On 23 Jun 679 Seaxburh Wuffingas Queen Consort Kent was appointed Abbot Ely.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. After 23 Jun 1016. The enemy went afterward from London with their ships into the Orwell; where they went up and proceeded into Mercia, slaying and burning whatsoever they overtook, as their custom is; and, having provided themselves with meat, they drove their ships and their herds into the Medway. Then assembled King Edmund (age 26) the fourth time all the English nation, and forded over the Thames at Brentford [Map]; whence he proceeded into Kent.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. After 23 Jun 1016. The enemy fled before him with their horses into the Isle of Shepey [Map]; and the king slew as many of them as he could overtake. Earldorman Eadric "Streona aka Acquisitive" Mercia then went to meet the king at Aylesford, Kent [Map]; than which no measure could be more ill-advised. The enemy, meanwhile, returned into Essex, and advanced into Mercia, destroying all that he overtook.

Liber de Antiquis Legibus 1255. 23 Jun 1255. This year, upon the Feast of Saint Eldreda [23 June] which was on a Sunday, the sister (age 14) of the King of Spain (age 33), wife of Sir Edward (age 16), eldest son of his lordship the King (age 47), came to London, and a countless multitude of Bishops, Earls, Barons, Knights, and citizens, went forth from the City to meet her, as also his lordship the King, in person; the City of London being most nobly tapestried and arrayed.

Calendars. 23 Jun 1463. Inspeximus and confirmation to the mayor, bailiffs and burgesses of Clyfton, Dertmuth and Hardenesse of (1) letters patent dated 14 December, 2 Richard II. inspecting and confirming a charter dated at the Tower of London, 14 April, 15 Edward III. [Charter Roll, 15 Edward III. No. 18,] and (2) a charter dated at Westminster, 5 November, 17 Richard II. [Charter Noll, 15-17 Richard II. No. 10]; and grant that the adjoining township of Southtouudertemouth shall henceforth be annexed to the said borough of Cliftondertemouth Hardenasse, in consideration of the fact that the burgesses keep watches against invaders on the confines of the township and beyond at a place called 'Galions Boure' but the inhabitants of the township contribute nothing because they do not enjoy the liberties of the borough. Th« mayor and bailiffs shall have return of writs and execution thereof within the said township and the liberty of the borough, saving always the right of the lord of the fee of the township, and all pleas real and personal and attachments and fines and amercements, and also view of frauk-pledge and all that peitains to it. And they may acquire, in mortmain, after inquisition, lands, tenements, rents and other possessions, not held in chief, to the value of 201. yearly. Witnesses: Th. archbishop of Canterbury (age 45), W. archbishop of York (age 75), G. Bishop of  Exeter (age 31), the chancellor, J. Bishop of  Carlisle, the king's brothers George, duke of Clarence (age 13), and Richard, duke of Gloucester (age 10), the king's kinsmen Richard, Earl of Warwick (age 34), and John, Earl of Worcester (age 36), treasurer of England, Robert Styllyngton (age 43), king's clerk, keeper of the privy seal, and William Hastynges of Hastynges (age 32), the king's chamberlain, and John Wenlok of Wenlok (age 63), knights.

Letters and Papers 1528. 23 Jun 1528. 4409. When I came to that part of your letter mentioning your counsel to the King for avoiding infection he thanked your Grace, and showed the manner of the infection; how folks were taken; how little danger there was if good order be observed; how few were dead of it; how Mistress Ann (Boleyn) (age 27) and my Lord Rochford (age 25) both have had it; what jeopardy they have been in by the turning in of the sweat before the time; of the endeavor of Mr. Buttes (age 42), who hath been with them in his return; and finally of their perfect recovery. He begs you will keep out of infection, and that you will use small suppers, drink little wine, "namely, that is big," and once in the week use the pills of Rasis; and if it come, to sweat moderately, and at the full time, without suffering it to run in, &c.

Wriothesley's Chronicle 1530-1539. 23 Jun 1533. This yeare, on Midsommer eaven, died the French Queene (age 37),^a sister to the Kinge (age 41), and wife to the Duke of Suffolke (age 49), and was buried at Sainct Edmondesburie in Suffolke.

Note a. Mary (age 37), sister to Henry VIII (age 41) and Queen Dowager of France, died at the manor of Westhorpe [Map], in Suffolk, on the 23rd June, and was buried (July 22) at the monastery of St. Edmondsbury, where her corpse was found in a perfect state on September 6th, 1784, being 251 years after her interment.

Diary of Edward VI. 23 Jun 1550. Sir Jhon Gatis, sherief of Essex¹, went downe with lettres to see the bishop's of London injunctions performed, wich touched pluking downe of superaltaries, altars, and such like ceremonies and abuses.²

Note 1. "July xiij. Upon enformaoion of matter of great importance, sir John. Gates, knight, was sent downe into Essex, and for his better furniture of service there appoincted to be allowed th'enterteignment of xxx men in the King's majesties waige between this and Mighelmas. A lettre to sir Thomas Darcie, knight, vice-chamberlaine, to give credite to sir John Gates, and to conferre with him touching the matter that he was sent thither for." (Council Book.)

Note 2. Bishop Ridley's (age 50) Injunctions, 1550, are in Burnet, Eecords No. 52, and in his Works (Parker Soc. edit. p. 319). In Foxe (edit. Cattley), vi. 5, are "Certain reasons why the reverend father Nicholas bishop of London, amongst other his injunctions given in his late visitation, did exhort those churches in his diocese where the altars as then did remain, to conform themselves to those other churches which had taken them down, and had set up, instead of the multitude of their altars, one decent table in every church." Foxe (p. 6) treats the bishop's injunctions and the "reasons" as consequent upon the letters of council dated 24 Nov. 4 Edw. VI. (and mentioned hereafter under that date); but it is clear that the bishop took the initiative, and that the council seconded him. The altar in St. Paul's cathedral was pulled down on the night of St. Barnabas day (June 11), a table being at the same time erected: see the Chronicle of the Grey Friars of London, p. 75. On the 22d July the council sent "a letter to the college and town of Windsor to deface their altars out of hand."

Henry Machyn's Diary. 23 Jun 1559. The xxiij day of June was electyd vj nuw byshopes, com from beyond the see, master Parker (age 54) bysshope of Canturbere, master Gryndall (age 40) bysshope of London, docthur Score (age 49) bysshope of Harfford, Barlow (age 61) Chechastur, doctur Bylle of Salysbere [Note. Possibly a reference to William Bill (age 54) although he wasn't Bishop of Salisbury, doctur Cokes (age 66) (of) Norwyche [Note. He was elected but the Queen changed her mind and appointed him to Ely].

On 18 Jun 1603 William Skipwith (age 39) met Anne of Denmark Queen Consort Scotland England and Ireland (age 28) at Worksop Manor, and she and her son Prince Henry (age 9) went on to stay in his house at Leicester on 23 Jun 1603, despite fears of plague. Princess Elizabeth (age 6) stayed at the house of Mr Pilkington.

Diary of Anne Clifford 1616. 23 Jun 1616. Upon Sunday the 23rd my Lord (age 27) and I went to St. Bride’s Church and heard a sermon.

Diary of Anne Clifford 1619. 23 Jun 1619. The 23rd my Lord (age 30) went up to London to take up certain bonds which he did discharge with part of my portion.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Jun 1664. So to the 'Change [Map], and then home to dinner and to my office, where till 10 at night very busy, and so home to supper and to bed. My cozen, Thomas Pepys, was with me yesterday and I took occasion to speak to him about the bond I stand bound for my Lord Sandwich (age 38) to him in £1000. I did very plainly, obliging him to secrecy, tell him how the matter stands, yet with all duty to my Lord my resolution to be bound for whatever he desires me for him, yet that I would be glad he had any other security. I perceive by Mr. Moore today that he hath been with my Lord, and my Lord how he takes it I know not, but he is looking after other security and I am mighty glad of it. W. Howe was with me this afternoon, to desire some things to be got ready for my Lord against his going down to his ship, which will be soon; for it seems the King (age 34) and both the Queenes (age 54) intend to visit him. The Lord knows how my Lord will get out of this charge; for Mr. Moore tells me to-day that he is £10,000 in debt and this will, with many other things that daily will grow upon him (while he minds his pleasure as he do), set him further backward. But it was pretty this afternoon to hear W. Howe mince the matter, and say that he do believe that my Lord is in debt £2000 or £3000, and then corrected himself and said, No, not so, but I am afraid he is in debt £1000. I pray God gets me well rid of his Lordship as to his debt, and I care not.

Evelyn's Diary. 23 Jun 1665. I dined with Sir Robert Paston (age 34), since Earl of Yarmouth, and saw the Duke of Verneuille (age 63), base brother to the Queen-Mother (age 55), a handsome old man, a great hunter.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Jun 1665. Thence back to White Hall, where we parted, and I to find my Lord to receive his farther direction about his proposal this morning. Wherein I did that I should first by another hand break my intentions to Sir G. Carteret (age 55). I pitched upon Dr. Clerke, which my Lord liked, and so I endeavoured but in vain to find him out to-night.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Jun 1665. How poorly Sir John Lawson (age 50) performed, notwithstanding all that was said of him; and how his ship turned out of the way, while Sir J. Lawson (age 50) himself was upon the deck, to the endangering of the whole fleete. It therefore troubles my Lord that Mr. Coventry (age 37) should not mention a word of him in his relation. I did, in answer, offer that I was sure the relation was not compiled by Mr. Coventry (age 37), but by L'Estrange, out of several letters, as I could witness; and that Mr. Coventry's (age 37) letter that he did give the Duke of Albemarle (age 56) did give him as much right as the Prince (age 45), for I myself read it first and then copied it out, which I promised to show my Lord, with which he was somewhat satisfied. From that discourse my Lord did begin to tell me how much he was concerned to dispose of his children, and would have my advice and help; and propounded to match my Lady Jemimah to Sir G. Carteret's (age 55) eldest son, which I approved of, and did undertake the speaking with him about it as from myself, which my Lord liked. So parted, with my head full of care about this business.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Jun 1665. Up and to White Hall to a Committee for Tangier, where his Royal Highness (age 35) was. Our great design was to state to them the true condition of this Committee for want of money, the want whereof was so great as to need some sudden help, and it was with some content resolved to see it supplied and means proposed towards the doing of it. At this Committee, unknown to me, comes my Lord of Sandwich (age 39), who, it seems, come to towne last night.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Jun 1666. In the evening down to Tower Wharfe [Map]e thinking to go by water, but could not get watermen; they being now so scarce, by reason of the great presse; so to the Custome House, and there, with great threats, got a couple to carry me down to Deptford, Kent [Map], all the way reading Pompey the Great (a play translated from the French by several noble persons; among others, my Lord Buckhurst (age 23)), that to me is but a mean play, and the words and sense not very extraordinary.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Jun 1667. The King of France (age 28), it is believed, is engaged for this year¹ so that we shall be safe as to him. The great misery the City and kingdom is like to suffer for want of coals in a little time is very visible, and, is feared, will breed a mutiny; for we are not in any prospect to command the sea for our colliers to come, but rather, it is feared, the Dutch may go and burn all our colliers at Newcastle [Map]; though others do say that they lie safe enough there. No news at all of late from Bredagh what our Treaters do.

Note 1. Louis XIV (age 28) was at this time in Flanders, with his Queen (age 28), his mistresses, and all his Court. Turenne commanded under him. Whilst Charles was hunting moths at Baroness Castlemaine's (age 26), and the English fleet was burning, Louis was carrying on the campaign with vigour. Armentieres was taken on the 28th May; Charleroi on the 2nd June, St. Winox on the 6th, Fumes on the 12th, Ath on the 16th, Toumay on the 24th; the Escarpe on the 6th July, Courtray on the 18th, Audenarde on the 31st; and Lisle on the 27th August. B.

Evelyn's Diary. 23 Jun 1673. To London, to accompany our Council who went in a body to congratulate the new Lord Treasurer (age 41), no friend to it because promoted by my Lord Arlington (age 55), whom he hated.

Before 23 Jun 1686 Mary Beale aka Cradock (age 53). Portrait of William Coventry (age 58).

Roger Whitley's Diary. 23 Jun 1690. Monday, Mainwaring went early to Badely; & Morgan past 9, to Chester; Huson went about 2 to Shotwick, Cheshire; retorned late, soe did Mainwaring; the Schoole Master of Tarvyn came past 5, to teach Roger Whitley his Book; went againe past 6.

After 23 Jun 1830 Monument to Hester Hornby.

Low Bent. On the same day was opened a smaller barrow at Low Bent, situated on low ground about half-a-mile from the last. Near the centre was a deposit of calcined human bones, placed on the level of the natural soil, and surrounded by an irregular circle of sandstone boulders; accompanied by a piece of stag's horn worked into an oval shape, three good spear points, and two rather indefinite instruments of flint, all which had been submitted to intense heat, probably from having accompanied the remains of their owner on the funeral pile. The flints have acquired a glazed appearance from the fusion of their surfaces. At a short distance from this interment the ground appearing to have been cut out and refilled with stones, we removed them to the depth of 18 inches, when we found a second deposit of burnt human bones placed amongst the stones, without any article or weapon whatever. The ground still shewing proofs of its having been disturbed, the work was resumed, until about two feet more of stone and earth being thrown out, we had the satisfaction of arriving at the solid floor of the grave, on which lay another heap of calcined bones, with one solitary bead of jet amongst them, of very primitive form, being only a rough piece perforated. The entire depth, from the apex of the mound to the bottom of the grave, was about five feet, three feet being below the natural surface.

Booth Low near Longnor. On the 23rd of June we made an unsuccessful examination of the third barrow at Booth Low, situated near the last [Note. Either Booth Low Barrow 2 [Map] or Booth Low Barrow 3 [Map]]. With the exception of a few pieces of charcoal, there were no indications of interment observed during the progress of a very large cutting through the centre, which was extended to a slight depression below the natural surface, making the entire depth from the top of the mound rather more than eight feet.

Chelmorton. 23rd of June we opened a small low barrow [Probably Chelmorton Barrow 3 [Map]] in the neighbourhood of the last, which covered a rock grave three feet deep, the irregular shape of which was corrected by an interior lining of stone slabs. It was chiefly filled with stones, but had a layer of tempered earth above and below them: the latter had the nature of exceedingly tenacious clay, and in it was imbedded the skeleton of a tall man of middle age, who lay extended on his back with the head raised and pointing to the west; the hands, with the fingers extended, were placed on the thighs; an iron knife much corroded lay in an oblique direction across the left side of the pelvis, and was itself crossed by the bones of the wrist. The right femur had been fractured about 6 inches below the neck, but had firmly reunited, apparently with the effect of shortening the limb, Parallel with the right side of the body, for its whole length, was a ridge of dark-coloured earth so remarkably dense that we could not detect the substances of which it was composed in any part excepting between the right humerus and the ribs, where it contained remains of wood and of animal's skin, the earth separating with ease where the latter had been folded, and exhibiting a hairy surface almost as perfect as would be shown by a recent hide under the same circumstances of damp and pressure, colour alone excepted. Although there was a hard mass of tempered earth above the grave, a few water rats had left their bones near those of this Saxon.

On 23 Jun 1885 Robert Arthur Talbot Gascoyne-Cecil 3rd Marquess Salisbury (age 55) was appointed Prime Minister.