On this Day in History ... 20th May

20 May is in May.

685 Battle of Dun Nechtain

1217 Second Battle of Lincoln

1339 French Raid on Plymouth

1420 Treaty of Troyes

1533 Coronation of Anne Boleyn

1536 Betrothal of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour

1661 Creation of Baronets and Peerages by Charles II Post Coronation

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 20th May

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 685. This year King Everth (age 40) commanded Cuthbert (age 51) to be consecrated a bishop; and Archbishop Theodore (age 83), on the first day of Easter, consecrated him at York Bishop of Hexham; for Trumbert had been deprived of that see. The same year Everth (age 40) was slain by the north sea, and a large army with him, on the thirteenth day before the calends of June. He continued king fifteen winters; and his brother Elfrith succeeded him in the government. Everth (age 40) was the son of Oswy. Oswy of Ethelferth, Ethelferth of Ethelric, Ethelric of Ida, Ida of Eoppa. About this time Ceadwall (age 26) began to struggle for a kingdom. Ceadwall (age 26) was the son of Kenbert, Kenbert of Chad (age 95), Chad of Cutha, Cutha of Ceawlin, Ceawlin of Cynric, Cynric of Cerdic. Mull, who was afterwards consigned to the flames in Kent, was the brother of Ceadwall (age 26). The same year died Lothhere, King of Kent; and John was consecrated Bishop of Hexham, where he remained till Wilferth was restored, when John was translated to York on the death of Bishop Bosa. Wilferth his priest was afterwards consecrated Bishop of York, and John retired to his monastery [Map]21 in the woods of Delta. This year there was in Britain a bloody rain, and milk and butter were turned to blood.

Note 21. Beverley-minster, in Yorkshire [Map].

On 20 May 685 Bridei III Picts (age 57) defeated the Northumbrian army at the Battle of Dun Nechtain.

King Ecgfrith of Northumbria (age 40) was killed at Dunnichen, Angus. His half brother Aldfrith King Northumbria succeeded King Northumbria.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 794. This year Offa, King of Mercia, commanded that King Ethelbert should be beheaded;

On 20 May 794 Æthelberht II King East Anglia was beheaded on the orders of King Offa of Mercia.

On 20 May 1217 William Marshal 1st Earl Pembroke (age 71) and Ranulf de Blondeville Gernon 6th Earl Chester 1st Earl Lincoln (age 47) fought at Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] during the Second Battle of Lincoln.

Rebels William Mowbray 6th Baron Thirsk (age 44) and William Ros (age 17) were captured. William D'Aubigny (age 66) fought for the rebels. Thomas Chateaudun I Count Perche (age 22) died fighting for the rebels.

Bishop Peter de Roches led a division of the royal army and earned some distinction by his valour.

On 20 May 1315 Bonne Luxemburg Queen Consort France was born to King John I of Bohemia (age 18) and Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia (age 23).

On 20 May 1339 a French fleet raided Plymouth, Devon [Map].

Chronicle of Gregory 1420-1426. 20 May 1420. Ande in that yere, the xx day of May, the yere of oure Lorde M1CCCC xx, the kyng (age 33) come unto Troys, in Chaunpeyne, and there he was worthely ressayvyde of alle the lordys spyrytualle and temporalle that were there whithe the Kynge of Fraince. And on the morne the Kyng (age 51) and Quene of Fraunce (age 50), and Dame Katerynne (age 18), and the Duke of Burgayne, mette to gedyr in Synt Petrys chyrche [Map] in Troys; whiche metyng was in the body of the chyrche. Ande thenne they went upe to the hyghe auter, and there were the artyculys of the pes redde, and the othys made on aythyr partye.

After 20 May 1475. St Mary's Church, Ewelme [Map]. Monument to Alice Chaucer Duchess Suffolk (deceased). Wrist Garter. The effigy was, apparently, viewed to determine how a lady should wear the garter at the re-commencement of Lady of the Garter appointments in 1901 after a gap of several hundred years. A particularly fine Cadaver Underneath the chest on which Alice's effigy lies. Full-length in a shroud. Chest with Angels with Rounded Wings holding Shields.

Detail of the South Side of the Monument to Alice Chaucer Duchess Suffolk (deceased).

1 Roet Arms impaled Chaucer Modern Arms. Alice's paternal grandparents.

2 De La Pole Arms impaled Stafford Arms. Her third husbands parents Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk and Katherine Stafford Countess Suffolk.

3 Montacute and Monthermer Arms impaled Francis? Possibly Alice's second husband's parents John Montagu 3rd Earl Salisbury and Maud Francis Countess of Salisbury.

4 De La Pole Arms quartered Chaucer Modern Arms.

5 Roet Arms quartered Chaucer Modern Arms.

6 Chaucer Modern Arms.

7 De La Pole Arms.

8 De La Pole Arms impaled England Henry IV Arms signifying Alice's son John's (age 32) marriage to Elizabeth of York (age 31) sister of King Edward IV of England (age 33).

Detail of the North Side of the monument to Alice Chaucer Duchess Suffolk (deceased). Arms from left to right ...

1 De La Pole Arms quartered Chaucer Modern Arms impaled Unknown.

2 De La Pole Arms impaled Chaucer Modern Arms. Her third husband William "Jackanapes" de la Pole 1st Duke of Suffolk.

3 De La Pole Arms quarted Chaucer Modern Arms. Alice's son John de la Pole 2nd Duke of Suffolk (age 32) by her second husband William "Jackanapes" de la Pole 1st Duke of Suffolk.

4 Chaucer Modern Arms.

5 Montacute and Monthermer Arms quartering impaled Chaucer. Alice's second husband Thomas Montagu 1st Count Perche 4th Earl Salisbury.

6 Roet Arms. Alice's paternal grandmother Philippa Roet.

7 England Henry IV Arms impaling Roet Arms probably signifying John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster and Katherine Roet Duchess Lancaster, Katherine being the sister of Alice's paternal grandmother Philippa Roet who married Geoffrey Chaucer.

8 Roet Arms impaling Chaucer Modern Arms. Her paternal grandparents Geoffrey Chaucer and Philippa Roet.

Katherine Stafford Countess Suffolk: Around 1376 she was born to Hugh Stafford 2nd Earl Stafford and Philippa Beauchamp Countess Stafford. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England. Before 1394 Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk and she were married. She by marriage Countess Suffolk. She the daughter of Hugh Stafford 2nd Earl Stafford and Philippa Beauchamp Countess Stafford. He the son of Michael de la Pole 1st Earl Suffolk and Katherine Wingfield Countess Suffolk. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England. On 08 Apr 1419 Katherine Stafford Countess Suffolk died.

Philippa Roet: Around 1346 she was born to Giles "Payne" Roet. Before 1367 Geoffrey Chaucer and she were married at St Mary de Castro Leicester, Leicestershire. Excerpta Historica Page 152. Philippa, his eldest daughter, is stated to have been the maid of honour to Philippa Queen of Edward the Third who by the name of "Philippa Pycard" obtained a grant of one hundred shillings per annum on the 20th January 1370, and married Geoffrey Chaucer, to whom, in consequence, it is supposed, of this connexion, the Duke of Lancaster granted the Castle of Dodington. Of John of Gaunt's connexion with Chaucer, however, no proof has been found; and the circumstance of the lady assigned to him for his wife being styled "Philippa Pycard," instead of Roelt, renders the assertion, that she was the sister of the Duchess of Lancaster, extremely doubtful. Around 1387 Philippa Roet died.

Calendars. 20 May 1483 King Richard III of England (age 30). Westminster Palace [Map]. Grant to the king's kinsman Henry Duke of Buckingham (age 28), of the supervision and power of array of the king's subjects in the counties of Salop, Hereford, Somerset, Dorset and Wilts. By p.s.

Calendars. 20 May 1483 King Richard III of England (age 30). Westminster Palace [Map]. Grant for life to the king's servant William Hastings (age 52), knight, of the office of master and worker of the king's moneys and keeper of the exchange within the Tower of London [Map], the realm of England and the town of Calais according to the form of certain indentures, receiving the accustomed fees. By p.s.

Hall's Chronicle 1533. 20 May 1533. On Friday at dinner served the King all such as were appointed by his highness to be Knights of the Bath, which after dinner were brought to their chambers, and that night were bathed and shriven according to the old usage of England, and the next day in the morning the King dubbed them according to the ceremonies thereto belonging whose names ensueth.

The Marques Dorset.

The Earl of Darby.

The Lord Clifford.

The Lord Fitzwater.

The Lord Hastings.

The Lord Mounteagle.

Sir John Mordaunt.

The Lord Vaux.

Sir Henry Parker.

Sir William Windsor.

Sir Francis Weston.

Sir Thomas Arundel.

Sir John Hulstone.

Sir Thomas Poynings.

Sir Henry Saville.

Sir George Fitzwilliam.

Sir John Tindall.

Sir Thomas Jermey.

Letters 1536. 20 May 1536. Vienna Archives. 926. Chapuys to Granvelle.

Wrote yesterday very fully to the Emperor and Granvelle. Has just been informed, the bearer of this having already mounted, that Mrs. Semel [Jane Seymour (age 27)] came secretly by river this morning to the King's lodging, and that the promise and betrothal (desponsacion) was made at 9 o'clock. The King means it to be kept secret till Whitsuntide; but everybody begins already to murmur by suspicion, and several affirm that long before the death of the other (deceased) there was some arrangement which sounds ill in the ears of the people; who will certainly be displeased at what has been told me, if it be true, viz., that yesterday the King, immediately on receiving news of the decapitation of the putain (deceased) entered his barge and went to the said Semel (age 27), whom he has lodged a mile from him, in a house by the river. Cannot write to the Emperor for the haste of the courier, but will send particulars to him shortly. London, 20 May 1536.Fr., from a modern copy, p. 1.

On 20 May 1536 Henry VIII (age 44) and Queen Jane Seymour (age 27) were betrothed the day after Anne Boleyn had been beheaded.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 20 May 1554. The xx day of May my lade Elsabeth (age 20) the quen('s) (age 38) syster cam owt of the Towre, and toke her barge at Towre warfe [Map], and so to Rychemond [Map], and from thens unto Wyndsor [Map], and so to Wodstoke [Map].

On 20 May 1560 Bishop William Alley (age 50) was elected Bishop of Exeter on the recommendation of Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 26). Henry Machyn in his diary of 02 Apr 1560 refers to Bishop William Alley (age 50) as being 'bishop elect of Exeter'.

On 20 May 1561 John Eyre died. On 15 Dec 1558 Margaret Blennerhasset died. They were buried in All Saints Church, Narborough [Map]. Brass. The inscription on the brass says "Here do lye John Eyer Esquire late Receyvor Generale to Elizabeth the Quenes Majestie, in the counties of Norf., Suff., Cantabridge, and Huntyngton, and one of the Masters of her High Court of Chancerye and Margaret his wyfe, one of the daughters of Sir Thomas Blenerhaiset of Frens Knight late Wyfe of John, Spelman Esquire, son and heyre apparent of Sir John Spelman, Knyght." Armorials top left and middle Quartered Eyre Arms and Townshend Arms with a crescent difference, top right Quartered Eyre Arms and Townshend Arms impaled with 1&6 Blennerhassett Arms, 2, Argent, three Escutcheons Sable: LOWDHAM 3 Gules a Pall reversed Ermine: KELVEDON or KELDON 4 Azure a Lion rampant Argent crowned Or: ORTON: 5 Azure a Fess between three Fleurs-de-lis Or: SKELTON.

John Eyre: After 27 Dec 1545 he and Margaret Blennerhasset were married. Her second husband.

Margaret Blennerhasset: she was born to Thomas Blennerhassett of Frens. Before 27 Dec 1545 John Spelman of and she were married.

On 20 May 1576 Robert "The Elder" Peake (age 25) became a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths.

After 20 May 1576 Robert "The Elder" Peake (age 25) was in the pay of the Master of the Revels.

10 May 1661 William Smyth 1st Baronet (age 45) was created 1st Baronet Smyth of Redcliff in Buckinghamshire.

18 May 1661 Robert Jenkinson 1st Baronet (age 40) was created 1st Baronet Jenkinson of Walcot in Oxfordshire and of Hawkesbury in Gloucestershire.

20 May 1661 William Glynne 1st Baronet (age 23) was created 1st Baronet Glynne of Bicester aka Bisseter in Oxfordshire.

23 May 1661 Henry Ingram 1st Viscount Irvine (age 21) was created 1st Viscount Irvine.

Minutes of the Royal Society. 11 Jun 1662. 82. Royal Society Meeting Minutes.

Sir Robert Moray (age 54) President.

Dr Petty's (age 51) brother (age 42) showed the Society a draft of the pleasure boat he is to make for the King (age 32).

Lord Berkeley of Berkely (age 13) presented the Society with a Bird of Paradise having two feet.

Dr Goddard brought in a moth with feathered wings.

Mr Evelyn (age 41) presentd the Society with a book called 'The History of Chalcogrphij'.

Mr Ball to be asked to produce his 'Magnetick Instruments',

Mr Boyle1 presented the Society with a book of the 'Weight and Spring of Air'; and also with a glass tube filled with Minium, wherewith the experiment of filtering was made.

The Amanuensis to enquire about the depth of the water under the arches of London Bridge.

Mr Croone (age 28) to write to Dr Power about the trial of heat and cold in deep caves.

The Amanuensis to bespeak the long glass tube for the Torricellian Experiment.

Note 1. Not clear which Mr Boyle this is since Richard Boyle was elected 20 May 1663 and Robert Boyle (age 36) on 22 Apr 1663.

On 20 May 1663 Philip Packer (age 44) was appointed Fellow of the Royal Society.

Pepy's Diary. 20 May 1664. Up and to my office, whither by and by comes Mr. Cholmely (age 31), and staying till the rest of the company come he told me how Mr. Edward Montagu (age 29) is turned out of the Court, not [to] return again. His fault, I perceive, was his pride, and most of all his affecting to seem great with the Queene (age 54) and it seems indeed had more of her eare than any body else, and would be with her talking alone two or three hours together; insomuch that the Lords about the King (age 33), when he would be jesting with them about their wives, would tell the King (age 33) that he must have a care of his wife too, for she hath now the gallant: and they say the King (age 33) himself did once ask Montagu (age 29) how his mistress (meaning the Queene (age 54)) did. He grew so proud, and despised every body, besides suffering nobody, he or she, to get or do any thing about the Queene (age 54), that they all laboured to do him a good turn. They also say that he did give some affront to the Duke of Monmouth (age 15), which the King (age 33) himself did speak to him of. But strange it is that this man should, from the greatest negligence in the world, come to be the miracle of attendance, so as to take all offices from everybody, either men or women, about the Queene (age 54). Insomuch that he was observed as a miracle, but that which is the worst, that which in a wise manner performed [would] turn to his greatest advantage, was by being so observed employed to his greatest wrong, the world concluding that there must be something more than ordinary to cause him to do this. So he is gone, nobody pitying but laughing at him; and he pretends only that he is gone to his father, that is sick in the country.

Pepy's Diary. 20 May 1668. Thence walked to the King's playhouse, and saw "The Mulberry Garden" again, and cannot be reconciled to it, but only to find here and there an independent sentence of wit, and that is all. Here met with Creed; and took him to Hales's (age 68), and there saw the beginnings of Harris's (age 34) head which he draws for me, which I do not yet like. So he and I down to the New Exchange, and there cheapened ribbands for my wife, and so down to the Whey house and drank some and eat some curds, which did by and by make my belly ake mightily. So he and I to White Hall, and walked over the Park to the Mulberry-Garden [Map]1, where I never was before; and find it a very silly place, worse than Spring-garden, and but little company, and those a rascally, whoring, roguing sort of people, only a wilderness here, that is somewhat pretty, but rude. Did not stay to drink, but walked an hour and so away to Charing Cross [Map], and there took coach and away home, in my way going into Bishopsgate Street, to bespeak places for myself and boy to go to Cambridge in the coach this week, and so to Brampton [Map], to see my wife. So home, and to supper and to bed.

Note 1. On the site of the present Buckingham Palace and gardens. Originally a garden [Map] of mulberry trees, planted by James I in 1609 with the intention of cultivating the manufacture of English silks.

Stonehenge by William Stukeley. Table II. Prospect of the Roman Road & Wansdyke just above Caston May 20 1724. This demonstrates that Wansdyke was made before the Roman Road. [Note. Stukeley would have been stood here [Map] to record this view. Note the gibbet on top of Furze Knoll [Map]. On the left Cherhill aka Oldbury Hill Fort [Map].]

On 20 May 1726 Francis Cotes was born to Robert Cotes.

Derbyshire Archaeological Journal Volume 30 1908 Page 155. May 20th, 1825. With somewhat better success we opened a tumulus not far from the village of Middleton, and on the low ground near the river Bradford1. The country people knew it by the name of Larks low [Map]. About the centre of the mount we discovered a cist formed of large stones set edgeways at the sides and ends with similar ones serving for a cover. It contained the decayed fragments of a human skeleton. On the Eastem side of the barrow, after removing a flat stone we discovered an earihern lamp2 (Fig. 1 in annexed plate) which I should consider Roman, and which was placed on the top of a large urn full of burnt bones and ashes. The urn being composed of clay, which had only been baked in the sun, fell into small pieces on the slightest touch, so that no part of it could be preserved. Fig. 3 presents the manner in which it was ornamented by zig-zag scratches, and from a segment of the circle measured on the spot it appears to have been 7 inches diameter on the rim and 4¼ inches diameter at bottom. Its general shape seemed to be like Fig. 4.3 - The lamp which had been well baked, and is in great preservation was 3¾ inches diameter and 2 inches high. Fragments of human bones, along with the teeth and bones of horses and other animals (among which the water rat was, as usual, conspicuous,) were scattered throughout the mount.

A copper pin, Fig 2.4. rather more than 2 inches in length, which had previously served as a fastening for the dress, was also found.

These barrows are situate in this manor of Middleton by Youlgreave, belonging to Thomas Bateman Esquire5, and were opened under the superintendence of Mr W Bateman and myself. - l am decidedly of opinion that they are all Roman or Romanized British6.

Note 1. lbid., p. 33.

Note 2. A so-called "Incense cup."

Note 3. This is hardly likely to be a correct restoration of the cinerary urn.

Note 4. Not copper, but bronze, Evidently an awl, not a pin.

Note 5. Father of William Bateman.

Note 6. This, of course, is a wrong surmise. They are all of the Bronze Age.

Section I Tumuli 1825. The only barrow yet discovered in a low situation in the neighbourhood of Middleton is placed in a meadow called Larks Lowe [Map], and near the rivulet called the Bradford; this tumulus was opened on the 20th of May 1825 when the cist was found to be constructed of large flat stones placed edge-ways with similar ones serving for the cover; it contained the decayed fragments of a human skeleton. On the eastern side of the barrow was found an urn of coarse earthy full of calcined bones and dry mould, the top protected by a flat piece of lime-stone, upon which was placed a small, shallow, earthen vessel very firmly baked, (of the kind denominated by Sir Richard Hoare (age 66) "incense cups"), a pin of bronze, two and a quarter inches long; several animal teeth and bones, amongst them a horse's tooth, a circular pebble, and a stone of peculiar shape; the large urn was of so friable a nature, that it probably had no other baking than what it received in the funeral fire, from this cause it was found impracticable to preserve it entire. June 19, 1826, it was thought advisable to reopen the very interesting barrow [Map] on Garratt Piece, Middleton, which was opened by Dr. Pegge in 1788, and described in the Archæologia, vol. ix, page 189; in it were found animal bones, one of which was calcined; a portion of the lower branch of an antler of the red deer, six inches in length, which had been tooled at the root by a sharp instrument; also some rats' bones. (See a subsequent examination of this barrow.)

On 20 May 1826 Potter Palmer was born.

The current Kew Bridge [Map] was opened on 20 May 1903 by King Edward VII (age 61) and Queen Alexandra (age 58).

On 20 May 1912 George William Hanover (age 31) died in a car accident. Somewhat ironically he was driving to the funeral of his maternal uncle Frederick VIII King Denmark (deceased) when he skidded on a newly laid road surface. He and his valet Karl Grebe were killed in the accident. There is a monument at the site.

From the web:

Probably overtired, the car raced into loose gravel rock at 90 kilometers per hour, came off the road to the right, knocked down three trees and drilled into the earth with a destroyed front axle. Prince Georg Wilhelm and his valet Grebe – Karl Grebe – died instantly. The chauffeur sitting in the back survived slightly injured. The dead were laid out in the church of Nackel and brought a little later with military honors to Friesack station.

At the station, the coffins were loaded into the carriage to the songs of the Friesacker men's choir, which brought the crown prince to the funeral in Gmunden, Austria. The Friesacker stationmaster, Joachim Gahl, it is said, received a letter from Austria including two cufflinks decorated with diamonds and the initials "GW" thanks to his duty. Hanover's royal family thanked the villagers because they had shown themselves so compassionate. Monetary donations were made to the church, the warrior federation and the virgin association. In the church, a plaque commemorates the laying out and that the congregation sang before the transfer of the dead.

Births on the 20th May

On 20 May 1315 Bonne Luxemburg Queen Consort France was born to King John I of Bohemia (age 18) and Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia (age 23).

On 20 May 1364 Henry "Hotspur" Percy was born to Henry Percy 1st Earl of Northumberland (age 22) and Margaret Neville (age 35) at Alnwick Castle [Map]. He a great x 3 grandson of King Henry III of England.

Before 20 May 1455 George Gordon 2nd Earl Huntley was born to Alexander Gordon 1st Earl Huntley and Elizabeth Crichton Countess Huntley (age 45).

On 20 May 1572 Bishop John Davenant was born.

On 20 May 1575 Robert Heath was born.

On or before 20 May 1594 John Corbet 1st Baronet was born to Richard Corbet (age 30). He was baptised on 20 May 1594 at St Peter's Church, Stoke on Tern.

On 20 May 1702 Judge Thomas Morgan of Rhiwpera was born to John Morgan of Tredegar (age 31) and Martha Vaughan.

On 20 May 1709 Thomas Vyner of Eathorpe was born to Thomas Vyner of Eathorpe (age 56).

On 20 May 1711 Adrian Scrope was born to Gervase Scrope of Cockeringham (age 28) and Elizabeth Cresswell (age 19).

On 20 May 1714 Henry Bathurst 2nd Earl Bathurst was born to Allen Bathurst 1st Earl Bathurst (age 29) and Catherine Apsley Countess Bathurst Sussex. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.25%.

On 20 May 1726 Francis Cotes was born to Robert Cotes.

On 20 May 1726 John Browne 1st Baron Kilmaine was born to John Browne 5th Baronet (age 40).

On 20 May 1726 Ulrike Amelie Wilhelmine Oldenburg was born to Peter August Oldenburg I Duke Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck (age 28) and Sophie of Hesse-Philippsthal Duchess Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck (age 31).

On 20 May 1738 Henry William Portman was born to Henry William Berkeley Portman (age 28).

On 20 May 1752 William Wrightson was born to John Battie aka Wrightson and Isabella Wrightson.

On 20 May 1753 John Monson 3rd Baron Monson was born to John Monson 2nd Baron Monson (age 25).

On 20 May 1773 John Bennet of Pythouse in Wiltshire was born to Thomas Benett of Pythouse in Wiltshire (age 44).

On 20 May 1773 Helena Moore Countess Kingston was born to Stephen Moore 1st Earl Mount Cashell (age 42) and Helena Rawdon Countess Mount Cashell.

On 20 May 1777 William James Comte d'Arran was born to Charles Stuart FitzRoy Douglas-Hamilton James (age 38) and Catherine Napier. He a great x 2 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 20 May 1784 William Fellowes Wallop was born to John Wallop 2nd Earl Portsmouth (age 41) and Urania Fellowes (age 42).

On 20 May 1788 George Denys 1st Baronet was born to Peter Denys (age 28) and Charlotte Fermor (age 22).

On 20 May 1800 Francis Baring 3rd Baron Ashburton was born to Alexander Baring 1st Baron Ashburton (age 25) and Ann Louisa Bingham Baroness Ashburton (age 18) at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

On 20 May 1802 Emma Pigott was born to William Pigott (age 28).

On 20 May 1808 Admiral Edward Harris was born to James Edward Harris 2nd Earl Malmesbury (age 29) and Harriet Susan Dashwood (age 25).

On 20 May 1808 Frances Bacon was born to Edmund Bacon 10th and 9th Baronet (age 28) and Mary Anne Elizabeth Bacon (age 30). Coefficient of inbreeding 3.12%.

On 20 May 1810 Barbara Yelverton Marchioness Hastings was born to Henry Gould Yelverton 19th Baron Grey Ruthyn (age 29).

On 20 May 1821 Amalia Elisabeth Hesse Darmstadt was born to Louis Hesse Darmstadt II Grand Duke (age 43) and Princess Wilhelmine Baden (age 32). Coefficient of inbreeding 7.03%.

On 20 May 1823 Mary Sophia Somerset was born to Charles Henry Somerset (age 55) and Mary Paulett.

On 20 May 1826 Potter Palmer was born.

On 20 May 1830 John Blencowe Robinson 8th Baronet was born to George Robinson 7th Baronet (age 32).

On 20 May 1835 Richard Harington 11th Baronet was born to Reverend Richard Harington (age 35).

On 20 May 1838 Jeanne Helene Douglas was born to David Archibald Douglas (age 39) and Marguerite Suzan.

On 20 May 1838 Chrétienne Louisa Douglas was born to David Archibald Douglas (age 39) and Marguerite Suzan.

On 20 May 1840 Henry Strutt 2nd Baron Belper was born to Edward Strutt 1st Baron Belper (age 38) and Amelia Harriet Otter Baroness Belper (age 23) at St Helen's House King Street, Derby [Map].

On 20 May 1858 Alexander Faulkner Shand was born to Hugh Morton Shand (age 43) and Edrica Faulkner (age 36).

On 20 May 1875 Florence Harriet Young was born at Rushall, Staffordshire.

On 20 May 1886 John Jacob Astor 1st Baron Astor was born to William Waldorf Astor 1st Viscount Astor (age 38) and Mary Dahlgren Paul (age 28).

On 20 May 1903 Elizabeth Mary Temple was born to Thomas Temple (age 31).

On 20 May 1907 David John Smith was born to Frederick Smith 2nd Viscount Hambleden (age 38) and Esther Georgiana Caroline Gore Viscountess Hambleden (age 37).

On 20 May 1914 Evelyn Diana Noel Lady Lethbridge was born to Francis Arthur Gerard Noel (age 33).

On 20 May 1937 Benjamin Guinness 3rd Earl of Iveagh was born to Arthur Guinness (age 25).

Marriages on the 20th May

After 20 May 1344 Thomas Musgrave 1st Baron Musgrave (age 42) and Isabel Berkeley Baroness Clifford Baroness Musgrave (age 37) were married. She by marriage Baroness Musgrave. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King John "Lackland" of England.

On 20 May 1455 George Gordon 2nd Earl Huntley and Elizabeth Dunbar were married. She the daughter of John Dunbar 1st Earl Moray and Marjorie Stewart Countess Moray. He the son of Alexander Gordon 1st Earl Huntley and Elizabeth Crichton Countess Huntley (age 45). She a great x 5 granddaughter of King John "Lackland" of England.

On 20 May 1535 William Holles (age 25) and Anne Denzell were married.

On 20 May 1630 Peter Temple 2nd Baronet (age 38) and Christian Leveson (age 18) were married. The difference in their ages was 20 years.

On 20 May 1686 Henry Johnson Baron Wentworth (age 24) and Anne Smithson (age 34) were married.

On 20 May 1714 James Waldegrave 1st Earl Waldegrave (age 30) and Mary Webb Countess Waldegrave (age 19) were married. He the son of Henry Waldegrave 1st Baron Waldegrave Chewton Somerset and Henrietta Fitzjames Countess Newcastle (age 47). They were fourth cousins. He a grandson of King James II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 20 May 1716 John Wallop 1st Earl Portsmouth (age 26) and Bridget Bennet Viscountess Lymington (age 19) were married. They had six sons and four daughters. She the daughter of Charles Bennet 1st Earl Tankerville (age 42) and Mary Grey Baroness Ossulston.

On 20 May 1732 William Neville 16th and 14th Baron Bergavenny (age 37) and Rebecca Herbert Baroness Bergavenny were married. She by marriage Baroness Bergavenny. She the daughter of Thomas Herbert 8th Earl Pembroke 5th Earl Montgomery (age 76) and Margaret Sawyer Countess Pembroke and Montgomery.

On 20 May 1736 Gervase Disney (age 26) and Mary Thorpe 14th Baroness Cobham (age 19) were married.

On 20 May 1742 Henry Fane (age 38) and Anne Wynne were married. She the daughter of Bishop John Wynne (age 75) and Anne Pugh (age 49).

Before 20 May 1752 John Battie aka Wrightson and Isabella Wrightson were married.

On 20 May 1756 Frederick North 2nd Earl Guildford (age 24) and Anne Speke Countess Guilford (age 16) were married. He the son of Francis North 1st Earl Guildford (age 52) and Lucy Montagu Baroness Guildford.

On 20 May 1757 Henry William Wilson of Didlington and Ashwellthorpe in Norfolk (age 29) and Mary Miller (age 22) were married.

On 20 May 1771 Charles Egleton aka Kent 1st Baronet (age 28) and Mary Wordsworth Lady Kent (age 20) were married.

On 20 May 1771 Governor Harry Verelst (age 37) and Ann Wordsworth (age 15) were married. They had ten children. The difference in their ages was 21 years.

On 20 May 1772 Charles Cocks 1st Baron Somers (age 46) and Anne Pole (age 20) were married. The difference in their ages was 26 years.

On 20 May 1776 Francis Ingram Seymour-Conway 2nd Marquess Hertford (age 33) and Isabella Anne Ingram Marchioness Hertford (age 16) were married. He the son of Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Marquess Hertford (age 57) and Isabella Fitzroy Countess Hertford (age 49). He a great x 2 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 20 May 1782 John Fane 10th Earl of Westmoreland (age 22) and Sarah Anne Child Countess of Westmoreland (age 17) were married at Gretna Green. She by marriage Countess of Westmoreland. He the son of John Fane 9th Earl of Westmoreland and Augusta Bertie.

On 20 May 1794 John Cotes and Maria Grey (age 25) were married. She the daughter of George Grey 5th Earl Stamford 1st Earl Warrington (age 56) and Henrietta Bentinck Countess Stamford and Warrington (age 57).

On 20 May 1799 Lieutenant-General William Fitzroy (age 25) and Catherine Clarke were married. He a great x 3 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

Before 20 May 1810 Henry Gould Yelverton 19th Baron Grey Ruthyn (age 29) and Anna Maria Kellam (age 17) were married.

On 20 May 1811 Alexander Gorden Cavalry (age 30) and Albinia Elizabeth were married. He the son of George Gordon 3rd Earl Aberdeen.

On 20 May 1812 William Beauchamp-Proctor 3rd Baronet (age 30) and Anne Gregory Lady Beauchamp-Proctor (age 20) were married. They had three sons and four daughters.

On 20 May 1812 Robert Nassau Sutton (age 35) and Mary Georgiana Manners-Sutton (age 23) were married.

On 20 May 1816 Francis Bond Head 1st Baronet (age 23) and Julia Valenza Somerville Lady Head (age 23) were married.

On 20 May 1819 Reverend John Earle Welby (age 32) and Felicia Elizabetha Hole (age 21) were married.

On 20 May 1835 George Denys 1st Baronet (age 47) and Catherine Elizabeth Perceval were married.

On 20 May 1876, possibly 1874, Anthony Hamond (age 42) and Mary Leigh Hare (age 23) were married.

On 20 May 1944 Colonel Thomas Foley Churchill Winnington (age 33) and Betty Marjorie Anson (age 27) were married. She the daughter of Thomas Edward Anson 4th Earl Lichfield (age 60) and Evelyn Maud Keppel Countess Lichfield (age 57).

Deaths on the 20th May

On 20 May 685 Bridei III Picts (age 57) defeated the Northumbrian army at the Battle of Dun Nechtain.

King Ecgfrith of Northumbria (age 40) was killed at Dunnichen, Angus. His half brother Aldfrith King Northumbria succeeded King Northumbria.

On 20 May 794 Æthelberht II King East Anglia was beheaded on the orders of King Offa of Mercia.

On 20 May 1217 William Marshal 1st Earl Pembroke (age 71) and Ranulf de Blondeville Gernon 6th Earl Chester 1st Earl Lincoln (age 47) fought at Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] during the Second Battle of Lincoln.

Rebels William Mowbray 6th Baron Thirsk (age 44) and William Ros (age 17) were captured. William D'Aubigny (age 66) fought for the rebels. Thomas Chateaudun I Count Perche (age 22) died fighting for the rebels.

Bishop Peter de Roches led a division of the royal army and earned some distinction by his valour.

On 20 May 1257 Maurice Fitzgerald 2nd Lord Offaly (age 63) died. His grandson Maurice Fitzgerald 3rd Lord Offaly (age 19) succeeded 3rd Lord Offaly.

On 20 May 1259 William Stuteville (age 70) died at Cowsby Thirsk.

Before 20 May 1282 John Neville (age 42) died at Boyton, Wiltshire [Map].

On 20 May 1310 John Moels 1st Baron Moels (age 41) died. His son Nicholas Moels 2nd Baron Moels (age 20) succeeded 2nd Baron Moels.

On 20 May 1328 Bishop William de Lamberton died.

On 20 May 1344 Robert Clifford 3rd Baron Clifford (age 38) died. His son Robert Clifford 4th Baron Clifford (age 15) succeeded 4th Baron de Clifford.

On 20 May 1349 Maud Kerdeston (age 23) died.

On 20 May 1400 Nicholas Abrichecourt (age 50) died.

Before 20 May 1420 John Neville (age 33) died at Raby Castle, County Durham [Map].

On 20 May 1433 John Arundell of Trerice (age 63) died.

After 20 May 1435 Thomas Knollys (age 85) died. He was buried at the Church of St Antholin, Budge Row.

On 20 May 1444 Margarethe La Marck Duchess Bavaria (age 28) died.

On 20 May 1449 Álvaro Vaz Almada 1st Count Avranches (age 59) died.

On 20 May 1449 Peter Aviz I Duke Coimbra (age 56) died.

On 20 May 1458 Lawrence Berkeley (age 71) was killed.

On or after 20 May 1474 John VI Duke of Mecklenburg (age 35) died of plague.

On 20 May 1475 Alice Chaucer Duchess Suffolk (age 71) died. She was buried at St Mary's Church, Ewelme [Map].

On 20 May 1476 Isabel Ingaldsthorpe (age 35) died. She was buried with her first husband John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu at Bisham Abbey [Map].

On 20 May 1499 Thomas Neville (age 39) died.

On 20 May 1503 William Borthwick 3rd Lord Borthwick died.

On 20 May 1507 George Catesby (age 34) died at Ashby St Ledgers, Northamptonshire.

On 20 May 1510 Richard Lumley 3rd Baron Lumley (age 33) died. On 20 May 1510 His son John Lumley 4th Baron Lumley (age 18) succeeded 4th Baron Lumley.

On 20 May 1538 Richard Cave (age 32) died.

On 20 May 1546 Robert Hussey (age 79) died.

On 20 May 1561 John Eyre died. On 15 Dec 1558 Margaret Blennerhasset died. They were buried in All Saints Church, Narborough [Map]. Brass. The inscription on the brass says "Here do lye John Eyer Esquire late Receyvor Generale to Elizabeth the Quenes Majestie, in the counties of Norf., Suff., Cantabridge, and Huntyngton, and one of the Masters of her High Court of Chancerye and Margaret his wyfe, one of the daughters of Sir Thomas Blenerhaiset of Frens Knight late Wyfe of John, Spelman Esquire, son and heyre apparent of Sir John Spelman, Knyght." Armorials top left and middle Quartered Eyre Arms and Townshend Arms with a crescent difference, top right Quartered Eyre Arms and Townshend Arms impaled with 1&6 Blennerhassett Arms, 2, Argent, three Escutcheons Sable: LOWDHAM 3 Gules a Pall reversed Ermine: KELVEDON or KELDON 4 Azure a Lion rampant Argent crowned Or: ORTON: 5 Azure a Fess between three Fleurs-de-lis Or: SKELTON.

John Eyre: After 27 Dec 1545 he and Margaret Blennerhasset were married. Her second husband.

Margaret Blennerhasset: she was born to Thomas Blennerhassett of Frens. Before 27 Dec 1545 John Spelman of and she were married.

On 20 May 1562 Maria Sacheverell (age 54) died at Ratcliffe on Soar [Map].

On 20 May 1571 Richard Butler 1st Viscount Mountgarret (age 71) died. His son Edmund Butler 2nd Viscount Mountgarret (age 9) succeeded 2nd Viscount Mountgarret.

On 20 May 1579 Isabella Markham (age 52) died.

On 20 May 1588 Henry Tyrrell died.

On 20 May 1605 William Stewart 5th of Traquair (age 75) died. His brother James Stewart 6th of Traquair (age 71) succeeded 6th Lord Traquair.

On 20 May 1609 Walter Hele (age 54) died.

On 20 May 1625 John Forster (age 49) died.

On 20 May 1632 Elizabeth Bacon (age 57) died.

On 20 May 1641 John Bullock of Norton (age 64) died.

On 20 May 1647 Henry Belasyse (age 43) died.

On 20 May 1658 William Copley (age 83) died.

Before 20 May 1660 John Brooke 1st Baron Cobham (age 84) died. Baron Cobham extinct.

On 20 May 1674 Edward Knightley (age 80) died.

On 20 May 1675 George Kirke died.

On 20 May 1701 Christine Oldenburg (age 66) died.

On 20 May 1702 George Blount (age 52) died.

On 20 May 1707 George Leslie 1st Earl of Leven (age 71) died.

On 20 May 1713 Bishop Thomas Sprat (age 78) died of apoplexy at the Bishop's Palace, Bromley. He was buried in the south side of the Chapel of St Nicholas, Westminster Abbey [Map].

On 20 May 1717 John Trevor (age 80) died.

On 20 May 1723 Bridget Trollop (age 86) died. She was buried a week later on 27 May 1723.

On 20 May 1723 Robert Davers 3rd Baronet (age 39) died. His brother Jermyn Davers 4th Baronet (age 37) succeeded 4th Baronet Davers of Rougham in Suffolk.

Around 20 May 1726 Ulrike Amelie Wilhelmine Oldenburg died.

On 20 May 1726 John Pulteney (age 58) died.

On 20 May 1728 Reginald Graham 2nd Baronet (age 57) died. His son Bellingham Graham 3rd Baronet (age 26) succeeded 3rd Baronet Graham of Norton Conyers in Yorkshire.

On 20 May 1734 William Vane 1st Viscount Vane (age 52) died at Fairlawne, Shipbourne. His son William Vane 2nd Viscount Vane (age 20) succeeded 2nd Viscount Vane.

On 20 May 1737 Elizabeth Hall Lady Buckworth died. She was buried at St Peter le Poer, Broad Street on 27 May 1737.

On 20 May 1744 Thomas Henry Coventry (age 23) died.

On 20 May 1768 Elizabeth Sloane Baroness Cadogan (age 73) died.

On 20 May 1774 Anne Harcourt (age 63) died.

On 20 May 1781 Bernard Ward 1st Viscount Bangor (age 61) died. His son Nicholas Ward 2nd Viscount Bangor (age 30) succeeded 2nd Viscount Bangor of Castleward in County Downe.

On 20 May 1792 Peter Legh (age 85) died. Colonel Thomas Peter Legh (age 39) inherited Lyme Hall [Map].

On 20 May 1807 Juliana Evans (age 47) died.

On 20 May 1807 Richard Boyle 2nd Earl Shannon (age 80) died.

On 20 May 1809 Margaret Bruce died.

On 20 May 1827 James Stewart 7th Baronet (age 71) died.

On 20 May 1829 William Mansel 10th Baronet (age 63) died. His son John Bell William Mansel 11th Baronet (age 22) succeeded 11th Baronet Mansel of Muddlescombe.

On 20 May 1833 Mary Frances Rich (age 77) died.

On 20 May 1837 Frederick Hesse-Kassel (age 89) died.

On 20 May 1846 Rowland Egerton-Warburton (age 68) died.

On 20 May 1851 Margaretta Elizabeth Wilson Baroness Arden (age 83) died.

On 20 May 1854 Catherine Fortescue Countess Portsmouth (age 67) died.

On 20 May 1860 Spencer de Horsey (age 70) died.

On 20 May 1876 Harald Oldenburg died.

On 20 May 1884 Francis Lupton III (age 70) died.

On 20 May 1893 Major Walter Pleydell-Bouverie (age 44) died.

On 20 May 1903 James Percy (age 18) died.

On 20 May 1910 Reverend James Allgood (age 83) died.

On 20 May 1912 George William Hanover (age 31) died in a car accident. Somewhat ironically he was driving to the funeral of his maternal uncle Frederick VIII King Denmark (deceased) when he skidded on a newly laid road surface. He and his valet Karl Grebe were killed in the accident. There is a monument at the site.

From the web:

Probably overtired, the car raced into loose gravel rock at 90 kilometers per hour, came off the road to the right, knocked down three trees and drilled into the earth with a destroyed front axle. Prince Georg Wilhelm and his valet Grebe – Karl Grebe – died instantly. The chauffeur sitting in the back survived slightly injured. The dead were laid out in the church of Nackel and brought a little later with military honors to Friesack station.

At the station, the coffins were loaded into the carriage to the songs of the Friesacker men's choir, which brought the crown prince to the funeral in Gmunden, Austria. The Friesacker stationmaster, Joachim Gahl, it is said, received a letter from Austria including two cufflinks decorated with diamonds and the initials "GW" thanks to his duty. Hanover's royal family thanked the villagers because they had shown themselves so compassionate. Monetary donations were made to the church, the warrior federation and the virgin association. In the church, a plaque commemorates the laying out and that the congregation sang before the transfer of the dead.

On 20 May 1914 Katherine Somerset Baroness Ormathwaite (age 79) died.

On 20 May 1915 George Herbert Farrar 1st Baronet (age 55) died. Baronet Farrar of Chicheley Hall extinct.

On 20 May 1942 Norman David Whitby (age 20) died. Reconnaisance Corps. Service Number 10603439.

On 20 May 1945 Gerald Richard Howard (age 91) died.

On 20 May 1947 George Puxley Duntze 5th Baronet (age 73) died. His son George Edwin Douglas Duntze 6th Baronet (age 33) succeeded 6th Baronet Duntze of Tiverton in Devon.

On 20 May 1956 Algernon Strutt 3rd Baron Belper (age 73) died. His son Alexander Ronald George Strutt 4th Baron Belper (age 44) succeeded 4th Baron Belper.

On 20 May 1971 Archie White VC (age 80) died.

On 20 May 1976 Moira Godolphin Osborne (age 84) died.

On 20 May 1980 Denis James Alexander 6th Earl of Caledon (age 59) died.

On 20 May 1985 George Edwin Douglas Duntze 6th Baronet (age 71) died. There were successors to the Baronetcy but none appear to have claimed their succession. Baronet Duntze of Tiverton in Devon is, therefore, not on the Official Roll of the Baronetage, with the baronetcy considered dormant since 1985.

On 20 May 1986 Diana Cinderella Mildred Bowes-Lyon (age 62) died.