On this Day in History ... 20th February

20 Feb is in February.

1304 Battle of Happrew

1447 Death of Humphrey of Lancaster

1462 Vere Plot to Murder Edward IV

1478 Trial and Execution of Ankarette Twynyho

1536 Henry VIII becomes Supreme Head of the Church

1547 Coronation of Edward VI

1613 Marriage of Elizabeth Stewart and Frederick V Elector Palatine

1640 Short Parliament

1653 Three Days' Battle aka Battle of Portland

1667 Poll Bill

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 20th February

Around 20 Feb 1304 a chevauchée of English knights including Robert Clifford 1st Baron Clifford (age 29), William Latimer 2nd Baron Latimer of Corby (age 28), John Mohun 1st Baron Dunster (age 35), John Segrave 2nd Baron Segrave (age 48) and the future Robert "The Bruce" I King Scotland (age 29) attempted, unsuccessfully, to capture Simon Fraser and William Wallace at Happrew, Peebles during the Battle of Happrew.

On 20 Feb 1358 Eleanor Barcelona Queen Consort Castile was born to Peter IV King Aragon (age 38) and Eleanor Barcelona Queen Consort Aragon. Coefficient of inbreeding 2.45%.

On 20 Feb 1364 King David II of Scotland (age 39) and Margaret Drummond Queen Consort Scotland (age 24) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Scotland. He the son of Robert "The Bruce" I King Scotland and Elizabeth Burgh Queen Consort Scotland.

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 5th 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.

Before 20 Feb 1462 John de Vere 12th Earl of Oxford (age 53), his son Aubrey de Vere and Thomas Tuddenham (age 60) were arrested for treason against King Edward IV (age 19). They were subsequently tried by John "Butcher of England" Tiptoft 1st Earl of Worcester (age 34).

On 20 Feb 1462 Aubrey de Vere was executed at Tower Hill [Map].

Calendars. 20 Feb 1478. Exemplification, at the request of Roger Twynyho (age 18), kinsman and heir of Ankarette late the wife of William Twynyho of Cayforde, co. Somerset, esquire, viz. son of John their son, of the following:-

1. A petition (English) of the said Roger in the present Parlimnent that whereas the said Ankarette on Saturday, 12 April, 17 Edward IV, was in her manor at Cayford and Richard Hyde late of Warwick, gentlelman, and Roger Strange late of Bekehampton, co. Somerset, towker, with divers riotous persons to the number of fourscore by the connnand of George, duke of Clarence. cane to Cayforde about two of the clock after noon and entered her house and carried her off the same day to Bath and from thence on the Sunday following to Circeter, co. Gloucester, and from thence to Warwick, whither they brought her on the Monday following about eight of the clock in the afternoon, which town of Warwick is distant from Cayforde seventy Iniles, and then and there took from her all her jewels, money and goods and also in the said duke's behalf, as though he had used king's power, commanded Thomas Delalynde, esquire, and Edith (age 30) his wife, daughter of the said Ankarette, and their servants to avoid from the town of Warwick and lodge them at Strattforde upon Aven that night, six miles thence, and the said duke kept Ankarette in prison unto the hour of nine before noon on the morrow, to wit, Tuesday after the closing of Pasche, and then caused her to be brought to the Guildhall at Warwick before divers of the justices of the peace in the county then sitting in sessions and caused her to be indicted by the name of Ankarette Twynneowe, late of Warwick, widow, late servant of the duke and Isabel his wife, of having at Warwick on 10 October, 16 Edward IV. , given to the said Isabel a venomous drink of ale mixed with poison, of which the latter sickened until the Sunday before Christmas, on which day she died, and the justices arraigned the said Ankarette and a jury appeared and found her guilty and it was considered that she should be led from the bar there to the gaol of Warwick and thence should bc drawn through the town to the gallows of Myton and hanged till she were dead, and the sheriff was commanded to do execution and so he did which indictment, trial and judgment were done and given within three hours of the said Tuesday, and the jurors for fear gave the verdict contrary to their conscience, in proof whereof divers of them came to the said Ankarette in remorse and asked her forgiveness in consideration of the imaginations of the said duke and his great might the unlawful taking of the said Ankarette through three several shires, tho inordinate hasty process and judgcqnent, her lamentable death and her good disposition, the king should ordain that the record, process, verdict and judgement void and of no effect, but that as the prenlises were done by the command of the said Duke the said justices and sheriff and the under-sheriff and their ministers should not be vexed.

2. The answer of the king: Soit fait come il est desire. [Let it be done]

3. A schedule annexed to the petition, being the inquisition taken as above before John Hugford, esquire, Henry Boteler and John West, justices, by oath of Richard Fulwod, esquire, Baldwin Porter, esquire, Willimn Bary of Berton. Thomas Waynwright of Stretford, Richard Hasilholt of Alcestre, John Grove of Aspeley, John Shawe of Alcestre, Robert Plummer of Warwick, John Goodman of the sarne, John Page of Wyllyngton, Robert Toly of Bormyngton and William Gibbons of Honyngton.

4. A writ attested by H. Boteler directing the sheriff to impanel a jury of twenty-four.

On 20 Feb 1513 John King Denmark Norway and Sweden (age 58) died. His son Christian II King Denmark II King Norway (age 31) succeeded II King Denmark, II King Norway.

Wriothesley's Chronicle 1536. 20 Feb 1536. The Sondaie of Sexagesima preached at St. Poules Crosse [Map] the Bishopp of Lincolne (age 63).b

Note b. John Longland, Chancellor of the University of Oxford, and late Canon of Windsor.

On 20 Feb 1547 King Edward VI of England and Ireland (age 9) was crowned VI King England at Westminster Abbey [Map].

John Russell 1st Earl Bedford (age 62) was appointed Lord High Steward. Henry Fitzalan 19th Earl Arundel (age 34) was appointed Constable of England.

Anthony Browne 1st Viscount Montagu (age 18), George Vernon "King of the Peak" (age 39), Richard Devereux (age 34) and William Sharington (age 52) were created Knight of the Bath.

Francis Hastings 2nd Earl Huntingdon (age 33), Edward Courtenay, William Sharington (age 52), John Shelton (age 44) and Walter Buckler were knighted.

Edward Dymoke (age 39) attended as the King's Champion.

Alexander Unton (age 53) and Edward Rogers (age 49) were knighted.

Wriothesley's Chronicle 1547. The twentith daie of Februarie, being the Soundaie Quinquagesima, the Kinges Majestie Edward the Sixth (age 9), of the age of nyne yeares and three monthes, was crowned King (age 9) of this realme of Englande, France, and Irelande, within the church of Westminster [Map], with great honor and solemnitie, and a great feast keept that daie in Westminster Hall which was rychlie hanged, his Majestic sitting all dynner with his crowne on his head; and, after the second course served, Sir Edward Dymmocke (age 39), knight, came ridinge into the hall in clene white complete harneis, rychlie gilded, and his horse rychlie trapped, and cast his gauntlett to wage battell against all men that wold not take him for right King (age 9) of this realme, and then the King (age 9) dranke to him and gave him a cupp of golde; and after dynner the King (age 9) made many knightes, and then he changed his apparell, and so rode from thence to Westminster Place.

On 20 Feb 1613 The Masque of the Inner Temple and Gray's Inn was performed at the Banqueting House, Whitehall Palace [Map] as part of the wedding festivities. The masque was sponsored by the Inner Temple and Gray's Inn both of whom spent around £1200.

After 20 Feb 1613 Frederick Palatinate Simmern V Elector Palatine Rhine (age 16) and Princess Elizabeth Stewart Queen Bohemia (age 16) commenced their journey to his home at Heidelburg. They visited Prince Maurice I of Orange (age 45). They arrived in Heidelburg on 12 Jun 1613 amidst widespread celebration.

John Harington 1st Baron Harington (age 73) and Anne Keilway Baroness Harington (age 59)

Sisters Elizabeth Apsley and Alice Apsley travelled as Maids of Honour to Princess Elizabeth Stewart Queen Bohemia (age 16).

On 20 Feb 1631 Ferdinand King Bohemia III Holy Roman Emperor (age 22) and Maria Anna of Spain Holy Roman Empress (age 24) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Bohemia. She the daughter of Philip III King Spain and Margaret of Austria Queen Consort Spain. He the son of Ferdinand of Spain II Holy Roman Emperor (age 52) and Maria Anna Wittelsbach Holy Roman Empress. They were first cousins.

On 20 Feb 1640 Henry Berkeley of Bruton (age 61) was elected MP Ilchester

John Glanville (age 54) was elected Speaker of the House of Commons.

The Three Days' Battle aka Battle of Portland took place between 18 and 20 Feb 1653. The English fleet was attacked by the Dutch fleet.

Vice-Admiral William Goodson captained the Entrance.

Pepy's Diary. 20 Feb 1666. Up, and to the office; where, among other businesses, Mr. Evelyn's (age 45) proposition about publique Infirmarys was read and agreed on, he being there: and at noon I took him home to dinner, being desirous of keeping my acquaintance with him; and a most excellent humoured man I still find him, and mighty knowing.

Pepy's Diary. 20 Feb 1667. Thence to the Exchequer, and there find the people in readiness to dispatch my tallies to-day, though Ash Wednesday. So I back by coach to London to Sir Robt. Viner's (age 36) and there got £100, and come away with it and pay my fees round, and so away with the 'Chequer men to the Leg in King Street, and there had wine for them; and here was one in company with them, that was the man that got the vessel to carry over the King (age 36) from Bredhemson, who hath a pension of 200 per annum, but ill paid, and the man is looking after getting of a prizeship to live by; but the trouble is, that this poor man, who hath received no part of his money these four years, and is ready to starve almost, must yet pay to the Poll Bill for this pension. He told me several particulars of the King's coming thither, which was mighty pleasant, and shews how mean a thing a king is, how subject to fall, and how like other men he is in his afflictions.

On 20 Feb 1684 Roger Pratt (age 64) died.

In 20 Feb 1685 Sophie Amalie Hanover Queen Consort Denmark (age 56) died.

On 20 Feb 1723 Hayman Rooke was born. He was baptised at St Martin in the Fields [Map] on 19 Mar 1723.

On 20 Feb 1729 Charles Boyle was born to John Boyle 5th Earl Cork (age 22) and Henrietta Hamilton Countess Cork.

On 20 Feb 1773 Charles Emmanuel III King Sardinia (age 71) died at Turin.

On 20 Feb 1798 Richard Westmacott (age 22) and Dorothy Margaret Wilkinson were married. He the son of Richard "The Elder" Westmacott (age 51) and Sarah Vardy.

On 20 Feb 1847 Ellen Terry was born to Benjamin Terry (age 29).

Thomas Bateman 1846. On February 20th 1847 was opened a barrow [Map] [Brundcliffe Barrow [Map]] near Bruncliff in Hartington parish which was raised to a height of upwards of three feet above a grave or cist cut in the rock and descending about two feet below the natural surface thus giving a depth of rather more than five feet of factitious earth from the summit to the floor of the tumulus. About eighteen inches beneath the turf was a deposit of calcined animal bones accompanied by a great quantity of charred wood. From the discovery of a perfect tooth amongst these remains it appears that the victim in this instance had been a young horse. About the same level occurred a small piece of pottery and a point or tine of a stag's horn. Upon the floor of the grave lay a human skeleton which appeared to have been extended at full lengthy and to have been laid upon its back with the arms straight down the sides; this however is not quite certain, as the decayed and mouldering state of the bones rendered any very accurate observations impossible. To the left of the pelvis lay a narrow-necked vessel of red clay having a lip for the convenience of pouring out liquid; this was placed in a horizontal position with the mouth towards the upper part of the skeleton; in contact with it lay a curved iron knife, six inches in length, with a wooden haft much decayed. Close to the tibia or leg-bone was placed an article principally composed of iron and wood, the use of which is by no means obvious, upon one part of it is a small silver cell or settings which had retained a stone or gem of some description.

From the very evident traces of decayed planks around the bones, it is highly probable that the body had been protected by them, if not inclosed in a coffin of more regular construction. The vessel appears to have had a handle, which was broken off and smoothed down previous to its interment; it bears marks of being a copy firom a classical model, and has been turned upon a potter's wheel, an invention probably unknown to the Celtic tribes previous to the Roman conquest.

On 20 Feb 1862 Virginia Purdy Barker was born to Smith Barker (age 26) and Catherine Vanderbilt (age 25).

On 20 Feb 1864 George Frederick Watts (age 46) and Ellen Terry (age 17) were married. The difference in their ages was 29 years.

On 20 Feb 1890 Corina Kavanagh was born to John Patrick Kavanagh Machierman and Elisa Lynch Byrne.

On 20 Feb 1916 William Maw Egley (age 90) died.

Births on the 20th February

On 20 Feb 1358 Eleanor Barcelona Queen Consort Castile was born to Peter IV King Aragon (age 38) and Eleanor Barcelona Queen Consort Aragon. Coefficient of inbreeding 2.45%.

On 20 Feb 1375 Rupert Pipan Wittelsbach was born to Rupert King Germany (age 22).

On 20 Feb 1389 William Botreaux 3rd Baron Botreaux was born to William Botreaux 2nd Baron Botreaux (age 22) and Elizabeth St Lo Baroness Botreaux (age 25) at Walton, Kilmersdon.

On 20 Feb 1505 Jane aka Joan Stradling was born to Edward Stradling (age 31) and Elizabeth Arundell (age 29).

On 20 Feb 1605 John Lowther 1st Baronet was born to John Lowther of Lowther Hall (age 23).

On 20 Feb 1617 Margaret Montgomerie Countess Glencairn was born to Alexander Seton aka Montgomerie 6th Earl Eglinton (age 29) and Anne Livingstone Countess Eglinton.

On 20 Feb 1632 Thomas Osborne 1st Duke Leeds was born to Edward Osborne 1st Baronet (age 35) and Anne Walmesley Lady Osborne (age 32).

After 20 Feb 1632 John Hamner 3rd Baronet was born to Thomas Hanmer 2nd Baronet (age 20) and Elizabeth Baker Lady Hamner (age 22).

On 20 Feb 1670 Johann Leopold Habsburg Spain was born to Leopold Habsburg Spain I Holy Roman Emperor (age 29) and Margaret Theresa Habsburg Holy Roman Empress (age 18). He died the same day. Coefficient of inbreeding 30.98%.

Before 20 Feb 1672 Anne was born to Robert Greville 4th Baron Brooke (age 33) and Ann Dodington Baroness Brooke (age 30).

On 20 Feb 1672 Doddington Greville Duchess Manchester was born to Robert Greville 4th Baron Brooke (age 33) and Ann Dodington Baroness Brooke (age 30).

Around 20 Feb 1681 Mildred Smith was born to Captain John Smith (age 19) and Mary Warner (age 18) at Purton.

On 20 Feb 1684 Edward Bayly 1st Baronet was born to Nicholas Bayly (age 53).

On 20 Feb 1712 Cordell Firebrace 3rd Baronet was born to Charles Firebrace 2nd Baronet (age 32) and Margaret Cordell.

On 20 Feb 1717 Bridget Wallop was born to John Wallop 1st Earl Portsmouth (age 26) and Bridget Bennet Viscountess Lymington (age 20).

On 20 Feb 1723 Hayman Rooke was born. He was baptised at St Martin in the Fields [Map] on 19 Mar 1723.

On 20 Feb 1729 Charles Boyle was born to John Boyle 5th Earl Cork (age 22) and Henrietta Hamilton Countess Cork.

On or before 20 Feb 1735 John Palmer 5th Baronet was born to Thomas Palmer 4th Baronet (age 33) and Jemima Harpur. He was baptised 20 Feb 1735. He was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge University from 1752.

On 20 Feb 1745 Stephen Fox 2nd Baron Holland was born to Henry Fox 1st Baron Holland (age 39) and Caroline Lennox 1st Baroness Holland (age 21). He a great x 2 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 20 Feb 1764 George Hay Dawkins-Pennant was born.

On 20 Feb 1772 Amelia Hobart was born to John Hobart 2nd Earl Buckinghamshire (age 48) and Caroline Conolly Countess Buckinghamshire.

On 20 Feb 1780 Lucy Rachel Stanhope was born to Charles Stanhope 3rd Earl Stanhope (age 26) and Hester Pitt (age 24).

On 20 Feb 1786 George Legge was born to George Legge 3rd Earl Dartmouth (age 30) and Frances Finch Countess Dartmouth (age 25).

On 20 Feb 1786 Reverend Charles Boothby was born to William Boothby 7th Baronet (age 39).

On 20 Feb 1787 John Coutenay Honywood 5th Baronet was born to John Honywood 4th Baronet (age 30) and Frances Courtenay (age 24).

On 20 Feb 1790 Charles Lennox Cumming Bruce was born.

On 20 Feb 1792 Eliza Courtenay was born illegitimately to Charles Grey 2nd Earl Grey (age 27) and Georgiana Spencer Duchess Devonshire (age 34) at Aix en Provence whilst she, Georgiana Spencer Duchess Devonshire (age 34) was married to William Cavendish 5th Duke Devonshire (age 44). The Duchess was forced to relinquish the child shortly after her birth, to be raised by Charles Grey's parents, Charles Grey 1st Earl Grey (age 62) and Elizabeth Grey Countess Grey (age 48). The surname Courtenay was derived from her great-uncle, her maternal grandmother's brother, William Poyntz (age 57).

On 20 Feb 1799 John Somerset Russell aka Pakington 1st Baron Hampton was born to William Russell and Elizabeth Pakington.

On 20 Feb 1826 Mary Emma Brodrick Countess Enniskillen was born.

On 20 Feb 1829 Odo Russell 1st Baron Ampthill was born to George Russell (age 38) and Elizabeth Anne Rawdon.

Before 20 Feb 1830 Mary Penelope Noel was born to Leland Noel (age 32).

On 20 Feb 1830 Ellen Jane Legh was born to Thomas Legh (age 37) and Ellen Turner (age 19).

On 20 Feb 1834 Francis Wood 3rd Baronet was born to Reverend John Page-Wood 2nd Baronet (age 38).

On 20 Feb 1843 Claud Hamilton was born to James Hamilton 1st Duke Abercorn (age 32) and Louisa Jane Russell Duchess Abercorn (age 30).

On 20 Feb 1847 Ellen Terry was born to Benjamin Terry (age 29).

On 20 Feb 1847 Reginald Gervase Alexander was born to William Alexander of Blackwall Lodge in Halifax in Yorkshire (age 40) and Emily Kirby.

On 20 Feb 1848 John Edward Acland-Troyte was born to Arthur Henry Dyke (age 36).

On 20 Feb 1856 Brigadier David Alexander Kinloch 11th Baronet was born.

On 20 Feb 1862 Captain Charles Barrington Balfour was born to Charles Balfour (age 38) and Adelaide Barrington (age 23).

On 20 Feb 1862 Virginia Purdy Barker was born to Smith Barker (age 26) and Catherine Vanderbilt (age 25).

On 20 Feb 1872 Alexandra Louisa Godolphin Osborne was born to George Godolphin Osborne 9th Duke Leeds (age 43) and Fanny Georgiana Pitt-Rivers Duchess Leeds (age 35). Coefficient of inbreeding 3.94%.

On 20 Feb 1890 Corina Kavanagh was born to John Patrick Kavanagh Machierman and Elisa Lynch Byrne.

On 20 Feb 1894 Reginald Mowbray Chichester Huddleston was born.

On 20 Feb 1920 Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy was born to Joseph Patrick Kennedy (age 31) and Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald (age 29) at Brookline Massachusetts.

On 20 Feb 1928 Jean Ann Kennedy was born to Joseph Patrick Kennedy (age 39) and Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald (age 37).

On 20 Feb 1934 Ziki Robertson 11th Baroness Wharton was born to David George Arbuthnot (age 28) and Elisabeth Kemeys-Tynte 10th Baroness Wharton (age 27).

Marriages on the 20th February

On 20 Feb 1364 King David II of Scotland (age 39) and Margaret Drummond Queen Consort Scotland (age 24) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Scotland. He the son of Robert "The Bruce" I King Scotland and Elizabeth Burgh Queen Consort Scotland.

On 20 Feb 1383 Thomas Mowbray 1st Duke of Norfolk (age 14) and Elizabeth Strange Countess Nottingham (age 21) were married. She by marriage Countess Nottingham. They were second cousin once removed. He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King John "Lackland" of England.

Before 20 Feb 1389 William Botreaux 2nd Baron Botreaux (age 22) and Elizabeth St Lo Baroness Botreaux (age 25) were married. She by marriage Baroness Botreaux.

Before 20 Feb 1462 Aubrey de Vere and Anne Stafford Baroness Cobham Sternborough (age 16) were married. She the daughter of Humphrey Stafford 1st Duke of Buckingham and Anne Neville Duchess Buckingham (age 54). He the son of John de Vere 12th Earl of Oxford (age 53) and Elizabeth Howard Countess of Oxford (age 52). They were third cousin once removed. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

On 20 Feb 1473 Ralph Neville 3rd Earl of Westmoreland (age 17) and Isabel Booth (age 16) were married. She by marriage Baroness Neville Raby. He the son of John Neville 1st Baron Neville of Raby and Anne Holland Countess Douglas and Avondale. He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward III of England.

After 20 Feb 1552 William Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke (age 51) and Anne Talbot Countess Pembroke (age 28) were married. She by marriage Countess Pembroke. The difference in their ages was 22 years. She the daughter of George Talbot 4th Earl of Shrewsbury and Elizabeth Walden (age 61). She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

After 20 Feb 1616 George Tuchet 1st Earl Castlehaven (age 65) and Elizabeth Noel Countess Castlehaven were married at Mary le Strand. She by marriage Baroness Audley of Heighley in Staffordshire, Baroness Tuchet.

On 20 Feb 1631 Ferdinand King Bohemia III Holy Roman Emperor (age 22) and Maria Anna of Spain Holy Roman Empress (age 24) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Bohemia. She the daughter of Philip III King Spain and Margaret of Austria Queen Consort Spain. He the son of Ferdinand of Spain II Holy Roman Emperor (age 52) and Maria Anna Wittelsbach Holy Roman Empress. They were first cousins.

On or before 20 Feb 1632 Thomas Hanmer 2nd Baronet (age 20) and Elizabeth Baker Lady Hamner (age 22) were married. She by marriage Lady Hamner of Hamner in Flintshire.

Before 20 Feb 1640 Essex Devereux (age 25) and Anne Courteen (age 25) were married.

On 20 Feb 1645 Robert Fortescue (age 28) and Grace Granville (age 21) were married.

Before 20 Feb 1712 Charles Firebrace 2nd Baronet (age 32) and Margaret Cordell were married.

Before 20 Feb 1772 John Hobart 2nd Earl Buckinghamshire (age 48) and Caroline Conolly Countess Buckinghamshire were married. She by marriage Countess Buckinghamshire. He the son of John Hobart 1st Earl Buckinghamshire and Judith Britiffe Lady Hotham.

On 20 Feb 1774 Thomas Reynolds 2nd Baron Ducie (age 40) and Margaret Ramsden Baroness Ducie were married. She by marriage Baroness Ducie.

On 20 Feb 1780 Richard Aubrey (age 35) and Frances Digby (age 28) were married.

On 20 Feb 1798 Richard Westmacott (age 22) and Dorothy Margaret Wilkinson were married. He the son of Richard "The Elder" Westmacott (age 51) and Sarah Vardy.

Before 20 Feb 1799 William Russell and Elizabeth Pakington were married.

On 20 Feb 1836 William Fitzherbert 4th Baronet (age 27) and Ann Alleyne Lady Fitzherbert (age 21) were married. She by marriage Lady Fitzherbert of Tissington in Derbyshire.

Before 20 Feb 1860 Henry Drummond (age 73) and Henrietta Hay-Drummond were married.

On 20 Feb 1864 George Frederick Watts (age 46) and Ellen Terry (age 17) were married. The difference in their ages was 29 years.

On 20 Feb 1913 Edward Gerald Fitzgerald (age 49) and Anne Josephine Throckmorton (age 43) were married. He a great x 5 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 20 Feb 1930 Hugh Richard Arthur "Bendor" Grosvenor 2nd Duke Westminster (age 50) and Loelia Mary Ponsonby Duchess Westminster (age 28) were married. She by marriage Duchess Westminster. His third marriage; her first. Winston Churchill (age 55) was best man. They were married until 1947 when the marriage was dissolved. No issue. The difference in their ages was 22 years.

Deaths on the 20th February

On 20 Feb 1194 Tancred King of Sicily (age 56) died.

On 20 Feb 1253 Amicie de Montfort (age 53) died.

On 20 Feb 1263 John Plessis Earl Warwick died.

Around 20 Feb 1361 Maud Furnival (age 68) died.

On 20 Feb 1374 Hugh Courtenay (age 29) died. His first cousin Edward "Blind Earl" Courtenay 11th Earl Devon (age 17) succeeded 4th Baron Courtenay.

Before 20 Feb 1419 Elizabeth Burdett (age 35) died.

On 20 Feb 1419 Humphrey Stafford (age 49) died.

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 5th 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 20 Feb 1459 Thomas Stanley 1st Baron Stanley (age 54) died at Knowsley. He was buried at Burscough Priory [Map]. His son Thomas Stanley 1st Earl of Derby (age 24) succeeded King Mann, 2nd Baron Stanley. Eleanor Neville Baroness Stanley (age 12) by marriage Baroness Stanley.

On 20 Feb 1462 Aubrey de Vere was executed at Tower Hill [Map].

After 20 Feb 1492 Christian Leslie Lady Sinclair died.

On 20 Feb 1495 Edmund Verney (age 54) died.

On 20 Feb 1496 Bishop Richard Hill died.

Between 17 Dec 1505 and 20 Feb 1506 Thomas Savile (age 46) died.

On 20 Feb 1513 John King Denmark Norway and Sweden (age 58) died. His son Christian II King Denmark II King Norway (age 31) succeeded II King Denmark, II King Norway.

On 20 Feb 1523 Alice aka Agnes Cotell (age 38) and William Mathewe were hanged at Tyburn [Map] for the murder of her first husband John Cotell.

On 20 Feb 1532 Alice Sandys (age 45) died.

After 20 Feb 1547 Richard Devereux (age 34) died.

On 20 Feb 1552 Anne Parr Countess Pembroke (age 36) died at Baynard's Castle [Map]. She was buried at St Paul's Cathedral [Map].

On or before 20 Feb 1554 George Pargiter died. He was buried on 20 Feb 1554.

On 20 Feb 1557 Agnes Stewart Countess Bothwell (age 88) died.

On 20 Feb 1562 Janet Stewart Lady Fleming (age 59) died.

On 20 Feb 1569 Sibylle Marie Wettin (age 5) died at Altenburg.

On 20 Feb 1588 Anne Rawson (age 73) died.

On 20 Feb 1589 Admiral William Winter (age 64) died.

On 20 Feb 1616 Lucy Mervyn Baroness Audley and Tuchet died.

On 20 Feb 1618 Philip William Orange Nassau I Prince Orange (age 63) died. His half brother Prince Maurice I of Orange (age 50) succeeded I Prince Orange.

On 20 Feb 1640 Essex Devereux (age 25) drowned when attempting to cross the River Teme with a friend. He was buried at St Edburga's Church, Leigh [Map].

Before 20 Feb 1655 Thomas Stafford (age 81) died. He was buried at Clopton Chantry Chapel Church of the Holy Trinity Stratford upon Avon [Map]. His will was proved 20 Feb 1655.

Around 20 Feb 1660 Philip Skippon of Foulsham in Norfolk (age 60) died.

On 20 Feb 1684 Roger Pratt (age 64) died.

In 20 Feb 1685 Sophie Amalie Hanover Queen Consort Denmark (age 56) died.

On 20 Feb 1688 William Lowther (age 75) died.

On 20 Feb 1699 Thomas Catesby (age 67) died.

On 20 Feb 1703 John Churchill (age 17) died of smallpox.

On 20 Feb 1705 Thomas Brydges (age 88) died.

On 20 Feb 1725 Thomas Tipping 2nd Baronet (age 25) died. Baronet Tipping of Wheatfield in Oxfordshire extinct.

On 20 Feb 1743 Robert Fitzgerald 19th Earl of Kildare (age 67) died. His son James Fitzgerald 1st Duke Leinster (age 21) succeeded 20th Earl Kildare.

On 20 Feb 1747 Elizabeth Wemyss Countess Sutherland (age 29) died.

On or before 20 Feb 1749 Richard Mansel 8th Baronet died. He was buried on 20 Feb 1749 at St Mary's Church, Kidwelly. His son William Mansel 9th Baronet (age 9) succeeded 9th Baronet Mansel of Muddlescombe.

On 20 Feb 1757 Margaret Ogilvy died.

On 20 Feb 1762 Chambré Brabazon Ponsonby (age 42) died.

On 20 Feb 1768 James Lindsay 5th Earl Balcarres (age 76) died. His son Alexander Lindsay 6th Earl Balcarres (age 16) succeeded 6th Earl Balcarres.

On 20 Feb 1773 Charles Emmanuel III King Sardinia (age 71) died at Turin.

On 20 Feb 1779 Willoughby Bertie died.

On 20 Feb 1802 William Pigott (age 58) died.

On 20 Feb 1805 Maria Wilhelmina Waldegrave (age 22) died.

On 20 Feb 1812 Catherine Elizabeth Hamilton Countess Aberdeen (age 28) died.

On 20 Feb 1850 Lucy North died.

On 20 Feb 1853 Edward Sholton Douglas died.

On 20 Feb 1857 Amias Paulett (age 22) died.

On 20 Feb 1859 Mary Paget Countess Sandwich (age 46) died. Her remains were moved to All Saints Church, Barnwell [Map] on 16 Jun 1884.

On 20 Feb 1860 John Barker aka Barker-Mill 1st Baronet (age 56) died at Mottisfont Abbey [Map]. Baronet Barker of Mottisfont in Southampton extinct.

On 20 Feb 1860 Henry Drummond (age 73) died.

On 20 Feb 1864 Frances Elizabeth Cornewall Viscountess Hereford (age 81) died.

On 20 Feb 1881 George Charles Grantley FitzHardinge Berkeley (age 81) died.

On 20 Feb 1886 George Bentinck (age 82) died.

On 20 Feb 1912 John Gay Newton Alleyne 3rd Baronet (age 91) died. His grandson John Meynell Alleyne 4th Baronet (age 22) succeeded 4th Baronet Alleyne of Four Hills in Barbados.

On 20 Feb 1913 Lieutenant-General Thomas Henry Pakenham (age 86) died.

On 20 Feb 1916 William Maw Egley (age 90) died.

On 20 Feb 1918 George Fletcher Ottley Boughey (age 74) died.

On 20 Feb 1921 Field Marshal Charles Comyn Egerton (age 72) died.

On 20 Feb 1927 Montolieu Fox Oliphant Murray 1st Viscount Elibank (age 86) died.

On 20 Feb 1928 Victor Hay 21st Earl of Erroll (age 51) died. His son Josslyn Victor Hay 22nd Earl of Erroll (age 26) succeeded 22nd Earl Erroll. Myra Idina Sackville Countess of Erroll (age 34) by marriage Countess Erroll.

On 20 Feb 1929 Henry Bruce 2nd Baron Aberdare (age 77) died. His son Clarence Bruce 3rd Baron Aberdare (age 43) succeeded 3rd Baron Aberdare of Duffryn in Glamorganshire.

On 20 Feb 1930 Richard Bethell 3rd Baron Westbury (age 77) committed suicide. He jumped out of the bedroom window of his seventh floor St James's apartment after a long period of illness. He left a note that read: "I really cannot stand any more horrors and hardly see what good I am going to do here, so I am making my exit." His death was ruled "suicide while of unsound mind." His grandson Richard Morland Tollemache Bethell 4th Baron Westbury (age 15) succeeded 4th Baron Westbury of Westbury in Wiltshire.

On 20 Feb 1934 Sybil de Vere Capell (age 75) died.

On 20 Feb 1946 Major Henry Minshull Stockdale (age 85) died.

On 20 Feb 1946 Grace Hoare (age 90) died.

On 20 Feb 1962 Lilian Florence Chetwynd Marchionness of Anglsey (age 85) died.

On 20 Feb 1992 Vera Ruby Tyrwhitt 15th Baroness Berners (age 90) died. Baron Berners abeyant between her two daughters Pamela Vivian Williams 16th Baron Berners (age 62) and Rosemary Tyrwhit Williams (age 60).