On this Day in History ... 26th July

26 Jul is in July.

1346 Battle of Caen

1461 Edward IV Rewards his Followers

1469 Capture of Edward IV

1469 Battle of Edgecote Moor aka Danes Moor aka Banbury

1575 Jul 1575 Rathlin Island Massacre

1588 Spanish Armada

1603 Coronation of James I

1665 Great Plague of London

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 26th July

On 26 Jul 1346 the English army attacked and took Caen [Map] killing around 5000 French soldiers and militia. Otho Holland (age 30) fought.

Archaeologia Volume 35 1853 XXXIII. On the 26th [Jul 1358], Isabella (age 63) and her daughter the Queen of Scotland (age 37) spent the day at Almesho Park; and the following day at Madecroft Park.

On 26 Jul 1375 Richard Pembridge (age 55) died. Hereford Cathedral [Map]. Alabaster altar-tomb and effigy, altar-tomb with moulded base and capping, sides and ends panelled with alternate quatrefoils enclosing shields of his arms and trefoil-headed panels; effigy in bascinet, Camail and Jupon Period. His jupon with same arms as his shield. Hip Belt, Leg Garter, right leg modern, head on helm crested with a Feathered Crest, feet on hound.

On 26 Jul 1461 William Hastings 1st Baron Hastings (age 30) was created 1st Baron Hastings for supporting King Edward IV of England (age 19) in his claim to the throne.

Robert Ogle 1st Baron Ogle (age 55) was created 1st Baron Ogle by King Edward IV of England (age 19) for having been the principal Northumbrian gentleman to support the Yorkist cause.

Warkworth's Chronicle 1469. 26 Jul 1469. And Robyne of Riddesdale came uppone the Walschemenne in a playne byyonde Banbury toune1, and ther they faughthe strongly togedere, and ther was the Earl of Penbroke takene, and his brother withe hym, and two Ml, Walschmenne slayne, and so the Walschmen loste the felde the xxvj, day of Juylle the same yere. The names of the gentylmen that were slayne2 of Walsche party in the same batelle, -Sere Rogere Vaghan, knyght, Herry Organ sonne and heyre3, Thomas Aprossehere Vaghan, squyere, William Harbarde of Breknoke, squyere, Watkyn Thomas, sonne to Rogere Vaghan, Yvan ap Jhon of Merwyke, Davy ap Jankyn of Lymmeryke, Harry Done ap Pikton, John Done of Kydwelle, Ryse ap Morgon ap Ulston, Jankyn Perot ap Scottesburght, John Eneand of Penbrokeschire, and Jhon Contour of Herforde, And of the north party ther was slayne Sere Herry Latymere (age 32)4, sonne and heyre to the Lorde Latymere, Sere Rogere Pygot, knyghte, James Conya[r]s (age 36)5, sonne and heyre to Sere Jhon Conya[r]s (age 58), knyght, Olivere Audley6, squyere, Thomas Wakes sonne and heyre, William Mallerye, squyere, and many othere comyners, &c.

Note 1. A playne byyonde Banbury toune. Danesmoor is in the parish of Edgecote, near three hills of unequal size, and in their relative position approaching a triangle;" the spot now called Danesmoor is a small plantation of a few acres, but the name at this period had doubtless a much more extended application." - Baker's Northamptonshire, I. 500. This battle is commemorated in "Marwnad Thomas ab Rhosser, arglwydd Herast" of Lewis Glyn Cothi. Three things ought to be remarked, viz. that Herbert, who was beheaded, only made a codicil to his will, and not a new one, as commonly stated; that the battle took place on the Monday:

"Dyw Llun y bu waed a lladd:"

and that Herbert and his fellow captives were executed on the Wednesday-

"Marchog a las ddyw Merclur,"

as Gutto Glyn remarks in his poetical language. Cf. MS. Cotton. Otho, B. XIV. fol. 221, vo, where an erroneous date is given to the battle, - in quo cœsi multa milia [in which many thousands were slain]. In MS. Tann. Bodl. 2, fol. 104, vo. we find the field called "prelium ad Hegecote, seu Danysmore, prope Banburiam, dictam Banbery-Feld, seu Hegecote-Fyld [The battle at Hedgecote, or Danesmoor, near Banbury, called Banbury Field, or Hedgecote Field]." Hearne's fragment informs us that the land on which the battle was fought belonged to a person named Clarell. In the valuable collection of manuscripts at the seat of W. Ormsby Gore, Esq. are some verses in the Welsh language on this battle; see Sir Thomas Phillipps's Catalogue of these Manuscripts, p. 1.

Note 2. The names of the gentylmen that were slayne. See another and more extensive list in Itinerarium Willelmi de Worcestre, p. 120.1, although the major part of this catalogue differs from his. Worcester says that at least 168 of the nobility and gentry of Wales fell in this battle, and 1500 men on the English side.

Note 3. Herry Organ. sonne and heyre, i.e. the son and heir of Henry Organ.

Note 4. Sere Herry Latymere. Rather Sir Henry Neville (age 32), paternally a cousin-german of the great Earl of Warwick, and whose mother was Lady Elizabeth Beauchamp (age 52), half-sister to the heiress Anne (age 43), whom the Earl of Warwick married. Leland, in describing the Beauchamp Chapel at Warwick, says: "There lyeth buried (as some saye) in the west end of our Lady Chapell one of the Nevilles L. Latemer, slayne at Edgcote field by Banbury (as some suppose), but there is neither tombe nor scripture seene. This was Sir Hen. Neville, sonne and heire of George Neville, Lord Latemer. But he was never Lord, for he dyed before his father. This Henry Neville was grandfather to the Lord Latemer now livinge." The fact of Sir Henry Neville, and of his brother-in-law John Dudley (age 42), also slain in the same battle, having been buried in the Beauchamp Chapel, is proved by the will of his mother Lady Latimer, who on the field of Edgcote lost her only son and the husband of her daughter. Before the close of the same year, (on the 30th Dec.) her husband died insane, Nichols's Beauchamp Monuments, 4to. p. 40. - J.G.N.

Note 5. Sir John Conyers of Hornby (age 36), com. Ebor. Kt.

Note 6. Olivere Audley, squyere. For Audley read Dudley. He was a son of John Lord Dudley, K.G. and brother of that John who was grandfather of John Duke of Northumberland. Beauchamp Monuments, p. 39.-J.G.N.

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Hall's Chronicle 1469. 26 Jul 1469. The Northern men incamped themself on the Southe hill. The erle of Penbroke and the lorde Stafford of Southwike (age 30), wer lodged at Banbery the daie before the feld whiche was sainct James daie, and there the erle of Pembroke, putte the Lorde Stattorde out of an Inne wherein he delighted muche to be, for the loue of a damosell that dwelled m the house: contrary to their mutuall agrement by them taken, whiche was, that whosoeuer obteined first a lodgyng, should not be deceiued nor remoued. After many great woordes and crakes, had betwene these twoo capitaines, the lorde Stafford of Southwyke, in greate dispite departed with his whole compaignie and band of Archers, leauyng the erle of Pembroke almoste desolate in the toune, whiche, with all diligence returned to his host, liyng in the feld vnpurueied of Archers, abidyng suche fortune as God would sende and prouide. Sir Henry Neuell (age 32) sonne to the Lorde Latimer (age 62), tooke with hym certain light horssemen, and skirmished with the Welshemen in the euenyng, euen before their Campe, where he did diuerse valiaunt feates of armes, but a litle to hardy, he went so farre forward that he was taken and yelded, and yet cruelly slain: whiche vnmercifull acte, the Welshemen sore ruled the next daie or night. For the Northren men beyng inflamed, & not a litle discontented, with the death of this noble man, in the mornyng valiauntly set on the Welshemenne, and by force of archers, caused theim quickely to descende the hill into the valey, where bothe the hostes fought. Therle of Penbroke behaued hymself like a hardy knight, and expert capitain, but his brother sir Richarde Herbert so valiauntly acquited hymself, that with his Polleaxe in his hand (as his enemies did afterward reporte) he twise by fine force passed through the battaill of his aduersaries, and without any mortall wounde returned. If euery one of his felowes and compaignions in armes, hud doen but halfe thactes, whiche he that daie by his noble prowes achiued, the Northremen had obteined neither sauetie nor victory.

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On 26 Jul 1469 the Yorkist army suffered a defeat against a Lancastrian army led by Robin of Redesdale at the Battle of Edgecote Moor aka Danes Moor aka Banbury. The Yorkist army was commanded by Humphrey Stafford 1st Earl Devon (age 30) and William "Black William" Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke (age 46).

Thomas Vaughan (age 69), John Wogan, Henry Neville (age 32), John Conyers (age 36), and brothers John Dudley (age 42) and Oliver Dudley were killed.

Humphrey Stafford 1st Earl Devon (age 30), John Conyers (age 58) and William Parr (age 35) fought.

Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 64) and John Woodville (age 24) were captured.

There is some uncertainty about the date with some sources suggesting the 24 Jul 1469, the eve of St James' Feast day, as being the correct date.

After 26 Jul 1469. St Mary's Church, Kington [Map]. Thomas Vaughan killed 26 Jul 1469 at the Battle of Edgecote Moor aka Danes Moor aka Banbury and wife Elena "Terrible" Gethen so called because she murdered her cousin who had murdered her brother. Alabaster. Early Plate Bascinet Period. Tassets. Believed to have been moved from the Chancel since it is decorated on all sides. Possible Harpur and Moorecock of Burton on Trent - see the folds at the base of her dress and the possible little dog between them. Chest with Angels with Rounded Wings holding Shields.

Hall's Chronicle 1469. 26 Jul 1469. All the kynges doynges were by espials declared to the erle of Warwycke, which lyke a wyse and politique Capitayne entendyng pot to lese so great an auauntage to hym geuen, but trustyng to brynge all his purposes to a fynall ende and determinacion, by onely obteyning this enterprise: in the dead of the nyght, with an elect company of men of warre, as secretly as was possible set on the kynges felde, kylling them that kept the watche, and or the kynge were ware (for he thought of nothynge lesse then cf that chaunce that happened) at a place called Wolney. iiij. myle from Warwycke, he was taken prysoner, and brought to the Castell of Warwicke. And to the entent that the kynges frendes myghte not know where he was, nor what was chaunced of hym, he caused hym by secret iorneys in the nyght to be conueyed to Myddelham Castell [Map] in Yorkeshire, & there to be kept vnder the custody of the Archebishop of Yorke his brother, and other his trusty trendes, which entertayned the kyng, like lis estate, and serned hym lyke a prynce. But there was no place so farre of but that the taking of the kyng was shortly knowé there with the wynde which newes made many men to feare, and greatly to dread, and many to wonder and lament the chauce. Kyng Edward beyng thus in captiuitie, spake euer fayre to the Archebishop and to the other kepers, (but whether he corrupted them with money or fayre promises) he had libertie divers dayes to go on huntynge, and one day on a playne there met with hym syr William Stanley, syr Thomas of Borogh, and dyuers other of hys frcdes, with suche a great bend of men, that neither his kepers woulde, nor once durst moue him to retorne to prison agayn.

After 26 Jul 1469 King Edward IV of England (age 27) was captured by his brother George (age 19) at Olney, Buckinghamshire [Map] after the Battle of Edgecote Moor.

Chronicle of Robert Fabyan 1499. 26 Jul 1499. And this year master John Tate, alderman, began the new edifying of Saint Anthony's Church. And this year, upon the 26th day of July, being Sunday, and upon the Sunday following, stood twelve heretics at Paul's Crosse shryned [sic] with faggots.

On 26 Jul 1518 John Cotell was strangled by his wife Alice aka Agnes Cotell (age 33) at Farleigh Hungreford Castle [Map] with the aid of William Mathewe and William Inges, yeomen of Heytesbury, Wiltshire [Map]. He, John, was steward to Edward Hungerford who she subsequently married.

Letters and Papers 1526. 26 Jul 1526. R. O. 2343. Fitzwilliam To Wolsey.

Has been here two days to put the place in order after the King's visit. Said in his former letter that the King intended to have stopped at Stanstyd and Southwike; but as the parish in which the former stands is infected with plague, he will go to Warblington, a house of my lady of Salisbury, two miles distant. Thence he will go to Porchester Castle, and next day to Winchester. Guildford, 26 July. Signed. P. 1. Add.: To my lord Cardinal's grace.

Diary of Edward VI. 26 Jul 1550. The duke of Somerset went to set ordre ia Oxfordshier, Sussex, Wiltshier, and Hampshier.2

Note 2. "Jul 25th. A warrant to th'officers of th'ordonaunce to deliver unto the duke of Somerset, towards his furniture in the lieutenauntshippe committed unto him, these parcells following: — One fawconett of brasse, twoo fawcons of brasse, twoo sacres of brasse, xx dowble harquebutts with staies, vC weight of serpentine powder, one Cth weight of fine corne powder, di. Cth of matches or lunts, lx shott of yron for fawconet, CLtie shott of yron for fawcons, Cxx shot of yron for sacres. All this is to be delivered into their office upon the retorne of the said duke of Somerset from his said charge after Mighelmas." —

"Sept. xvii. A lettre to mr. Fleming for the fetching away of th'ordinaunce from Reding, which was delivered to the duke of Somersett." (Council Book.)

Henry Machyn's Diary. 26 Jul 1553. The sam day cam rydyng thrugh London my lade Elssabeth (age 19) grace, and thrugh Fletstrett, and so to my [lord of] Somersett('s) place that was, and yt ys my lade grasys [place; attended] with ij Ml. horse, with speres and bowes and gunes, and odur .... and spesyall sir John Wylliam, sir John Brygys, master Chamb[urlain,] all in gren gardyd with whytt welvett saten taffaty ...

Note. Arrival of the lady Elizabeth. In this passage read, "and odur [weapons,]" and add to it, "and cloth, according to their qualities." (Strype.) The "green garded with white" was then the royal livery.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 26 Jul 1553. The xxix day of July was a felow s[et in the pillory] for spykyng agaynst the good qwen Mare (age 37).

Henry Machyn's Diary. 26 Jul 1553. The xxvj day of July cam unto the Towre my lord marqwes of Northamton (age 41), by and my lord Robart Dudley (age 21), and the bysshop of London (age 53), and ser Recherd Corbett; and after cam in to the Towre my lord cheyffe justes Chamley (age 58), the lord Montyguw (age 68), at v of the cloke at nyght.

Note. The lord Montague. The person intended by this designation was sir Edward Montague, who was lord chief justice of the common pleas, as sir Roger Cholmley was of the king's bench. The new queen appointed sir Richard Morgan and sir Thomas Bromley in their places.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 26 Jul 1559. The xxvj day of July cam tydynges in-to London the yonge Frenche kyng (age 15) has proclamyd ym-seyllff kyng of Skottland and England and Franse and (unfinished) .... and the morow a grett dener ... chylderyn of the hospetalle, and a-for and after .... unyalles, and ther was a goodly compene of ....

On 26 Jul 1575 the English forces killed more than six hundred Scots and Irish men, women and children. The entire family of Sorley Boy MacDonnell were killed.

After 26 Jul 1575 Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex (age 33) wrote to Francis Walsingham (age 43) that Sorley Boy MacDonnell watched the massacre from the mainland helplessly and was "like to run mad from sorrow".

On 26 Jul 1588 Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 26) was knighted by Admiral Lord Howard of Effingham on the Ark Royal.

On 26 Jul 1588 Roger Townshend (age 44) was knighted.

On 25 Jul 1603 King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 37) was crowned I King England Scotland and Ireland at Westminster Abbey [Map].

Charles Howard 1st Earl Nottingham (age 67) was appointed Lord High Steward.

On 26 Jul 1603 Thomas Bennett (age 60) and Thomas Cambell (age 67) were knighted.

On 27 Jul 1603 William Wrey 1st Baronet was knighted at Whitehall Palace [Map].

On 30 Jul 1603 Richard Preston 1st Earl Desmond was knighted at Whitehall Palace [Map].

Bishop Thomas Bilson (age 56) gave the sermon. While the wording conceded something to the divine right of kings, it also included a caveat about lawful resistance to a monarch.

Pepy's Diary. 26 Jul 1660. Early to White Hall, thinking to have a meeting of my Lord and the principal officers, but my Lord could not, it being the day that he was to go and be admitted in the House of Lords, his patent being done, which he presented upon his knees to the Speaker; and so it was read in the House, and he took his place. I at the Privy Seal Office with Mr. Hooker, who brought me acquainted with Mr. Crofts of the Signet, and I invited them to a dish of meat at the Leg in King Street, and so we dined there and I paid for all and had very good light given me as to my employment there. Afterwards to Mr. Pierces, where I should have dined but I could not, but found Mr. Sheply and W. Howe there. After we had drunk hard we parted, and I went away and met Dr. Castle, who is one of the Clerks of the Privy Seal, and told him how things were with my Lord and me, which he received very gladly. I was this day told how Baron against all expectation and law has got the place of Bickerstaffe, and so I question whether he will not lay claim to wait the next month, but my Lord tells me that he will stand for it. In the evening I met with T. Doling, who carried me to St. James's Fair1, and there meeting with W. Symons and his wife, and Luellin, and D. Scobell's wife and cousin, we went to Wood's at the Pell Mell2 (our old house for clubbing), and there we spent till 10 at night, at which time I sent to my Lord's for my clerk Will to come to me, and so by link home to bed. Where I found Commissioner Willoughby had sent for all his things away out of my bedchamber, which is a little disappointment, but it is better than pay too dear for them.

Note 1. August, 1661: "This year the Fair, called St. James's Fair, was kept the full appointed time, being a fortnight; but during that time many lewd and infamous persons were by his Majesty's express command to the Lord Chamberlain (age 58), and his Lordship's direction to Robert Nelson, Esq., committed to the House of Correction".-Rugge's Diurnal. St; James's fair was held first in the open space near St. James's Palace, and afterwards in St. James's Market. It was prohibited by the Parliament in 1651, but revived at the Restoration. It was, however, finally suppressed before the close of the reign of Charles II.

Note 2. This is one of the earliest references to Pall Mall as an inhabited street, and also one of the earliest uses of the word clubbing.

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Pepy's Diary. 26 Jul 1662. Thence to Mrs. Sarah, and there looked over my Lord's lodgings, which are very pretty; and White Hall garden and the Bowling-ally (where lords and ladies are now at bowles), in brave condition. Mrs. Sarah told me how the falling out between my Baroness Castlemaine's (age 21) and her Lord was about christening of the child lately1, which he would have, and had done by a priest: and, some days after, she had it again christened by a minister; the King (age 32), and Lord of Oxford, and Duchesse of Suffolk, being witnesses: and christened with a proviso, that it had not already been christened. Since that she left her Lord, carrying away every thing in the house; so much as every dish, and cloth, and servant but the porter. He is gone discontented into France, they say, to enter a monastery; and now she is coming back again to her house in Kingstreet. But I hear that the Queen (age 23) did prick her out of the list presented her by the King (age 32);2 desiring that she might have that favour done her, or that he would send her from whence she come: and that the King (age 32) was angry and the Queen (age 23) discontented a whole day and night upon it; but that the King (age 32) hath promised to have nothing to do with her hereafter. But I cannot believe that the King (age 32) can fling her off so, he loving her too well: and so I writ this night to my Lady to be my opinion; she calling her my lady, and the lady I admire. Here I find that my Lord hath lost the garden to his lodgings, and that it is turning into a tennis-court. Hence by water to the Wardrobe to see how all do there, and so home to supper and to bed.

Note 1. The boy was born in June at Baroness Castlemaine's (age 21) house in King Street. By the direction of Lord Castlemaine, who had become a Roman Catholic, the child was baptized by a priest, and this led to a final separation between husband and wife. Some days afterwards the child was again baptized by the rector of St. Margaret's, Westminster [Map], in presence of the godparents, the King (age 32), Aubrey De Vere (age 35), Earl of Oxford, and Barbara, Countess of Suffolk (age 40), first Lady of the Bedchamber to the Queen (age 23) and Baroness Castlemaine's (age 21) aunt. The entry in the register of St. Margaret's [Map] is as follows: "1662 June 18 Charles Palmer Ld Limbricke, s. to ye right honorble Roger Earl of Castlemaine by Barbara" (Steinman's "Memoir of Barbara, Duchess of Cleveland", 1871, p. 33). The child was afterwards called Charles Fitzroy, and was created Duke of Southampton in 1674. He succeeded his mother in the dukedom of Cleveland in 1709, and died 1730.

Note 2. By the King's command Lord Clarendon (age 53), much against his inclination, had twice visited his royal mistress with a view of inducing her, by persuasions which he could not justify, to give way to the King's determination to have Baroness Castlemaine's (age 21) of her household.... Lord Clarendon (age 53) has given a full account of all that transpired between himself, the King (age 32) and the Queen (age 23), on this very unpleasant business ('Continuation of Life of Clarendon,' 1759, ff. 168-178). Steinman's Memoir of Duchess of Cleveland, p. 35. The day at length arrived when Baroness Castlemaine's (age 21) was to be formally admitted a Lady of the Bedchamber. The royal warrant, addressed to the Lord Chamberlain (age 60), bears date June 1, 1663, and includes with that of her ladyship, the names of the Duchess of Buckingham (age 23), the Countesses of Chesterfield and Bath (age 22), and the Countess Mareshall. A separate warrant of the same day directs his lordship to admit the Countess of Suffolk as Groom of the Stole and first Lady of the Bedchamber, to which undividable offices she had, with the additional ones of Mistress of the Robes and Keeper of the Privy Purse, been nominated by a warrant dated April 2, 1662, wherein the reception of her oath is expressly deferred until the Queen's (age 23) household shall be established. We here are furnished with the evidence that Charles would not sign the warrants for the five until Catherine had withdrawn her objection to his favourite one. Addenda to Steinman's Memoir of Duchess of Cleveland (privately printed), 1874, p. i.

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Pepy's Diary. 26 Jul 1663. Thence I walked with Creed to Mr. Minnes's house, which has now a very good way made to it, and thence to Durdans and walked round it and within the Court Yard and to the Bowling-green, where I have seen so much mirth in my time; but now no family in it (my Lord Barkeley (age 61), whose it is, being with his family at London), and so up and down by Minnes's wood, with great pleasure viewing my old walks, and where Mrs. Hely and I did use to walk and talk, with whom I had the first sentiments of love and pleasure in woman's company, discourse, and taking her by the hand, she being a pretty woman.

Pepy's Diary. 26 Jul 1665. Up, and after doing a little business, down to Deptford, Kent [Map] with Sir W. Batten (age 64), and there left him, and I to Greenwich, Kent [Map] to the Park, where I hear the King (age 35) and Duke (age 31) are come by water this morn from Hampton Court [Map]. They asked me several questions. The King (age 35) mightily pleased with his new buildings there. I followed them to Castle's (age 36) ship in building, and there, met Sir W. Batten (age 64), and thence to Sir G. Carteret's (age 55), where all the morning with them; they not having any but the Duke of Monmouth (age 16), and Sir W. Killigrew (age 59), and one gentleman, and a page more. Great variety of talk, and was often led to speak to the King (age 35) and Duke (age 31).

Pepy's Diary. 26 Jul 1665. The Duke of Monmouth (age 16) is the most skittish leaping gallant that ever I saw, always in action, vaulting or leaping, or clambering.

Pepy's Diary. 26 Jul 1665. Thence mighty full of the honour of this day, I took coach and to Kate Joyce's, but she not within, but spoke with Anthony, who tells me he likes well of my proposal for Pall to Harman (age 28), but I fear that less than £500 will not be taken, and that I shall not be able to give, though I did not say so to him. After a little other discourse and the sad news of the death of so many in the parish of the plague, forty last night, the bell always going, I back to the Exchange [Map], where I went up and sat talking with my beauty, Mrs. Batelier, a great while, who is indeed one of the finest women I ever saw in my life. After buying some small matter, I home, and there to the office and saw Sir J. Minnes (age 66) now come from Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map], I home to set my Journall for these four days in order, they being four days of as great content and honour and pleasure to me as ever I hope to live or desire, or think any body else can live. For methinks if a man would but reflect upon this, and think that all these things are ordered by God Almighty to make me contented, and even this very marriage now on foot is one of the things intended to find me content in, in my life and matter of mirth, methinks it should make one mightily more satisfied in the world than he is. This day poor Robin Shaw at Backewell's died, and Backewell himself now in Flanders. The King (age 35) himself asked about Shaw, and being told he was dead, said he was very sorry for it. The sicknesse is got into our parish this week, and is got, indeed, every where; so that I begin to think of setting things in order, which I pray God enable me to put both as to soul and body.

Pepy's Diary. 26 Jul 1666. Thence with my wife and Mercer to my Chancellor's (age 57) new house, and there carried them up to the leads, where I find my Lord Camberlain, Lauderdale, Sir Robert Murray (age 58), and others, and do find it the most delightfull place for prospect that ever was in the world, and even ravishing me, and that is all, in short, I can say of it.

Pepy's Diary. 26 Jul 1666. At noon dined at home: Mr. Hunt and his wife, who is very gallant, and newly come from Cambridge, because of the sicknesse, with us. Very merry at table, and the people I do love mightily, but being in haste to go to White Hall I rose, and Mr. Hunt with me, and by coach thither, where I left him in the boarded gallery, and I by appointment to attend the Duke of Yorke (age 32) at his closett, but being not come, Sir G. Carteret (age 56) and I did talke together, and (he) advises me, that, if I could, I would get the papers of examination touching the business of the last year's prizes, which concern my Lord Sandwich (age 40), out of Warcupp's hands, who being now under disgrace and poor, he believes may be brought easily to part with them. My Lord Crew (age 68), it seems, is fearfull yet that maters may be enquired into. This I will endeavour to do, though I do not thinke it signifies much.

Before 26 Jul 1680 Jacob Huysmans (age 47). Portrait of John Wilmot 2nd Earl Rochester (age 33).

Evelyn's Diary. 26 Jul 1680. His Majesty (age 50) never lost a worthier subject, nor father a better or more dutiful son; a loving, generous, good-natured, and perfectly obliging friend; one who had done innumerable kindnesses to several before they knew it; nor did he ever advance any that were not worthy; no one more brave, more modest; none more humble, sober, and every way virtuous. Unhappy England in this illustrious person's loss! Universal was the mourning for him, and the eulogies on him; I stayed night and day by his bedside to his last gasp, to close his dear eyes! O sad father, mother, wife, and children! What shall I add? He deserved all that a sincere friend, a brave soldier, a virtuous courtier, a loyal subject, an honest man, a bountiful master, and good Christian, could deserve of his prince and country. One thing more let me note, that he often expressed to me the abhorrence he had of that base and unworthy action which he was put upon, of engaging the Smyrna fleet in time of peace, in which though he behaved himself like a great captain, yet he told me it was the only blot in his life, and troubled him exceedingly. Though he was commanded, and never examined further when he was so, yet he always spoke of it with regret and detestation. The Countess (age 45) was at the seat of her daughter, the Countess of Derby (age 20), about 200 miles off.

Evelyn's Diary. 26 Jul 1680. My Lord (age 46), being an exceedingly brave and valiant person, and who had so approved himself in divers signal battles, both at sea and land; so beloved and so esteemed by the people, as one they depended on, upon all occasions worthy of such a captain;-he looked on this as too great an indifference in his Majesty (age 50), after all his services, and the merits of his father, the Duke of Ormond (age 69), and a design of some who envied his virtue. It certainly took so deep root in his mind, that he who was the most void of fear in the world (and assured me he would go to Tangier [Map] with ten men if his Majesty (age 50) commanded him) could not bear up against this unkindness. Having disburdened himself of this to me after dinner, he went with his Majesty (age 50) to the sheriffs at a great supper in Fishmongers' Hall; but finding himself ill, took his leave immediately of his Majesty (age 50), and came back to his lodging. Not resting well this night, he was persuaded to remove to Arlington House, for better accommodation. His disorder turned to a malignant fever, which increasing, after all that six of the most able physicians could do, he became delirious, with intervals of sense, during which Dr. Lloyd (age 52) (after Bishop of St. Asaph) administered the Holy Sacrament, of which I also participated. He died the Friday following, the 30th of July, to the universal grief of all that knew or heard of his great worth, nor had any a greater loss than myself. Oft would he say I was the oldest acquaintance he had in England (when his father was in Ireland), it being now of about thirty years, contracted abroad, when he rode in the Academy in Paris, and when we were seldom asunder.

Evelyn's Diary. 26 Jul 1680. Being retired to his lodgings, and set down on a couch, he sent to his secretary for the copy of a letter which he had written to Lord Sunderland (age 38) (Secretary of State), wishing me to read it; it was to take notice how ill he resented it, that he should tell the King (age 50) before Lord Ossory's (age 46) face, that Tangier [Map] was not to be kept, but would certainly be lost, and yet added that it was fit Lord Ossory (age 46) should be sent, that they might give some account of it to the world, meaning (as supposed) the next Parliament, when all such miscarriages would probably be examined; this Lord Ossory (age 46) took very ill of Lord Sunderland (age 38), and not kindly of the King (age 50), who resolving to send him with an incompetent force, seemed, as his Lordship (age 46) took it, to be willing to cast him away, not only on a hazardous adventure, but in most men's opinion, an impossibility, seeing there was not to be above 300 or 400 horse, and 4,000 foot for the garrison and all, both to defend the town, form a camp, repulse the enemy, and fortify what ground they should get in. This touched my Lord (age 46) deeply, that he should be so little considered as to put him on a business in which he should probably not only lose his reputation, but be charged with all the miscarriage and ill success; whereas, at first they promised 6,000 foot and 600 horse effective.

Evelyn's Diary. 26 Jul 1680. My most noble and illustrious friend, the Earl of Ossory (age 46), espying me this morning after sermon in the privy gallery, calling to me, told me he was now going his journey (meaning to Tangier [Map], whither he was designed Governor, and General of the forces, to regain the losses we had lately sustained from the Moors, when Inchiquin (age 40) was Governor). I asked if he would not call at my house (as he always did whenever he went out of England on any exploit). He said he must embark at Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map], "wherefore let you and me dine together to-day; I am quite alone, and have something to impart to you; I am not well, shall be private, and desire your company"..

Evelyn's Diary. 26 Jul 1684. I return'd home where I found my Lord Cheife Justice [Jefferies] (age 39), the Countesse of Clarendon, and Lady Cath. Fitz-Gerald, who dined with me.

Roger Whitley's Diary. 26 Jul 1690. Satorday, (Lee came pay houses?; went to the muster at Tarvyn interl).; I went to Chester, dined at G.Mainwaring's (age 47) with him, his wife & Knox, &c. went to Hunts; there was Tailor & Huson; I went to the almeshouses & to Jacksons; there G.Mainwaring (age 47) & I dranke 2 bottles of ale at Crosse's; there was Farington, Wright, G.Mainwaring (age 47), Fernehaugh, &c. at Jackson's; I went thence past 7; found Lord Warrington, Lee & Mainwaring at home at supper.

Evelyn's Diary. 26 Jul 1692. I went to visit the Bishop of Lincoln (age 55), when, among other things, he told me that one Dr. Chaplin, of University College in Oxford, was the person who wrote the "Whole Duty of Man"; that he used to read it to his pupil, and communicated it to Dr. Sterne, afterward Archbishop of York, but would never suffer any of his pupils to have a copy of it.

After 26 Jul 1712. Monument to Thomas Osborne 1st Duke Leeds (deceased) in the Osborne Family Chapel at All Hallows' Church Harthill [Map]. Sad state of repair as is the case with most of the East Markham monuments.

After 26 Jul 1723. Church of St Michael and All Angels, Edenham [Map]. Monument to Robert Bertie 1st Duke Ancaster and Kesteven (deceased) sculpted by Peter Scheemakers (age 32) and Henry Cheere 1st Baronet (age 20). A Classical Period with Corinthian Capitals supporting open dentilated pediment with garland, urns and putti. Before the Aedicule a rounded Pedestal supports a marble image of the deceased attired as a Roman General.

Cansick's Monumental Inscriptions Volume 2 Highgate Cemetery. Highgate Cemetery. Here are deposited the remains of Sir John Peniston Milbanke, Bart.1, who departed this life on the 26th day of July, 1850, in the 75th year of his age.

Note 1. Sir J. P. Milbanke, Bart., was the seventh baronet. He was born on the 20th August, 1775 (second son of the fifth baronet) [Note. He was a grandson of the fifth baronet?], by Cornelia, daughter of Sir William Chambers, the noted architect. On the 19th March, 1826, he succeeded to the baronetcy on the death of his uncle, Sir Ralph Noel, who assumed that name by royal sign manual, and whose only daughter (age 58) was the wife of Lord Byron, the poet, and mother of the Countess of Lovelace (age 34). Sir John was twice married. He died at Halvaby, Yorkshire.

After 26 Jul 1856. Monument to Lucy Cust in St Peter and St Paul Church, Belton [Map].

On 26 Jul 1928 Archibishop Cosmo Gordon Lang (age 63) was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury.

Births on the 26th July

On 26 Jul 1224 John Courtenay 2nd Baron Okehampton was born to Robert Courtenay 1st Baron Okehampton (age 54) and Mary Vernon Redvers Baroness Okehampton (age 28). He a great x 3 grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.

On 26 Jul 1400 Isabel Despencer Countess Warwick and Worcester was born to Thomas Despencer 1st Earl Gloucester and Constance York Countess Gloucester (age 26) some six months after her father had been beheaded during the Epiphany Rising. She a great granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

On 26 Jul 1553 Friedrich Wittelsbach was born to Albert V Wittelsbach V Duke Bavaria (age 25) and Anna Habsburg Spain Duchess Bavaria (age 25). Coefficient of inbreeding 1.58%.

On 26 Jul 1574 August Oldenburg was born to John "Younger" Oldenburg Duke Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg (age 29) and Elisabeth of Brunswick-Grubenhagen (age 24).

On 26 Jul 1629 John Ferrers was born to Humphrey Ferrers and Anne Pakington (age 30) at Tamworth, Staffordshire [Map].

On 26 Jul 1691 John Trelawny 4th Baronet was born to Bishop Jonathan Trelawny 3rd Baronet (age 41) and Rebecca Hele Lady Trelawny.

On or before 26 Jul 1714 Ann Palmer was born to Thomas Palmer 4th Baronet (age 32). She was baptised on 26 Jul 1714.

On or before 26 Jul 1719 Elizabeth Cuffe 1st Countess Longford was born to Michael Cuffe (age 25). She was baptised on 26 Jul 1719.

On 26 Jul 1750 Frances Scott Baroness Douglas was born to Francis Scott and Caroline Campbell 1st Baroness Greenwich (age 32). She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 26 Jul 1785 Henry Monck 1st Earl of Rathdowne was born to Charles Stanley Monck 1st Viscount Monck (age 31) and Anne Quin.

On 26 Jul 1809 Robert Williams was born to Robert Williams 9th Baronet (age 45).

On 26 Jul 1870 Ignacio Zuloaga was born.

On 26 Jul 1902 Thomas Adrian Verney-Cave 7th Baron Braye was born to Adrian Verney Verney-Cave 6th Baron Braye (age 27).

Marriages on the 26th July

Before 26 Jul 1518 John Cotell and Alice aka Agnes Cotell (age 33) were married.

On 26 Jul 1717 Charles Cadogan 2nd Baron Cadogan (age 32) and Elizabeth Sloane Baroness Cadogan (age 22) were married at Church of St George the Martyr, Queen Square. The marriage transferred the 250-acre (1.0 km2) Sloane estate in suburban Chelsea to the Cadogan family, which has been the basis of the family wealth ever since.

On 26 Jul 1738 James Fitz James 3rd Duke Berwick 10th Duke Veragua (age 19) and Maria Teresa Silva Duchess Berwick and Veragua (age 22) were married. She by marriage Duchess Berwick. He the son of James Fitz James 2nd Duke Berwick and Catalina Ventura Colón Duchess Berwick 9th Duchess Veragua (age 48). He a great grandson of King James II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 26 Jul 1810 John Horsley Beresford 2nd Baron Decies (age 36) and Charlotte Philadelphia Horsley were married.

On 26 Jul 1822 James Hogg 1st Baronet (age 32) and Mary Swinton were married. They had fourteen children.

On 26 Jul 1825 Fletcher Norton 3rd Baron Grantley (age 27) and Charlotte Earle Beechey Baroness Grantley were married. She by marriage Baroness Grantley of Markenfield in Yorkshire.

On 26 Jul 1831 Charles Miles Lambert Monck 6th Baronet (age 52) and Mary Elizabeth Bennet (age 46) were married. She the daughter of Charles Bennet 4th Earl Tankerville and Emma Colebrooke Countess Tankerville (age 79).

On 26 Jul 1864 Frederick Smith 2nd Viscount Hambleden and Esther Georgiana Caroline Gore Viscountess Hambleden were married. They had five children. She the daughter of Arthur Saunders Gore 5th Earl Arran (age 25) and Edith Jocelyn Countess Arran (age 19).

On 26 Jul 1890 Arthur Walsh 3rd Baron Ormathwaite (age 31) and Clementine Pratt Baroness Ormathwaite (age 20) were married. She the daughter of John Charles Pratt 3rd Marquess Camden and Clementina Augusta Spencer-Churchill Countess Camden. They were fourth cousins.

On 26 Jul 1893 Charles Botolph Joseph Stourton 21st Baron Stourton 23rd Baron Segrave 22nd Baron Mowbray (age 26) and Mary Constable Baroness Stourton, Segrave and Mowbray (age 23) were married. She by marriage Baroness Stourton, Baroness Segrave and Baroness Mowbray. He a great x 5 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 26 Jul 1923 Thomas Brand 4th Viscount Hampden (age 23) and Leila Seely were married.

On 26 Jul 1934 Oswald Partington 2nd Baron Doverdale (age 62) and Leslie Cornell Baroness Doverdale were married. She by marriage Baroness Doverdale of Westwood Park in Worcestershire.

On 26 Jul 1949 George Herbert 7th Earl of Powis (age 24) and Katharine Odeyne de Grey Countess Powis (age 21) were married.

On 26 Jul 1951 William Douglas-Home Baron Dacre (age 39) and Rachel Leila Brand 27th Baroness Dacre (age 21) were married. He the son of Charles Cospatrick Douglas-Home 13th Earl of Home (deceased) and Lilian Lambton Countess of Home (age 69). They were third cousins.

Deaths on the 26th July

On 26 Jul 1242 Robert Courtenay 1st Baron Okehampton (age 72) died. His son John Courtenay 2nd Baron Okehampton (age 18) succeeded 2nd Baron Okehampton.

On 26 Jul 1383 Isabella Valois Duchess Bourbon (age 70) died.

On 26 Jul 1469 the Yorkist army suffered a defeat against a Lancastrian army led by Robin of Redesdale at the Battle of Edgecote Moor aka Danes Moor aka Banbury. The Yorkist army was commanded by Humphrey Stafford 1st Earl Devon (age 30) and William "Black William" Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke (age 46).

Thomas Vaughan (age 69), John Wogan, Henry Neville (age 32), John Conyers (age 36), and brothers John Dudley (age 42) and Oliver Dudley were killed.

Humphrey Stafford 1st Earl Devon (age 30), John Conyers (age 58) and William Parr (age 35) fought.

Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 64) and John Woodville (age 24) were captured.

There is some uncertainty about the date with some sources suggesting the 24 Jul 1469, the eve of St James' Feast day, as being the correct date.

On 26 Jul 1518 John Cotell was strangled by his wife Alice aka Agnes Cotell (age 33) at Farleigh Hungreford Castle [Map] with the aid of William Mathewe and William Inges, yeomen of Heytesbury, Wiltshire [Map]. He, John, was steward to Edward Hungerford who she subsequently married.

On 26 Jul 1614 Henry Grey 1st Baron Grey of Groby (age 67) died. His grandson Henry Grey 1st Earl Stamford (age 15) succeeded 2nd Baron Grey of Groby.

On 26 Jul 1630 Charles Emmanuel Savoy I Duke Savoy (age 68) died.

On 26 Jul 1639 Henry O'Brien 5th Earl Thomond (age 51) died. His brother Barnabas O'Brien 6th Earl Thomond succeeded 6th Earl Thomond.

On 26 Jul 1680 John Wilmot 2nd Earl Rochester (age 33) died. His son Charles Wilmot 3rd Earl Rochester (age 9) succeeded 3rd Earl Rochester, 3rd Viscount Wilmot.

On 26 Jul 1712 Thomas Osborne 1st Duke Leeds (age 80) died. His son Peregrine Osborne 2nd Duke Leeds (age 53) succeeded 2nd Duke Leeds, 2nd Earl of Danby, 2nd Viscount Osborne, 2nd Viscount Latimer, 2nd Baron Osborne of Kinderton, 3rd Baronet Osborne of Kiveton. Bridget Hyde Duchess Leeds (age 50) by marriage Duchess Leeds.

On 26 Jul 1767 Henrietta Hobart Countess Suffolk (age 78) died.

On 26 Jul 1851 Anne Isabella Monck Viscountess Hawarden (age 92) died.

On 26 Jul 1895 Caroline Margaret Fox-Strangways Lady Kerrison (age 76) died.

On 26 Jul 1912 Sewallis Edward Shirley 10th Earl Ferrers (age 65) died. On His fourth cousin Walter Shirley 11th Earl Ferrers (age 48) succeeded 11th Earl Ferrers, 17th Baronet Shirley of Staunton Harold in Leicestershire. Mary Jane Moon Countess Ferrers by marriage Countess Ferrers.

On 26 Jul 1914 Henry Strutt 2nd Baron Belper (age 74) died. His son Algernon Strutt 3rd Baron Belper (age 31) succeeded 3rd Baron Belper. Eva Isabel Countess Rosebery (age 22) by marriage Baroness Belper.

On 26 Jul 1919 Edward Poynter 1st Baronet (age 83) died. His son Ambrose Macdonald Poynter 2nd Baronet (age 51) succeeded 2nd Baronet Poynter of Albert Gate in Westminster in London.

On 26 Jul 1936 Lettice Mary Elizabeth Grosvenor Countess Beauchamp (age 59) died estranged from all her children except her youngest Richard Edward Lygon (age 19).

On 26 Jul 1938 Frances Evelyn "Daisy" Maynard Countess Warwick (age 76) died.

On 26 Jul 1945 Joan Emily Thynne Countess Cawdor (age 72) died.