On this Day in History ... 23rd February
23 Feb is in February.
1421 Coronation of Catherine of Valois
1447 Death of Humphrey of Lancaster
1462 Vere Plot to Murder Edward IV
1511 Birth and Death of Prince Henry
1533 Marriage of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
1554 Execution of Lady Jane Grey and her Faction
1661 Charles II Continues to Reward those who Supported His Restoration
Events on the 23rd February
On 23 Feb 1421 Catherine of Valois (age 19) was crowned Queen Consort England at Westminster Abbey [Map]. Robert Willoughby 6th Baron Willoughby (age 36) was appointed Chief Butler of England. James I (age 26) attended, and was honoured by sitting immediately on the queen's left at the coronation banquet.
On 20 Feb 1447 Humphrey Lancaster 1st Duke Gloucester (age 56) was arrested on a charge of treason by John Beaumont 1st Viscount Beaumont (age 37), Humphrey Stafford 1st Duke of Buckingham (age 44), Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke Somerset (age 41), Richard Neville Earl Salisbury (age 47) and Ralph Boteler 6th and 1st Baron Sudeley (age 58).
On 23 Feb 1447 Humphrey Lancaster 1st Duke Gloucester (age 56) died at Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk [Map]. He was possibly poisoned although more likely he died from a stroke. He was buried at St Alban's Cathedral [Map]. Duke Gloucester, Earl Pembroke extinct. His death left England with no heir to the throne in a direct line. Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke York (age 35) became heir presumptive until the birth of Edward of Westinster Prince of Wales six years later.
Chronicle of Gregory 1447. 23 Feb 1447. Ande at Schroffe tyde nexte aftyr there was ordaynyd a Parlyment at Synt Edmondys Bury [Map]; ande att the comyng of the goode Duke Umfray, sum tyme Duke of Glouceter (age 56), uppon the Satyrday anon as he was a lyght of hys hors he was a-restyde of dyvers lordys for treson by commaundement of the kyng (age 25), and men sayde at that tyme. And uppon the Thursseday next folowynge he dyssesyd ande passyde owte of thys wrecchyde and false trobely worlde. And he ys buryde at Syn Albonys.
On 23 Feb 1462 William Tyrrell (age 54), John Montgomery and Thomas Tuddenham (age 60) were beheaded at Tower Hill [Map].
Wriothesley's Chronicle 1510-1519. 01 Jan 1511. This yeare, Prince Henrie, the Kings (age 19) first sonne, was borne at Richmonde [Map] on Newe Yeares dayeb, and on St. Mathie's day [Note. 23 Feb] after the saide Prince died, and was buried at Westminster [Map].
Note b. On the 1st January, 1510 [Note. 1511 if years are adjusted to begin on 01 Jan.]
Note c. Or rather St. Mathias' eve, February 23. Hall, howerer, says that this Prince died on "the 22 Feb. being the Even of Saint Mathy," which would seem to show that St. Mathias' day was sometimes kept on the 23rd, instead of the 24th February, in which case our text is correct.
Letters and Papers 1533. 23 Feb 1533. Vienna Archives. 180. Chapuys to Charles V.
As the Queen sees that the obstinacy of the King increases daily, and the appearances of disorder in view of the new marriage, she is compelled to employ your aid. Since my last of the 15th, the King does not cease to press the archbishops of Canterbury and York, the bishops of London, Winchester, and Lincoln, and many others, Italians as well as English, to subscribe a document he has drawn up to his taste, of a very strange nature, as you will see. The archbishop of York and the bishop of Winchester have not yet agreed to do so. The elect of Canterbury (age 43) has made no difficulty about it, and has even solicited it, as if it were his own business; and if it be true, as I am told today on good authority, that he has gone to give the Queen special notice of it, he has given good earnest of maintaining the opinion of the King in this divorce without variation. He has married (esposé) the King to the Lady (age 32), in presence of the father (age 56), mother (age 53), brother (age 30), and two of her favorites, and one of his priests. If it be so, the King has taken the best means of preventing him from changing his opinions when raised to his dignity, as the archbishop of York has done. It is very probable either that the said elect has solemnised these espousals, or has promised to do so for certain considerations, as I have written to your Majesty, especially as since he has been elected he has dared to say openly that he would maintain, on pain of being burned, that the King might take the Lady to wife. The bruit continues, that in order to accomplish the said marriage the King waits for nothing else except the bulls of the elect; and for this purpose he has commanded those who have the charge of it to summon a provincial synod for the 16th. It is said that the King means to demand money for a war with Scotland, and to make harbours on the coast; and the better to colour the matter, the king of France has sent him a master architect. The French ambassador had intended to visit me, but was prevented by company, and proposes to do so tomorrow. It is said that Melanchthon is in one of the King's lodgings, and has been there for eight days, but it is kept such a secret that I can find no one who knows the certainty of it. The King has written for him expressly, I think merely for the Queen's affair, for he favors her, and because he pretends and wishes to have in his hands all ecclesiastical ordinances,—not only the synodical ones of this kingdom, but the papal as well. And in order the better to conduct the affair, last year he induced the prelates, by menaces and devices, to submit to whatever should be decided by 40 persons, of whom one half should be appointed by himself, and the other by the prelates, and himself above all. For this reformation, or rather deformation, it seems he could find no fitter instrument than Melanchthon, so as to give the utmost possible trouble to the Pope, that his previous boasts might not be without effect.
Letters 1536. 23 Feb 1536. Faustina, C. iii. 456. B. M. 345. Vice Chancellor and University of Cambridge to the Queen (age 35).
Thank her for her gentle and loving acceptance of their letters delivered to her in the West country, and for her promotion of their petition to the King for the remission of tenths and first-fruits due to him from the University. This yearly charge would greatly diminish the number of scholars in every college.
Beg her to consider what the Vice-Chancellor, the bearer, will show her on this subject, and to speak for them to the King. From Cambridge in our Regent House, 23 Feb.
Add. Endd.
On 23 Feb 1554 Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 37) was beheaded at Tower Hill [Map]. Duke Suffolk, Marquess Dorset, Earl Huntingdon, Baron Ferrers of Groby, Baron Harington, Baron Bonville forfeit.
Dean Hugh Weston (age 49) acted as Confessor.
Wriothesley's Chronicle 23 Feb 1554. 23 Feb 1554. Frydaye the 23 of February Lorde Gray, Duke of Suffolke (age 37), was beheaded at the Towerhill [Map].
Henry Machyn's Diary. 23 Feb 1559. The xxiij day dyd pryche afor the quen (age 25) Gryndalle (age 40).
On 23 Feb 1589 Oliver St George 1st Baronet was knighted at Whitehall Palace [Map] by King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.
On 23 Feb 1633 Samuel Pepys was born to John Pepys Tailor (age 32) and Margaret Kite in Salisbury Court, Fleet Street. He was baptised at St Bride's Church by James Palmer (age 51).
In early 1661 King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 30) rewarded of further tranche of those who supported his Restoration ...
On 02 Jan 1661 Henry Bedingfield 1st Baronet (age 46) was created 1st Baronet Bedingfield of Oxburgh in Norfolk.
On 10 Jan 1661 Andrew Rutherford 1st Earl Teviot was created 1st Baron Rutherford with special remainder to his heirs and assignees whatsoever, and that under what provisions, restrictions, and conditions the said Lord Rutherford should think fit.
On 23 Jan 1661 John Cole 1st Baronet (age 41) was created Baronet Cole of Newland.
On 23 Feb 1661 Edward Smythe 1st Baronet (age 41) was created 1st Baronet Smythe.
On 04 Mar 1661 Compton Reade 1st Baronet (age 36) was created 1st Baronet Reade of Barton in Berkshire. Mary Cornwall Lady Reade (age 31) by marriage Lady Reade of Barton in Berkshire.
On 10 Mar 1661 Brian Broughton 1st Baronet (age 42) was created 1st Baronet Broughton of Broughton in Staffordshire.
On 20 Mar 1661 Thomas Rich 1st Baronet (age 60) was created 1st Baronet Rich of Sonning in Berkshire.
On 29 Mar 1661 Robert Cholmondeley 1st Viscount Cholmondeley (age 21) was created 1st Viscount Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath.
On 30 Mar 1661 James Butler 1st Duke Ormonde (age 50) was created 1st Duke Ormonde by King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 30). Elizabeth Preston Duchess Ormonde (age 45) by marriage Duchess Ormonde.
On 30 Mar 1661 John Fettiplace 1st Baronet (age 35) was created 1st Baronet Fettiplace of Childrey in Berkshire. Anne Wenman Lady Fettiplace (age 31) by marriage Lady Fettiplace of Childrey in Berkshire.
Pepy's Diary. 23 Feb 1666. Up betimes, and out of doors by 6 of the clock, and walked (W. Howe with me) to my Lord Sandwich's (age 40), who did lie the last night at his house in Lincoln's Inne Fields. It being fine walking in the morning, and the streets full of people again. There I staid, and the house full of people come to take leave of my Lord, who this day goes out of towne upon his embassy towards Spayne. And I was glad to find Sir W. Coventry (age 38) to come, though I know it is only a piece of courtshipp. I had much discourse with my Lord, he telling me how fully he leaves the King (age 35) his friend and the large discourse he had with him the other day, and how he desired to have the business of the prizes examined before he went, and that he yielded to it, and it is done as far as it concerns himself to the full, and the Lords Commissioners for prizes did reprehend all the informers in what related to his Lordship, which I am glad of in many respects. But we could not make an end of discourse, so I promised to waite upon (him) on Sunday at Cranborne, and took leave and away hence to Mr. Hales's (age 66) with Mr. Hill (age 36) and two of the Houblons, who come thither to speak with me, and saw my wife's picture, which pleases me well, but Mr. Hill's (age 36) picture never a whit so well as it did before it was finished, which troubled me, and I begin to doubt the picture of my Lady Peters my wife takes her posture from, and which is an excellent picture, is not of his making, it is so master-like. I set them down at the 'Change [Map] and I home to the office, and at noon dined at home and to the office again.
Pepy's Diary. 23 Feb 1669. Up: and to the Office, where all the morning, and then home, and put a mouthfull of victuals in my mouth; and by a Hackney-coach followed my wife and the girls [Barbara Pepys and Elizabeth Pepys], who are gone by eleven o'clock, thinking to have seen a new play at the Duke of York's (age 35) house. But I do find them staying at my tailor's, the play not being to-day, and therefore I now took them to Westminster Abbey, and there did show them all the tombs very finely, having one with us alone, there being other company this day to see the tombs, it being Shrove Tuesday; and here we did see, by particular favour, the body of Queen Katherine of Valois; and I had the upper part of her body in my hands, and I did kiss her mouth, reflecting upon it that I did kiss a Queen1, and that this was my birth-day, thirty-six years old, that I did first kiss a Queen. But here this man, who seems to understand well, tells me that the saying is not true that says she was never buried, for she was buried; only, when Henry the Seventh built his chapel, it was taken up and laid in this wooden coffin; but I did there see that, in it, the body was buried in a leaden one, which remains under the body to this day.
Note 1. Pepys's attachment to the fair sex extended even to a dead Queen. The record of this royal salute on his natal day is very characteristic. The story told him in Westminster Abbey appears to have been correct; for Neale informs us ("History of Westminster Abbey", vol. ii., p. 88) that near the south side of Henry V.'s tomb there was formerly a wooden chest, or coffin, wherein part of the skeleton and parched body of Katherine de Valois, his Queen (from the waist upwards), was to be seen. She was interred in January, 1457, in the Chapel of Our Lady, at the east end of this church; but when that building was pulled down by her grandson, Henry VII, her coffin was found to be decayed, and her body was taken up, and placed in a chest, near her first husband's tomb. "There", says Dart, "it hath ever since continued to be seen, the bones being firmly united, and thinly clothed with flesh, like scrapings of tanned leather". This awful spectacle of frail mortality was at length removed from the public gaze into St. Nicholas's Chapel [Map], and finally deposited under the monument of Sir George Villiers, when the vault was made for the remains of Elizabeth Percy, Duchess of Northumberland, in December, 1776. B.
Evelyn's Diary. 23 Feb 1684. I went to Sir John Chardine (age 40), who desired my assistance for the engraving the plates, the translation, and printing his History of that wonderfull Persian. Monument neere Persepolis, and other rare antiquities, which he had caus'd to be drawne from the originals in his second journey into Persia, which we now concluded upon. Afterwards I went with Sr Christ' Wren to Dr Tenison (age 47), where we made the drawing and estimate of the expence of the Library, to be begun this next Spring neere the Mewes. Greate expectation of the Prince of Orange's (age 33) attempts in Holland to bring those of Amsterdam to consent to the new levies, to which we were no friends, by a pseudo-politic adherence to the French interest.
After 23 Feb 1730. Monument to Katherine late wife of Roland Hunt Rector of Stoke Doyle. Church of St Rumbold, Stoke Doyle [Map].
On or before 23 Feb 1732 Christiana Nixon 1st Baroness Donoughmore was born to Abraham Nickson of Munny in Wicklow.
On 23 Feb 1817 George Frederick Watts was born.
23 Feb 1821. Joseph Severn (age 27). Portrait of John Keats (age 25) on his deathbed.
On 23 Feb 1821 John Keats (age 25) died.
On 23 Feb 1860 Elizabeth Evelyn Harbord Baroness Hastings was born to Charles Harbord 5th Baron Suffield (age 30) and Cecilia Annetta Baring Baroness Suffield (age 26).
On 23 Feb 1864 Edward Aurelian Ridsdale was born to Edward Lucas Ridsdale of Rottingdean, Sussex (age 31) and Esther Lucy Thacker (age 21).
Births on the 23rd February
On 23 Feb 1188 Peter Burgundy was born to Sancho "Populator" I King Portugal (age 33) and Dulce Barcelona Queen Consort Portugal.
On 23 Feb 1262 Henry Wittelsbach was born to Henry Wittelsbach I Duke Lower Bavaria I Duke Bavaria (age 26) and Elizabeth Duchess Bavaria (age 26). He a great x 3 grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
On 23 Feb 1416 Margarethe La Marck Duchess Bavaria was born to Adolph La Marck I Duke Cleves (age 42) and Marie Valois Duchess Cleves (age 23).
On 23 Feb 1417 Louis IX Duke of Bavaria was born to Henry "The Rich" Wittelsbach XVI Duke Bavaria (age 31) and Margarete Habsburg Duchess Bavaria (age 21).
On 23 Feb 1528 George Mecklenburg-Schwerin was born to Albrecht VII Duke Mecklenburg (age 41) and Anna Hohenzollern Duchess Mecklenburg (age 21).
On 23 Feb 1540 Hedwig Duchess of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel was born to Joachim Hohenzollern Margrave of Brandenburg (age 35).
Before 23 Feb 1608 Henry Arundell 3rd Baron Arundel was born to Thomas Arundell 2nd Baron Arundel (age 22) and Blanche Somerset Baroness Arundel (age 25).
On 23 Feb 1620 Francis Newport 1st Earl Bradford was born to Richard Newport 1st Baron Newport (age 32) and Frances Leveson Baroness Gower at Wroxeter, Shropshire [Map].
On 23 Feb 1620 Andrew Newport was born to Richard Newport 1st Baron Newport (age 32) and Frances Leveson Baroness Gower at Wroxeter, Shropshire [Map].
On 23 Feb 1633 Samuel Pepys was born to John Pepys Tailor (age 32) and Margaret Kite in Salisbury Court, Fleet Street. He was baptised at St Bride's Church by James Palmer (age 51).
On 23 Feb 1642 Christian Saxe Gotha was born to Ernest "The Pious" Saxe Gotha I Duke Saxe Gotha (age 40) and Elisabeth Sophie Saxe Altenburg Duchess Saxe Gotha (age 22) at Gotha. Coefficient of inbreeding 3.17%.
On 23 Feb 1649 Arabella Churchill was born to Winston Churchill (age 28) and Elizabeth Drake (age 27). The date of her birth sometimes given as 1648 but this would be inconsistent with her parent's marriage on 26 May 1648.
On 23 Feb 1666 Nichola Sophia Hamilton Lady Beresford was born to Hugh Hamilton 1st Viscount of Glenawly (age 66) and Susanna Balfour (age 26).
On 09 Feb 1672 Maria Anna Antonia Habsburg Spain was born to Leopold Habsburg Spain I Holy Roman Emperor (age 31) and Margaret Theresa Habsburg Holy Roman Empress (age 20). She died on 23 Feb 1672 aged two weeks. Coefficient of inbreeding 30.98%.
On 23 Feb 1708 Charles Louis Frederick Duke of Mecklenburg was born to Duke Adolphus Frederick II of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (age 49).
On 23 Feb 1708 James Townsend was born.
On 23 Feb 1715 William Campbell of Glenfalloch was born to Colin Campbell (age 35).
On 23 Feb 1723 William Chambers was born.
On 23 Feb 1726 James Wemyss was born to James Wemyss 5th Earl Wemyss (age 26) and Janet Charteris.
On 23 Feb 1729 George Quin was born to Valentine Quin.
On or before 23 Feb 1732 Christiana Nixon 1st Baroness Donoughmore was born to Abraham Nickson of Munny in Wicklow.
On 23 Feb 1738 William East 1st Baronet was born.
On 23 Feb 1740 Wharton Emerson aka Amcotts 1st Baronet was born to Alexander Emerson.
On 23 Feb 1742 Lucius Knightley was born to Valentine Knightley (age 23).
On 23 Feb 1744 Mayer Amschel Rothschild was born.
On 23 Feb 1748 James Townsend Oswald was born.
On 23 Feb 1748 Mary Montagu was born to John Montagu 4th Earl Sandwich (age 29) and Dorothy Fane Countess Sandwich (age 30).
On 23 Feb 1750 Catherine Glücksburg was born to Peter August Oldenburg I Duke Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck (age 52) and Natália Nikolaievna Golovine Duchess Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck.
On or before 23 Feb 1757, the day he was baptised at St Peter's Church, Tawstock [Map], Bourchier Wrey 7th Baronet was born to Bourchier Wrey 6th Baronet (age 43) and Ellen Thresher Lady Wrey (age 26).
On 23 Feb 1758 Mary Churchill Countess Cadogan was born to Charles Churchill (age 44) and Maria Walpole (age 19).
On 23 Feb 1776 Samuel Young 1st Baronet was born.
On 23 Feb 1779 Prince Octavius Hanover was born to King George III of Great Britain and Ireland (age 40) and Charlotte Mecklenburg Strelitz Queen Consort England (age 34).
On 23 Feb 1779 Charles Jenkinson 10th Baronet was born to Colonel John Jenkinson (age 45) and Frances Barker.
On 23 Feb 1797 Henry Wilson 11th Baron Berners was born to Reverend Henry Wilson 10th Baron Berners (age 34).
On 23 Feb 1800 William Jardine 7th Baronet was born to Alexander Jardine 6th Baronet.
On 23 Feb 1800 Robert Smith aka was born to Robert Percy Smith (age 29) and Caroline Vernon.
On 23 Feb 1801 Charlotte Susan Ashburnham was born to George Ashburnham 3rd Earl Ashburnham (age 40) and Charlotte Percy Countess Ashburham (age 25).
On 23 Feb 1803 Alexandrine Hohenzollern was born to Frederick William II King Prussia (age 32). She a great x 3 granddaughter of King George I of Great Britain and Ireland.
On 23 Feb 1805 Edward Blackett 6th Baronet was born to William Blackett 5th Baronet (age 46).
On 23 Feb 1808 William George Howard 8th Earl Carlisle was born to George Howard 6th Earl Carlisle (age 34) and Georgiana Cavendish Countess Carlisle (age 24).
On 23 Feb 1812 Cosmo Lewis Duff Gordon was born to William Duff-Gordon 2nd Baronet (age 39) and Caroline Cornewall Lady Duff-Gordon (age 23).
On 23 Feb 1817 George Frederick Watts was born.
On 23 Feb 1818 Frederick Methuen 2nd Baron Methuen was born to Paul Methuen 1st Baron Methuen (age 38) and Jane Dorothea Mildmay (age 29).
On 23 Feb 1823 Fanny Catherine Lonsdale Baroness Beckett was born to Bishop John Lonsdale (age 35) and Sophia Bolland.
On 23 Feb 1824 Astley Paston Paston-Cooper 3rd Baronet was born to Astley Paston Cooper 2nd Baronet (age 26) and Elizabeth Harriet Rickford Lady Cooper (age 21).
On 23 Feb 1826 Captain Edward Cecil Bisshopp 12th Baronet was born to George Bisshopp 9th Baronet (age 34) and Catherine Elizabeth Sproule.
On 23 Feb 1845 Algernon Heber-Percy was born to Algernon Charles Heber-Percy (age 32).
On 23 Feb 1849 Maria Gray Countess of Home was born to Captain Charles Conrad Grey posthumously.
On 23 Feb 1860 William Robert Williams 3rd Baronet was born to Frederick Martin Williams 2nd Baronet (age 30) and Mary Christian Law Lady Williams.
On 23 Feb 1860 Elizabeth Evelyn Harbord Baroness Hastings was born to Charles Harbord 5th Baron Suffield (age 30) and Cecilia Annetta Baring Baroness Suffield (age 26).
On 23 Feb 1861 Drummond Cunliffe Smith 4th Baronet was born to Charles Cunliffe Smith 3rd Baronet (age 33).
On 23 Feb 1864 Edward Aurelian Ridsdale was born to Edward Lucas Ridsdale of Rottingdean, Sussex (age 31) and Esther Lucy Thacker (age 21).
On 23 Feb 1870 Cecilia Constance Irby was born to Augustus Anthony Frederick Irby (age 50).
On 23 Feb 1871 Robert Arthur Ward was born to William Ward 1st Earl of Dudley (age 53) and Georgina Moncrieffe Countess Dudley (age 24).
On 23 Feb 1913 Edward Horace Fiennes-Clinton 18th Earl of Lincoln was born to Edward Henry Fiennes-Clinton (age 27) at Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
On 23 Feb 1919 John St Aubyn 4th Baron St Levan was born to Francis Cecil St Aubyn 3rd Baron St Levan (age 24).
On 23 Feb 1928 David Fitzroy 11th Duke Beaufort was born to Henry Robert Fitzroy (age 30) and Bettine Violet Malcolm (age 27). He was educated at Eton College [Map].
On 23 Feb 1935 Guy Francis Boileau 8th Baronet was born to Edmond Charles Boileau 7th Baronet (age 31).
On 23 Feb 1943 James Assheton Frankland 18th Baron Zouche was born to Major Thomas William Assheton Frankland 11th Baronet (age 40) and Pamela Catherine Mabell Kay-Shuttleworth Lady Frankland (age 27).
On 23 Feb 1944 Charles Hugh Bagot 10th Baron Bagot was born to Heneage Charles Bagot 9th Baron Bagot (age 29).
Marriages on the 23rd February
On 23 Feb 1365 Leopold "The Just" Habsburg III Duke Austria (age 13) and Viridis Visconti Duchess Austria (age 13) were married. She by marriage Duchess Austria. He the son of Albert Habsburg II Duke Austria and Johanna Pfirt Duchess Austria.
Before 23 Feb 1416 Adolph La Marck I Duke Cleves (age 42) and Marie Valois Duchess Cleves (age 23) were married. She the daughter of John "Fearless" Valois Duke Burgundy (age 44) and Margaret Wittelsbach Duchess Burgundy (age 53). He the son of Adolph La Marck and Margaret Jülich Countess Cleves and Mark (age 66). She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England.
On 23 Feb 1489 Engelbert La Marck Count Nevers (age 26) and Charlotte Bourbon Vendôme were married. He the son of John La Marck I Duke Cleves and Elizabeth Valois Duchess Cleves.
On 23 Feb 1595 Thomas Playters 1st Baronet (age 29) and Anne Browne Lady Playters (age 31) were married. They had eight sons and ten daughters.
Before 23 Feb 1666 Hugh Hamilton 1st Viscount of Glenawly (age 66) and Susanna Balfour (age 26) were married. The difference in their ages was 40 years.
After 23 Feb 1679 Edward Conway 1st Earl Conway (age 56) and Elizabeth Booth Countess Conway were married.
On 23 Feb 1680 Thomas Whitley of Peel Hall (age 29) and Elizabeth Lewes were married.
On 23 Feb 1745 Dauphin Louis Bourbon (age 15) and Infanta Maria Teresa Rafaela of Spain (age 18) were married at the Palace of Versailles. She the daughter of Philippe V King Spain (age 61) and Elisabeth Farnese Queen Consort Spain (age 52). He the son of Louis XV King France (age 35) and Marie Leszczyńska Queen Consort France (age 41). They were first cousin once removed. He a great x 3 grandson of King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland.
On 23 Feb 1754 Ralph Gore (age 28) and Katherine Conolly were married.
On 23 Feb 1765 Benjamin Smith (age 23) and Charlotte Turner (age 15) were married. They had twelve children.
On 21 or 23 Feb 1789 Joseph Strutt (age 30) and Charlotte Fitzgerald 1st Baroness Rayleigh (age 30) were married. She the daughter of James Fitzgerald 1st Duke Leinster and Emilia Mary Lennox Duchess Leinster (age 57). She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. 
On 23 Feb 1826 Charles Fitzroy 3rd Baron Southampton (age 21) and Harriet Stanhope Baroness Southampton were married. She by marriage Baroness Southampton. They were second cousin once removed. He a great x 4 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. 
On 23 Feb 1830 Frederick Spencer 4th Earl Spencer (age 31) and Elizabeth Georgiana Poyntz Countess Spencer (age 30) were married. He the son of George John Spencer 2nd Earl Spencer (age 71) and Lavinia Bingham Countess Spencer (age 68). They were second cousins.
On 23 Feb 1854 Robert Calverley Bewicke (age 35) and Mary Teresa Gooch (age 20) were married.
Before 23 Feb 1892 William John Nettleship Angerstein (age 48) and Augusta Frances Hoare (age 46) were married.
On 23 Feb 1911 John Standish Surtees Prendergast 6th Viscount Gort (age 24) and Corinna Katherine Medlicott Vereker (age 19) were married. They were second cousins.
On 23 Feb 1939 Thomas Edward Anson 4th Earl Lichfield (age 55) and Violet Margaret Dawson-Greene Countess Lichfield were married. She by marriage Countess Lichfield. He the son of Thomas Francis Anson 3rd Earl Lichfield and Mildred Coke Countess Lichfield (age 85).
Before 23 Feb 1943 Major Thomas William Assheton Frankland 11th Baronet (age 40) and Pamela Catherine Mabell Kay-Shuttleworth Lady Frankland (age 27) were married. She by marriage Lady Frankland of Thirkleby in Yorkshire.
On 23 Feb 1943 William Humble Eric Ward 3rd Earl of Dudley (age 49) and Frances Laura Charteris Duchess Marlborough (age 27) were married. She by marriage Countess of Dudley of Dudley Castle in Staffordshire. The difference in their ages was 21 years. He the son of William Humble Ward 2nd Earl of Dudley.
Deaths on the 23rd February
On 23 Feb 943 Herbert Vermandois II Count Vermandois II Count Soissons II Count Meaux died. His son Adalbert "The Pious" I Count Vermandois (age 28) succeeded I Count Vermandois.
On 23 Feb 1102 Constantine I Armenia (age 62) died.
On 23 Feb 1216 Geoffrey Mandeville 2nd Earl Essex (age 25) was killed in a tournament. His brother William Mandeville 3rd Earl Essex succeeded 3rd Earl Essex.
On 23 Feb 1238 Hugh Despencer (age 41) died at Evesham, Worcestershire [Map]. He was buried at Evesham Abbey [Map].
On 23 Feb 1292 Beatrice Savoy (age 42) died.
On 23 Feb 1369 Henry Tailboys Baron Kyme (age 34) died.
On 23 Feb 1442 John Golafre (age 77) died at Fyfield, Oxfordshire.
On 20 Feb 1447 Humphrey Lancaster 1st Duke Gloucester (age 56) was arrested on a charge of treason by John Beaumont 1st Viscount Beaumont (age 37), Humphrey Stafford 1st Duke of Buckingham (age 44), Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke Somerset (age 41), Richard Neville Earl Salisbury (age 47) and Ralph Boteler 6th and 1st Baron Sudeley (age 58).
On 23 Feb 1447 Humphrey Lancaster 1st Duke Gloucester (age 56) died at Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk [Map]. He was possibly poisoned although more likely he died from a stroke. He was buried at St Alban's Cathedral [Map]. Duke Gloucester, Earl Pembroke extinct. His death left England with no heir to the throne in a direct line. Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke York (age 35) became heir presumptive until the birth of Edward of Westinster Prince of Wales six years later.
On 23 Feb 1447 Pope Eugene IV (age 64) died.
On 23 Feb 1462 William Tyrrell (age 54), John Montgomery and Thomas Tuddenham (age 60) were beheaded at Tower Hill [Map].
On 23 Feb 1473 Arnold Egmont 1st Duke Guelders (age 62) died. His son Adolf Egmont 2nd Duke Guelders (age 35) succeeded 2nd Duke Guelders.
On 23 Feb 1507 Johanna Tunstall died.
Between 06 Nov 1509 and 23 Feb 1510 Roger Lewkenor "The Younger" (age 41) died.
On 23 Feb 1546 Francis Bourbon Count of Enghien (age 26) died when hit by a falling chest. His brother Jean Bourbon Count Soissons and Enghien (age 17) succeeded Count Enghien.
On 23 Feb 1551 Souveraine Valois died.
On 23 Feb 1554 Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 37) was beheaded at Tower Hill [Map]. Duke Suffolk, Marquess Dorset, Earl Huntingdon, Baron Ferrers of Groby, Baron Harington, Baron Bonville forfeit.
Dean Hugh Weston (age 49) acted as Confessor.
Before 23 Feb 1560 Elizabeth Unknown died.
On 23 Feb 1572 Ralph Leycester of Toft (age 59) died.
On 23 Feb 1576 John Boteler (age 63) died.
On 23 Feb 1582 John le Strange (age 43) died.
On 23 Feb 1583 Lucy Somerset Baroness Latimer Snape (age 59) died.
On 23 Feb 1583 Anne Somerset (age 59) died.
On 23 Feb 1642 Christian Saxe Gotha died at Gotha.
On 23 Feb 1654 Henry Hastings (age 48) died.
On 23 Feb 1657 Nicole Lorraine Duchess Lorraine (age 48) died.
On 23 Feb 1679 Anne Finch (age 47) died.
On 23 Feb 1681 Vere Bertie died. He was buried at Temple Church, London [Map].
On 23 Feb 1686 Anne Seton (age 51) died.
On 23 Feb 1686 Philip Wharton (age 39) died.
On 23 Feb 1700 Anne Douglas died when her clothes caught fire.
On 23 Feb 1709 William Wheeler 3rd Baronet (age 55) died. He was buried at All Saints' Church, Leamington Hastings. His son Trevor Wheler 4th Baronet (age 11) succeeded 4th Baronet Wheler of the City of Westminster.
On 23 Feb 1713 Nichola Sophia Hamilton Lady Beresford (age 47) died.
On 23 Feb 1714 Charles Godfrey (age 68) died in Bath, Somerset [Map]. He was buried in Bath Abbey [Map].
On 23 Feb 1723 Anne Henriette Palatinate Simmern (age 74) died.
On 23 Feb 1727 Lionel Tollemache 3rd Earl Dysart (age 78) died. His grandson Lionel Tollemache 4th Earl Dysart (age 18) succeeded 4th Earl Dysart, 5th Baronet Talmash of Helmingham in Suffolk.
On 23 Feb 1728 Isabella Bentinck Duchess Kingston upon Hull (age 39) died. She was buried at the Church of St Edmund Holme Pierrepoint [Map].
On 23 Feb 1733 William Beauclerk (age 34) died.
On 23 Feb 1736 Frances Brudenell Countess Newburgh died.
On 23 Feb 1736 Cornwall Fitzfrederick Vane (age 3) died.
On 23 Feb 1736 Francis Brudenell (age 56) died.
In 23 Feb 1738 Edmund Quincy (age 56) died of smallpox.
On 23 Feb 1740 William Marwood 4th Baronet (age 59) died. Baronet Marwood Little Busby in Yorkshire extinct.
On 23 Feb 1752 John Campbell 2nd Earl Breadalbaine and Holland (age 89) died. His son John Campbell 3rd Earl Breadalbaine and Holland (age 55) succeeded 3rd Earl Breadalbaine and Holland. Arbella Pershall Countess Breadalbaine and Holland by marriage Countess Breadalbaine and Holland.
On 23 Feb 1768 Henry Hoghton 5th Baronet (age 90) died without issue. His nephew Henry Hoghton 6th Baronet (age 39) succeeded 6th Baronet Hoghton of Hoghton Tower in Lancashire.
On 23 Feb 1768 Mary Webb Duchess Somerset (age 71) died.
On 23 Feb 1769 Coulson Fellowes of Ramsay Abbey (age 72) died.
On 23 Feb 1770 Bennet Sherard 3rd Earl Harborough (age 60) died. His brother Robert Sherard 4th Earl Harborough (age 57) succeeded 4th Earl Harborough, 4th Viscount Sherard, 6th Baron Sherard of Leitrim, 4th Baron Sherard of Harborough. Jane Reeve Countess Harborough (age 29) by marriage Countess Harborough.
On 23 Feb 1774 Marmaduke Asty Wyvill 7th Baronet (age 33) died.
On 23 Feb 1783 Thomas Howard 14th Earl Suffolk 7th Earl Berkshire (age 61) died. His son John Howard 15th Earl Suffolk 8th Earl Berkshire (age 43) succeeded 15th Earl Suffolk, 8th Earl Berkshire.
On 23 Feb 1794 John Saunders Sebright 6th Baronet (age 68) died. His son John Saunders Sebright 7th Baronet (age 26) succeeded 7th Baronet Sebright of Besford in Worcestershire.
On 23 Feb 1797 Berney Brograve 1st Baronet (age 70) died. His son George Berney Brograve 2nd Baronet (age 25) succeeded 2nd Baronet Brograve of Worstead House in Norfolk.
On 23 Feb 1805 Frances Catherine Gounter Nicoll Countess Dartmouth (age 72) died.
On 23 Feb 1806 Benjamin Smith (age 64) died in prison.
On 23 Feb 1821 John Keats (age 25) died.
On 23 Feb 1834 Elizabeth Capell (age 78) died.
On 23 Feb 1848 Granville Charles Henry Somerset (age 55) died.
On 23 Feb 1852 Catherine Charlotte Gore Baroness Carbery (age 85) died.
On 23 Feb 1856 James Maitland Balfour (age 36) died.
On 23 Feb 1857 Compton Domvile 1st Baronet (age 82) died. His son Charles Compton Domvile 2nd Baronet (age 35) succeeded 2nd Baronet Domvile of Templeogue and Santry House in the County of Dublin.
On 23 Feb 1862 Adelaide Barrington (age 23) died from childbirth. She had given birth to Captain Charles Barrington Balfour three days before.
On 23 Feb 1869 George Sackville-West 5th Earl De La Warr (age 77) died. His son Charles Sackville-West 6th Earl De La Warr (age 53) succeeded 6th Earl De La Warr, 6th Viscount Cantalupe, 12th Baron De La Warr.
On 23 Feb 1871 Mary Marsham (age 59) died.
On 23 Feb 1872 Bishop Aubrey Spencer (age 77) died.
On 23 Feb 1892 William John Nettleship Angerstein (age 48) died.
On 23 Feb 1894 Philip Payne-Gallwey (age 82) died.
On 23 Feb 1904 Frances Elizabeth Robinson Greig (age 55) died.
On 23 Feb 1908 Mary Elizabeth Cole died.
On 23 Feb 1918 Thomas Brassey 1st Earl of Brassey (age 82) died.
On 23 Feb 1922 William Barrington (age 80) died.
On 23 Feb 1924 George Fitzgerald (age 62) died.
On 23 Feb 1929 Mary Louisa Stewart (age 87) died.
On 23 Feb 1929 Richard Knight Causton 1st Baron Southwark (age 85) died at 12 Devonshire Place, Marylebone. Baron Southwark of Southwark in London extinct. His estate probated in the London Registry at £21282 12s 2d.
On 23 Feb 1930 Caroline Elizabeth McDonnell died.
On 23 Feb 1934 Osbert Mordaunt 11th Baronet (age 50) died. His first cousin Henry John Mordaunt 12th Baronet (age 66) succeeded 12th Baronet Mordaunt of Massingham Parva.
On 23 Feb 1936 Henry Lygon (age 51) died unmarried.
On 23 Feb 1939 Michael Knatchbull 5th Baron Brabourne (age 43) died. His son Norton Knatchbull 6th Baron Brabourne (age 17) succeeded 6th Baron Bradbourne, 15th Baronet Knatchbull of Mersham Hatch in Kent.
On 23 Feb 1943 Rear-Admiral Malcolm Raphael Joseph Constable-Maxwell-Scott (age 59) died.
On 23 Feb 1947 John Strange "Jack" Spencer-Churchill (age 67) died.
On 23 Feb 1947 George William Montagu-Douglas-Scott (age 80) died.
On 23 Feb 1958 Ethel Finch-Hatton Lady Gunning died.
On 23 Feb 1960 Alexander Mountbatten 1st Marquess Carisbrooke (age 73) died.
On 23 Feb 1972 Robert Arthur James Gascoyne-Cecil 5th Marquess Salisbury (age 78) died. His son Robert Gascoyne-Cecil 6th Marquess of Salisbury (age 55) succeeded 6th Marquess Salisbury in Wiltshire, 11th Earl Salisbury.
On 23 Feb 1983 Arthur Gore 8th Earl of Arran (age 72) died. His son Arthur Gore 9th Earl of Arran (age 44) succeeded 9th Earl Arran.
On 23 Feb 2000 John Henry Guy Neville 5th Marquess Abergavenny (age 85) died. His nephew Christopher Neville 6th Marquess Abergavenny (age 44) succeeded 6th Marquess Abergavenny, 10th Earl Abergavenny, 10th Viscount Neville, 6th Earl Lewes, 26th Baron Bergavenny, 24th Baron Bergavenny. Venetia Maynard Marchioness Abergavenny (age 42) by marriage Marchioness Abergavenny.
On 23 Feb 2014 Katherine Bowes-Lyon (age 87) died.
On 23 Feb 2021 Jennifer Lowther Countess Lonsdale (age 88) died.
