On this Day in History ... 31st December
31 Dec is in December.
1189 Dec New Bishops Consecrated
1369 Creation of Garter Knights
1600 East India Company Chartered
Events on the 31st December
On 31 Dec 870 Æthelwulf Mercia Earldorman Berkshire (age 45) defeated the Viking army at the Battle of Englefield at Englefield, Reading. The Viking Army retreated to Reading, Berkshire [Map]. Sidrac Viking was killed.
On 31 Dec 1189 two of Richard I's new bishops were consecrated ...
Bishop William Longchamp was consecrated Bishop of Ely.
Bishop Richard Fitzneal (age 59) was consecrated Bishop of London.
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 31 Dec 1369 John Chandos (age 49) was killed. Chandos' force retreated towards the bridge across the Vienne at Lussac-les-Châteaux, along the route to Poitiers through Chauvigny. The French, unaware of their presence, had decided to follow the same route to harass any English troops. The adversaries met at the bridge of Lussac. In the battle, Chandos' long coat made him slip on the frost. James de Saint-Martin, a squire in the house of Sir Bagnac (or Guillaume Boitel, according to Paul Hay du Chastelet) struck Chandos with his lance, piercing his face below the eye. Chandos' uncle Edward Twyford, standing over his wounded nephew, repulsed the attackers. One of his squires pierced both legs of James Saint-Martin with his sword; Saint-Martin died three days later at Poitiers. John Chandos was carried on a large shield to Morthemer, the nearest English fortress. He was buried at Les Aubeniaux, Mazerolles where there is a monument.
On 31 Dec 1504 Beatrice Aviz Duchess Savoy was born to Manuel "Fortunate" I King Portugal (age 35) and Maria Trastámara Queen Consort Portugal (age 22). Coefficient of inbreeding 8.38%. 
Letters and Papers 1535. 31 Dec 1535. R. O. St. P. i. 451. 1050. Sir Edmund Bedyngfeld to Cromwell.
Received his letters between 7 and 8 o'clock p.m., stating that the King hears from the Imperial ambassador that the Princess Dowager (age 50) is in great danger of life. Had written to Cromwell before receiving his letter. Trusts it is apparent in what great trust Master Chamberlain and he are, both with her and such as be about her, that the ambassador should have knowledge before them who daily continue in the house. Sent as soon as he was made privy to it. The doctor's report is "non multum pejus quam erat, neque longe melius1." She continues in pain in her stomach, and can take little rest. Considering her weakness, she cannot long continue, if the sickness remains. The doctor moved her to take other advice, but she answered that she would in no wise have any other physician, but only commit herself to the pleasure of God. Will send further news with all speed. Kymbaltun, 31 Dec. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.: Rec. 1 Jan.
Note 1. not much worse than it was, nor much better.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 31 Dec 1559. The sam day at nyght at the quen('s) court ther was a play a-for her grace (age 26), the wyche the plaers plad shuche matter that they wher commondyd to leyff off, and contenent the maske cam in dansyng.
On 31 Dec 1600 Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 67) granted a Royal Charter to the Company of Merchants of London trading into the East Indies aka the East India Company led by George Clifford 3rd Earl of Cumberland (age 42) by which they received a monopoloy on trade with the East Indies. Thomas Smythe (age 42) was appointed first Governor of the East India Company.
After 31 Dec 1633. Memorial at St Peter's Church, Tawstock [Map] to William Skippon (deceased).
William Skippon: Around 1568 he was born to Bartholomew Skippon at Weasenham, Norfolk. Before 31 Dec 1633 he was appointed Secretary to William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath. On 31 Dec 1633 he died.
On 31 Dec 1657 Johann Ernest Saxe Gotha (age 16) died of smallpox at Gotha.
Pepy's Diary. 01 Jan 1660. My wife (age 19) … gave me hopes of her being with child, but on the last day of the year … [the hope was belied.] The condition of the State was thus; viz. the Rump, after being disturbed by my Lord Lambert (age 40), was lately returned to sit again. The officers of the Army all forced to yield. Lawson (age 45) lies still in the river, and Monk (age 51) is with his army in Scotland. Only my Lord Lambert (age 40) is not yet come into the Parliament, nor is it expected that he will without being forced to it.
Pepy's Diary. 31 Dec 1660. That being done I went to my Lord's (age 35), where I found him private at cards with my Lord Lauderdale (age 44) and some persons of honour. So Mr. Shepley and I over to Harper's, and there drank a pot or two, and so parted. My boy taking a cat home with him from my Lord's, which Sarah had given him for my wife (age 20) we being much troubled with mice.
Pepy's Diary. 31 Dec 1660. At the office all the morning and after that home, and not staying to dine I went out, and in Paul's Churchyard I bought the play of "Henry the Fourth", and so went to the new Theatre [Map] (only calling at Mr. Crew's (age 62) and eat a bit with the people there at dinner) and saw it acted; but my expectation being too great, it did not please me, as otherwise I believe it would; and my having a book, I believe did spoil it a little.
On 31 Dec 1660 ...
George Marwood 1st Baronet (age 59) was created 1st Baronet Marwood Little Busby in Yorkshire.
John Jackson 1st Baronet (age 29) was created 1st Baronet Jackson of Hickleton in Yorkshire.
James Livingston 1st Earl Newburgh (age 38) was created 1st Earl of Newburgh, 1st Viscount of Kinnaird with remainder to his heirs whatsoever.
Pepy's Diary. 31 Dec 1662. The Bishopps are high, and go on without any diffidence in pressing uniformity; and the Presbyters seem silent in it, and either conform or lay down, though without doubt they expect a turn, and would be glad these endeavours of the other Fanatiques would take effect; there having been a plot lately found, for which four have been publickly tried at the Old Bayley and hanged. My Lord Sandwich (age 37) is still in good esteem, and now keeping his Christmas in the country; and I in good esteem, I think, as any man can be, with him. Mr. Moore is very sickly, and I doubt will hardly get over his late fit of sickness, that still hangs on him. In fine, for the good condition of myself, wife, family, and estate, in the great degree that it is, and for the public state of the nation, so quiett as it is, the Lord God be praised!
Pepy's Diary. 31 Dec 1662. Lay pretty long in bed, and then I up and to Westminster Hall [Map], and so to the Swan [Map], sending for Mr. W. Bowyer, and there drank my morning draft, and had some of his simple discourse. Among other things he tells me how the difference comes between his fair cozen Butler and Collonell Dillon (age 35), upon his opening letters of her brother's from Ireland, complaining of his knavery, and forging others to the contrary; and so they are long ago quite broke off.
Pepy's Diary. 31 Dec 1662. By and by comes the King (age 32) and Queen (age 24), the Duke and Duchess, and all the great ones: and after seating themselves, the King (age 32) takes out the Duchess of York (age 25); and the Duke, the Duchess of Buckingham; the Duke of Monmouth (age 13), my Baroness Castlemaine's (age 22); and so other lords other ladies: and they danced the Bransle1.
Note 1. Branle. Espece de danse de plusieurs personnes, qui se tiennent par la main, et qui se menent tour-a-tour. "Dictionnaire de l'Academie. A country dance mentioned by Shakespeare and other dramatists under the form of brawl, which word continued to be used in the eighteenth century. "My grave Lord Keeper led the brawls; The seals and maces danced before him". Gray, 'A Long Story.'
Pepy's Diary. 31 Dec 1662. After that, the King (age 32) led a lady a single Coranto [swift and lively] and then the rest of the lords, one after another, other ladies very noble it was, and great pleasure to see. Then to country dances; the King (age 32) leading the first, which he called for; which was, says he, "Cuckolds all awry", the old dance of England. Of the ladies that danced, the Duke of Monmouth's (age 13) mistress, and my Baroness Castlemaine's (age 22), and a daughter of Sir Harry de Vicke's, were the best. The manner was, when the King (age 32) dances, all the ladies in the room, and the Queen (age 24) herself, stand up: and indeed he dances rarely, and much better that the Duke of York (age 29). Having staid here as long as I thought fit, to my infinite content, it being the greatest pleasure I could wish now to see at Court, I went out, leaving them dancing, and to Mrs. Pierce's, where I found the company had staid very long for my coming, but all gone but my wife, and so I took her home by coach and so to my Lord's again, where after some supper to bed, very weary and in a little pain from my riding a little uneasily to-night in the coach.
Pepy's Diary. 31 Dec 1662. By my last year's diligence in my office, blessed be God! I am come to a good degree of knowledge therein; and am acknowledged so by all-the world, even the Duke himself, to whom I have a good access and by that, and my being Commissioner with him for Tangier [Map], he takes much notice of me; and I doubt not but, by the continuance of the same endeavours, I shall in a little time come to be a man much taken notice of in the world, specially being come to so great an esteem with Mr. Coventry (age 34). The only weight that lies heavy upon my mind is the ending the business with my uncle Thomas about my-dead uncle's estate, which is very ill on our side, and I fear when all is done I must be forced to maintain my father myself, or spare a good deal towards it out of my own purse, which will be a very great pull back to me in my fortune. But I must be contented and bring it to an issue one way or other. Publique matters stand thus: the King (age 32) is bringing, as is said, his family, and Navy, and all other his charges, to a less expence. In the mean time, himself following his pleasures more than with good advice he would do; at least, to be seen to all the world to do so. His dalliance with my Baroness Castlemaine's (age 22) being publique, every day, to his great reproach; and his favouring of none at Court so much as those that are the confidants of his pleasure, as Sir H. Bennet (age 44) and Sir Charles Barkeley (age 32); which, good God! put it into his heart to mend, before he makes himself too much contemned by his people for it! The Duke of Monmouth (age 13) is in so great splendour at Court, and so dandled by the King (age 32), that some doubt, if the King (age 32) should have no child by the Queen (age 24) (which there is yet no appearance of), whether he would not be acknowledged for a lawful son; and that there will be a difference follow upon it between the Duke of York (age 29) and him; which God prevent!
Pepy's Diary. 31 Dec 1662. My Chancellor (age 53) is threatened by people to be questioned, the next sitting of the Parliament, by some spirits that do not love to see him so great: but certainly he is a good servant to the King (age 32). The Queen-Mother (age 53) is said to keep too great a Court now; and her being married to my Lord St. Albans (age 57) is commonly talked of; and that they had a daughter between them in France, how true, God knows.
Pepy's Diary. 31 Dec 1663. And first I bless God I do, after a large expense, even this month, by reason of Christmas, and some payments to my father, and other things extraordinary, find that I am worth in money, besides all my household stuff, or any thing of Brampton, above £800, whereof in my Lord Sandwich's (age 38) hand, £700, and the rest in my hand. So that there is not above £5 of all my estate in money at this minute out of my hands and my Lord's. For which the good God be pleased to give me a thankful heart and a mind careful to preserve this and increase it. I do live at my lodgings in the Navy Office, my family being, besides my wife and I, Jane Gentleman, Besse, our excellent, good-natured cookmayde, and Susan, a little girle, having neither man nor boy, nor like to have again a good while, living now in most perfect content and quiett, and very frugally also; my health pretty good, but only that I have been much troubled with a costiveness which I am labouring to get away, and have hopes of doing it.
Pepy's Diary. 31 Dec 1663. At the office I am well, though envied to the devil by Sir William Batten (age 62), who hates me to death, but cannot hurt me. The rest either love me, or at least do not show otherwise, though I know Sir W. Pen (age 42) to be a false knave touching me, though he seems fair. My father and mother well in the country; and at this time the young ladies of Hinchingbroke [Map] with them, their house having the small-pox in it. The Queene (age 54) after a long and sore sicknesse is become well again; and the King (age 33) minds his mistresse a little too much, if it pleased God! but I hope all things will go well, and in the Navy particularly, wherein I shall do my duty whatever comes of it.
Pepy's Diary. 31 Dec 1663. The Duchesse of York (age 26), at this time, sicke of the meazles, but is growing well again. The Turke very far entered into Germany, and all that part of the world at a losse what to expect from his proceedings. Myself, blessed be God! in a good way, and design and resolution of sticking to my business to get a little money with doing the best service I can to the King (age 33) also; which God continue! So ends the old year.
Pepy's Diary. 31 Dec 1664. So ends the old yeare, I bless God, with great joy to me, not only from my having made so good a yeare of profit, as having spent £420 and laid up £540 and upwards; but I bless God I never have been in so good plight as to my health in so very cold weather as this is, nor indeed in any hot weather, these ten years, as I am at this day, and have been these four or five months. But I am at a great losse to know whether it be my hare's foote, or taking every morning of a pill of turpentine, or my having left off the wearing of a gowne. My family is, my wife, in good health, and happy with her; her woman Mercer, a pretty, modest, quiett mayde; her chambermayde Besse, her cook mayde Jane, the little girl Susan, and my boy, which I have had about half a yeare, Tom Edwards, which I took from the King's chappell, and a pretty and loving quiett family I have as any man in England. My credit in the world and my office grows daily, and I am in good esteeme with everybody, I think. My troubles of my uncle's estate pretty well over; but it comes to be but of little profit to us, my father being much supported by my purse. But great vexations remain upon my father and me from my brother Tom's death and ill condition, both to our disgrace and discontent, though no great reason for either. Publique matters are all in a hurry about a Dutch warr. Our preparations great; our provocations against them great; and, after all our presumption, we are now afeard as much of them, as we lately contemned them. Every thing else in the State quiett, blessed be God! My Lord Sandwich (age 39) at sea with the fleete at Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map]; sending some about to cruise for taking of ships, which we have done to a great number. This Christmas I judged it fit to look over all my papers and books; and to tear all that I found either boyish or not to be worth keeping, or fit to be seen, if it should please God to take me away suddenly. Among others, I found these two or three notes, which I thought fit to keep.
Pepy's Diary. 31 Dec 1665. Lord's Day. All the morning in my chamber, writing fair the state of my Tangier accounts, and so dined at home. In the afternoon to the Duke of Albemarle (age 57) and thence back again by water, and so to my chamber to finish the entry of my accounts and to think of the business I am next to do, which is the stating my thoughts and putting in order my collections about the business of pursers, to see where the fault of our present constitution relating to them lies and what to propose to mend it, and upon this late and with my head full of this business to bed.
Pepy's Diary. 31 Dec 1665. Thus ends this year, to my great joy, in this manner. I have raised my estate from £1300 in this year to £4400. I have got myself greater interest, I think, by my diligence, and my employments encreased by that of Treasurer for Tangier, and Surveyour of the Victualls. It is true we have gone through great melancholy because of the great plague, and I put to great charges by it, by keeping my family long at Woolwich, Kent [Map], and myself and another part of my family, my clerks, at my charge at Greenwich, Kent [Map], and a mayde at London; but I hope the King (age 35) will give us some satisfaction for that. But now the plague is abated almost to nothing, and I intending to get to London as fast as I can. My family, that is my wife and maids, having been there these two or three weeks. The Dutch war goes on very ill, by reason of lack of money; having none to hope for, all being put into disorder by a new Act that is made as an experiment to bring credit to the Exchequer, for goods and money to be advanced upon the credit of that Act. I have never lived so merrily (besides that I never got so much) as I have done this plague time, by my Lord Bruncker's (age 45) and Captain Cocke's (age 48) good company, and the acquaintance of Mrs. Knipp, Coleman and her husband, and Mr. Laneare, and great store of dancings we have had at my cost (which I was willing to indulge myself and wife) at my lodgings. The great evil of this year, and the only one indeed, is the fall of my Lord of Sandwich (age 40), whose mistake about the prizes hath undone him, I believe, as to interest at Court; though sent (for a little palliating it) Embassador into Spayne, which he is now fitting himself for. But the Duke of Albemarle (age 57) goes with the Prince to sea this next year, and my Lord very meanly spoken of; and, indeed, his miscarriage about the prize goods is not to be excused, to suffer a company of rogues to go away with ten times as much as himself, and the blame of all to be deservedly laid upon him1. My whole family hath been well all this while, and all my friends I know of, saving my aunt Bell, who is dead, and some children of my cozen Sarah's, of the plague. But many of such as I know very well, dead; yet, to our great joy, the town fills apace, and shops begin to be open again. Pray God continue the plague's decrease! for that keeps the Court away from the place of business, and so all goes to rack as to publick matters, they at this distance not thinking of it.
Note 1. According to Granville Penn ("Memorials of Sir W. Penn (age 44)", ii. 488 n.) £2000 went to Lord Sandwich (age 40) and £8000 among eight others.
Evelyn's Diary. 31 Dec 1665. Now blessed be God for his extraordinary mercies and preservation of me this year, when thousands, and ten thousands, perished, and were swept away on each side of me, there dying in our parish this year 406 of the pestilence! See Great Plague of London.
Pepy's Diary. 31 Dec 1667. Up, without words to my wife, or few, and those not angry, and so to White Hall, and there waited a long time, while the Duke of York (age 34) was with the King (age 37) in the Caball, and there I and Creed stayed talking without, in the Vane-Room, and I perceive all people's expectation is, what will be the issue of this great business of putting these great Lords out of the council and power, the quarrel, I perceive, being only their standing against the will of the King (age 37) in the business of the Chancellor (age 58). Anon the Duke of York (age 34) comes out, and then to a Committee of Tangier, where my Lord Middleton (age 59) did come to-day, and seems to me but a dull, heavy man; but he is a great soldier, and stout, and a needy Lord, which will still keep that poor garrison from ever coming to be worth anything to the King (age 37). Here, after a short meeting, we broke up, and I home to the office, where they are sitting, and so I to them, and having done our business rose, and I home to dinner with my people, and there dined with me my uncle Thomas, with a mourning hat-band on, for his daughter Mary, and here I and my people did discourse of the Act for the accounts, which do give the greatest power to these people, as they report that have read it (I having not yet read it, and indeed its nature is such as I have no mind to go about to read it, for fear of meeting matter in it to trouble me), that ever was given to any subjects, and too much also.
On 31 Dec 1688 Thomas Wentworth 1st Earl Strafford (age 16) was commissioned Cornet in Colchester's Regiment of Horse.
Autobiography Simon D'Ewes. 31 Dec 1690. The four lords that came for it were Henry Viscount Mandeville, Lord Treasurer, Lodowick Stewart, Duke of Lennox, Lord Steward of the King's house-hold, William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, Lord Chamberlain of the same household, and Thomas Earl of Arundel, Earl Marshal of England (whom I should have placed before Pembroke); they, coming to York House [Map] to him, where he lay, told him they were sorry to visit him upon such an occasion, and wished it had been better. "No, my lords," replied he, "the occasion is good;" and then delivering them the great seal, he added, "It was the King's favour that gave me this, and it is my fault that hath taken it away: Rex dedit, culpa abstulit" - or words to that effect. So leaving him, the said four lords carried the gage they had received to Whitehall, to the King, who was overheard by some near him to say upon their delivery of it to him, "Now, by my soul, I am pained at the heart where to bestow this; for as to my lawyers, I think they be all knaves." Which it seemeth his Majesty spake at that time to prepare a way to bestow it on a clergyman, as the Marquis of Buckingham had intended; for otherwise there were at this present divers able wise lawyers, very honest and religious men, fit for the place, in whom there might easily have been found as much integrity, and less fawning and flattery than in the clergy; and, accordingly, Doctor Williams, now Dean of Westminster, and before that time made Bishop of Lincoln, was sworn Lord Keeper, and had the great seal delivered to him. On October the 9th, next ensuing, being the first day of Michaelmas Term, one Lloyd, or Floud, a Papist, being of the Inner Temple, having spoken these buse and opprobrious words following of the distressed Prince Elector Palatine and his royal lady, to wit, - "What is now become of your goodman Palsgrave, and your goodwife Palsgrave?1 - they had, I think, as much right to the kingdom of Bohemia as I have to the principality of Wales," was censured by the House of Commons, to pay a fine to the King, to be imprisoned during the King's pleasure, to ride disgracefully two several days in the open street upon a horse, with his face to the tail of it, and each day to stand in the pillory. The execution was long deferred, his fine and imprisonment remitted, and himself and his fellow Romanists began to boast that nothing should be inflicted. But at last, tho two Houses of Parliament appearing stoutly in the cause, he underwent the first day's punishment on May the 30th, being Wednesday, and the second on Friday the 1st day of June, on which Midsummer Term began. These days' actions I have added a little before the due time, that I might at once finish the relation of this business; in which the faithful zealous affection of the whole state and kingdom, in their body representative, consisting of the two Houses of Parliament, was fully expressed to that royal Princess, our King's only daughter, amidst the many scorns and oppressions of her irreconcilable and bloody enemies.
Note 1. This exclamation is given somewhat differently by Meade in the Harl. MSS. He says, "On Tuesday, Floyd, a counsellor, steward and receiver in Shropshire to the old Lord Chancellor Ellesmere and the Earl of Suffolk, a papist, and prisoner in the Fleet, was censured to ride thrice with papers, and stand in the pillory, and first at Westminster, for saying, Goodman Palsgrave. and Goody Palsgrave may or must go pack their children at their backs and beg. On Wednesday should have been the first time, but his Majesty stayed it. Yesterday the King and House met; his Majesty thanked them for the care they had of his son-in-law, daughter, and grandchildren's honour; if it were in them to censure this prisoner, the censure should be executed, otherwise there should be a punishment equivalent to that they had set down; which gave good content."
Autobiography Simon D'Ewes. 31 Dec 1690. "On Saturday last the lords of the Upper House added imto Floyd's censure formerly passed in the Lower House. On Monday he received part of his punishment: for he rode from Fleet Bridge to the Standard in Cheapside [Map] with his face towards the horse's tail, and papers in his hat having this inscription, - For using ignominiuos and despiteful behaviour, reproachful and malicious words, against the Prince and Princess Palatine, the King's only daughter, and chiidren. Then he stood two hours in the pillory; then had the K branded on his forehead, and was conveyed to the Fleet." - Letter dated June 1st, Harl. MSS.
Autobiography Simon D'Ewes. 31 Dec 1690. This punishment would have been still more severe, had it not been for the intercession of the Prince. This, at least, was the general report: yet Meade cautiously adds, "Whether true, I yet know not." In another letter it is stated that Floyd's ears were cut before he was placed in the pillory; but this seems to be an error.
Autobiography Simon D'Ewes. 31 Dec 1690. Sir Francis Bacon, Viscount St. Alban, had been often questioned during this parliament in the Upper House, for his gross and notorious bribery, and though he had for divers weeks abstained from coming to the Parliament House, yet had the broad seal still remained with him till this first day of May, in the afternoon; and he, by that means, as yet remained Lord Chancellor of England.
Roger Whitley's Diary. 31 Dec 1690. Wednesday, dined at home, stayd within all day; Roger, Mrs Fennick & Kent was with me about 4; Mount was with me at night.
On 31 Dec 1705 Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England (age 67) died at the Bemposta Palace some twenty years after the death of her husband King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. She was buried at Monastery of São Vicente de Fora.
Minutes of the Society of Antiquaries. 31 Dec 1718. Mr Samuel Gale brough a large and accurate Discourse upon the Horn of Ulphus given to the Church of York which is Engraven in Copper by the Society, for which the thanks of the Society is Unanimously given to him, it being read over. A Latin Inscription to be put under the New Plate of Rich: II was read over and approved by the Society.
On 31 Dec 1730 Newcomen Wallis (age 34) died. He was buried at Lincoln Cathedral [Map].
Newcomen Wallis: In 1696 he was born. In or before 1724 he and Catherine Collingwood were married.
The London Gazette 13609. From Tuesday 31 Dec 1793 to Saturday 04 Jan 1794.
To the Right Honorable Arthur Viscount Valentia (age 49), and the Heirs Male of his Body lawfuily begotten, the Dignity of Earl Mountnorris, of Mountnorris Castle, in the County of Armagh.
To the Right Honorable Andrew Thomas Lord Castlestewart (age 68), and the Heirs Male of his Body lawfully begotten, the Dignity of Viscount Castiestewart, in the County of Tyrone.
On 31 Dec 1870 Thomas Grey 5th Baron Walsingham (age 66) committed suicide at Merton, Norfolk. His son Thomas Grey 6th Baron Walsingham (age 27) succeeded 6th Baron Walsingham of Walsingham in Norfolk.
Henry Chaplin A Memoir: Youth VI. But whatever Lord Henry's eccentricities of conduct, all of us who knew him intimately, my brothers and sister and his few Lincolnshire friends, regarded him with admiration and real affection and always spoke of him as "dear old H.B."
He [Henry William Cavendish-Scott-Bentinck (age 66)] died in a house at Tathwell which he had built for himself, where I had lent him the shooting—10,000 acres with lots of game at that time—and he was buried in the churchyard at Tathwell [Map], where he still lies, though his brother, who had some correspondence with "Little" George Bentinck on the subject, intended at one time to have him interred later at Welbeck.
When I heard by telegram from my brothers, who did not realise what the position was, for I believe he was dead already, that he had been taken suddenly and very seriously ill, I ordered a special train and got Prescott Hewett, a great doctor and surgeon of that time, to go down with me at once to see him.
They had had a hard day's work out shooting in the Wolds with the snow almost up to their knees. Lord Henry had had nothing but tea and toast for breakfast, and refused to have any lunch, taking only a small glass of the brandy for which he was famous.
Walking home that night with Canon Pretyman, the father of the present owner of Orwell, as they parted at the turn for Lord Henry's house, the latter asked him if there was a good doctor in Louth. Pretyman replied that there was a very good man and begged to be allowed to send him out at once, but this Lord Henry declined, saying he would send for him if he required him. On getting home he had a hot bath and went to bed, desiring his servant to say that he wasn't well and would not come to dinner himself, but that his guests were to order for themselves what wine they liked best. Then he went to bed and died, I believe, in his sleep from heart failure very shortly afterwards.
None of them, not even his servant, seemed to be aware that he was ill, and when Prescott Hewett saw the body after we arrived, he expressed the opinion that if he had had a basin of soup, a glass of wine or some brandy and water when he came home instead of the hot bath, he would probably have been as well as ever he had been in his life.
For myself, I can only say this of him—of a man of another generation altogether than mine—he was my oldest, and greatest friend, and I felt for him great admiration, deep affection and profound respect. He taught me all I know of sport, of horses, hunting, hounds and deer-stalking, and a good deal of politics also.1
Note 1. An old man who was a lad in the hunting stables at Lincoln at the time of Lord Henry's death, relates how two teams were taken down from London to Blankney and driven over to Lincoln by Henry Chaplin and Mr. George Lane Fox on both the days of the sale. In fulfilment of an old promise, Henry Chaplin bought his wonderful collection of brandy—52 dozen bottles, some of it dating back to the early eighteenth century. " If anything happens to me, Harry, you will look after my brandy," he had said.
Births on the 31st December
On 31 Dec 1504 Beatrice Aviz Duchess Savoy was born to Manuel "Fortunate" I King Portugal (age 35) and Maria Trastámara Queen Consort Portugal (age 22). Coefficient of inbreeding 8.38%.
On 31 Dec 1539 John Radclyffe was born to Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex (age 56) and Mary Arundell Countess Arundel.
On 31 Dec 1550 Henry 1st Duke Guise was born to Francis II Duke Guise (age 31) and Anna d'Este (age 19).
On 31 Dec 1657 Mary Bruce was born to Robert Bruce 2nd Earl Elgin 1st Earl Ailesbury (age 31) and Diana Grey Countess Elgin and Ailesbury (age 27).
On 31 Dec 1684 William Grimston 1st Viscount Grimston was born to William Luckyn 3rd Baronet (age 21).
On 31 Dec 1717 William Kemp 8th Baronet was born to William Kemp of Antingham in Norfolk (age 42) and Elizabeth Shardelow.
On 31 Dec 1722 Princess Sophie Charlotte of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck was born to Frederick William Oldenburg II Duke Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck (age 35).
On 31 Dec 1730 Tryphena Scawen Countess Bathurst Sussex was born to Thomas Scawen and Tryphena Russell.
On 31 Dec 1738 Charles Cornwallis 1st Marquess Cornwallis was born to Charles Cornwallis 1st Earl Cornwallis (age 38) and Elizabeth Townshend Countess Cornwallis at Grosvenor Square, Belgravia.
On 31 Dec 1745 Joshua Vanneck 1st Baron Huntingfield was born to Joshua Vanneck 1st Baronet (age 44) and Mary Anne Daubuz Lady Vanneck.
On 31 Dec 1750 Francis Augustus Eliott 2nd Baron Heathfield was born to George Augustus Eliott 1st Baron Heathfield (age 33) and Anne Pollexfen Drake (age 24).
On 31 Dec 1764 Reverend John Ellis-Agar was born to James Agar aka Agar-Ellis 1st Viscount Clifden (age 30).
On 31 Dec 1767 Admiral Francis Laforey 2nd Baronet was born to Admiral John Laforey 1st Baronet (age 38) and Eleanor Farley.
On 31 Dec 1788 George Nugent-Grenville 2nd Baron Nugent was born to George Nugent Temple Grenville 1st Marquess Buckingham (age 35) and Mary Elizabeth Nugent Marchioness Buckingham (age 30).
On 31 Dec 1788 David Moncrieffe 6th Baronet was born to Thomas Moncrieffe 5th Baronet (age 30).
On 31 Dec 1815 Edward Richard Littleton 2nd Baron Hatherton was born to Edward John Walhouse aka Littleton 1st Baron Hatherton (age 24) and Hyacinthe Mary Wellesley Baroness Hatherton (age 26).
On 31 Dec 1825 Algernon Fulke Leveson-Gower aka Egerton was born to Francis Leveson Gower aka Egerton 1st Earl Ellesmere (age 25) and Harriet Greville Countess Ellesmere (age 22).
On 31 Dec 1840 Thomas John Wynn was born to Spencer Bulkeley Wynn 3rd Baron Newborough (age 37) and Frances Maria De Winton Baroness Newborough. Coefficient of inbreeding 3.12%. 
On 31 Dec 1842 Giovanni Boldini was born at Ferrara.
On 02 Dec 1845 Robert James Graham 10th Baronet was born to Edward Graham 9th Baronet (age 25). He was baptised on 31 Dec 1845 at St Pancras Old Church [Map].
On 31 Dec 1850 Charles Bennet was born to Charles Bennet 6th Earl Tankerville (age 40) and Olivia Montagu Countess Tankerville (age 20).
On 31 Dec 1855 Elizabeth Henrietta Alice Byng was born to George Byng 2nd Earl Strafford (age 49) and Harriet Cavendish Countess Strafford (age 35).
On 31 Dec 1864 Winifred Harbord was born to Charles Harbord 5th Baron Suffield (age 34) and Cecilia Annetta Baring Baroness Suffield (age 30) at Gunton, Norfolk.
On 31 Dec 1864 William Bridgeman 1st Viscount Bridgeman was born to John Robert Orlando Bridgeman (age 33) and Marianne Caroline Clive.
On 31 Dec 1874 Victoria Alexandrina Mary Cecil Herbert was born to Henry Howard Molyneux Herbert 4th Earl Carnarvon (age 43) and Evelyn Stanhope Countess Carnarvon (age 40).
On 31 Dec 1885 Viktoria Adelheid Glücksburg was born to Friedrich Ferdinand Glücksburg Duke Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Glücksburg (age 30) and Victoria Friederike Oldenburg Duchess Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Glücksburg (age 25).
On 31 Dec 1915 John Shelley was born to John Shelley 10th Baronet (age 31).
On 31 Dec 1920 Joshua Francis Rowley 7th Baronet was born to Charles Samuel Rowley 6th Baronet (age 29).
On 31 Dec 1984 Gregory Philip Roger Lloyd-Mostyn 7th Baron Mostyn was born to Llewellyn Roger Lloyd-Mostyn 6th Baron Mostyn (age 36).
Marriages on the 31st December
On 31 Dec 1673 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet (age 19) and Henrietta Maria Whitley (age 20) were married at Westminster Abbey [Map].
On 31 Dec 1716 James Fitz James 2nd Duke Berwick (age 20) and Catalina Ventura Colón Duchess Berwick 9th Duchess Veragua (age 26) were married. She the daughter of Pedro Manuel Colón 7th Duke Veragua. He the son of James Fitzjames 1st Duke Berwick (age 46) and Honora Burke Duchess Berwick. He a grandson of King James II of England Scotland and Ireland.
On 31 Dec 1743 Charles Hervey (age 40) and Martha Maria Howard (age 38) were married. There was no issue from the marriage. He the son of John Hervey 1st Earl Bristol (age 78) and Elizabeth Felton Countess Bristol. They were third cousin once removed.
On 31 Dec 1874 Algernon Freeman-Mitford 1st Baron Redesdale (age 37) and Clementina Gertrude Helen Ogilvy (age 20) were married.
On 31 Dec 1964 Edward John Peregrine Cust 7th Baron Brownlow (age 28) and Shirlie Edith Yeomans were married.
Deaths on the 31st December
On 31 Dec 870 Æthelwulf Mercia Earldorman Berkshire (age 45) defeated the Viking army at the Battle of Englefield at Englefield, Reading. The Viking Army retreated to Reading, Berkshire [Map]. Sidrac Viking was killed.
On 31 Dec 1298 Humphrey Bohun 3rd Earl Hereford 2nd Earl Essex (age 49) died. He was buried at Waldon Priory and Abbey [Map]. His son Humphrey Bohun 4th Earl Hereford 3rd Earl Essex (age 22) succeeded 4th Earl Hereford, 3rd Earl Essex.
On 31 Dec 1299 Ralph Basset 1st Baron Basset Drayton (age 35) died. His son Ralph Basset 2nd Baron Basset Drayton (age 21) succeeded 2nd Baron Basset Drayton.
On 31 Dec 1299 Margaret Capet Countess Valois (age 26) died.
On 31 Dec 1302 Frederick Metz III Duke Lorraine (age 62) died. His son Theobald Metz II Duke Lorraine (age 39) succeeded II Duke Lorraine.
On 31 Dec 1318 Walter Fauconberg 2nd Baron Fauconberg (age 54) died. His son John Fauconberg 3rd Baron Fauconberg (age 28) succeeded 3rd Baron Fauconberg. Some sources report his death at Battle of Bannockburn.
On 31 Dec 1426 Thomas Beaufort 1st Duke Exeter (age 49) died at Greenwich, Kent [Map]. Some sources say 27 Dec 1426 and 01 Jan 1427. Duke Exeter and Earl Dorset extinct.
On 31 Dec 1439 Margaret Holland Duchess Clarence (age 54) died.
On 31 Dec 1559 Bishop Owen Oglethorpe (age 52) died.
Between 28 Nov 1580 and 31 Dec 1580 Margaret Kennedy Countess Cassilis (age 66) died.
On 31 Dec 1655 John Wray 2nd Baronet (age 69) died. His son John Wray 3rd Baronet (age 36) succeeded 3rd Baronet Wray of Glentworth in Lincolnshire.
On 31 Dec 1677 Theobald Taaffe 1st Earl Carlingford (age 74) died.
On 31 Dec 1700 Thomas Belasyse 1st Earl Fauconberg (age 73) died without issue. Earl Fauconberg extinct. His nephew Thomas Belasyse 3rd Viscount Fauconberg succeeded 3rd Viscount Faunconberg, 4th Baronet Belasyse of Newborough. Bridget Gage Viscountess Fauconberg (age 25) by marriage Viscountess Faunconberg.
On 31 Dec 1705 Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England (age 67) died at the Bemposta Palace some twenty years after the death of her husband King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. She was buried at Monastery of São Vicente de Fora.
On 31 Dec 1709 Thomas Littleton 3rd Baronet (age 62) died without issue. Baronet Littleton of Stoke Milburgh in Suffolk extinct. His estates were inherited by Elizabeth Littleton.
On 31 Dec 1730 Lucius Carey 6th Viscount Falkland (age 43) died. On 31 Dec 1730 His son Lucius Charles Carey 7th Viscount Falkland (age 23) succeeded 7th Viscount Falkland.
On 31 Dec 1733 Robert Grierson 1st Baronet (age 78) died at his house in Dumfries [Map].
On 31 Dec 1738 Francis Clavering 5th Baronet (age 65) died. His half first cousin James Clavering 6th Baronet (age 58) succeeded 6th Baronet Clavering of Axwell in County Durham.
On 31 Dec 1741 William Pole 4th Baronet (age 63) died. His son John Pole 5th Baronet (age 8) succeeded 5th Baronet Pole of Shute House in Devon.
On 31 Dec 1763 Nicholas Loftus 1st Viscount Loftus (age 76) died. His son Nicholas Hume-Loftus 1st Earl of Ely (age 55) succeeded 2nd Viscount Loftus of Ely, 2nd Baron Loftus of Loftus Hall in Wexford.
On 31 Dec 1765 Ralph Assheton 3rd Baronet (age 73) died without issue. Baronet Assheton of Middleton in Lancashire extinct.
On 31 Dec 1767 John Eliott 4th Baronet (age 62) died. His son Francis Eliott 5th Baronet (age 36) succeeded 5th Baronet Eliott of Stobs.
On 31 Dec 1804 George Devereux 13th Viscount Hereford (age 60) died. His son Henry Devereux 14th Viscount Hereford (age 27) succeeded 14th Viscount Hereford, 11th Baronet Devereux of Castle Bromwich.
On 31 Dec 1804 George Evans 4th Baron Carbery (age 38) died without issue. His uncle John Evans 5th Baron Carbery (age 66) succeeded 5th Baron Carbery. Emilia Crowe Baroness Carbery by marriage Baroness Carbery.
On 31 Dec 1810 William Cunnington (age 56) died.
On 31 Dec 1815 Apollonia Langdale Baroness Clifford (age 60) died.
On 31 Dec 1835 John Perceval 4th Earl Egmont (age 68) died. His son Henry Perceval 5th Earl Egmont (age 39) succeeded 5th Earl Egmont, 5th Viscount Perceval of Kanturk in County Cork, 5th Baron Perceval of Burton in County Cork, 9th Baronet Perceval of Kanturk in County Cork, 4th Baron Lovel and Holland of Enmore in Somerset.
On 31 Dec 1846 Francis Lindley Wood 2nd Baronet (age 75) died. His son Charles Wood 1st Viscount Halifax (age 46) succeeded 3rd Baronet Wood of Barnsley in Yorkshire.
On 31 Dec 1854 Nathaniel Clements 2nd Earl Leitrim (age 86) died. His son William Clements 3rd Earl Leitrim (age 48) succeeded 3rd Earl Leitrim.
On 31 Dec 1855 George Ferrars Townshend 3rd Marquess Townshend (age 77) died in Genoa. His first cousin John Townshend 4th Marquess Townshend (age 57) succeeded 4th Marquess Townshend, 7th Viscount Townsend, 7th Baron Townshend of Lynn Regis in Norfolk, 9th Baronet Townshend.
Baron Ferrers of Chartley and Baron Compton of Compton in Warwickshire abeyant.
Earl of Leicester extinct.
On 31 Dec 1870 Thomas Grey 5th Baron Walsingham (age 66) committed suicide at Merton, Norfolk. His son Thomas Grey 6th Baron Walsingham (age 27) succeeded 6th Baron Walsingham of Walsingham in Norfolk.
On 31 Dec 1877 Gustave Courbet (age 58) died.
On 31 Dec 1897 Spencer Maryon Wilson 10th Baronet (age 68) died. His son Spencer Maryon-Wilson 11th Baronet (age 38) succeeded 11th Baronet Wilson of Eastbourne in Sussex.
On 31 Dec 1903 Lawrence Hesketh Palk 2nd Baron Haldon (age 57) died. His son Lawrence William Palk 3rd Baron Haldon (age 34) succeeded 3rd Baron Haldon of Haldon in Devon, 6th Baronet Palk of Haldon House in Devon.
On 31 Dec 1906 Julia Goodman née Salaman (age 94) died.
On 31 Dec 1909 Charles Strickland 8th Baronet (age 90) died. His son Walter Strickland 9th Baronet (age 58) de jure 9th Baronet Strickland of Boynton in Yorkshire. He never formally used the title he inherited upon his father's death.
On 31 Dec 1923 George Child-Villiers 8th Earl of Jersey (age 50) died. His son George Child-Villiers 9th Earl of Jersey (age 13) succeeded 9th Earl Jersey, 12th Viscount Grandison, 9th Viscount Villiers, 9th Baron Villiers.
On 31 Dec 1925 Anne Elizabeth Clementina Duff Marchioness Townshend (age 78) died.
On 24 Sep 1930 Ellis William Roberts (age 69) died at the Queens Hotel Brighton. His will was proved 31 Dec 1930 the summary of which reads:
Ellis William of 6 William Street Lowndes Square Westminster Middlesex and of 12 Wexford Road Wandsworth Common Surrey died 24 Sep 1930 at Queens Hotel Brighton. Probate London 31 December to Eliza Roberts widow Robert Ellis Roberts (age 40) schoolmaster Walter Kearsey Smith cashier and Millicent Elsie Fraser (wife of Ronald Fraser). Effects £12732 2s 8d. Resworn £12832 15s 3d.
On 31 Dec 1933 Bishop Leonard Jauncey White Thompson (age 70) died.
On 31 Dec 1963 Ernest Denison 6th Baron Londesborough (age 87) died. His first cousin once removed Conyngham Denison 7th Baron Londesborough (age 78) succeeded 7th Baron Londesborough of Londesborough in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
On 31 Dec 1966 William Feilding 10th Earl of Denbigh (age 54) died. His son Rollo Feilding 11th Earl of Denbigh (age 23) succeeded 10th Earl Desmond, 11th Earl Denbigh, 11th Viscount Feilding, 11th Baron Feilding of Newnham Paddocks in Warwickshire, 10th Viscount Callan of Callan in Kilkenny, 10th Baron Feilding of Lecagh in Tipperary, 10th Baron St Liz.
On 31 Dec 1974 Philip Grantham Yorke 9th Earl of Hardwicke (age 68) died. His grandson Joseph Yorke 10th Earl of Hardwicke (age 3) succeeded 10th Earl Hardwicke, 10th Viscount Royston.
On 31 Dec 2014 Arthur Valerian Wellesley 8th Duke Wellington (age 99) died at his home Stratfield Saye House [Map]. His son Arthur Charles Valerian Wellesley 9th Duke of Wellington (age 69) succeeded 9th Duke Wellington, 13th Earl Mornington, 13th Viscount Wellesley of Dangan Castle, 9th Viscount Wellington of Talavera.
