Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 780. This year a battle was fought between the Old-Saxons and the Franks; and the high-sheriffs of Northumbria committed to the flames Alderman Bern at Silton, on the ninth day before the calends of January. The same year Archbishop Ethelbert died at York, and Eanbald was consecrated in his stead; Bishop Cynewulf retired to Holy-island; Elmund, Bishop of Hexham, died on the seventh day before the ides of September, and Tilbert was consecrated in his stead, on the sixth day before the nones of October; Hibbald was consecrated Bishop of Holy-island at Sockbury; and King Elwald sent to Rome for a pall in behoof of Archbishop Eanbald.

Florence of Worcester. After this the king [King William II of England (age 35)] returned from Northumbria into Wessex through Mercia, and kept the earl with him until nearly Christmas, but refused to fulfil the conditions of the treaty which had been made between them ; at which the earl was so much dissatisfied that he hastened back to Normandy on the tenth of the calends of January [23 Dec 1091], taking Edgar the etheling (age 40) with him.

Chronicle of Greyfriars. 23 Dec 1538. Also this year the 23rd day of December was burned in Smithfield Richard Turner weaver, and Peter Florens butcher.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 23 Dec 1552. The xxiij day of Desember the Kynges (age 15) grace removyd from Westmynster unto Grenwyche [Map] to kepe ys Crystymas, and so he begane to kepe Halle, and ys grasse had a lord of myss-rulle, keepyng goodly pastyme, for ys grace('s) plesur, and with alle passtyme as have bene sene.

Note. The king's lord of misrule. This important officer was "a gentleman, wise and learned, named George Ferrers." (Holinshed, 1st edit. p. 1709.) He was a member of Lincoln's Inn. (Stowe's Chronicle, p. 608.) Many curious documents respecting his revels in this and subsequent years are printed in Kempe's Loseley Manuscripts, 8vo. 1835, pp. 24, et seq. George Ferrers was probably the same person who, being member of Parliament for Plymouth in 1542, was arrested for debt in the city of London, and committed to the counter: whereupon he was reclaimed by the house of commons, and the sheriffs committed to the Tower: see a long narrative in the histories of London.

The procession of the lord of misrule, or "lord of merry disports" (as he was also called), into London, which occurs subsequently in this page, is also described in Stowe's Chronicle, p. 608: "hee was received by sergeant Vawce, lord of misrule to John Mainard one of the sheriffes of London."

Henry Machyn's Diary. 23 Dec 1558. The xxiij day of Desember was the obseque at Westmynster[with the] sam herse that was for quen Mare (deceased), was for Charles the V., Emporowre of Rome, was durge, and the morow masse with .. mornars and (blank) was the cheyff morner.

Note. P. 184. Obsequies of the emperor. The emperor's ambassador was present as chief mourner. The ceremonial is in the College of Arms, I. 14, f. 3, and I. 15, f. 284.

On 23 Dec 1613 Robert Carr 1st Earl Somerset (age 26) was appointed Treasurer of Scotland.

Diary of Anne Clifford 1616. 23 Dec 1616Upon the 23rd my Lady Manners came in the morning to dress my head. I had a new black wrought taffety gown which my Lady St. Fohn’s tailor made. She used often to come to me and I to her and was very kind one to another. About 5 o’clock in the evening my Lord (age 27) and I and the Child went in the great coach to Northampton House¹ where my Lord Treasurer² and all the company commended her and she went down into my Lady Walden’s chamber where my Coz. Clifford saw her and kissed her but I stayed with my Lady Suffolk.

All this time of my being at London I was much sent to, and visited by many, being unexpected that ever matters should have gone so well with me and my Lord (age 27), everybody persuading me to hear and make an end. Since the King had taken the matter in hand so as now.

Note 1. Now Northumberland House.

Note 2. Thomas Howard Earl of Suffolk.

Evelyn's Diary. 05 Dec 1643. The Earl of Norwich (age 58) came as Ambassador extraordinary: I went to meet him in a coach and six horses, at the palace of Monsieur de Bassompière, where I saw that gallant person, his gardens, terraces, and rare prospects. My lord was waited on by the master of the ceremonies, and a very great cavalcade of men of quality, to the Palais Cardinal, where on the 23d he had audience of the French king (age 5), and the queen Regent his mother (age 42), in the golden chamber of presence. From thence, I conducted him to his lodgings in Rue St. Denis, and so took my leave.

Evelyn's Diary. 23 Dec 1661. I heard an Italian play and sing to the guitar with extraordinary skill before the Duke (age 28).

Pepy's Diary. 23 Dec 1661. Early up and by coach (before daylight) to the Wardrobe, and took up Mr. Moore, and he and I to Chelsy to my Lord Privy Seal (age 55), and there sealed some things, he being to go out of town for all Christmas to-morrow.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Dec 1662. By and by comes James Pearce Surgeon, who among other things tells me that my Baroness Castlemaine's (age 22) interest at Court increases, and is more and greater than the Queen's (age 24); that she hath brought in Sir H. Bennet (age 44), and Sir Charles Barkeley (age 32); but that the Queen (age 24) is a most good lady, and takes all with the greatest meekness that may be. He tells me too that Mr. Edward Montagu (age 27) is quite broke at Court with his repute and purse; and that he lately was engaged in a quarrell against my Lord Chesterfield (age 28): but that the King (age 32) did cause it to be taken up. He tells me, too, that the King (age 32) is much concerned in the Chancellor's (age 53) sickness, and that the Chancellor (age 53) is as great, he thinks, as ever he was with the King (age 32). He also tells me what the world says of me, "that Mr. Coventry (age 34) and I do all the business of the office almost:" at which I am highly proud. He being gone I fell to business, which was very great, but got it well over by nine at night, and so home, and after supper to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Dec 1663. Up betimes and my wife; and being in as mourning a dress as we could, at present, without cost, put ourselves into, we by Sir W. Pen's (age 42) coach to Mrs. Turner's (age 40), at Salisbury Court, Fleet Street, where I find my Lord's coach and six horses. We staid till almost eleven o'clock, and much company came, and anon, the corps being put into the hearse, and the scutcheons set upon it, we all took coach, and I and my wife and Auditor Beale in my Lord Sandwich's (age 38) coach, and went next to Mrs. Turner's (age 40) mourning coach, and so through all the City and Shoreditch, I believe about twenty coaches, and four or five with six and four horses. Being come thither, I made up to the mourners, and bidding them a good journey, I took leave and back again, and setting my wife into a hackney out of Bishopsgate Street, I sent her home, and I to the 'Change [Map] and Auditor Beale about his business.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Dec 1666. Lord's Day. Up and alone to church, and meeting Nan Wright at the gate had opportunity to take two or three 'baisers', and so to church, where a vain fellow with a periwigg preached, Chaplain, as by his prayer appeared, to the Earl of Carlisle (age 37)? Home, and there dined with us Betty Michell and her husband.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Dec 1667. So to the Commissioners of the Treasury, and there I had a dispute before them with Sir Stephen Fox (age 40) about our orders for money, who is very angry, but I value it not. But, Lord! to see with what folly my Lord Albemarle (age 59) do speak in this business would make a man wonder at the good fortune of such a fool.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Dec 1667. Thence meeting there with Creed, he and I to the Exchange [Map], and there I saw Carr stand in the pillory for the business of my Lord Gerard (age 49), which is supposed will make a hot business in the House of Commons, when they shall come to sit again, the Lords having ordered this with great injustice, as all people think, his only fault being the printing his petition before, by accident, his petition be read in the House. Here walked up and down the Exchange [Map] with Creed, and then home to dinner, and there hear by Creed that the Bishops of Winchester and of Rochester, Kent [Map], and the Dean of the Chapel, and some other great prelates, are suspended: and a cloud upon the Archbishop ever since the late business in the House of Lords; and I believe it will be a heavy blow to the Clergy. This noon I bought a sermon of Dr. Floyd's, which Creed read a great part of to me and Mr. Hollier (age 58), who dined with me, but as well writ and as good, against the Church of Rome, as ever I read; but, Lord! how Hollier (age 58), poor man, was taken with it. They gone I to the office, and there very late with Mr. Willson and my people about the making of a new contract for the victualler, which do and will require a great deal of pains of me, and so to supper and to bed, my wife being pretty well all this day by reason of her imposthume being broke in her cheek into her mouth. This day, at the 'Change [Map], Creed shewed me Mr. Coleman, of whom my wife hath so good an opinion, and says that he is as very a rogue for women as any in the world; which did disquiet me, like a fool, and run in my mind a great while.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Dec 1667. Up before day, and by coach to Sir W. Coventry's (age 39), and with him to White Hall, and there walked a great while with him in the garden till the Commissioners of the Treasury met, and there talked over many businesses, and particularly he tells me that by my desire he hath moved the Duke of York (age 34) that Sir J. Minnes (age 68) might be removed from the Navy, at least the Controller's place, and his business put on my Lord Brouncker (age 47) and Sir W. Pen (age 46); that the Committee for Accounts are good sober men, and such as he thinks we shall have fair play from; that he hopes that the Kingdom will escape ruin in general, notwithstanding all our fears, and yet I find he do seem not very confident in it.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Dec 1668. Met at the Office all the morning, and at noon to the 'Change [Map], and there met with Langford and Mr. Franke, the landlord of my father's house in Fleet Streete, and are come to an arbitration what my father shall give him to be freed of his lease and building the house again. Walked up and down the 'Change [Map], and among others discoursed with Sir John Bankes (age 41), who thinks this prorogation will please all but the Parliament itself, which will, if ever they meet, be vexed at Buckingham, who yet governs all. He says the Nonconformists are glad of it, and, he believes, will get the upperhand in a little time, for the King (age 38) must trust to them or nobody; and he thinks the King (age 38) will be forced to it. He says that Sir Prince is mightily troubled at Pen's being put upon him, by the Duke of York (age 35), and that he believes he will get clear of it, which, though it will trouble me to have Pen still at the Office, yet I shall think Prince do well in it, and what I would advise him to, because I love him.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Dec 1668. So home to dinner, and then with my wife alone abroad, with our new horses, the beautifullest almost that ever I saw, and the first time they ever carried her, and me but once; but we are mighty proud of them. To her tailor's, and so to the 'Change [Map], and laid out three or four pounds in lace, for her and me; and so home, and there I up to my Lord Brouncker (age 48), at his lodgings, and sat with him an hour, on purpose to talk over the wretched state of this Office at present, according to the present hands it is made up of; wherein he do fully concur with me, and that it is our part not only to prepare for defending it and ourselves, against the consequences of it, but to take the best ways we can, to make it known to the Duke of York (age 35); for, till Sir J. Minnes (age 69) be removed, and a sufficient man brought into W. Pen's (age 47) place, when he is gone, it is impossible for this Office ever to support itself.

Evelyn's Diary. 23 Dec 1675. Lady Sunderland (age 34) gave me ten guineas, to bestow in charities.

Evelyn's Diary. 20 Dec 1690. Dr. Hough (age 39), President of Magdalen College, Oxford, who was displaced with several of the Fellows for not taking the oath imposed by King James, now made a Bishop. Most of this month cold and frost. One Johnson (age 42), a Knight, was executed at Tyburn [Map] for being an accomplice with Campbell (age 30), brother to Lord Argyle (age 32), in stealing a young heiress (age 13).

Roger Whitley's Diary. 23 Dec 1690. Tuesday, dined at home, &c. Mrs Wood came in the evening, then Lord Warington, stayd till 10.

Before 23 Dec 1739 John Vanderbank (age 45). Portrait of Algernon Seymour 7th Duke of Somerset (age 55).

Before 23 Dec 1739 John Vanderbank (age 45). Portrait of Elizabeth Shirley Countess Northampton (age 45).

Before 23 Dec 1739 John Vanderbank (age 45). Portrait of William Russell 7th Baronet (age 13).

William Russell 7th Baronet: Around 1726 he was born to Francis Russell 6th Baronet. Around 1750 Francis Russell 6th Baronet died. His son William Russell 7th Baronet succeeded 7th Baronet Russell of Chippenham in Wiltshire. On 16 Jan 1758 William Russell 7th Baronet died. His second cousin John John Russell 8th Baronet succeeded 8th Baronet Russell of Chippenham in Wiltshire.

Before 23 Dec 1739 John Vanderbank (age 45). Portrait of Dorothy Lambton (age 17).

Dorothy Lambton: Between 01 May 1722 and 22 May 1722 she was born to Thomas Lambton. In 1744 Robert Surtees and she were married. The difference in their ages was 28 years. On 20 Nov 1795 she died.

Before 23 Dec 1739 John Vanderbank (age 45). Portrait of Mary Cardonnel Countess Talbot (age 20).

Before 23 Dec 1739 John Vanderbank (age 45). Portrait of Joseph Butler Bishop of Bristol.

23 Dec 1739. John Vanderbank (age 45). Portrait of Elizabeth Davenport (age 31) in Montacute House.

Elizabeth Davenport: In 1708 she was born to Henry Davenport in India. Before 15 Sep 1740 John Mytton and she were married. On 15 Sep 1740 she died.

Before 23 Dec 1762. Martin van Meytens (age 67). Portrait of Maria Johanna Gabriela of Austria (age 12).

Maria Johanna Gabriela of Austria: On 04 Feb 1750 she was born to Francis I Holy Roman Emperor and Maria Theresa Habsburg Spain Holy Roman Empress. On 23 Dec 1762 Maria Johanna Gabriela of Austria died of smallpox.

On 23 Dec 1765 George Paulett 12th Marquess Winchester (age 43) was appointed Groom Porter to King George III (age 27) which office he held until it was abolished on 14 November 1782.

The London Gazette 12146. 23 Dec 1780. Also like Letters Patent, containing His Majesty's Grant of the Dignities of Baron and Earl of the said kingdom unto Henry Lord Viscount Conyngham, and his Heirs Male, by the Name, Stile and Title of Baron and Eail Conyngham, of Mount Charles, in the County of Donegal, with Remainder of the Barony to his Nephew Francis Pierpoint Burton, Esq. and his heirs male.

Thomas Bateman 1845. On the 23d of December, 1845, a barrow, in the neighbourhood of Thorpe (called Lid Lowe [Map],) was opened by Mr. Price, of that village; it had been disturbed in the previous summer by some of the neighbouring villagers, who found three human skeletons, one of them of a female; all which they destroyed, with the exception of the jaws and teeth, which were distributed as great curiosities. The result of Mr. Price's labours was the discovery of the skeleton of a man, accompanied by the bones of a dog, and a small urn, of the usual coarse material, about four inches in diameter at the mouth. It would seem that this was the principal and earliest interment in the tumulus, as the skeleton and urn were inclosed in a cist formed of three upright stones, exactly in the centre of the barrow; the space within the cist was not more than three feet each way, consequently the body at the time of interment must have been placed in a sitting or contracted position. As is usual in the Derbyshire barrows, the bones of the deceased were mingled with those of the rat, and a few casual remains, unconnected with the preceding, were found in the progress of excavation; namely, a few teeth of a young person, one of an adult, and a horse's tooth. The tumulus appears to be of the form of the long barrows, described by Sir Richard Hoare as being generally unproductive of relics of any interest; its dimensions being twenty-four feet wide and thirty-six in length; in this respect it differs from the great proportion of the Derbyshire barrows, almost all of which are of the circular or bowl-shaped form.

After 23 Dec 1882. Memorial at St Peter's Church, Tawstock [Map] to Henry Bourchier Wrey 9th Baronet (deceased). In loving memory of the Rev^d Sir Henry Bourchier Wrey, 9th Baronet, 40 years Rector of Tawstock, Born 5th June 1797, Died 23rd December 1882. Married first, Ellen Maria Toke, Daughter of Nicholas Roundell Toke Esqre of Godinton, Kent; Married secondly, Jane 3rd daughter of H. Lamb Esqre, of Ryton Hall, Durham. Throughout his honored life, he ever was benevolent, just and courteous, deservedly loved and respected. He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief. Also in loving memory of the above Ellen Maria Wrey, who died March 1st 1864, and the above Jane Wrey, who died July 26th 1889.

Henry Bourchier Wrey 9th Baronet: On 05 Jun 1797 he was born to Bourchier Wrey 7th Baronet and Anne Osborn Lady Wrey. On 27 Sep 1827 Henry Bourchier Wrey 9th Baronet and Ellen Maria Toke were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. They were first cousins. On 11 Sep 1879 Bourchier Wrey 8th Baronet died. His half brother Henry Bourchier Wrey 9th Baronet succeeded 9th Baronet Wrey of Trebitch in Cornwall. On 23 Dec 1882 Henry Bourchier Wrey 9th Baronet died. His son Henry Bourchier Toke Wrey 10th Baronet succeeded 10th Baronet Wrey of Trebitch in Cornwall.

The Times. 24 Dec 1959. From Our Correspondent STAMFORD BRIDGE [Map], Dec. 23. The Earl of Halifax (deceased) died to-night at his home at Garrowby, near York. He was 78 and had been suffering from a chest complaint. Lord (age 53) and Baroness Feversham (age 49), Lord (age 47) and Lady Irwin (age 43), Lady Clarissa Duncombe (age 21), and Baroness Bingley were at Garrowby when he died. Baroness Feversham (age 49) said he had suffered from poor breathing for some time and that had been aggravated by a chest infection. Last July Lord Halifax broke his hip when walking in his garden and was flown to London for an operation at University College Hospital. He made a remarkable recovery from the accident. In September he and Lady Halifax celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. The funeral will be in private. A memorial service and requiem will be held in York Minster [Map] next Monday at 11 a.m. The date of a service in London is to be announced later. Obituary on page 8. MR. SELWYN LLOYD'S TRIBUTE Mr. Selwyn Lloyd, Foreign Secretary, in a tribute to Lord Halifax last night, said: "He held high office, as Viceroy of India, Foreign Secretary, and finally as Ambassador to Washington. He adorned each of these offices with his integrity, his idealism, and his ability. He was a great public servant. He will be deeply mourned." WASHINGTON, Dec. 23. Mr. Douglas Dillon, the acting Secretary of State, to-night issued this statement: "The many Americans who knew Lord Halifax deeply regret his passing. He was ever a staunch friend of this country and during his years of public life contributed greatly to the strengthening of Anglo-American relations. He is particularly remembered for his dedicated service to the cause of humanity during the crucial war years as British Ambassador in Washington." Reuter.