On this Day in History ... 24th December

24 Dec is in December.

1165 William "The Lion" Crowned King Scotland

1166 Birth of King John

1543 Creation of Garter Knights

1660 December Creation of Baronets and Peerages

1593 Great Plague

1664 Comet

1688 Glorious Revolution

See Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Events on the 24th December

On 24 Dec 1065 Ferdinand "Great" I King Leon (age 50) died. His son Sancho "Strong" II King Leon II King Castile (age 28) succeeded II King Castile.

On 24 Dec 1165 William "Lion" I King Scotland (age 22) was crowned I King Scotland.

On 24 Dec 1166 King John "Lackland" of England was born to King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England (age 33) and Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England (age 44). He was given the nickname "Sans Terre", aka "without land", or in English "Lackland" as a consequence of his being the youngest son.

Archaeologia Volume 35 1853 XXXIII. On the 24th of December [1357], and on Christmas Day, the Queen (age 62) entertained the Maréchal Arnould D'Audenham, sometimes written D'Andrehen, and Regnaut Sire D'Aubigny, both French prisoners taken at Poitiers. The former, Marshal of France, and a man of great note of the time, is a very frequent visitor with the Queen, and was probably active in concerting terms for a treaty between the crowns of England and France.

On 24 Dec 1543 John Wallop (age 53) was appointed 313th Knight of the Garter by King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 52).[See Chronicle of Calais]

Evelyn's Diary. 24 Dec 1643. On Christmas eve, I went to see the Cathedral at Nôtre Dame [Map], erected by Philip Augustus, but begun by King Robert, son of Hugh Capet. It consists of a Gothic fabric, sustained with 120 pillars, which make two aisles in the church round about the choir, without comprehending the chapels, being 174 paces long, 60 wide, and 100 high. The choir is inclosed with stonework graven with the sacred history, and contains forty-five chapels chancelled with iron. At the front of the chief entrance are statues in relievo of the kings, twenty-eight in number, from Childebert to the founder, Philip; and above them are two high square towers, and another of a smaller size, bearing a spire in the middle, where the body of the church forms a cross. The great tower is ascended by 389 steps, having twelve galleries from one to the other. They greatly reverence the crucifix over the screen of the choir, with an image of the Blessed Virgin. There are some good modern paintings hanging on the pillars. The most conspicuous statute is the huge colossal one of St. Christopher; with divers other figures of men, houses, prospects and rocks, about this gigantic piece; being of one stone, and more remarkable for its bulk than any other perfection. This is the prime church of France for dignity, having archdeacons, vicars, canons, priests, and chaplains in good store, to the number of 127. It is also the palace of the archbishop. The young king was there with a great and martial guard, who entered the nave of the church with drums and fifes, at the ceasing of which I was entertained with the church music; and so I left him.

Evelyn's Diary. 24 Dec 1643. I went with some company to see some remarkable places without the city: as the Isle, and how it is encompassed by the Rivers Seine and the Ouse. The city is divided into three parts, whereof the town is greatest. The city lies between it and the University in form of an island. Over the Seine is a stately bridge called Pont Neuf, begun by Henry III in 1578, finished by Henry IV his successor. It is all of hewn freestone found under the streets, but more plentifully at Montmartre, and consists of twelve arches, in the midst of which ends the point of an island, on which are built handsome artificers' houses. There is one large passage for coaches, and two for foot passengers three or four feet higher, and of convenient breadth for eight or ten to go abreast. On the middle of this stately bridge, on one side, stands the famous statue of Henry the Great on horseback, exceeding the natural proportion by much; and, on the four faces of a stately pedestal (which is composed of various sorts of polished marbles and rich moldings), inscriptions of his victories and most signal actions are engraven in brass. The statue and horse are of copper, the work of the great John di Bologna, and sent from Florence by Ferdinand the First, and Cosmo the Second, uncle and cousin to Mary de Medicis, the wife of King Henry, whose statue it represents. The place where it is erected is inclosed with a strong and beautiful grate of iron, about which there are always mountebanks showing their feats to the idle passengers. From hence is a rare prospect toward the Louvre and suburbs of St. Germains, the Isle du Palais, and Nôtre Dame. At the foot of this bridge is a water-house, on the front whereof, at a great height, is the story of Our Savior and the woman of Samaria pouring water out of a bucket. Above, is a very rare dial of several motions, with a chime, etc. The water is conveyed by huge wheels, pumps, and other engines, from the river beneath. The confluence of the people and multitude of coaches passing every moment over the bridge, to a new spectator is an agreeable diversion. Other bridges there are, as that of Nôtre Dame and the Pont-au-Change, etc., fairly built, with houses of stone, which are laid over this river; only the Pont St. Anne, landing the suburbs of St. Germains at the Tuileries, is built of wood, having likewise a water house in the midst of it, and a statue of Neptune casting water out of a whale's mouth, of lead, but much inferior to the Samaritan.

In Dec 1660 King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 30) rewarded of further tranche of those who supported his Restoration by awarding them Baronetcies ...

On 03 Dec 1660 George Winn 1st Baronet (age 53) was created 1st Baronet Winn of Nostel in Yorkshire.

On 22 Dec 1660 John Keyt 1st Baronet (age 44) was created 1st Baronet Keyt of Ebrington in Gloucestershire for having raised a troop of horse to fight in the Royalist cause.

On 24 Dec 1660 William Frankland 1st Baronet (age 20) was created 1st Baronet Frankland of Thirkleby in Yorkshire.

Pepy's Diary. 24 Dec 1662. This evening Mr. Gauden sent me, against Christmas, a great chine of beef and three dozen of tongues. I did give 5s. to the man that brought it, and half-a-crown to the porters. This day also the parish-clerk brought the general bill of mortality, which cost me half-a-crown more1.

Note 1. The Bills of Mortality for London were first compiled by order of Thomas Cromwell about 1538, and the keeping of them was commenced by the Company of Parish Clerks in the great plague year of 1593. The bills were issued weekly from 1603. The charter of the Parish Clerks' Company (1611) directs that "each parish clerk shall bring to the Clerks' Hall weekly a note of all christenings and burials". Charles I in 1636 granted permission to the Parish Clerks to have a printing press and employ a printer in their hall for the purpose of printing their weekly bills.

Pepy's Diary. 24 Dec 1664. So home and to my office, where late. This evening I being informed did look and saw the Comet, which is now, whether worn away or no I know not, but appears not with a tail, but only is larger and duller than any other star, and is come to rise betimes, and to make a great arch, and is gone quite to a new place in the heavens than it was before: but I hope in a clearer night something more will be seen.

Pepy's Diary. 24 Dec 1664. Having sat up all night to past two o'clock this morning, our porter, being appointed, comes and tells us that the bellman tells him that the star is seen upon Tower Hill [Map]; so I, that had been all night setting in order all my old papers in my chamber, did leave off all, and my boy and I to Tower Hill [Map], it being a most fine, bright moonshine night, and a great frost; but no Comet to be seen. So after running once round the Hill, I and Tom, we home and then to bed. Rose about 9 o'clock and then to the office, where sitting all the morning.

Pepy's Diary. 24 Dec 1666. So to the 'Change [Map], and went to the Upper 'Change [Map], which is almost as good as the old one; only shops are but on one side. Then home to the office, and did business till my eyes began to be bad, and so home to supper. My people busy making mince pies, and so to bed. No newes yet of our Gottenburgh fleete; which makes [us] have some fears, it being of mighty concernment to have our supply of masts safe. I met with Mr. Cade to-night, my stationer; and he tells me that he hears for certain that the Queene-Mother (age 57) is about and hath near finished a peace with France, which, as a Presbyterian, he do not like, but seems to fear it will be a means to introduce Popery.

On 24 Dec 1686 Philip Packer (age 68) died.

Evelyn's Diary. 24 Dec 1688. The King (age 55) passes into France, whither the Queen (age 30) and child were gone a few days before.

On 24 Dec 1714 Philippe V King Spain (age 31) and Elisabeth Farnese Queen Consort Spain (age 22) were married. He the son of Louis "Le Grand Dauphin" Bourbon Duke Burgundy and Maria Anna Victoria Wittelsbach Duchess Burgundy.

Minutes of the Society of Antiquaries. 24 Dec 1718. Mr Vertue (age 34) brought a proof of the Plate of Richard II which had the initial approbation of the Society and their thanks for his Care and Accuracy therein and Mr Treasurer (age 36) was ordered to pay him five Guineas more in part of this Agreement for Engraving.

Mr Vice-President (age 56) by the [?] of the Society ordered Mr Director (age 41) to provide us a Box to lay up the Books in.

Mr Samuel Gale (age 36) brough several Antique Roman Vessels dug up at Port Mahon, and likewise as Treasurer exhibited where it appears he has [?] in Money upon Amount £29:04:06 and has paid £22:4:4. So remains in his hands £07:00:02.

On 24 Dec 1814 Henry Brand 1st Viscount Hampden was born to General Henry Otway Trevor 21st Baron Dacre (age 37) and Pyne Crosbie Lady of the Bedchamber (age 34).

On 24 Dec 1818 James Prescott Joule was born to Benjamin Joule (age 34) and Alice Prescott (age 35) at New Bailey Street, Salford.

On 24 Dec 1824 John Downman (age 74) died.

On 24 Dec 1837 Empress Elisabeth of Austria was born.

On 24 Dec 1845 George I King Greece was born to King Christian IX of Denmark (age 27) and Queen Louise Hesse-Kassel of Denmark (age 28). He a great x 3 grandson of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland. Coefficient of inbreeding 2.84%.

The Times. 24 Dec 1861. Yesterday, with little of the pomp and pageantry of a State ceremonial, but with every outward mark of respect, and with all the solemnity which befitted his high station and his public virties, the mortal remains of the husband (deceased) of our Queen (age 42) were interred in the last resting-place of England's Sovereigns-the Chapel Royal of St. George's, Windsor [Map]. By the express desire of his Royal Highness the funeral was of the plainest and most private character; but in the Chapel, to do honour to his obsequies, were assembled all the chiefest men of the State, and throughout England, by every sign of sorrow and imourning, the nation manifested its sense of the loss wlhich it has sustaiined. Windsor itself wore an aspect of the most profound gloom. Every shop was closed and every blind drawn down. The streets were silent and almost deserted, and all wvho appeared abroad were dressed in the deepest mourning. The great bell of Windsor Castle [Map] clanged out: its doleful sound at intervals from an early hour, and minute bells were tolled also at St. John's Church. At the parish church of Cleover and at St. John's there were services in the morning and: aternoon, and the day was observed throughout the Royal borough in the strictest manner. The weather was in character with the occasion, a chill, damp air, with a dull leaden sky above, increased the gloom which hung over all. There were but few visitors in the town, for the procession did not pass beyond the immediate precincts of the Chapel and Castle, and none were admitted except those connected with the Castle andi their friends. At 11 o'clock a strong force of the A division took possession of the avenues leading to the Chapel Royal, and from that time only the guests specially invited and those who were to take part in the ceremonial were allowed to pass. Shortly afterwards a of honour of the Grenadier Guards, of which regiment his Royal Highness was Colonel, with the colonrs of the regiment shrouded in crape, marched in and took up its position before the principal entrance to the Chapel Royal. Another guard of honour from the same regiment was also on duty in the Quadrangle at the entrance to the State apartments. They were speedily followed by a squadron of the 2nd Life Guards dismounted, and by two companies of the Fusileer Guards, who were drawn uip in single file along each side of the road by which the procession was to pass, from the Norman gateway to the Chapel door. The officers wore the deepest military mourning-scarves, sword-knots, and rosettes of crape. In the Rome Park was stationed a troop of Horse Artillery, which commenced firing minute guns at the end of the Long Walk, advancing slowly until it reached the Castle gates just at the close of the ceremony. The Ministers, the officers of the Queen's Household, and other distinguished personages who had been honoured with an invitation to attend the ceremonial, reached Windsor a special train from Paddington. They were met by carriages provided for them at the station, and began to arrive at the Chapel Royal soon after 11 o'clock. The Earl of Derby (age 62), the Archbishop of Canterbury (age 81), Earl Russell (age 69), and the Duke of Buccleuch were among the first to make their appearance, and as they alighted at the door of the Chapel they were received by the proper officials and conducted to the seats appointed for them in the Choir. In the Great Quadrangle were drawn up the hearse and the mourning coaches, and, all the preparations having been completed within the Castle, the procession began to be formed shortly before 12 o'clock. It had been originally intended that it should leave the Castle by the St. George's gate, and, proceeding down Castle-hill, approach the Chapel through Henry VII.'s gateway, but at a late hour this arrangement was changed, and the shorter route by the Norman gatewvay was chosen.

The crowd which had gradually collected at the foot of Castle-hill, owing to this change, saw nothing of the procession but the empty carriages as they returned to the Castle after setting down at the Chapel. The few spectators who were fortunate enough to gain admission to the Lower Ward stood in a narrow fringe along the edge of the flags in front of the houses of the Poor Knights, and their presence was the only exception to the strict privacy of the ceremonial. The Prince of Wales (age 20) and the other Royal mourners assembled in the Oak Room, but did not form part of the procession. They were conveyed to the Chapel in private carriages before the coffin was placed in the hearse, passing through St. George's gatewayinto the Lower Ward. In the first carriage were the Prince of Wales (age 20), Prince Arthur (age 11), and the Duke of Saxe Coburg (age 8). The Crown Prince of Prussia (age 30), the Duke of Brabant (age 26), and the Count of Flanders (age 24) followed in the next; and in the others were the Duke de Nemours (age 47), Prince Louis of Hesse (age 24), Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar (age 38), and the Maharajah Dhuleep Singh, with the gentlemen of their respective suites. Scarcely had they alighted at the door of Wolsey's Chapel, from which they were conducted through the Chapter Room to the door of the Chapel Royal to be in readiness to meet the coffin, when the first minute gun fired in tlhe distance, and the rattle of the troops reversing arms announced that the procession had started, and exactly at 12 o'clock the first mourning coach moved from under the Norman gateway. First came nine mourning coaches, each drawn by four horses, conveying the Physicians, Equerries, and other members of the household of the late Prince. In the last were the Lord Steward (age 63) (Earl St. Germans), the Lord Chamberlain (age 56) (Viscount Sidney), and the Master of the Horse (age 57) (the Marquis of Ailesbury). The carriages and trappings were of the plainest description; the horses had black velvet housings and feathers, but on the carriages there, were no feathers or ornaments of any kind. The mourning coaches were followed by one of the Queen's carriages, drawn by six horses, and attended by servants in State liveries, in which was the Groom of the Stole (age 26), Earl Spencer, carrying the crown, and a Lord of the Bedchamber, Lord George Lennox, carrying the baton, sword, and hat of his late Royal Highness. Next escorted by a troop of the 2nd Life Guards, came the hearse, drawn by six black horses, which, like the carriages, was quite plain and unornamented. On the housings of the horses and on the sides of the hearse were emblazoned the scutcheons of Her Majesty and of the Prince, each surmounted by a, crown, the Prince's arms being in black and Her Majesty's in white. The procession was closed by four State carriages.

On 24 Dec 1894 James Atlay Bishop of Hereford 1817-1894 died. Monument in the North Transept of Hereford Cathedral [Map]. Sculpted by James Forsyth (age 66).

24 Dec 1943. Aerial view of Stonehenge, taken from a US Air Force plane on Christmas Eve 1943. © Historic England Archive

On 24 Dec 1944 Alfred Drury (age 88) died.

Births on the 24th December

On 24 Dec 1166 King John "Lackland" of England was born to King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England (age 33) and Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England (age 44). He was given the nickname "Sans Terre", aka "without land", or in English "Lackland" as a consequence of his being the youngest son.

On 24 Dec 1342 Louis Savoy was born to Aymon "Peaceful" Savoy Count Savoy (age 51) and Yolande Palaeologina Countess Savoy.

On 24 Dec 1389 John Montfort V Duke Brittany was born to John Montfort V Duke Brittany (age 50) and Joanna of Navarre Queen Consort England (age 19). He a great x 3 grandson of King Henry III of England.

On 24 Dec 1440 Albert Wittelsbach was born to Albert Wittelsbach III Duke Bavaria (age 39) and Anna Brunswick Grubenhagen Duchess Bavaria (age 26).

On 24 Dec 1609 Philip Warwick Writer was born.

On 24 Dec 1638 Ralph Montagu 1st Duke Montagu was born to Edward Montagu 2nd Baron Montagu (age 22) and Anne Winwood Baroness Montagu (age 23).

On 24 Dec 1686 Joseph Danvers 1st Baronet was born to Samuel Danvers of Swithland (age 23) and Elizabeth Morewood.

On 24 Dec 1694 Louisa Lennox Countess Berkeley was born to Charles Lennox 1st Duke Richmond (age 22) and Anne Brudenell Duchess Richmond (age 23). She a granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

On 24 Dec 1699 Jane Butler was born to Major Caleb Butler (age 39).

On 24 Dec 1741 Archdeacon Reynold Gideon Bouyer was born.

On 24 Dec 1749 William Tufnel was born.

On 24 Dec 1764 Edward Buller 1st Baronet was born to John Buller (age 43) and Mary St Aubyn.

On 24 Dec 1766 Georgiana West was born to John West 2nd Earl De La Warr (age 37).

On 24 Dec 1766 William Arbuthnot 1st Baronet was born to Robert Keith Arbuthnot (age 38).

On 24 Dec 1767 Reverend Philip Castel Sherard was born to Reverend Castel Sherard (age 34).

On 24 Dec 1775 James Peter Pattle was born.

On 24 Dec 1784 Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna of Russia was born to Paul Emperor of Russia (age 30) and Empress Sophie Dorothea of Russia (age 25). She a great x 3 granddaughter of King George I of Great Britain and Ireland.

On 24 Dec 1787 William Hesse-Kassel was born to Frederick Hesse-Kassel (age 40). He a great grandson of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland.

On 24 Dec 1808 Elizabeth Green Countess Harrington was born to William Green of Trelawney Jamaica.

On 24 Dec 1808 Charles Vivian 2nd Baron Vivian was born to Hussey Vivian 1st Baron Vivian (age 33).

On 24 Dec 1814 Henry Brand 1st Viscount Hampden was born to General Henry Otway Trevor 21st Baron Dacre (age 37) and Pyne Crosbie Lady of the Bedchamber (age 34).

On 24 Dec 1818 James Prescott Joule was born to Benjamin Joule (age 34) and Alice Prescott (age 35) at New Bailey Street, Salford.

On 24 Dec 1821 Sophia Louisa Percy was born to Josceline Percy (age 37).

On 24 Dec 1826 Robert Juckes Clifton 9th Baronet was born to Juckes Granville Juckes-Clifton 8th Baronet (age 57) and Marianne Swinfen Lady Clifton.

On 24 Dec 1827 Archibald Motteux Calvert was born.

On 24 Dec 1829 Reverend Henry William Coventry was born to William James Coventry (age 32).

On 24 Dec 1837 Empress Elisabeth of Austria was born.

On 24 Dec 1845 George I King Greece was born to King Christian IX of Denmark (age 27) and Queen Louise Hesse-Kassel of Denmark (age 28). He a great x 3 grandson of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland. Coefficient of inbreeding 2.84%.

On 24 Dec 1848 Alice Mary Elizabeth Scarth was born to Harry Mengden Scarth (age 34) and Elizabeth Sally Hamilton.

On 24 Dec 1877 Ralph Francis Forward Howard 7th Earl Wicklow was born.

On 24 Dec 1884 Captain Charles Noel Ridley was born to John H Ridley (age 35) at Wellborn, Northumberland.

On 24 Dec 1893 Alexander Peregrine Fuller-Acland-Hood 2nd Baron St Audries was born to Alexander Fuller-Acland-Hood 1st Baron St Audries (age 40) and Mildred Rose Evelyn Eveleigh-de-Moleyns Baroness St Audries.

On 24 Dec 1932 Colin Cowdrey 1st Baron Cowdrey was born.

On 24 Dec 1959 Stephen John Douglas was born to Gavin William Douglas (age 53) and Agnes Salkeld.

Marriages on the 24th December

On 24 Dec 1407 Frederick "Empty Pockets" Habsburg 4th Duke Austria (age 25) and Elizabeth Wittelsbach Duchess Austria were married at Innsbruck. She by marriage Duchess Austria. She the daughter of Rupert King Germany (age 55). He the son of Leopold "The Just" Habsburg III Duke Austria and Viridis Visconti Duchess Austria (age 55).

After 1633 and before 24 Dec 1638 Edward Montagu 2nd Baron Montagu (age 22) and Anne Winwood Baroness Montagu (age 18) were married.

On 24 Dec 1646 Christoper Wray 4th Baronet (age 25) and Frances Foljambe Lady Glentworth (age 19) were married. She by marriage Lady Wray of Glentworth in Lincolnshire. They were first cousins.

After 24 Dec 1662 Thomas Betterton (age 27) and Mary Saunderson (age 25) were married. He obtained the license on 24 Dec 1662.

Around 24 Dec 1679 William Bowyer 2nd Baronet (age 40) and Frances Cecil (age 30) were married.

On 24 Dec 1714 Philippe V King Spain (age 31) and Elisabeth Farnese Queen Consort Spain (age 22) were married. He the son of Louis "Le Grand Dauphin" Bourbon Duke Burgundy and Maria Anna Victoria Wittelsbach Duchess Burgundy.

On 24 Dec 1777 George Townshend 2nd Marquess Townshend (age 24) and Charlotte Mainwaring Ellerker Countess of Leicester (age 6) were married. He the son of George Townshend 1st Marquess Townshend (age 53) and Charlotte Compton 16th Baroness Ferrers Chartley 7th Baroness Compton.

On 24 Dec 1801 Robert Myddelton-Biddulph (age 40) and Charlotte Myddelton (age 31) were married. She the heiress of her father Richard Myddelton and brother Richard Myddelton by which she and her husband inherited Chirk Castle [Map].

On 24 Dec 1806 Samuel Hoare (age 23) and Louisa Gurney (age 22) were married at the Tasburgh Meeting House [Map]. They were second cousins.

Before 24 Dec 1818 Benjamin Joule (age 34) and Alice Prescott (age 35) were married.

On 24 Dec 1844 George Mccorquodale (age 27) and Louisa Kate Honan were married.

Deaths on the 24th December

On 24 Dec 1065 Ferdinand "Great" I King Leon (age 50) died. His son Sancho "Strong" II King Leon II King Castile (age 28) succeeded II King Castile.

On 24 Dec 1120 Welf "Fat" Welf V Duke Bavaria (age 48) died. His brother Henry "Black" Welf IX Duke Bavaria (age 45) succeeded IX Duke Bavaria. Wulfhilde of Saxony Duchess Bavaria (age 48) by marriage Duchess Bavaria.

After 24 Dec 1143 Sibyl Neufmarché Countess Hereford (age 43) died at Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map] where she had resided since her husband's death. She was buried in Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map].

On 24 Dec 1257 John Hainault I Count Hainault (age 39) died. His son John Hainault II Count Hainault II Count Holland (age 10) succeeded II Count Hainault, II Count Holland.

On 24 Dec 1281 Henry "Great" Luxemburg V Count Luxemburg III Count Namur (age 65) died. His son Henry Luxemburg VI Count Luxemburg (age 41) succeeded VI Count Luxemburg.

Around 24 Dec 1342 Louis Savoy died.

On 24 Dec 1447 Margarete Habsburg Duchess Bavaria (age 52) died.

On 24 Dec 1465 Edmund Fitzwilliam (age 79) died.

On 24 Dec 1516 William Bulkeley (age 72) died.

On 24 Dec 1519 John Archer of Umberslade (age 70) died. John Archer of Umberslade inherited Umberslade Hall, Tanworth in Arden.

On 24 Dec 1544 Robert Barlow aka Barley (age 15) died.

On 24 Dec 1582 Elizabeth Barney died.

On 24 Dec 1583 John Huband (age 39) died.

On 24 Dec 1598 Matthew Arundell (age 65) died. He was buried at St John's Church, Tisbury.

On 24 Dec 1602 Millicent Gresham (age 33) died.

On 24 Dec 1604 Thomas Cornwallis died.

On 24 Dec 1640 Richard Evelyn of Wotton (age 53) died.

Before 24 Dec 1641 Henry Neville 9th and 7th Baron Bergavenny (age 62) died. He was buried at Birling, Kent [Map]. His son John Neville 10th and 8th Baron Bergavenny (age 27) succeeded 10th Baron Bergavenny, 8th Baron Bergavenny.

On 24 Dec 1648 Mary Morris Countess Dover (age 83) died.

On 24 Dec 1649 Ephraim Widdrington (age 94) died.

On or after 24 Dec 1653, the date he was buried, Arthur Capell of Little Hadham (deceased) died.

On 24 Dec 1657 Robert Fane (age 47) died.

On 24 Dec 1668 Wadham Wyndham (age 59) died.

On 24 Dec 1669 Edward Alston (age 74) died.

On 24 Dec 1674 Colonel Augustine Warner (age 63) died at Warner Hall.

On 24 Dec 1684 Hugh Wyndham Baron of the Exchequer (age 82) died.

On 24 Dec 1686 Philip Packer (age 68) died.

On 24 Dec 1692 Maria Antonia of Austria (age 23) died.

On 24 Dec 1692 Jane Knightley (age 39) died.

On 24 Dec 1698 Mary Adundell Lady Tichborne (age 71) died.

On 24 Dec 1705 Fairmeadow Penyston 4th Baronet (age 49) died. Baronet Penyston of Leigh in Iden in Sussex extinct.

On 24 Dec 1708 John Lindsay-Crawford 1st Viscount Garnock (age 39) died. His son Patrick Lindsay-Crawford 2nd Viscount Garnock (age 11) succeeded 2nd Viscount Garnock.

On 24 Dec 1719 William O'Brien 3rd Earl Inchiquin (age 57) died. His son William O'Brien 4th Earl Inchiquin (age 19) succeeded 4th Earl Inchiquin.

On 24 Dec 1721 John Cecil 6th Earl Exeter (age 47) died. His son John Cecil 7th Earl Exeter (age 21) succeeded 7th Earl Exeter, 8th Baron Burghley.

Around 24 Dec 1729 Katherine Ashe (age 77) died.

On 24 Dec 1801 Joseph Hoare 1st Baronet (age 93) died. His son Edward Hoare 2nd Baronet (age 56) succeeded 2nd Baronet Hoare of Annabella in County Cork.

On 24 Dec 1803 Georg I Duke of Saxe Meiningen (age 42) died. His son Bernhard II Duke of Saxe Meiningen (age 3) succeeded II Duke Saxe Meiningen.

On 24 Dec 1806 Archduke Ferdinand Karl of Austria-Este (age 52) died.

Around 24 Dec 1807 Mary Hussey of Truro St Mary in Cornwall (age 88) died.

On 24 Dec 1811 Anne Duff Countess Dumfries (age 73) died.

On 24 Dec 1814 Samuel Hood 1st Baronet (age 52) died. His nephew Alexander Hood 2nd Baronet (age 21) succeeded 2nd Baronet Hood of Tidlake in Surrey.

On 24 Dec 1824 John Downman (age 74) died.

On 24 Dec 1829 George Montagu (age 79) died.

On 24 Dec 1831 Elizabeth Perrin Lady Molyneux (age 62) died.

On 24 Dec 1838 Sholto Douglas died.

On 24 Dec 1838 John Hale (age 73) died.

On 24 Dec 1858 Frederick Walpole Keppel (age 61) died.

On 24 Dec 1866 George Compton Reade of Elvaston died.

On 24 Dec 1875 Philip Stanhope 5th Earl Stanhope (age 70) died. His son Arthur Philip Stanhope 6th Earl Stanhope (age 37) succeeded 6th Earl Stanhope. Evelyn Henrietta Pennefather Countess Stanhope by marriage Countess Stanhope.

On 24 Dec 1881 William Reginald Duncombe (age 29) died at Madeira.

On 24 Dec 1882 Fanny Catherine Knight Lady Knatchbull (age 89) died.

On 24 Dec 1888 William Frederick Pollock 2nd Baronet (age 73) died. His son Frederick Pollock 3rd Baronet (age 43) succeeded 3rd Baronet Pollock of Hatton in Middlesex. Georgina Harriet Deffell Lady Pollock by marriage Lady Pollock of Hatton in Middlesex.

On 24 Dec 1891 Thomas Chambers (age 77) died. He was buried at All Saints' Church, Hertford.

On 24 Dec 1893 Mary Proctor Lady Buckworth-Herne-Soame died.

On 24 Dec 1894 Bishop James Atlay (age 77) died.

On 24 Dec 1896 Captain Augustus Thomas Hotham (age 79) died.

On 24 Dec 1897 Maria Adelaide Maude Countess Yarborough (age 83) died.

On 24 Dec 1898 Elizabeth Green Countess Harrington (age 90) died.

On 24 Dec 1900 Jane Conyngham Baroness Churchill (age 74) died.

On 24 Dec 1904 Edmund Charles Cradock-Hartopp (age 58) died.

On 24 Dec 1914 Montagu Aubrey Rowley Cholmeley 4th Baronet (age 38) was killed in action at La Bassee, Western Front whilst serving with the 3rd Battalion (RESERVE OF OFFICERS), Grenadier Guards. Germans blew up one of the trenches further along the line, so that they could fire down his line of trench. Captain Cholmeley during an attack rushed forward towards the flank of the company which was and was shot through the head and killed instantaneously. His son Hugh John Francis Sibthorp Cholmeley 5th Baronet (age 8) succeeded 5th Baronet Cholmeley of Easton in Lincolnshire.

On 24 Dec 1915 Georgiana Seymour Fortescue (age 63) died.

On 24 Dec 1929 Walter Spencer Morgan Burns died.

On 24 Dec 1931 Lucy Cecilia Dunn-Garnder Countess Scarborough died.

On 24 Dec 1936 Frances Garnet Wolseley 2nd Viscountess Wolseley (age 64) died unmarried. Viscount Wolseley of Wolseley in Staffordshire extinct.

On 24 Dec 1944 Alfred Drury (age 88) died.

On 24 Dec 1946 Marjory Alice Coke (age 62) died.

On 24 Dec 1989 Charles Moore 11th Earl of Drogheda (age 79) died.

On 24 Dec 1997 Hjördis Paulina Genberg (age 78) died at Céligny, Geneva.

On 24 Dec 2004 Anthony Meyer 3rd Baronet (age 84) died.