On this Day in History ... 2nd May

02 May is in May.

1485 Execution of Roger Clifford

1502 Trial of James Tyrrell

1536 Arrest of Anne Boleyn and her Co-accused

1536 Sweating Sickness Outbreak

1536 Imprisonment and Trial of Anne Boleyn and her Co-Accused

1550 Execution of Joan Bourchier

1557 Scarborough Castle Rebellion

1568 Mary Queen of Scots escapes from Lochleven Castle

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 2nd May

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 980. In this year was Ethelgar consecrated bishop, on the sixth day before the nones of May, to the bishopric of Selsey; and in the same year was Southampton, Hampshire [Map] plundered by a pirate-army, and most of the population slain or imprisoned. And the same year was the Isle of Thanet [Map] overrun, and the county of Chester was plundered by the pirate-army of the North. In this year Alderman Alfere fetched the body of the holy King Edward at Wareham, Dorset [Map], and carried him with great solemnity to Shaftsbury [Map]

On 02 May 1302 Blanche Capet Queen Navarre (age 54) died.

After 02 May 1377. Exeter Cathedral [Map]. Monument to Hugh Courtenay 10th Earl Devon (deceased) and Margaret Bohun Countess Devon (age 66). Note the de Bohun Swans Effigies on which her feet rest.

Margaret Bohun Countess Devon: On 03 Apr 1311 she was born to Humphrey Bohun 4th Earl Hereford 3rd Earl Essex and Princess Elizabeth of Rhuddlan Countess Essex, Hereford and Holland. She a granddaughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England. On 11 Aug 1325 Hugh Courtenay 10th Earl Devon and she were married. She the daughter of Humphrey Bohun 4th Earl Hereford 3rd Earl Essex and Princess Elizabeth of Rhuddlan Countess Essex, Hereford and Holland. He the son of Hugh Courtenay 9th Earl Devon and Agnes St John Countess Devon. She a granddaughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England. On 23 Dec 1340 Hugh Courtenay 9th Earl Devon died. His son Hugh Courtenay 10th Earl Devon succeeded 10th Earl Devon, 5th Baron Okehampton, 2nd Baron Courtenay. She by marriage Countess Devon. On 16 Dec 1391 Margaret Bohun Countess Devon died.

Calendars. 02 May 1461. Westminster Palace [Map]. The like (Grant for life) to the king's (age 19) kinsman John Neville of Montagu (age 30), knight, from Easter last, of the king's mines in Decon and Cornwall in which gold and silver can be found or worked for, at a rent of 110l yearly, as the king's father used to pay, with power of demise the same for 10, 15 or 20 years, provided that after his death the holders pay a tithe of the pure silver or lead to the king or his farmer. By p.s.

On 02 May 1485 Roger Clifford (age 48) was beheaded at Tower Hill [Map] for supporting King Henry VII of England and Ireland (age 28).

On 02 May 1502 James Tyrrell (age 47) confessd to the murder of the Princes in the Tower at Guildhall [Map] during the Trial of James Tyrrell attended by King Henry VII of England and Ireland (age 45) and Elizabeth York Queen Consort England (age 36).

Letters 1536. 02 May 1536. R. O. 791. Richard Staverton to Cromwell (age 51).

It pleased you to write to me of your good will to my preferment. Various offenders have been committed to the Tower, among others Master Henry Norris (age 54), who has various rooms in the parts about me near Windsor, for which I hope you will have me in remembrance. He has the Little Park, the Park of Holy John (Foly John), Perlam (Perlaunt) Park, and the room of the Black Rod, in Windsor Castle, which I shall be glad to have, as I have 14 children.

Hol., p. 1. Add.: Mr. Secretary. Endd.

Hall's Chronicle 1536. 02 May 1536 ... who the next day was apprehended and brought from Greenwich to the Tower of London [Map], where after she was arraigned of high treason, and condemned. Also at the same time was likewise apprehended, the Lord Rochford (age 33) brother to the said Queen (age 35), and Henry Norrys (age 54), Marke Smeaton (age 24), William Brereton and Sir Francis Weston (age 25), all of the King’s Privy Chamber. All these were likewise committed to the Tower [Map] and after arraigned and condemned of high treason.

Letters 1536. 02 May 1536. R. O. 785. Roland Bulkeley to Sir Ric. Bulkeley (age 35), Chamberlain of North Wales.

Commendations to Sir Richard (his brother) and his lady. The Queen (age 35) is in the Tower, with the Earl of Wiltshire, Lord Rochford (age 33)1, Mr. Norres (age 54), one master Markes (age 24), one of the King's privy chamber, and sundry ladies. The cause is high treason, that is to say, "that maister Norres (age 54) shulde have a do wythe the Queyne, and Markes (age 24) and the other acsesari to the sayme. The arre lyke to suffyre, all ther morre is the pitte."

Begs him to come to the King as soon as he can, for he can do more than 20 in his absence, and to make haste, and be there before any word be of their death. "When it is ones knone that ye shall dede all wylbe to latte." Asks him to keep this letter close. Grays Inn, 2 May.

Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.

Note. A mistake? George, Viscount Rochford, brother of Anne Boleyn, children of Thomas Bolyen, Earl of Wiltshire, was in the Tower.

Spanish Chronicle Chapter 29. 02 May 1536. How the Queen (age 35) and her brother the Duke (age 33) were arrested.

On the 2nd of May the captain of the guard with hundred halberdiers came to Greenwich in the King's great barge, and went to the Queen, and said to her, "My lady, the King has sent me for you;" and she, very much astonished, asked the captain where the King was. She was told he was at Westminster; and she at once got ready, and embarked with all her ladies, thinking she was to be taken to Westminster, but when she saw they stopped at the Tower, she asked whether the King was there. The captain of the Tower appeared, and the captain of the guard addressed him, saying, "I bring you here the Queen, whom the King orders you to keep prisoner, and very carefully guarded." Thereupon the captain took Anne by the arm, and she, as soon as she heard that she was a prisoner, exclaimed loudly in the hearing of many, "I entered with more ceremony the last time I came." They ordered two of her ladies to remain with her, and the rest to be taken to Westminster, and amongst them one very attractive, of whom we shall have to speak further on.1

As soon as the King learnt that she was in the Tower, he ordered the Duke her brother to be arrested, and taken thither, the old woman having already been taken. The King then wished the Queen to be examined, and he sent Secretary Cromwell, the Archbishop of Canterbury (age 46), the Duke of Norfolk (age 63), and the Chancellor (age 48), who were expressly ordered by the King to treat her with no respect or consideration. They desired the Archbishop to be spokesman, and he said these words to her, "Madam, there is no one in the realm, after my lord the King, who is so distressed at your bad conduct as I am, for all these gentlemen well know I owe my dignity to your good-will;" and Anne, before he could say any more, interrupted him with, "My lord Bishop, I know what is your errand; waste no more time; I have never wronged the King, but I know well that he is tired of me, as he was before of the good lady Katharine." Then the Bishop continued, "Say no such thing, Madam, for your evil courses have been clearly seen; and if you desire to read the confession which Mark has made, it will be shown to you." Anne, in a great rage, replied, "Go to! It has all been done as I say, because the King has fallen in love, as I know, with Jane Seymour (age 27), and does not know how to get rid of me. Well, let him do as he likes, he will get nothing more out of me; and any confession that has been made is false."

With that, as they saw they should extract nothing from her, they determined to leave; but before doing so the Duke of Norfolk said to her, "Madam, if it be true that the Duke2 your brother has shared your guilt, a great punishment indeed should be yours and his as well." To which she answered, "Duke, say no such thing; my brother is blameless; and if he has been in my chamber to speak with me, surely he might do so without suspicion, being my brother, and they cannot accuse him for that. I know that the King has had him arrested, so that there should be none left to take my part. You need not trouble to stop talking with me, for you will find out no more. "So they went away; and when they told the King how she had answered, he said, "She has a stout heart, but she shall pay for it;" and he sent them to the Duke to see how he would answer. To explain why the Duke had been arrested, it should be told that the King was informed that he had been seen on several occasions going in and out of the Queen's room dressed only in his night-clothes. When the gentlemen went to him, he said, "I do not know why the King has had me arrested, for I never wronged him in word or deed. If my sister has done so, let her bear the penalty." Then the Chancellor replied, "Duke, it was ground for suspicion that you should go so often to her chamber at night, and tell the ladies to leave you. It was a very bold thing to do, and you deserve great punishment." "But look you, Chancellor," answered the Duke, "even if I did go to speak with her sometimes when she was unwell, surely that is no proof that I was so wicked as to do so great crime and treason to the King." Then the Duke of Norfolk said, "Hold thy peace, Duke, the King's will must be done after all." So they left him, and presently put old Margaret to the torture, who told the whole story of how she had arranged that Mark and Master Norris and Brereton should all have access to the Queen unknown to each other. She was asked about Master Wyatt, but she said she had never even seen him speak to the Queen privately, but always openly, whereupon Secretary Cromwell was glad, for he was very fond of Master Wyatt.

So the gentlemen ordered the old woman3 to be burnt that night within the Tower, and they took her confession to the King; and the King ordered all the prisoners to be beheaded, and the Duke as well, so the next day the Duke, Master Norris, Brereton, and Mark were executed.

Note 1. TT. Probably a reference to Jane Seymour (age 27).

Note 2. The chronicler is in error in calling the Queen's brother Duke. He was, of course, Viscount Rochford.

Note 3. Lady Wingfield; I can find no record, however, of her having been burnt in Tower, although her dying confession, of which a part only now remains, has always been considered the strongest proof of Anne's guilt.

Wriothesley's Chronicle 1536. And the secondo dale of Maie, Mr. Noris (age 54) and my Lorde of Rochforde (age 33) were brought to the Towre of London [Map] as prisoners;

Wriothesley's Chronicle 1536. 02 May 1536. ... and the same daie, about five of the clocke at nighta, Anne Bolleine (age 35) was brought to the Towre of London by my Lord Chauncelor (age 48)b, the Duke of Norfolke (age 63), Mr. Secretarie (age 51),c and Sir William Kingston (age 60), Constable of the Tower; and when she came to the court gate,d entring in, she fell downe on her knees before the said lordes, beseeching God to helpe her as she was not giltie of her accusement,e and also desired the said lordes to beseech the Kinges grace to be good unto her, and so they left her their prisoner.f.

Note a. "In the afternoon." — Stow.

Note b. Sir Thomas Audley.

Note c. Sir Thomas Cromwell, afterwards Earl of Essex.

Note d. "Towergate" in Stow.

Note e. On her arrest she was informed of the accusation of adultery.

Note f. Anne's prison-chamber was that in which she had slept the night before her coronation.

On 02 May 1536 Queen Anne Boleyn (age 35) was charged with treason and accused of 'despising her marriage and entertaining malice against the King, and following daily her frail and carnal lust'! She was imprisoned in the Tower of London [Map]. Five ladies were appointed to serve Anne whilst in prison:

Margaret Dymoke (age 36),

her aunt Anne Boleyn (age 60),

Mary Scrope (age 60), wife of the Lieutenant of the Tower of London William Kingston (age 60),

her aunt by marriage Elizabeth Wood aka Wode, wife of her uncle James Boleyn (age 71), and

Elizabeth Chamber Baroness St John Bletso, wife of Serjeant-at-Arms Walter Stonor (age 59).

The day before her brother George Boleyn, Henry Norrys, William Brereton and Francis West had been arrested; they would be executed on the 17 May.

Letters 1536. 02 May 1536. Add. MS. 28,588, f. 260. B. M. 784. Anne Boleyn. "Las nuevas de Ynglaterra de la presion de la Manceba del Rey."

The Emperor (age 36) has letters from England of 2 May, stating that the mistress [Queen Anne Boleyn of England (age 35)] of the king of England, who is called Queen, had been put in the Tower [Map] for adultery with an organist of her chamber [Mark Smeaton (age 24)], and the King's most private "sommelier de corps (age 54)." Her brother (age 33) is imprisoned for not giving information of her crime. It is said that, even if it had not been discovered, the King had determined to leave her, as he had been informed that she had consummated a marriage with the earl of Nortemberlano (age 34) (Northumberland) nine years ago.

Sp., p. 1, modern copy.

Letters 1536. 02 May 1536. 782. The Concubine's brother (age 33), named Rochefort, has also been lodged in the Tower [Map], but more than six hours after the others, and three or four before his sister; and even if the said crime of adultery had not been discovered, this King, as I have been for some days informed by good authority, had determined to abandon her; for there were witnesses testifying that a marriage passed nine years before had been made and fully consummated between her and the earl of Northumberland (age 34), and the King would have declared himself earlier, but that some one of his Council gave him to understand that he could not separate from the Concubine without tacitly confirming, not only the first marriage, but also, what he most fears, the authority of the Pope. These news are indeed new, but it is still more wonderful to think of the sudden' change from yesterday to today, and the manner of the departure from Greenwich to come hither; but I forbear particulars, not to delay the bearer, by whom you will be amply informed.

As to the matters of France, I think they are in no great favor here. The French ambassador had a courier on Saturday; nevertheless, either for pride or disdain, he let himself be sent for twice before he would go to Court, from which he returned not over well pleased. The English had despatched a courier to France eight days ago, but they sent in great haste to recall him, and I have not heard that they have sent any one since. London, 2 May, Eve of the Invention of Holy Cross, 1536.

Letters 1536. 02 May 1536. R. O. 789. Thomas Warley to Lady Lisle (age 42).

I was at Lincoln's Inn on Saturday last with my master, your son (age 16), who is in good health and desires your blessing, which he is worthy to have, as he is a towardly gentleman and a wise. As I knew that two gentlemen of the Inner Temple, named Nedam, died last week of the sickness, I advised Mr. Basset to go to Mr. Danaster's in the country; but he said he was not afraid, and was far enough from the contagious air, and would wait till your Ladyship sends him a gelding. Bremelcome, who waits on him, is an honest man and gives diligent attendance. Mr. Danastre thanks you for the wine and other pleasures, and says if he sees any danger he will remove Mr. Bassett.

Water Skynner, who was post to the Lord Chancellor, came over in good season, for on Sunday before mass the King made him post for the abbeys which are to be put down, with fees and wages as other posts, which he had not before. I send by Burdoke, of Calais, a letter from Mr. Wait, of the Temple. I did not know of Mr. Huggan's death till Mr. Vice-treasurer was departed. If I had, I would have proved him for the room, and given him a satin gown. I wrote by Collins that the King would have been at Rochester tonight, but he has changed his mind, which was not known till Sunday at 11 o'clock, and will go to Dover next week. The Council sit daily, so that suitors must abide their good hour. I delivered an abridgement and particulars of my bill of supplication to the King. I live in hope, fed with sweet words, and make all the means I can to be despatched. I trust my Lord and you will take no displeasure at my long absence, which is sore against my will. The arbitrators between Hastyngs and me find that he is indebted to me, but they stay to make their award, as he says he cannot pay. "Robert Whettell brags freshly in the court in a coat of crimson taffata, cut and lined with yellow sarcenet, a shirt wrought with gold, his hosen scarlet, the breeches crimson velvet, cut and edged and lined with yellow sarcenet, his shoes crimson velvet, and likewise his sword, girdle, and scabbard, a cloak of red frisado, a scarlet cap, with feathers red and yellow; he hath many lookers on." Lovell's room, for which I labored to my Lord and you, has been given since my being here. I am sorry to hear of the sickness in Calais. London, 2 May 1536.

Here is a priest named Sir Richard Chicheley, B.D., well seen in physic, astronomy, and surgery, and can sing his plain song well, and is well apparelled. He would fain serve my Lord and you in Calais, if you would help him to a chantry and meat and drink. He demands no more. If he were there, I think Philbert and he would reason of physic. Also, he says, he is cunning in stilling of waters.

Hol., pp. 4. Add.: In Calais.

Letters 1536. 02 May 1536. Vienna Archives. 782. Chapuys (age 46) to Charles V (age 36).

Your Majesty (age 36) will remember what I wrote about the beginning of last month, of the conversation I had with Cromwell (age 51) about the divorce of this King from the Concubine (age 35). I have since heard the will of the Princess (age 20), by which, as I wrote, I meant to be guided, and which was that I should promote the matter, especially for the discharge of the conscience of the King (age 44) her father, and that she did not care in the least if he had lawful heirs who would deprive her of the succession, nor for all the injuries done either to herself or to the Queen her mother, which, for the honor of God, she pardoned everyone most heartily. I accordingly used several means to promote the matter, both with Cromwell (age 51) and with others, of which I have not hitherto written, awaiting some certain issue of the affair, which, in my opinion, has come to pass much better than anybody could have believed, to the great disgrace [of the Concubine], who by the judgment of God has been brought in full daylight from Greenwich to the Tower of London, conducted by the Duke of Norfolk (age 63), the two Chamberlains, of the realm and of the chamber, and only four women have been left to her. The report is that it is for adultery, in which she has long continued, with a player [Mark Smeaton (age 24)] on the spinnet of her chamber, who has been this morning lodged in the Tower [Map], and Mr. Norris (age 54), the most private and familiar "somelier de corps" of the King, for not having revealed the matter.

Diary of Edward VI. 02 May 1550. Jhon (Joan) Bocher, otherwis Jhon (Joan) of Kent1, was burnt for holding that Christ was not incarnat of the Virgin Mary, being condemned the yere befor, but kept in hope of conversion; and the 30 of April the bishop of London (age 50) and the bishop of Elie2 were to perswad her. But she withstode them, and reviled the preacher (age 40) that preached at her death.3

The first paiment was paied at Cales [Map], and received by sir Thomas (Maurice) Dennis (age 42) and mr. Sharington (age 55).

Note 1. Joan Bocher, alias Knell, was a martyr for religious opinions, whose story is not related by John Foxe: but that historian mentions her incidentally in his account of the King's character, illustrating his meek nature by the following anecdote: "Hee alwaies spared and favoured the life of man: as in a certain dissertation of his once appeared, had with master Cheeke in favoring the life of heretickes: in so much that when Joane Butcher should have been burned, all the counsel could not moove him to put-to his hand, but were faine to get doctour Cranmer to perswade with him, and yet neither coulde hee with much labour induce the King so to doe, saying, What, my lord, will yee have me send her quick to the devill in her error ? So that doctour Cranmer himselfe confessed that hee had never so much to doe in all his life, as to cause the King to put-to his hand, saying that he would laie aU the charge thereof upon Cranmer before God." This story, apocryphal at the best, has been considered so far to the discredit of Cranmer (age 60) that his friends have been anxious to vindicate him. Mr. Bruce, in the Works of Roger Hutchinson, edited for the Parker Society, 1842, Preface, p. iv., has shewn that the King would not be required to sign any document on the occasion, the warrant of the council being sufficient. For the particulars of Joan Bocher and her heresy see Wilkins, Concilia, iv. 43; the General Index to the Works of the Parker Society, 1855, p. 124; also the General Index to the Works of Strype, Oxford edition. The religious insurrection in Kent, which the King has just mentioned under the date of the 26th April, was perhaps the proximate cause of her suffering; for it was on the 27th that the council issued their warrant to the lord chancellor (age 53) to make out a writ to the sheriffs of London for her execution. (Council Book.)

Note 2. Ridley (age 50) and Goodrich.

Note 3. "There preached before her, or she dyed, Scory (age 40); and she said to hym he lyed lyke a knave, &c." Chronicle of the Grey Friars of London, p. 66. The preacher was John Scory, afterwards bishop of Hereford in the reign of Elizabeth.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 02 May 1557. The ij day of May dyd pryche at Powlles crosse [Map] dyd pryche docthur Chadsay, and mad a godly sermon, and ther he declaryd that serten trayturs that was taken at Skarborow castyll [Map], the wyche they fled over the see a-for ....

On 02 May 1568 Mary Queen of Scots (age 25) escaped from Lochleven Castle, Kinross with the help of George Douglas of Helenhill (brother of William Douglas 6th Earl Morton (age 28), the castle's owner) and Claud Hamilton 1st Lord Paisley (age 21).

Pepy's Diary. 02 May 1669. Lord's Day. Up, and by water to White Hall, and there visit my Lord Sandwich (age 43), who, after about two months' absence at Hinchingbroke [Map], come to town last night. I saw him, and very kind; and I am glad he is so, I having not wrote to him all the time, my eyes indeed not letting me. Here with Sir Charles Herbert [Harbord] (age 29), and my Lord Hinchingbrooke (age 21), and Sidney (age 18), we looked upon the picture of Tangier, designed: by Charles Herbert [Harbord] (age 29), and drawn by Dancre (age 44), which my Lord Sandwich (age 43) admires, as being the truest picture that ever he's saw in his life: and it is indeed very pretty, and I will be at the cost of having one of them.

Evelyn's Diary. 02 May 1671. The French King (age 32), being now with a great army of 28,000 men about Dunkirk, divers of the grandees of that Court, and a vast number of gentlemen and cadets, in fantastical habits, came flocking over to see our Court and compliment his Majesty (age 40). I was present, when they first were conducted into the Queen's (age 32) withdrawing-room, where saluted their Majesties the Dukes of Guise [Note. Possibly Henri Jules Bourbon Condé Prince Condé (age 27) who ], Longueville, and many others of the first rank.

On 02 May 1868 James aka John Wilson Carmichael (age 67) died.

Archaeologia Volume 84 1935 Section VI. 02 May 1912. Plate XXX. The wooded part of the NNW. Fosse and Vallum of Avebury, looking WSW.

On 02 May 1919 Evelyn Pickering aka de Morgan (age 63) died.

Tottington War Memorial [Map] was unveiled by Lord Walsingham (age 71) at the Tottington Reading Room on 02 May 1920 during a United Service of the Established and Free Churches of Tottington. Out of a population of around 250 people, 60 had joined up to serve in the First World War, and the memorial commemorates the 15 servicemen from Tottington and neighbouring Sturston who fell and the 45 men who returned safely. It was organised by a local War Memorial Committee and funded by public subscription.

The roundels were sculpted by Walter Marsden (age 37).

John Augustus Grey 7th Baron Walsingham: On 21 Mar 1849 he was born to Thomas Grey 5th Baron Walsingham and Julia Thellusson Baroness Walsingham. On 03 Dec 1919 Thomas Grey 6th Baron Walsingham died. His half brother John Augustus Grey 7th Baron Walsingham succeeded 7th Baron Walsingham of Walsingham in Norfolk. On 21 Mar 1929 John Augustus Grey 7th Baron Walsingham died. His son George de Grey 8th Baron Walsingham succeeded 8th Baron Walsingham of Walsingham in Norfolk.

Births on the 2nd May

On 02 May 1407 Peter Gerard of Bryn Kings was born to John Gerard of Kingsley (age 28) and Alice Boteler (age 32).

Around 02 May 1428 Margaret Constable was born to Robert Constable (age 27) and Agnes Gascoigne (age 27) at Flamborough.

On 02 May 1451 René Lorraine II Duke Lorraine Duke of Bar was born to Frederick Lorraine Count Vaudémont (age 23) and Yolande Valois Anjou (age 22) at Angers [Map]. Coefficient of inbreeding 1.75%.

On 02 May 1631 John Murray 1st Marquess Atholl was born to John Murray 1st Earl Atholl and Jean Campbell Countess Atholl. Coefficient of inbreeding 1.83%.

On 02 May 1644 Robert Cotton was born to Thomas Cotton 2nd Baronet (age 50) and Alice Constable Lady Cotton (age 31).

On 02 May 1656 Richard Levinge was born.

On 02 May 1657 Frances Archer Lady Rouse was born to Thomas Archer (age 38) and Anne Leigh (age 24).

On 01 May 1662 Francis Brereton 5th Baron Brereton was born to William Brereton 3rd Baron Brereton (age 30) and Frances Willoughby Baroness Brereton (age 37). He was baptised at St Paul's Church, Covent Garden on 02 May 1662.

On 02 May 1669 Erasmus Henry Dryden 5th Baronet was born to John Dryden (age 37) and Elizabeth Howard (age 31).

On 02 May 1670 Kajetan Maria Franz Wittelsbach was born to Ferdinand Maria Wittelsbach (age 34) and Henriette Adelaide Savoy.

On 02 May 1703 James West was born.

On 02 May 1717 Louis Charles William Hohenzollern was born to Frederick William "Soldier King" I King Prussia (age 28) and Sophia Dorothea Hanover Queen Consort Prussia (age 30). He a grandson of King George I of Great Britain and Ireland. Coefficient of inbreeding 8.31%.

On 02 May 1728 Heinrich Uhthoff was born at Bremen.

On 02 May 1761 Simon Bidduplh was born to Walter Biddulph of Barton under Needwood (age 55).

On 02 May 1773 Montagu Roger Burgoyne 8th Baronet was born to John Burgoyne 7th Baronet (age 34).

On 02 May 1797 Arthur Miller Rose was born to James Rose (age 34).

On 02 May 1804 Christopher Tower was born.

On 02 May 1807 Henry Fitzroy was born to George Fitzroy 2nd Baron Southampton (age 45) and Frances Isabella Seymour Baroness Southampton. Coefficient of inbreeding 1.56%.

On 02 May 1808 Fanny Elizabeth Hopkins-Northey Baroness Boston was born.

On 02 May 1808 Emma Wedgwood was born to Josiah Wedgwood II (age 39).

On 02 May 1810 Mary Wentworth-Fitzwilliam was born to Charles Wentworth-Fitzwilliam 5th and 3rd Earl Fitzwilliam (age 23) and Mary Dundas (age 22). Coefficient of inbreeding 6.25%.

On 02 May 1810 Alexander Baring was born to Alexander Baring 1st Baron Ashburton (age 35) and Ann Louisa Bingham Baroness Ashburton (age 28).

On 02 May 1813 Charles Frere was born.

On 02 May 1823 Henry Blundell Leigh was born to John Shaw Leigh (age 31) in Walton-on-the-Hill, West Derby.

On 02 May 1841 Henry Brand 2nd Viscount Hampden was born to Henry Brand 1st Viscount Hampden (age 26) and Eliza Ellice (age 23).

Before 02 May 1861 Stillborn Child was born to Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 32) and Elizabeth Siddal (age 31). See Memorials of Edward Burne-Jones.

On 02 May 1893 Helen Vivien Gould Baroness Decies was born to George Jay Gould I (age 29).

On 02 May 1896 Helen Glücksburg was born to Constantine I King Greece (age 27) and Sophia Hohenzollern Queen Consort Greece (age 25). She a great granddaughter of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.

On 02 May 1947 Alastair Bruce 5th Baron Aberdare was born to Morys George Lyndhurst Bruce 4th Baron Aberdare (age 27) and Maud Helen Sarah Dashwood.

Marriages on the 2nd May

Before 02 May 1384 Thomas West 1st Baron West (age 19) and Joan Ware Baroness West were married. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry III of England.

Before 02 May 1462 John Bourchier 6th Baron Ferrers of Groby (age 24) and Elizabeth Ferrers 6th Baroness Ferrers Groby (age 43) were married. He by marriage Baron Ferrers of Groby. He the son of Henry Bourchier 2nd Count Eu 1st Earl Essex (age 58) and Isabel York Countess Eu and Essex (age 53). They were third cousin once removed. He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England.

Between 02 May 1577 and 29 Jan 1603 Thomas Tasburgh (age 49) and Jane West (age 19) were married.

On 02 May 1594 Thomas Heneage (age 62) and Mary Browne Countess Southampton (age 41) were married. Her second husband. The difference in their ages was 20 years.

Before 02 May 1644 Thomas Cotton 2nd Baronet (age 50) and Alice Constable Lady Cotton (age 31) were married. She by marriage Lady Cotton of Conington in Huntingdonshire.

On 02 May 1655 William Ker 2nd Earl Roxburghe (age 32) and Jane Ker Countess Roxburgh were married. She by marriage Countess Roxburghe. She the daughter of Henry Ker and Margaret Hay Countess Cassilis. He the son of John Drummond 2nd Earl Perth (age 67) and Jean Ker Countess Perth. They were half first cousins.

On 02 May 1670 John Cecil 5th Earl Exeter (age 22) and Anne Cavendish Countess Exeter (age 21) were married. She the daughter of William Cavendish 3rd Earl Devonshire (age 52) and Elizabeth Cecil Countess Devonshire (age 51). He the son of John Cecil 4th Earl Exeter (age 42) and Frances Manners Countess Exeter. They were half third cousin once removed.

Before 02 May 1691 Henry O'Brien 7th Earl Thomond (age 71) and Sarah Russell Countess Thomond (age 53) were married. She by marriage Countess Thomond. He the son of Barnabas O'Brien 6th Earl Thomond and Anne or Mary Fermor.

On 02 May 1710 John Miller 2nd Baronet and Elizabeth Meux were married.

On 02 May 1732 Robert Petre 8th Baron Petre (age 18) and Mary Radclyffe (age 18) were married in St Paul's Cathedral [Map]. She the daughter of James Radclyffe 3rd Earl Derwentwater and Anna Maria Webb Countess Derwentwater. They were third cousin once removed. She a great granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 02 May 1763 James Townsend (age 26) and Henrietta Rosa Peregrina (age 17) were married. A grant of her father's estates was granted to her husband.

On 02 May 1767 Henry Scott 3rd Duke Buccleuch (age 20) and Elizabeth Montagu Duchess Buccleuch (age 23) were married at Montagu House Whitehall Palace. She by marriage Duchess Buccleuch. She the daughter of George Brudenell aka Montagu 1st Duke Montagu (age 54) and Mary Montagu Duchess Montagu (age 56). They were fourth cousins. He a great x 3 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 02 May 1780 Richard Brooke 5th Baronet (age 27) and Mary Cunliffe Lady Brooke were married.

On 02 May 1780 Hugh Edward Henry Clifford 5th Baron Clifford Chudleigh (age 24) and Apollonia Langdale Baroness Clifford (age 25) were married. He a great x 2 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 02 May 1782 Thomas Pelham-Clinton 3rd Duke Newcastle-under-Lyme (age 29) and Anna Maria Stanhope Countess Lincoln were married. She the daughter of William Stanhope 2nd Earl of Harrington and Caroline Fitzroy Countess Harrington (age 60). He the son of Henry Fiennes Pelham-Clinton 2nd Duke Newcastle-under-Lyme (age 62) and Catherine Pelham Duchess Newcastle under Lyne. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 02 May 1792 George Thicknesse 19th Baron Audley (age 35) and Augusta Henrietta Catherina Boisdaune Baroness Audley were married. She by marriage Baroness Audley of Heighley in Staffordshire.

On 02 May 1793 Henry Berkeley Portman and Elizabeth Lucy Dormer were married.

On 02 May 1799 Philip Stanhope 5th Earl Chesterfield (age 43) and Henrietta Thynne (age 36) were married at Grosvenor Street. She the daughter of Thomas Thynne 1st Marquess of Bath and Elizabeth Bentinck Marchioness Bath (age 63).

On 02 May 1831 Prince Augustus Frederick Hanover 1st Duke Sussex (age 58) and Cecilia Gore aka Underwood Duchess of Inverness (age 46) were married contrary to the Royal Marriages Act. On the same day she assumed the surname Underwood by Royal Licence. She did not assume the title Duchess of Sussex. She the daughter of Arthur Saunders Gore 2nd Earl Arran and Elizabeth Underwood Countess of Arran. He the son of King George III of Great Britain and Ireland and Charlotte Mecklenburg Strelitz Queen Consort England.

On 02 May 1843 Thomas Moncrieffe 7th Baronet (age 21) and Louisa Hay-Drummond Lady Moncrieffe were married. She by marriage Lady Moncreiffe 1685. She the daughter of Thomas Hay-Drummond 11th Earl Kinnoull (age 58) and Louisa Burton Rowley Countess Kinnoul.

On 02 May 1848 William Neville 1st Marquess Abergavenny (age 21) and Caroline Vanden Bempte Johnston Marchioness Abergavenny were married. He the son of William Neville 4th Earl Abergavenny (age 55) and Caroline Leeke Countess Abergavenny.

Before 02 May 1860 William Fowle Middleton 2nd Baronet (age 75) and Anne Cust Baroness Middleton (age 85) were married. She by marriage Lady Middleton of Crowfield in Suffolk.

On 02 May 1874 Henry Strutt 2nd Baron Belper (age 33) and Margaret Coke Baroness Belper (age 22) were married at Holkham, Norfolk. She the daughter of Thomas Coke 2nd Earl of Leicester (age 51) and Juliana Whitbread Countess Leicester. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 02 May 1882 Charles John Oswald Fitzgerald (age 42) and Alice Fitzgerald (age 28) were married at Carton House, Carton, Kildare, County Kildare. She the daughter of Charles William Fitzgerald Fitzgerald 4th Duke Leinster (age 63) and Caroline Leveson-Gower Duchess Leinster (age 55). She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

Deaths on the 2nd May

On 02 May 1230 William de Braose (age 26) was hanged by Llewellyn "The Great" Aberffraw (age 58) for having been found in the bedchamber of his wife Joan Plantagenet (age 39). His daughter Eva de Braose (age 3) succeeded 10th Baron Bergavenny (Feudal Creation). William Cantilupe by marriage Baron Bergavenny Feudal Creation.

On 02 May 1248 Elias Giffard (age 68) died at Brimpsfield, Gloucestershire.

On 02 May 1302 Blanche Capet Queen Navarre (age 54) died.

On 02 May 1320 Joan Fitzgerald Countess Carrick (age 39) died.

On 02 May 1330 John Harcourt (age 54) died at Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire [Map].

On 02 May 1363 Hugh Meynell died.

On 02 May 1376 Katherine Fitzalan (age 70) died.

On 02 May 1417 Ralph Cromwell 2nd Baron Cromwell (age 49) died at Tattershall [Map]. His son Ralph Cromwell 3rd Baron Cromwell (age 14) succeeded 3rd Baron Cromwell.

Around 02 May 1417 Philippa Talbot Baroness Tiptoft (age 50) died.

On 02 May 1454 William Waldegrave (age 51) died.

Before 02 May 1473 Thomas Boteler died predeceasing his father John Sudeley 3rd Baron Sudeley who attempted to recover the property settled on Thomas' widow Eleanor Talbot.

On 02 May 1473 Ralph Boteler 6th and 1st Baron Sudeley (age 84) died. Baron Sudeley extinct. Baron Sudeley abeyant.

On 02 May 1485 Roger Clifford (age 48) was beheaded at Tower Hill [Map] for supporting King Henry VII of England and Ireland (age 28).

Between 24 Nov 1526 and 02 May 1527 William Keith 2nd Earl Marischal (age 77) died. His son William Keith 3rd Earl Marischal succeeded 3rd Earl Marischal.

On 02 May 1564 Cardinal Rodolfo Pio da Carpi (age 64) died.

Around 02 May 1615 Thomas The Red Pepys (age 43) died.

On 02 May 1618 William Babthorpe (age 58) died.

On 02 May 1635 Horace de Vere 1st Baron Vere (age 70) died. Baron Vere of Tilbury extinct.

On 02 May 1640 Anne Erskine Countess of Rothes (age 43) died.

On 02 May 1640 Thomas Fairfax 1st Lord Fairfax of Cameron (age 80) died.

On or after 02 May 1644 Alice Constable Lady Cotton (age 31) died.

Before 02 May 1667 Elizabeth Acton Lady Whitmore (age 47) died.

On 02 May 1683 Richard Ray (age 47) died.

On or before 02 May 1684 Elizabeth Clerke died. She was buried on 02 May 1684.

Before 02 May 1689 Mary Hampden (age 59) died.

On 02 May 1691 Henry O'Brien 7th Earl Thomond (age 71) died. His grandson Henry O'Brien 8th Earl Thomond (age 2) succeeded 8th Earl Thomond.

On 02 May 1692 Edward Evelyn 1st Baronet (age 66) died. Baronet Evelyn of Long Ditton in Surrey extinct.

On 02 May 1693 Landgrave Ernest of Hesse-Rheinfels (age 69) died.

Between 08 Feb 1699, the date of her will, and 02 May 1700, the date her will was proved, Judith Adrian Lady Crispe died. She was buried with her husband at St Mildred's Church, Bread Street.

On 02 May 1728 John Eden 2nd Baronet (age 50) died at Bath, Somerset [Map]. His son Robert Eden 3rd Baronet (age 10) succeeded 3rd Baronet Eden of West Auckland.

On 02 May 1731 Charles Egerton (age 5) died.

On 02 May 1742 Dorothy Boyle Countess Euston (age 17) died.

On 02 May 1745 James Campbell (age 67) died.

On 02 May 1754 Valentine Knightley (age 35) died in Fawsley, Northamptonshire. He was buried in St Mary's Church, Fawsley [Map].

On 02 May 1762 John Salusbury (age 54) died.

On 02 May 1786 George Greville (age 14) died.

On 02 May 1794 John Guise 1st Baronet (age 60) died.

On 02 May 1794 George Augustus Cavendish died.

On 02 May 1795 Herbert Perrott Pakington 7th Baronet died. His son John Pakington 8th Baronet (age 35) succeeded 8th Baronet Pakington.

On 02 May 1813 Augustus Ferdinand Hohenzollern (age 82) died.

On 02 May 1821 Hester Lynch Salusbury (age 81) died at 10 Sion Row, Clifton of complications after a fall. She was buried with her second husband Gabriel Mario Piozzi at the Church of Corpus Christi, Tremeirchion [Map].

Hester Lynch Piozzi. "Doctor Johnson's Mrs Thrale". Born 1741. Died 1821. Witty. Vivacious and Charming. In an Age of Genius She Ever Held a Foremost Place This Tablet is Erected by Orlando Butler Fellowes Grand-Son of Sir James Fellowes. The Intimate Friend of Mrs. Piozzi and her Executor. Assisted by Subscriptions. 28th April 1909.

On 02 May 1823 Sylvester Douglas 1st Baron Benverbie (age 79) died.

On 02 May 1829 Captain Charles Shaw (age 43) died.

On 02 May 1838 Digby Mackworth (age 71) died.

On 02 May 1844 William Beckford (age 83) died at Lansdown Crescent Bath, Somerset.

On 02 May 1851 Richard White 1st Earl Bantry (age 83) died. His son Richard White 2nd Earl Bantry (age 50) succeeded 2nd Earl Bantry. Mary O'Brien Countess Bantry by marriage Countess Bantry.

On 02 May 1855 Lucy Sarah Lethbridge died.

On 02 May 1859 Eliza Courtenay (age 67) died at Norwood, Surrey.

On 02 May 1860 William Fowle Middleton 2nd Baronet (age 75) died. Baronet Middleton of Crowfield in Suffolk extinct.

On 02 May 1868 James aka John Wilson Carmichael (age 67) died.

On 02 May 1874 Theresa Anna Maria Fox-Strangways Baroness Digby (age 60) died.

On 02 May 1875 Reverend Charles John Kenward Shaw (age 45) died.

On 02 May 1878 Admiral Frederick William Grey (age 72) died.

On 02 May 1882 Spencer-Smith (age 76) died.

On 02 May 1889 Charlotte Augusta Leopoldina Murray (age 72) died.

On 02 May 1889 Walter Campbell (age 40) died.

On 02 May 1913 Rose Neville Countess Cottentham (age 46) died.

On 02 May 1914 John Campbell 9th Duke Argyll (age 68) died at Cowes, Isle of Wight. His nephew Niall Campbell 10th Duke Argyll (age 42) succeeded 10th Duke Argyll.

On 02 May 1919 Evelyn Pickering aka de Morgan (age 63) died.

On 02 May 1922 George Alexander Duntze 4th Baronet (age 83) died. His son George Puxley Duntze 5th Baronet (age 48) succeeded 5th Baronet Duntze of Tiverton in Devon.

On 02 May 1926 Constance Mary Barrington Baroness Haldon (age 79) died.

On 02 May 1936 Alice Jane Wellesley died.

On 02 May 1945 Mary Grey (age 63) died.

On 02 May 1945 Waldemar William Hohenzollern (age 56) died.

On 02 May 1945 James Walter Theobold Gordon Butler (age 58) died.

On 02 May 1948 Mary Venetia Cavendish-Bentinck (age 86) died.

On 02 May 1950 Mary Isabella Sophia Louisa Weld-Forester (age 77) died.

On 02 May 1958 Gwendoline Loftus Hughes died.

On 02 May 1964 Nancy Witcher Langhorne Viscountess Astor (age 84) died.

On 02 May 1999 Edward Portman 9th Viscount Portman (age 65) died. His son Christopher Portman 10th Viscount Portman (age 40) succeeded 10th Viscount Portman, 10th Baron Portman.