames to pay unto sir Gilberte Dethicke knight, alias Garter principall kinge at armes, the some of xxj. poundes for schucheones by him sett upp in an°. 4° et 5° of the kinges [and queenes] majesties raigne at Grenewich, at the feaste of the order of the Garter, accordinge to a bill therof included in the same letter." (f. 250.)

Henry Machyn's Diary. 23 Apr 1554. The xxiij day of Aprell, was sant Gorge day, her grace (age 38) whent unto the chapell and whent a prossessyon with all the kynghtes of the garter that was ther pressent [to St.] James in the Feld; ther wher creatyd the sam day knights of the garter, the prynsse of Spayne (age 26) one, and the yerle of Sussex (age 47).

Henry Machyn's Diary. 23 Apr 1555. [The xxiijd day of April, being saint George's day, at Hampton Court [Map], the King (age 27), with other lords and knights of the garter, went in their robes on procession, with three] crosses, and clarkes and prestes, and my lord chancellor, the cheyff menyster, metered [mitred ie wearing his mitre], and all thay in copes of cloth of tyssue and gold, syngyng Salva fasta dyes as thay whent a-bowt; the Quen('s) (age 39) grace lokyd owt of a cassement, that hundereds dyd se her grace after she had taken her chambur; and arolds gohyng a-bowt the Kyng('s) grace.

Foxe's Book of Martyrs. 23 Apr 1556. About the 23d day of April, A. D. 1556, were burned in Smithfield at one fire, these six constant martyrs of Christ, suffering for the profession of the gospel, namely, Robert Drakes, minister; William Tyms, curate; Richard Spurge, shearman; Thomas Spurge, fuller; John Cavel, weaver; George Ambrose, fuller.

On 23 Apr 1557 Queen Mary I of England and Ireland (age 41) appointed three new Garter Knights:

337th Thomas Radclyffe 3rd Earl of Sussex (age 32).

338th William Grey 13th Baron Grey of Wilton (age 48).

339th Robert Rochester (age 63).

Henry Machyn's Diary. 23 Apr 1557. The xxiij day of Aprell was sant Gorge('s) day [the King's (age 29)] grace whent a pressessyon in ys robes of the garter; lord Talbott (age 29) bare the sword a-for the Kyng, and master (blank) bare the rod; and doctur (blank) bare the boke of the record; and the bysshope of Wynchaster (age 47) ware ys myter, and song masse that day; and x knyghtes of the Garter be-syd the Kyng; and secretere Peter ware a robe of cremesun velvett with the Garter; and after the Kyng and odur lordes and knyghtes of the garter whent to evyngsong; and ther was the duke of Muskovea was in chapell at evyngsong, and after he whent and toke ys barge and whent to London, and after wher iij knyghtes of the garter chossen, furst my lord F(itz)uater (age 32), my lord Gray of Wylton (age 48), and ser Robart Rochaster (age 63); thes iij wher mad of the order.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 23 Apr 1557. The xxiij day of Aprell was sant George('s) day [the King's (age 29)] grace whent a pressessyon at Whyt-halle [through the hall] and rond abowt the court hard by the halle; and so [certain of] the knyghts of the garter as they whent in ther [robes] of the garter; the bysshope of Wynchaster (age 47) dyd exsecute the masse with ys myter; the furst as they whe[nt the lord] Montyguw (age 28), my lord admerall (age 47), ser Antony Sely[ger, the] lord Cobham (age 60), the lord Darce (age 60), ser Thomas Chenne, [the lord] Pagett (age 51), the lord of Penbroke (age 56), the lord of Arundel (age 45), [the] lord tressorer (age 74), and secretore Peter in a robe of cremesun velvett with the garter brodered on ys shuder, and [one bare] a rod of blake, and a docthur bare a boke; and [then went all] the harodes, and then my lord Talbott (age 29) bare the sword, then sergant(s) of armes, and the Kyng('s) grace [came next], and Quen('s) (age 41) grace lokyng owt of a wyndow [beside] the cowrt on the garden syde.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Henry Machyn's Diary. 23 Apr 1560. The xxiij day of Aprell, was sant Gorge day, the Quen('s) (age 26) grace and the knyghtes of the Garter whent a prossessyon with all her chapell in copes of cloth of gold, a xxviij copes, and the Quen and all the knyghtes wore ther robes, rownd a-bowt the hall to the cowrt-y[ard,] and all the haroldes of armes in ther cottes of armes.

Note. P. 232. Procession of knights of the garter. This paragraph must not be passed without calling to remembrance a very curious print which exists representing queen Elizabeth accompanying the procession of the order of the garter, which was designed by Marcus Gerrard, and set forth by Thomas Dawes, Rouge-croix pursuivant, and of which there is a copy by Hollar in Ashmole's Order of the Garter, p. 515. It is, however, of a later date than the present Diary, namely the 20th year of the queen's reign, 1578.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 23 Apr 1561. The xxiij day of Aprell was browth unto my lord of Penbroke (age 60) my lord of Lughborow, ser Edward Hastynges (age 40).

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

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

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

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

Henry Machyn's Diary. 23 Apr 1562. The xxiij day of Aprell was sant Gorge's day, a[nd at Whiteh]alle the Quen('s) (age 28) grase whent from her chapell with xii. knyghtes of the Garter in robes with colars of gold with garters, [and] xx of here chapelle, in copes of cloth of gold, to the of[fering, s]yngyne the Englys presessyon from the chapell rond [about the] halle and bake agayne to the chapelle syngyng; and master [dean of] her chapell bare a boke and a robe, and master Norres (age 64) [bare the] blake rod in a robe, and master Garter (age 52), all iij in cremesun saten; [and] the byshope of Wynchester (age 52) warre ys robe of red (blank); and ser William Peter, master Clarenshux (age 52), Somersett, Yorke, Lanckaster, Rychemond, and Chaster, Ruge-dragon, and R[ouge-croix, Port-] colles, Blumantyll, Wyndsor.

On 23 Apr 1597 George Carey 2nd Baron Hunsdon (age 50) was appointed 385th Knight of the Garter by Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 63).

On 23 Apr 1603 Anthony Markham of Sedgebrook (age 26) was knighted by King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 36) at Belvoir Castle [Map].

Diary of Anne Clifford 1617. 23 Apr 1617. The 23rd Lord Clanricarde came hither. After they were gone my Lord (age 28) and I and Tom Glenham went to Mr Lune’s house to see the fine flowers that is in the garden.

This night my Lord (age 28) should have lain with me but he and I fell out about matters.

Diary of Anne Clifford 1619. 23 Apr 1619. Friday the 23rd I went to Black Friars to see my Lady Cavendish and my Lady Kinloss in that house where my Lady Somerset was brought to bed in her great troubles. Then I went to Denmark House and heard prayers there, and this night I watched all night by the Queen’s corpse. There watched with me my Lord Carew’s Lady, my Lady Elizabeth Grye, and various other ladies and gentlemen, beside there sat up my Brother Compton, my Coz. George, my Coz. Thatcher, Mrs Renolds, the beginning of the night there came thither my Lord (age 30) and my Lady Warwick, Sir H. Rich, Charles Rich, my Lord Carew, and Sir Thomas Edmondes, but all these went away before 12 o’clock. I came not away till 5 o’clock in the morning.

After 23 Apr 1623. Monument to George Manners (deceased) and Grace Pierrepont (age 48) at All Saint's Church, Bakewell, Derbyshire [Map]. Jacobean Kneeling monument representing them and their nine children, four boys (one died an infant) on the left, five girls on the right.

The armorials include: Manners Augmented Arms Manners Augmented with a Crescent difference.

Their son John 8th Earl Rutland (age 18) was married to Frances Montagu Countess Rutland (age 9).

Their daughter Dorothy Manners (age 13) married Thomas Lake (age 28).

Their daughter Frances (age 23) was married to Nicholas Saundeson 2nd Viscount Castleton.

Their daughter Eleanor (age 23) was married to Lewis Watson 1st Baron Rockingham (age 35).

Evelyn's Diary. 23 Apr 1661. After sermon, the King (age 30) took his oath before the altar to maintain the religion, Magna Charta, and laws of the land. The hymn Véni S. Sp. followed, and then the Litany by two Bishops. Then the Archbishop of Canterbury (age 79), present, but much indisposed and weak, said "Lift up your hearts"; at which, the King (age 30) rose up, and put off his robes and upper garments, and was in a waistcoat so opened in divers places, that the Archbishop (age 79) might commodiously anoint him, first in the palms of his hands, when an anthem was sung, and a prayer read; then, his breast and between the shoulders, bending of both arms; and, lastly, on the crown of the head, with apposite hymns and prayers at each anointing; this done, the Dean closed and buttoned up the waistcoat. After which, was a coif put on, and the cobbium, sindon or dalmatic, and over this a super-tunic of cloth of gold, with buskins and sandals of the same, spurs, and the sword; a prayer being first said over it by the Archbishop (age 79) on the altar, before it was girt on by the Lord Chamberlain (age 59). Then, the armill, mantle, etc. Then, the Archbishop placed the crown imperial on the altar, prayed over it, and set it on his Majesty's (age 30) head, at which all the Peers put on their coronets. Anthems, and rare music, with lutes, viols, trumpets, organs, and voices, were then heard, and the Archbishop put a ring on his Majesty's (age 30) finger. the King (age 30) next offered his sword on the altar, which being redeemed, was drawn, and borne before him. Then, the Archbishop delivered him the sceptre, with the dove in one hand, and, in the other, the sceptre with the globe. the King (age 30) kneeling, the Archbishop (age 79) pronounced the blessing. His Majesty (age 30) then ascending again his royal throne, while Te Deum was singing, all the Peers did their homage, by every one touching his crown. The Archbishop (age 79), and the rest of the Bishops, first kissing the King (age 30); who received the Holy Sacrament, and so disrobed, yet with the crown imperial on his head, and accompanied with all the nobility in the former order, he went on foot upon blue cloth, which was spread and reached from the west door of the Abbey [Map] to Westminster stairs, when he took water in a triumphal barge to Whitehall where was extraordinary feasting.

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Evelyn's Diary. 23 Apr 1661. The next day, being St. George's, he went by water to Westminster Abbey [Map]. When his Majesty (age 30) was entered, the Dean and Prebendaries brought all the regalia, and delivered them to several noblemen to bear before the King (age 30), who met them at the west door of the church, singing an anthem, to the choir. Then, came the Peers, in their robes, and coronets in their hands, till his Majesty (age 30) was placed on a throne elevated before the altar. Afterward, the Bishop of London (the Archbishop of Canterbury (age 79) being sick) went to every side of the throne to present the King (age 30) to the people, asking if they would have him for their King, and do him homage; at this, they shouted four times "God save King Charles II!" Then, an anthem was sung. His Majesty (age 30), attended by three Bishops, went up to the altar, and he offered a pall and a pound of gold. Afterward, he sat down in another chair during the sermon, which was preached by Dr. Morley (age 63), Bishop of Worcester.

Evelyn's Diary. 23 Apr 1661. First went the Duke of York's Horse Guards. Messengers of the Chamber. 136 Esquires to the Knights of the Bath, each of whom had two, most richly habited. The Knight Harbinger. Sergeant Porter. Sewers of the Chamber. Quarter Waiters. Six Clerks of Chancery. Clerk of the Signet. Clerk of the Privy Seal. Clerks of the Council, of the Parliament, and of the Crown. Chaplains in ordinary having dignities, 10. King's Advocates and Remembrancer. Council at Law. Masters of the Chancery. Puisne Sergeants. King's Attorney and Solicitor. King's eldest Sergeant. Secretaries of the French and Latin tongue. Gentlemen Ushers. Daily Waiters, Sewers, Carvers, and Cupbearers in ordinary. Esquires of the body, 4. Masters of standing offices, being no Counsellors, viz, of the Tents, Revels, Ceremonies, Armory, Wardrobe, Ordnance, Requests. Chamberlain of the Exchequer. Barons of the Exchequer. Judges. Lord Chief-Baron. Lord Chief-Justice of the Common Pleas. Master of the Rolls. Lord Chief-Justice of England. Trumpets. Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber. Knights of the Bath, 68, in crimson robes, exceeding rich, and the noblest show of the whole cavalcade, his Majesty (age 30) excepted. Knight Marshal. Treasurer of the Chamber. Master of the Jewels. Lords of the Privy Council. Comptroller of the Household. Treasurer of the Household. Trumpets. Sergeant Trumpet. Two Pursuivants at Arms. Barons. Two Pursuivants at Arms. Viscounts. Two Heralds. Earls. Lord Chamberlain of the Household (age 59). Two Heralds. Marquises. Dukes. Heralds Clarencieux and Norroy. Lord Chancellor (age 52). Lord High Steward of England. Two persons representing the Dukes of Normandy and Acquitaine, viz, Sir Richard Fanshawe and Sir Herbert Price, in fantastic habits of the time. Gentlemen Ushers. Garter. Lord Mayor of London. The Duke of York alone (the rest by twos). Lord High Constable of England. Lord Great Chamberlain of England. The sword borne by the Earl Marshal of England. the King (age 30), in royal robes and equipage. Afterward, followed equerries, footmen, gentlemen pensioners. Master of the Horse, leading a horse richly caparisoned. Vice-Chamberlain. Captain of the Pensioners. Captain of the Guard. The Guard. The Horse Guard. The troop of Volunteers, with many other officers and gentlemen.

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Pepy's Diary. 23 Apr 1661. Then the Duke (age 27), and the King with a scepter (carried by my Lord Sandwich (age 35)) and sword and mond1 before him, and the crown too. The King in his robes, bare-headed, which was very fine. And after all had placed themselves, there was a sermon and the service; and then in the Quire at the high altar, the King passed through all the ceremonies of the Coronacon, which to my great grief I and most in the Abbey could not see.

Note 1. Mond or orb of gold, with a cross set with precious stones, carried by the Duke of Buckingham (age 33).

Pepy's Diary. 23 Apr 1661. And a Generall Pardon also was read by the Lord Chancellor (age 52), and meddalls flung up and down by my Lord Cornwallis (age 50), of silver, but I could not come by any. But so great a noise that I could make but little of the musique; and indeed, it was lost to every body. But I had so great a lust to.... that I went out a little while before the King had done all his ceremonies, and went round the Abbey to Westminster Hall [Map], all the way within rayles, and 10,000 people, with the ground covered with blue cloth; and scaffolds all the way. Into the Hall I got, where it was very fine with hangings and scaffolds one upon another full of brave ladies; and my wife in one little one, on the right hand. Here I staid walking up and down, and at last upon one of the side stalls I stood and saw the King come in with all the persons (but the soldiers) that were yesterday in the cavalcade; and a most pleasant sight it was to see them in their several robes. And the King came in with his crown on, and his sceptre in his hand, under a canopy borne up by six silver staves, carried by Barons of the Cinque Ports1, and little bells at every end. And after a long time, he got up to the farther end, and all set themselves down at their several tables; and that was also a brave sight: and the King's first course carried up by the Knights of the Bath.

Note 1. Pepys was himself one of the Barons of the Cinque Ports at the Coronation of James II.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Apr 1661. And many fine ceremonies there was of the Heralds leading up people before him, and bowing; and my Lord of Albemarle's (age 52) going to the kitchin and eat a bit of the first dish that was to go to the King's table.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Apr 1661. But, above all, was these three Lords, Northumberland (age 58), and Suffolk (age 42), and the Duke of Ormond (age 50), coming before the courses on horseback, and staying so all dinner-time, and at last to bring up [Dymock] the King's Champion, all in armour on horseback, with his spear and targett carried before him. And a Herald proclaims "That if any dare deny Charles Stewart to be lawful King of England, here was a Champion that would fight with him1;" and with these words, the Champion flings down his gauntlet, and all this he do three times in his going up towards the King's table. At last when he is come, the King drinks to him, and then sends him the cup which is of gold, and he drinks it off, and then rides back again with the cup in his hand.

Note 1. The terms of the Champion's challenge were as follows: "If any person of what degree soever, high or low, shall deny or gainsay our Soveraigne Lord King Charles the Second, King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, Sonne and next heire to our Soveraigne Lord Charles the First, the last King deceased, to be right heire to the Imperiall Crowne of this Realme of England, or that bee ought not to enjoy the same; here is his champion, who sayth that he lyeth and is a false Traytor, being ready in person to combate with him, and in this quarrell will venture his life against him, on what day soever hee shall be appointed".

Evelyn's Diary. 23 Apr 1661. Was the coronation of his Majesty (age 30) Charles II in the Abbey-Church of Westminster [Map]; at all which ceremony I was present. the King (age 30) and his Nobility went to the Tower [Map], I accompanying my Lord Viscount Mordaunt (age 34) part of the way; this was on Sunday, the 22d; but indeed his Majesty (age 30) went not till early this morning, and proceeded from thence to Westminster in this order:

Pepy's Diary. 23 Apr 1661. About six at night they had dined, and I went up to my wife, and there met with a pretty lady (Mrs. Frankleyn, a Doctor's wife, a friend of Mr. Bowyer's), and kissed them both, and by and by took them down to Mr. Bowyer's. And strange it is to think, that these two days have held up fair till now that all is done, and the King gone out of the Hall; and then it fell a-raining and thundering and lightening as I have not seen it do for some years: which people did take great notice of; God's blessing of the work of these two days, which is a foolery to take too much notice of such things. I observed little disorder in all this, but only the King's footmen had got hold of the canopy, and would keep it from the Barons of the Cinque Ports1, which they endeavoured to force from them again, but could not do it till my Lord Duke of Albemarle (age 52) caused it to be put into Sir R. Pye's' (age 76) hand till tomorrow to be decided.

Note 1. Bishop Kennett gives a somewhat fuller account of this unseemly broil: "No sooner had the aforesaid Barons brought up the King to the foot of the stairs in Westminster Hall [Map], ascending to his throne, and turned on the left hand (towards their own table) out of the way, but the King's footmen most insolently and violently seized upon the canopy, which the Barons endeavouring to keep and defend, were by their number and strength dragged clown to the lower end of the Hall, nevertheless still keeping their hold; and had not Mr. Owen York Herald, being accidentally near the Hall door, and seeing the contest, caused the same to be shut, the footmen had certainly carried it away by force. But in the interim also (speedy notice hereof having been given the King) one of the Querries were sent from him, with command to imprison the footmen, and dismiss them out of his service, which put an end to the present disturbance. These footmen were also commanded to make their submission to the Court of Claims, which was accordingly done by them the 30th April following, and the canopy then delivered back to the said Barons". Whilst this disturbance happened, the upper end of the first table, which had been appointed for the Barons of the Cinque Ports, was taken up by the Bishops, judges, &c., probably nothing loth to take precedence of them; and the poor Barons, naturally unwilling to lose their dinner, were necessitated to eat it at the bottom of the second table, below the Masters of Chancery and others of the long robe.-B.

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Pepy's Diary. 23 Apr 1661. But no sooner a-bed with Mr. Shepley but my head began to hum, and I to vomit, and if ever I was foxed it was now, which I cannot say yet, because I fell asleep and slept till morning. Only when I waked I found myself wet with my spewing. Thus did the day end with joy every where; and blessed be God, I have not heard of any mischance to any body through it all, but only to Serjt. G Lynne, whose horse fell upon him yesterday, and is like to kill him, which people do please themselves to see how just God is to punish the rogue at such a time as this; he being now one of the King's Serjeants, and rode in the cavalcade with Maynard (age 57), to whom people wish the same fortune. There was also this night in King-street, [a woman] had her eye put out by a boy's flinging a firebrand into the coach. Now, after all this, I can say that, besides the pleasure of the sight of these glorious things, I may now shut my eyes against any other objects, nor for the future trouble myself to see things of state and show, as being sure never to see the like again in this world.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Apr 1663. St. George's day and Coronacion, the King (age 32) and Court being at Windsor, at the installing of the King of Denmark (age 17)1 by proxy and the Duke of Monmouth (age 14).

Note 1. TT. Christian V King Denmark and Norway (age 17) didn't become King until 1670.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Apr 1664. Home to dinner, where I and my wife much troubled about my money that is in my Lord Sandwich's (age 38) hand, for fear of his going to sea and be killed; but I will get what of it out I can. All the afternoon, not being well, at my office, and there doing much business, my thoughts still running upon a warr and my money. At night home to supper and to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Apr 1665. Thence to the Chappell and heard the famous young Stillingfleete (age 30), whom I knew at Cambridge, and is now newly admitted one of the King's chaplains; and was presented, they say, to my Lord Treasurer (age 58) for St. Andrew's, Holborne [Map], where he is now minister, with these words: that they (the Bishops of Canterbury, London, and another) believed he is the ablest young man to preach the Gospel of any since the Apostles. He did make the most plain, honest, good, grave sermon, in the most unconcerned and easy yet substantial manner, that ever I heard in my life, upon the words of Samuell to the people, "Fear the Lord in truth with all your heart, and remember the great things that he hath done for you". It being proper to this day, the day of the King's Coronation.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Apr 1666. Dined at home and took Balty (age 26) with me to Hales's (age 66) to show him his sister's picture, and thence to Westminster, and there I to the Swan [Map] and drank, and so back again alone to Hales's (age 66) and there met my wife and Mercer, Mrs. Pierce being sitting, and two or three idle people of her acquaintance more standing by. Her picture do come on well. So staid until she had done and then set her down at home, and my wife and I and the girle by coach to Islington [Map], and there eat and drank in the coach and so home, and there find a girle sent at my desire by Mrs. Michell of Westminster Hall [Map], to be my girle under the cooke-mayde, Susan. But I am a little dissatisfied that the girle, though young, is taller and bigger than Su, and will not, I fear, be under her command, which will trouble me, and the more because she is recommended by a friend that I would not have any unkindness with, but my wife do like very well of her.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Apr 1666. Being mighty weary last night, lay long this morning, then up and to the office, where Sir W. Batten (age 65), Lord Bruncker (age 46) and I met, and toward noon took coach and to White Hall, where I had the opportunity to take leave of the Prince (age 46), and again of the Duke of Albemarle (age 57); and saw them kiss the King's (age 35) hands and the Duke's (age 32); and much content, indeed, there seems to be in all people at their going to sea, and [they] promise themselves much good from them. This morning the House of Parliament do meet, only to adjourne again till winter. The plague, I hear, encreases in the towne much, and exceedingly in the country everywhere.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Apr 1667. St. George's Day. The feast being kept at White Hall, out of design, as it is thought, to make the best countenance we can to the Swede's Embassadors, before their leaving us to go to the treaty abroad, to shew some jollity. We sat at the office all the morning. Word is brought me that young Michell is come to call my wife to his wife's labour, and she went, and I at the office full of expectation what to hear from poor Betty Michell. This morning much to do with Sir W. Warren, all whose applications now are to Lord Bruncker (age 47), and I am against him now, not professedly, but apparently in discourse, and will be.

On 23 Apr 1668 Edward Hyde 1st Earl Clarendon (age 59) was assaulted at Évreux, Haute Normandie.

After 23 Apr 1681. Monument at St Mary the Virgin Church, Overton to Edward Philips of Gwernhayled in Flintshire and his son William who died on 30 Aug 1683.

Evelyn's Diary. 23 Apr 1685. Was the Coronation of the King (age 51) and Queene (age 26). The solemnity was magnificent, as is set forth in print. The Bp. of Ely (age 47) preach'd; but, to the greate sorrow of the people, no Sacrament, as ought to have ben. However the King begins his reigne with greate expectations, and hopes of much reformation as to the late vices and prophanenesse both of Court and Country. Having ben present at the late King's Coronation, I was not ambitious of seeing this ceremonie.

Roger Whitley's Diary. 23 Apr 1690. Wednesday, no company, nor businesse; had a letter from Crew & Lee to meete on Friday at Northop.

Calendars. 23 Apr 1693. Whitehall. Warrant addressed to John Thompson directing him to go to Lydd, and there receive into custody from the bailiff and jurats, Mr. John Rowe and Mr. William Jones, detained upon suspicion of endeavouring to cross over into France without a pass. [H.O. Warrant Book 6, p. 545.]

Calendars. 23 Apr 1693. Whitehall. Passes for John Paul Maillebron, Isaac Duprat and James Ferand to go to Harwich and Holland [S.P. Warrant Book 87, p. 33]; and for Thomas Eaton, William Hadley, Richard Price and James Wood, soldiers in Lord Berkeley's horse regiment, to go to Holland [Ibid. 38, p. 267].

Calendars. 23 Apr 1693. Whitehall. The Earl of Nottingham to the Bailiff and Jurats of Lydd. I have received your letter of the 22nd and have ordered a messenger to take into custody the two persons whom you have seized, and have given him a warrant for that purpose. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 2, p. 644.]

Evelyn's Diary. 23 Apr 1696. I went to Eton [Map], and dined with Dr. Godolphin, the provost. The schoolmaster assured me there had not been for twenty years a more pregnant youth in that place than my grandson (age 14). I went to see the King's House at Kensington. It is very noble, though not great. The gallery furnished with the best pictures [from] all the houses, of Titian, Raphael, Correggio, Holbein, Julio Romano, Bassan, Vandyke, Tintoretto, and others; a great collection of porcelain; and a pretty private library. The gardens about it very delicious.

Minutes of the Society of Antiquaries. 23 Apr 1718. It was unanimously order that a drawing of a horn presented to the Church of York [Map] by Ulphus Prince of Deira, in possession of Mr Samuel Gale be printed. (the first time).

The London Gazette 18355. Whitehall, April 23, 1827. The King has been pleased to direct letters patent to be passed under the Great Seal, granting the dignity, of a Baron of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland unto the Right Honourable Sir John Singleton Copley (age 54), Knight and the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten, by the name, stile, and title of Baron Lyndhurst, of Lyndhurstin the county of Southampton.

Thomas Bateman 1845. The first barrow [Map] opened this season was a small one situate near Hunter-mere, on Ashford Moor, which was (on the 23d of April, 1845) divided into four sections, in order to leave no part of it unexplored; it was formed with great exactness having a slight ditch or depression surrounding the base and although so perfect and uninjured in its appearance it was found upon examination to have been previously explored; owing to this circumstance the contents were uninteresting; near the surface was found a small iron arrow-head probably of much later date than the original interments, of which the remains in the shape of small pieces of bone were found promiscuously in the tumulus. In the same manner were found five instruments of flint of no particular interest, sundry chippings of the same, a piece of smoothly-rubbed sandstone, and rats' bones as usual; on the surface of the natural soil there was a small quantity of charcoal strewed about.

Taddington. On the 23rd of April, a peculiarly shaped barrow [Map] [Crakendale Pasture Barrow [Map]] upon Crakendale Pasture, near Bakewell, was examined. Its singularity consisted in three prolongations radiating from the central mound, which was about four feet high. On digging in various places, scattered pieces of bone, both human and animal, were found; and in the centre, which had been previously disturbed, were remains of at least three adults and one child, as well as some pieces of calcined bone, bones of rats and other animals, fragments of an ornamental drinking-cup, and a small instrument neatly cut from the tine of a stages horn. The centre of the barrow was carefully surrounded by several courses of flat stones set edgeway on the natural surface, which, if the barrow had been untouched, would have led to an easy discovery of the central cist, round which they had no doubt been placed with great regularity.

Cansick's Monumental Inscriptions Volume 2 Highgate Cemetery. Highgate Cemetery. The Right Honourable John Singleton Copley, Baron Lyndhurst, Three times Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, High Steward of the University of Cambridge. P.C., LL.D., D.C.L., F.R.S, &c, Born 21st May 1772, died 12th October, 1863.

Mary (age 94) the youngest daughter of John Singleton Copley, Esq., R.A., Born 23rd September, 1773, Died 23rd April, 1868.

On 23 Apr 1873 Charles Sackville-West 6th Earl De La Warr (age 57) committed suicide by drowning himself in the River Cam. His brother Reginald Windsor Sackville 7th Earl De La Warr (age 56) succeeded 7th Earl De La Warr, 7th Viscount Cantalupe, 13th Baron De La Warr. Constance Mary Elizabeth Baillie-Cochrane Countess De La Warr (age 27) by marriage Countess De La Warr.

The London Gazette 30650. 23 Apr 1918. Lt. T. C. Noel, M.C., K.O. Sco. Bord., Spec. Res., with seniority from 4th Jan. 1918, and to be seed.

After 23 Apr 1918. St Michael's Church, Coxwold, North Yorkshire [Map]. Grave of Private William Cornforth. Killed in Action, Zeebrugge, Belgium.

The Times. Despite leading the Remembrance Day parade through Rutland year after year and presiding over the ceremony, his [John Henry Montagu Manners 9th Duke Rutland (deceased)] supposed military service was a sham – but not one initially of his own making. His mother, Violet Manners, the 8th Duchess of Rutland, used her considerable persuasive powers and position to conspire with Lord Kitchener and Sir John French, the Commander in Chief of the Western Front, to keep her son from the fighting. Eventually, she rigged a series of medical examinations and dashed any hopes John had of battling in the trenches in Ypres with his regiment – the 4th Battalion Leicestershire (the Tigers).

The Times. The distinction of the Duke of Rutland (deceased) as an authority on medieval art is rightly stressed in the obituary which appeared in The Times, and it should perhaps be further emphasized, that in one department of the study of English Medieval Art he was a pioneer whose performance, calling for immense labour and patience, has laid the foundations for all future research on the subject. I am referring to the inlaid floor-tiles of medieval England, which began to claim attention among antiquaries about the middle of the last century and ever since that time have formed the subject of various specialist publications: but no one has ever brought to the subject the whole-hearted enthusiasm of the late Duke, and the results which he achieved are on a truly magnificent scale. His collection of English medieval floortiles is without a rival in the world. It is beautifully set out in one of the rooms at Belvoir, and has been catalogued by him in a monumental typewritten work of two folio volumes, illustrated with coloured reproductions all his own work. It is greatly to be hoped that this catalogue may one day be published, for it goes far beyond anything that has so far been published on the subject.

The Times. John Gilliat, wrote to The Times

When one reads the obituary notice of the late Duke of Rutland (deceased), the bare facts of his career seem to fall so far short of giving the reader the true picture of the man as his intimate friends knew him. To those friends his passing has left a blank impossible to refill, and this applies equally to his staff at Belvoir and Haddon. Here was a man in every sense of the word belonging to a school that to the country's loss represented a type of the Grand Seigneur, living his life for his own people's welfare and enriching all those with whom he came in contact by his erudite knowledge not only of manuscripts and early English furniture, heraldry, early tiles, and historical records, but also by his intimate knowledge of birds and every kind of animal life within these islands... We who knew him on such terms loved him and he had the great art of making us at our best when in his company: his like we shall not see again, and the country is the poorer for his death, even though so few were privileged to know him as we did.

Time Team Series 3 Episode 2: Hunting for Mammoth was filmed between 21 Apr 1995 and 23 Apr 1995. It was originally shown on 14 Jan 1996.

Location: Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire [Map].

Births on the 23rd April

On 23 Apr 1258 Elizabeth Wittelsbach was born to Henry Wittelsbach I Duke Lower Bavaria I Duke Bavaria (age 22) and Elizabeth Duchess Bavaria (age 22). She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

Around 23 Apr 1371 John Tuchet 4th Baron Audley, 1st Baron Tuchet was born to John Tuchet (age 21) and Maud Abrichecourt.

On 23 Apr 1393 Roger Mortimer was born to Roger Mortimer 4th Earl March 6th Earl Ulster (age 19) and Eleanor Holland Countess March and Ulster (age 22). He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward III of England.

On 23 Apr 1408 John de Vere 12th Earl of Oxford was born to Richard de Vere 11th Earl of Oxford (age 22) and Alice Sergeaux Countess Oxford at Hedingham Castle [Map].

On 23 Apr 1464 Joan Valois Queen Consort France was born to King Louis XI of France (age 40) and Queen Charlotte of Savoy (age 22). Coefficient of inbreeding 2.65%.

On 23 Apr 1509 Afonso Aviz was born to Manuel "Fortunate" I King Portugal (age 39) and Maria Trastámara Queen Consort Portugal (age 27). Coefficient of inbreeding 8.38%.

On 23 Apr 1559 George Shirley 1st Baronet was born to John Shirley (age 26).

On 23 Apr 1619 Anne Bayning Viscountess Bayning was born to Paul Bayning 1st Viscount Bayning (age 31) and Anne Glemham Viscountess Bayning.

On 23 Apr 1623 John Chichester 1st Baronet was born to Robert Chichester (age 45) and Ursula Hill.

On 23 Apr 1670 Cassandra Willoughby Duchess Chandos was born to Francis Willoughby (age 34) and Emma Barnard (age 24).

On 23 Apr 1680 Richard Edgecumbe 1st Baron Edgcumbe was born to Richard Edgecumbe (age 40) and Anne Montagu.

On 23 Apr 1697 George Anson 1st Baron Anson was born to William Anson (age 41) at Shugborough Hall, Staffordshire [Map].

On or before 23 Apr 1704 Everard Buckworth 3rd Baronet was born to John Buckworth 1st Baronet (age 41) and Elizabeth Hall Lady Buckworth. He ws baptised on 23 Apr 1704.

On or before 23 Apr 1710 Roger Burgoyne 6th Baronet was born to Roger Burgoyne 4th Baronet (age 28).

On 23 Apr 1718 Charles Fitzroy was born to Charles Fitzroy 2nd Duke Grafton (age 34) and Henrietta Somerset Duchess Grafton (age 27). He a great grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 23 Apr 1729 Robert Hesketh 2nd Baronet was born to Thomas Hesketh (age 30).

On 23 Apr 1740 John Ker 3rd Duke Roxburghe was born to Robert Ker 2nd Duke Roxburghe (age 31) and Essex Mostyn Duchess Roxburghe. Coefficient of inbreeding 3.13%.

On 23 Apr 1751 Gilbert Elliot 1st Earl Minto was born to Gilbert Elliot 3rd Baronet (age 28).

On 23 Apr 1767 Richard Bourke was born to Bishop Joseph Bourke 3rd Earl of Mayo (age 31).

On 23 Apr 1775 Joseph Mallord William Turner was born.

On 23 Apr 1798 Charles Buckworth-Herne-Soame was born to Buckworth Buckworth-Herne-Soame 6th Baronet (age 36) and Susan Semperingham Lady Buckworth-Herne-Soame.

On 23 Apr 1809 Karl Wilhelm Hesse Darmstadt was born to Louis Hesse Darmstadt II Grand Duke (age 31) and Princess Wilhelmine Baden (age 20). Coefficient of inbreeding 7.03%.

On 23 Apr 1815 William Howard was born to Kenneth Alexander Howard 1st Earl of Effingham (age 47) and Charlotte Primrose Countess Effingham (age 39). Coefficient of inbreeding 3.12%.

On 23 Apr 1831 Edward Lenox Dutton 4th Baron Sherborne was born to James Henry Legge Dutton 3rd Baron Sherborne (age 26) and Elizabeth Howard Baroness Sherborne (age 28). Coefficient of inbreeding 6.25%.

On 23 Apr 1846 Alban Gibbs 2nd Baron Aldenham was born to Henry Hucks Gibbs 1st Baron Aldenham (age 26) and Louisa Anne Adams Baroness Aldenham (age 27).

On 23 Apr 1852 Christopher Furness 1st Baron Furness was born to John Furness of West Hartlepool and Averill Eastor Wilson.

On 23 Apr 1872 Evelyn Gordon-Lennox was born to Charles Gordon-Lennox 7th Duke Richmond (age 26) and Amy Mary Ricardo (age 24).

On 23 Apr 1885 Robert Disney Leith Alexander 16th Baron Cobham was born to Reginald Gervase Alexander (age 38).

On 23 Apr 1888 Violet Catherine Manners was born to Henry John Brinsley Manners 8th Duke Rutland (age 36) and Violet Lindsay Duchess Rutland (age 32). Some sources speculate that her father may have been Montagu "Monty" Lowry-Corry 1st Baron Rowton (age 49) or Henry John Cockayne-Cust (age 26).

On 23 Apr 1902 Ralph Alured Newman 5th Baronet was born to Robert Lydston Newman (age 37).

On 23 Apr 1910 Charles Moore 11th Earl of Drogheda was born to Henry Moore 10th Earl of Drogheda (age 26) and Kathleen Pelham Burn Countess Drogheda (age 23).

Marriages on the 23rd April

On 23 Apr 1691 Thomas Parker 1st Earl Macclesfield (age 24) and Janet Carrier Countess Macclesfield (age 30) were married.

On 23 Apr 1698 Thomas Coningsby 1st Earl Coningsby (age 41) and Frances Jones Countess Coningsbury (age 25) were married. She the daughter of Richard Jones 1st Earl Ranelagh (age 57) and Elizabeth Willoughby Countess Ranelagh. They were second cousins.

On 23 Apr 1700 Hugh Boscawen 1st Viscount Falmouth (age 20) and Charlotte Godfrey Viscountess Falmouth were married.

On 23 Apr 1749 Ernest Frederick Saxe Coburg Saalfeld Duke Saxe Coburg Saalfeld (age 25) and Sophia Antonia Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel Duchess Saxe Coburg Saalfeld (age 25) were married. She by marriage Duchess Saxe Coburg Saalfeld. He the son of Francis Josias Saxe Coburg Saalfeld Duke Saxe Coburg Saalfeld (age 51) and Duchess Anna Sophie Of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld (age 48).

On 23 Apr 1770 Brownlow Cecil 9th Earl Exeter (age 44) and Anne Maria Cheatham Countess Exeter (age 20) were married. She by marriage Countess Exeter. The difference in their ages was 24 years. He the son of Brownlow Cecil 8th Earl Exeter.

On 23 Apr 1789 Bernard Howard 12th Duke of Norfolk (age 23) and Elizabeth Belasyse Duchess Norfolk (age 19) were married. She the daughter of Henry Belasyse 2nd Earl Fauconberg (age 47) and Charlotte Lamb Countess Fauconberg (age 46).

On 23 Apr 1831 Leicester FitzGerald Charles Stanhope 5th Earl of Harrington (age 46) and Elizabeth Green Countess Harrington (age 22) were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. The difference in their ages was 24 years. He the son of Charles Stanhope 3rd Earl of Harrington and Jane Fleming Countess Harrington. He a great x 3 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 23 Apr 1840 William Charles Evans 8th Baron Carbery (age 28) and Sophia Sherard Lady Whichcote (age 44) were married. She the daughter of Philip Sherard 5th Earl Harborough.

Before 23 Apr 1846 Henry Hucks Gibbs 1st Baron Aldenham (age 26) and Louisa Anne Adams Baroness Aldenham (age 27) were married.

On 23 Apr 1850 Philip Sidney 2nd Baron De Lisle and Dudley (age 22) and Mary Foulis (age 23) were married. He a grandson of King William IV of the United Kingdom. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 23 Apr 1867 Thomas Hugh Bell 2nd Baronet (age 23) and Maria Shield were married.

On 23 Apr 1885 Edward Lycett Green 2nd Baronet (age 24) and Ethel Mary Wilson Lady Green (age 20) were married.

Before 23 Apr 1907 Ferdinando Dudley William Lea Smith 12th Baron Dudley (age 35) and Sybil Augusta Coventry were married.

Deaths on the 23rd April

On 23 Apr 725 King Wihtred of Kent (age 55) died. His son King Eadbert I of Kent succeeded King of Kent. He may have eigned with his brothers King Æthelbert II of Kent and King Alric of Kent.

On 23 Apr 771 Childebert III King of the Franks (age 92) died. His son Dagobert III King of the Franks succeeded King of the Franks.

On 23 Apr 871 King Æthelred of Wessex (age 24) died possibly as a result of wounds received at the Battle of Merton which took place a month earlier.

On 23 Apr 1016 King Æthelred II of England (age 50) died. His son King Edmund "Ironside" I of England (age 26) succeeded I King England although tthe Witan meeting at Southampton chose King Canute of England (age 21).

On 23 Apr 1038 Liudolf Brunonids Margrave Frisia (age 35) died.

On 23 Apr 1124 King Alexander I of Scotland (age 46) died. His brother King David I of Scotland (age 40) succeeded I King Scotland. Maud Queen Consort Scotland (age 50) by marriage Queen Consort Scotland.

On 23 Apr 1151 Adeliza of Louvain Queen Consort England (age 48) died. She was buried at Reading Abbey, Berkshire [Map].

On 23 Apr 1323 John St John 2nd Baron St John Lagenham (age 42) died at Basing, Hampshire. His son John St John 3rd Baron St John Lagenham (age 15) succeeded 3rd Baron St John of Lagenham.

On 23 Apr 1359 Joan Burgh Countess Kildare (age 59) died.

On 23 Apr 1374 Bogislaw V Duke of Pomerania (age 56) died. His son Wartislaw Griffins VI Duke Pomerania (age 29) succeeded 6th Duke Pomerania.

On 23 Apr 1658 Thomas Delves 1st Baronet (age 86) died. His son Henry Delves 2nd Baronet (age 60) succeeded 2nd Baronet Delves of Dodington in Cheshire.

On 23 Apr 1665 Ralph Assheton 1st Baronet died. His son Ralph Assheton 2nd Baronet (age 14) succeeded 2nd Baronet Assheton of Middleton in Lancashire.

On 23 Apr 1674 Frances Devereux Duchess of Somerset (age 74) died.

On 23 Apr 1675 William Noel 2nd Baronet (age 33) died. His son Thomas Noel 3rd Baronet (age 13) succeeded 3rd Baronet Noel.

On 23 Apr 1678 Walter Aston 2nd Baronet (age 69) died. His son Walter Aston 3rd Baronet (age 45) succeeded 3rd Baronet Aston of Tixall and 3rd Baronet Aston of Forfar.

On 23 Apr 1682 Francis Hungate 2nd Baronet (age 39) died. His son Philip Hungate 3rd Baronet (age 21) succeeded 3rd Baronet Hungate of Saxton in Yorkshire.

On 23 Apr 1692 Edward Howard 2nd Earl Carlisle (age 45) died. His son Charles Howard 3rd Earl Carlisle (age 23) succeeded 3rd Earl Carlisle. Anne Capell Countess Carlisle (age 18) by marriage Countess Carlisle.

On 23 Apr 1713 Bridget Lucy Viscountess Molyneux (age 58) died.

On 23 Apr 1718 Edward Blackett 2nd Baronet (age 68) died. He was buried in Ripon Cathedral [Map]. His son Edward Blackett 3rd Baronet (age 35) succeeded 3rd Baronet Blackett of Newcastle in Northumberland.

On 23 Apr 1744 William Gage 7th Baronet (age 49) died unmarried. His first cousin Thomas Gage 1st Viscount Gage (age 43) succeeded 8th Baronet Gage of Firley in Sussex.

On 23 Apr 1763 Arthur Haselrigge 7th Baronet (age 55) died. His son Robert Haselrigge 8th Baronet (age 35) succeeded 8th Baronet Haselrigge of Noseley Hall in Leicestershire. Sarah Walter Lady Haselrigge (age 27) by marriage Lady Haselrigge of Noseley Hall in Leicestershire.

On 23 Apr 1794 Maria Frances Hobart Countess Guilford (age 32) died.

On 23 Apr 1821 Henry Edridge (age 53) died.

On 23 Apr 1823 Joseph Nollekens (age 85) died.

On 23 Apr 1824 Louisa Wilmot Lady Cave (age 53) died.

On 23 Apr 1829 Elizabeth Farren Countess Derby (age 70) died.

On 23 Apr 1832 Rowland Henry Philipps 8th Baronet (age 44) died unmarried. His brother William Philipps 9th Baronet (age 37) succeeded 9th Baronet Philips of Picton Castle.

On 23 Apr 1839 George Capell Coningsbury 5th Earl Essex (age 81) died. His nephew Arthur Algernon Capell 6th Earl Essex (age 36) succeeded 6th Earl Essex.

On 23 Apr 1850 William Wordsworth (age 80) died.

On 23 Apr 1873 Charles Sackville-West 6th Earl De La Warr (age 57) committed suicide by drowning himself in the River Cam. His brother Reginald Windsor Sackville 7th Earl De La Warr (age 56) succeeded 7th Earl De La Warr, 7th Viscount Cantalupe, 13th Baron De La Warr. Constance Mary Elizabeth Baillie-Cochrane Countess De La Warr (age 27) by marriage Countess De La Warr.

On 23 Apr 1879 James Innes-Kerr 6th Duke Roxburghe (age 62) died. His son James Henry Robert Innes-Kerr 7th Duke Roxburghe (age 39) succeeded 7th Duke Roxburghe.

On 23 Apr 1885 Sarah Philadephia Cayley Baroness Worlsley (age 83) died.

On 23 Apr 1886 Henry Edwards 1st Baronet (age 73) died.

On 23 Apr 1896 Eliza Horatia Seymour Viscountess Clifden (age 62) died.

On 23 Apr 1914 Edward Robert Hughes (age 62) died after an operation for appendicitis at his home 3 Romeland.

On 23 Apr 1915 René de Saint-Marceaux (age 69) died.

On 23 Apr 1927 Edith Howard Lady Cunard died.

On 23 Apr 1935 Dudley Marjoribanks 3rd Baron Tweedmouth (age 61) died. Baron Tweedmouth of Edington in Berwickshire extinct since the heir presumptive Edward Marjoribanks had committed suicide three years previously.

On 23 Apr 1973 Diana Hawtrey Deane Baroness Strathcarron (age 50) died.