Accident is in Death.
1069 Murder of Robert de Comines Earl Northumbria
1483 Disappearance of the Princes in the Tower
1830 Opening of the Liverpool-Manchester Railway
On 28th January 1069 Robert de Comines Earl Northumbria was burned to death in Durham, County Durham [Map] when a rebel army set fire to the house in which he was staying. All his men were killed. In retaliation King William "Conqueror" I of England [aged 41] commenced the Harrying of the North.
On 1st January 1387 Charles "Bad" II King Navarre [aged 54] burned to death. His son Charles [aged 26] succeeded III King Navarre. Eleanor of Castile Queen Consort Navarre [aged 24] by marriage Queen Consort Navarre.
See Note p Harleian Library 6217: ""
In April 1687 [aged 7] burned to death in the fire which destroyed Bridgewater House. He was buried at Little Gaddesden, Hertfordshire.
In April 1687 [aged 11] burned to death in the fire which destroyed Bridgewater House at Bridgwater House Barbican. He was buried at Little Gaddesden, Hertfordshire.
On 25th January 1807 Mary Meredith Countess Ferrers burned to death at Coombe Bank Sunridge, Sevenoaks.
On 1st July 1910 Maurice Raymond Gifford [aged 51] burned to death when his clothes, which he just before been cleaning with petrol, were set alight by a cigarette.
Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses
Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 27th November 1833 Lewis Fenton [aged 53] died after falling out of a window. See report in Preston Chronicle.
On 20th November 1518 Marmaduke Constable [aged 61] died after swallowing a frog while drinking a glass of water. He was buried at Church of St Oswald, Flamborough. His tomb in Flamborough church is described by a writer in the 'Gentleman's Magazine' of 1753 (p. 456): 'This epitaph is written on a copper plate fixed into a large stone, which is placed upon a large stone coffin or chest in which the body was reposited, and beside it is the upper part of a skeleton in stone; the ribs project greatly and the breast is laid open, in the inner side of which appears what by tradition is held to be a toad at the heart (of which he was supposed to die), but it bears little or no resemblance of a toad.' The brass has now been separated from the coin and skeleton, and their connection with each other forgotten (Prickett, Bridlinqton, p. 187).
Here lieth Marmaduke Constable of Flaymburght, knight,
Who made adventure into France for the right of the same;
Passed over with King Edward the Fourth, that noble knight,
And also with noble King Harry the Seventh of that name.
He was also at Barvik at the winning of the same
And by King Edward chosen captain then first of any on,
And ruled and governed there his time without
But for all that, as ye see, he lieth under this
At Brankiston Field [Flodden], where the King of Scots was slain
He then being of the age of threescore and ten,
With the good Duke of Norfolk that journey he hath ta'en
And couragely advanced himself among other there and then,
The king being in France with great number of English men.
He, nothing heeding his age there, but Jeoparde him as one
With his sons, brethren, servants, and kinsmen,
But now, as ye see, he lieth under this stone.
Become a Member via our Buy Me a Coffee page to read more.
On 7th June 1618 [aged 41] died at sea while travelling from England to Virginia. His son Henry [aged 15] succeeded 4th Baron De La Warr.
On 11th October 1694 [aged 63] died at sea on a voyage from Barbados.
On 17th November 1716 Paul Sydenham Carrington [aged 51] died at sea.
On 25th March 1733 [aged 34] died at sea whilst Commander of Tyger on its journey from Guinea to the West Indies. He was buried at sea. Memorial in the Church of St Mary, Bruton [Map] sculpted by Peter Scheemakers [aged 42] in 1749. 
Berkeley Arms Berkeley Arms beneath.
: Samuel Pepys' Diary. 9th November 1663. So to our discourse, and among and above other things we were taken up in talking upon Sir J. Lawson's coming home, he being come to Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map]; and Captain Berkely is come to towne with a letter from the Duana of Algier to the King, wherein they do demand again the searching of our ships and taking out of strangers, and their goods; and that what English ships are taken without the Duke's pass they will detain (though it be flat contrary to the words of the peace) as prizes, till they do hear from our King, which they advise him may be speedy. And this they did the very next day after they had received with great joy the Grand Seignor's confirmation of the Peace from Constantinople by Captain Berkely; so that there is no command nor certainty to be had of these people. The King is resolved to send his will by a fleete of ships; and it is thought best and speediest to send these very ships that are now come home, five sail of good ships, back again after cleaning, victualling, and paying them. But it is a pleasant thing to think how their Basha, Shavan Aga, did tear his hair to see the soldiers order things thus; for (just like his late predecessor) when they see the evil of war with England, then for certain they complain to the Grand Seignor of him, and cut his head off: this he is sure of, and knows as certain. Samuel Pepys' Diary. 18th November 1663. Up, and after being ready, and done a little business at the office, I and Mr. Hater by water to Redriffe [Map], and so walked to Deptford, where I have not been a very great, while, and there paid off the Milford in very good order, and all respect showed me in the office as much as there used to be to any of the rest or the whole board. That done at noon I took Captain Terne, and there coming in by chance Captain Berkeley, him also to dinner with me to the Globe. Captain Berkeley, who was lately come from Algier, did give us a good account of the place, and how the Basha there do live like a prisoner, being at the mercy of the soldiers and officers, so that there is nothing but a great confusion there. Around 1699 he was born to William Berkeley 4th Baron Berkeley and .
Become a Member via our Buy Me a Coffee page to read more.
On 28th October 1758 [aged 57] died at sea whilst travelling between Holyhead and Dublin. His son Charles [aged 28] succeeded 6th Earl Drogheda, 8th Viscount Moore of Drogheda, 8th Baron Moore of Mellefont in Louth. [aged 14] by marriage Countess Drogheda.
On 17th May 1852 Montagu Lowther Chapman 3rd Baronet [aged 43] died at sea unmarried when the vessel in which he was sailing disappeared without trace. His brother Benjamin [aged 42] succeeded 4th Baronet Chapman of Killua Castle.
In 7th September 1870 [aged 16] died at sea lost aboard the Captain.
Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes
Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 26th August 1941 [aged 30] died at sea at Norway, on active service. His first cousin once removed Merlin [aged 2] succeeded 7th Baron Sudeley of Toddington in Gloucestershire.
On 23rd August 1861 [aged 22] died from sun stroke in India. Memorial in All Saints Church, West Acre [Map].
On 5th October 1930 the airship R101 crashed in France during its maiden overseas voyage, killing 48 of the 54 people on board. Christopher Thomson 1st Baron Thomson [aged 55]died. Baron Thomson of Cardington in Bedfordshire extinct.
Before 1160 died in a house fire at Bronllys Castle [Map] as a result of injuries sustained from falling masonry. Hugh de Beauchamp succeeded Baron Abergavenny Feudal Creation although nothing more in known about him. When he died around 1173 , or rather her husband [aged 44] subsequently succeeded to Baron Abergavenny Feudal Creation.
On 30th March 1803 Aglae de Polignac "Guichette" Duchess Gramont [aged 34] died in a house fire at her home in Edinburgh.
On 26th April 1831 [aged 54] died in a house fire with his wife at Upper Harley Street Harley Street Marylebone. His brother Thomas [aged 53] succeeded 4th Baron Walsingham of Walsingham in Norfolk. [aged 54] by marriage Baroness Walsingham of Walsingham in Norfolk.
On 10th June 1917 Captain Edward James Kay-Shuttleworth [aged 27] died in a motorcycle accident returning to duty at his Headquarters at Witham, Essex [Map] when returning to Duty. He was buried at St Bartholomew Churchyard, Barbon, Cumberland.
On 19th May 1935 Thomas Edward Lawrence "Lawrence of Arabia" [aged 46] died in a motorcycle accident.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 24th November 1940 Major George Allen [aged 49] died in a motorcycle accident.
On 20th October 1849 [aged 29] died in a mountain climbing accident. He had climbed Mount Washington, New Hampshire [Map]. During his descent he fell into a stream and died from hypothermia. His body was recovered and buried at the Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. His monument has the inscription: "Sacred to the memory of Frederick Strickland, an English traveller, who lost his life October 20, 1849, while walking upon the White Mountains. He was the second son of George Strickland [aged 66], Bart., a member of the Parliament of England."
On 5th December 1821 David Brook died in a railway accident. David Brook, a carpenter, was walking home from Leeds, England, along the Middleton Railway in a blinding sleet storm. He failed to see or hear an approaching train of coal wagons drawn by one of the Blenkinsop/Murray engines and was fatally injured.
On the 15th September 1830 the Liverpool-Manchester Railway was opened by the Duke of Wellington. Several trains travelled between Liverpool and Manchester. The line had a number of stations: Liverpool Crown Street, Roby, Parkside, Eccles and Manchester Liverpool Road.
A collision took place at Parr. Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, who was travelling in the lead train on the northern track, hauled by Phoenix: "One of our engine wheels, how I know not, contrived to bolt from the course—in plain words, it escaped from the rail, and ploughed along upon the clay, with no other inconvenience than an increase of friction, which damped our speed, and with the additional application of the break, soon brought us to an anchor. The engine, however, behind us, not being aware of our mishap, came pelting on at a smart pace, without receiving its signal for checking motion in time. Accordingly, those on the look-out hastily called on their fellow-passengers to be on their guard, and prepare for a jolt, which took place with a crash upon our rear, sufficiently loud and forcible to give an idea of what would happen, if by any strange chance it had charged us with the unrestrained impetuosity of its powers."
At Parr the Duke of Wellington's train stopped for water. Despite a request from the railway engineers for passengers to remain on the trains, around fifty men disembarked from the Duke's train to stretch their legs. The group consisted of many of the most influential figures of the day, including the Marquess of Stafford [aged 72], Charles Arbuthnot [aged 63], Prince Esterházy, and the Earl of Wilton [aged 30].
At Parkside William Huskisson [aged 60] went to shake the hand of the Duke of Wellington. As they exchanged greetings, some of the crowd saw Rocket, hauling the third of the seven trains on the northern track, approaching in the distance. They shouted "An engine is approaching, take care gentlemen" to those people—including Huskisson—standing on the tracks. Huskisson tried to clamber into the carriage, but those inside failed to reach him to pull him in. Holmes, still pressed against the carriage, shouted "For God's sake, Mr Huskisson, be firm", but Huskisson grabbed the door of the carriage. With Holmes still pressed against the side of the carriage, the door, with Huskisson hanging on to it, swung out directly into the path of Rocket. Rocket collided with the door and Huskisson fell onto the track in front of the locomotive. In the words of Harriet Arbuthnot [aged 37], who was in the Duke's carriage, "[Huskisson] was caught by it, thrown down & the engine passed over his leg & thigh, crushing it in a most frightful way. It is impossible to give an idea of the scene that followed, of the horror of everyone present or of the piercing shrieks of his unfortunate wife, who was in the car. He said scarcely more than, 'It's all over with me. Bring me my wife and let me die.'"
1831 colour engraving of Parkside station:
Charles Arbuthnot: On 14th March 1767 he was born. On 28th February 1799 he and Marcia Clapcote Lisle were married at Cholmondeley House. On 31st January 1814 he and were married at St Nicholas' Church, Fulbeck. The difference in their ages was 26 years. On 18th August 1850 he died at Apsley House, Hyde Park Corner.
: On 10th September 1793 she was born to and Anne Buckley Batson. In August 1834 died.
Become a Member via our Buy Me a Coffee page to read more.
On 21st January 1876 Herbert Noble [aged 19] died in a railway accident at Abbots Ripton. The Special Scotch Express train from Edinburgh to London was involved in a collision, during a blizzard, with a coal train. An express travelling in the other direction then ran into the wreckage.
On 21st January 1876 Isabella Williamson [aged 42], and her two sons [aged 13] and [aged 11] died in a railway accident at Abbots Ripton.
On 16th May 1899 Henry Byng 4th Earl Strafford [aged 67] died in a railway accident. He was hit by an express train; (possible suicide but the coroner returned misadventure) at the Railway Station in Potter's Bar. He was buried at Byng Family Vault St John's Church, Potter's Bar. His brother Francis [aged 64] succeeded 5th Earl Strafford, 5th Viscount Enfield of Enfield in Middlesex, 5th Baron Strafford of Harmondsworth in Middlesex. [aged 52] by marriage Countess Strafford.
After 19th December 1916. St Saeran's Church, Llanynys [Map]. Grave in the churchyard to Tom Jones Railway Guard who was killed in a Railway Accident at Wigan Railway Station:
"In this case the 10 p.m. passenger train from Euston after arrival at the down fast platform line was drawn forward past No. 4 signal-box to be backed into No 5 bay line, and just as it was being set back it was run into in the rear by the 11.15 p.m. express passenger train from Euston to Edinburgh. The guard of the 10 p.m. train was killed as was also a sorter in a postal van of the 11.15 pm. train. Five post office officials and two passengers were injured, also the fireman of the 10 p.m. train, the driver of the assisting engine, the driver and fireman of the train engine, and the assistant guard of the 11.15 p.m. train."
On 25th May 1915 Captain Henry Floyd 4th Baronet [aged 59] died in a riding accident. His son Henry [aged 16] succeeded 5th Baronet Floyd of Chearsley Hill in Buckinghamshire.
On 11th January 1800 [aged 24] died in a shooting accident at Holker Hall, Cartmel.
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 12th February 1868 [aged 22] died in a shooting accident. Some sources state he committed suicide. He was buried at Methlick Church, Aberdeenshire.
On 25th September 1934 [aged 33] died in a shooting accident in the gun room at the family seat, Curraghmore House. His son John [aged 1] succeeded 8th Marquess Waterford.
Evening Star, Issue 21835, 26 September 1934, Page 9: "MARQUIS OF WATERFORD KILLED. FAMOUS CURSE RECALLED. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, September 23. The Marquess of Waterford was killed in a shooting accident. He left his home at Portlaw alone at daybreak to shoot rabbits, and it is impossible to say how the accident happened. The famous Waterford curse doomed seven heads of the Beresford family to untimely deaths. The sixth marquess, who was accidentally drowned in 1911, was the seventh head, and people then declared that the curse would be lifted. [The Marquess of Waterford was thirty-three years of age. He was married in 1930, and had one son. His heir is the Earl of Tyrone.]"
SLIPPED ON FLOOR OF GUN ROOM. VERDICT OF ACCIDENTAL DEATH. LONDON, September 25. (Received Seplember 26, at 10.30 a.m.) It is presumed that the Marquess of Waterford slipped on the stone floor of the gun room, thus discharging his rifle. At the inquest a doctor gave evidence that the position of the wound proved that the marquess could not have touched the trigger. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death."
: On 6th January 1901 he was born to and .
: On 14th July 1933 he was born to . In 1957 and were married. She by marriage Marchioness Waterford. She the daughter of Richard Wyndham-Quin 6th Earl of Dunraven and Mount-Earl and Nancy Yuille Countess of Dunraven and Mount-Earl. He the son of . They were fifth cousin once removed. On 11th February 2015 died. His son Henry succeeded 9th Marquess Waterford.
On 27th April 1935 [aged 28] died in a shooting accident at the De Beers Estate, Kimberley. Lord Hyde was paired with Dr AGW Compton (a director of De Beers). The party sighted a springbok and Lord Hyde went off in pursuit. Shortly after this Dr Compton and Koos Mathee, the driver of the buckboard vehicle, heard a shot. When they came upon Lord Hyde, expecting to find he had brought down an animal, they were instead horrified to see him lying prostrate and bleeding. The accident happened about 6 miles (9,6 km) from the box itself and it was immediately apparent that Lord Hyde was critically injured. The time was about 10 am. A doctor and ambulance from Kimberley were summoned. Doctors Compton and J.O.B. Hodnett decided that Lord Hyde should be moved to the box and from there taken to Kimberley Hospital. Shortly after mid-day he was taken to the box but by then Lord Hyde's condition had deteriorated to such an extent that it was felt he should not be moved. He died at about 4.30 pm. The coffin draped with the Union Jack was taken to Kimberley Station at 9.20 pm where it was placed in a special van adjoining the White Train. A short service was conducted by the Bishop of Kimberley and Kuruman before the train began its journey to Cape Town. The verdict of the inquest was given by the Chief Magistrate of Kimberley Mr F.C.W. Coller. 'Death due to haemorrhage and shock the result of gunshot wounds accidentally sustained'. It appears that the accident happened when Lord Hyde placed the butt of his rifle on the ground to enable him to use his field glasses. The shock of the contact with the ground must have caused the gun to go off. This explanation is supported by what Lord Hyde muttered before losing consciousness and by the testimony of those present at the scene of the accident.
On 1st October 1830 Frederick Baker 2nd Baronet [aged 58] died in a windmill accident. His son George [aged 14] succeeded 3rd Baronet Baker of Loventor in Totnes in Devon.
Gentleman's Magazine. 1731. Page 469. Sir Frederick was showing his children the effect and operations of a windmill near Hastings, when, being very short sighted, he approached nearer than he had an idea of, and one of the flappers instantaneously striking him on the back part of the head, he shortly breathed his last.
On 24th October 1525 Thomas Dacre 2nd Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 57] died in an accident. His son William [aged 32] succeeded 3rd Baron Dacre Gilsland. He inherited about 280 km² of land in Cumberland, 120 km² in Yorkshire and 80 km² in Northumberland.
In 1069 at the Battle of Mechain fought in Radnorshire, Powys the brothers Maredudd Cadelling and Idwal Cadelling attempted to regain control of Radnorshire, Powys from brothers Bleddyn ap Cynfyn King Gwynedd King Powys and . and Idwal Cadelling were killed. Maredudd Cadelling died of exposure following the battle.
On 30th December 1783 [aged 20] died of exposure while commanding the barge of Assistance being caught in a snowstorm while looking for deserters and wrecked at Sandy Hook, Middletown Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey.
On 30th September 1760 Maria Gunning Countess Coventry [aged 28] died of lead poisoning, killed by the toxins used in her beauty products.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 5th March 1783 [aged 17] died when her clothes caught fire.
'she was so miserably burnt before any assistance could be procured, that she died at two o'clock next morning in the greatest agonies. No person was in the room when the melancholy accident happened except her sister, Lady Honywood [aged 20], and her child, who were not capable of affording any assistance, the former falling into fits. The young lady, when her cloaths caught fire, ran out of the room, and from room to room, without meeting with any one to give her the least aid, until it was too late to overcome the flames. It is generally thought her immediate death, however, was owing to the fright.'
On 23rd February 1546 [aged 26] died when hit by a falling chest. His brother Jean [aged 17] succeeded Count Enghien.
On 10th January 1811 William Saltren [aged 29] died while ice skating on a lake at Thoresby. Church of St Edmund, Holme Pierrepoint [Map]. Sculpted by John Flaxman [aged 55].
Inscription: "Sacred to the memory of the Reverend William Saltren Rector of Cotgrave, in the county of Nottingham, he was a pious christian, an affectionate son, a sincere friend and a benevolent man: died January 10th 1811, aged 29 years. this monument is erected by his mother Elizabeth Saltren, in testimony of his virtues, and her grateful and affectionate remembrance.
William Saltren: Around 1782 he was born.
Around August 1483 the Princes in the Tower, brothers King Edward V of England [aged 12] and Richard of Shrewsbury 1st Duke of York [aged 9] disappeared from the Tower of London [Map].
King Edward V of England: Earl March and Earl Pembroke extinct.
Richard of Shrewsbury 1st Duke of York: Duke York, Duke Norfolk and Earl Norfolk, Earl Nottingham extinct.
Commines writes "Not long after, he received letters from the Duke of Gloucester, who had made himself king, styled himself Richard III, and barbarously murdered his two nephews".
Robert Ricart, Mayor of Bristol: "And this yere the two sonnes of King E. were put to scylence in the Towre of London." although it should be noted this was written in the margin.
Croyland Chronicle: "while a rumour was spread that the sons of king Edward before-named had died a violent death, but it was uncertain how."
Polydore Vergil: "And to rid himself of this altogether he decided to kill his nephews, for as long as they were safe he could by no means be free of danger."
Jean Molinet: "They were imprisoned for about five weeks; and by the captain of the tower, the Duke Richard secretly had them put to death and eliminated."
Mancini: "I have seen not a few people burst into tears and weep when his memory was brought up after he was removed from the sight of men, and it was already suspected that he had been eliminated. Whether he has indeed been removed, and by what manner of death, I have not yet discovered."
Robert Fabyan: "In which passe tyme the prynce, or of ryght kynge Edwarde the v., with his broder the duke of Yorke, were put under suer kepynge within the Tower, in suche wyse that they neuer came abrode after."
Become a Member via our Buy Me a Coffee page to read more.
In 1770 Henry Vansittart [aged 37] disappeared assumed drowned when the ship in which they sailed, the frigate Aurora, was lost at sea.
On 11th February 1862 at twenty past seven in the morning Elizabeth Siddal [aged 32] overdosed on laudanum at 14 Chatham Place. Possibly suicide - there may have been a note that said "look after Harry (her invalid brother)" which Ford Madox Brown [aged 40] persuaded Dante Gabriel Rossetti [aged 33] to burn. Shortly after her death Sarah Cox aka Fanny Cornforth [aged 27] moved into the family home to become housekeeper to Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
John Smith was accidentally poisoned fatally by his nearly blind wife who gave him an overdose of laudanum. What's the first rule?.
On 24th December 1143 Miles Gloucester 1st Earl Hereford was accidentally shot and killed whilst hunting in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. He was buried in the Chapter House, Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire. His son Roger [aged 18] succeeded 2nd Earl Hereford, Baron Abergavenny Feudal Creation. [aged 23] by marriage Countess Hereford.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 16th July 1643 Francis Willoughby 5th Baron Willoughby of Parham launched a night attack on Gainsborough [Map] and captured it and Robert Pierrepont 1st Earl Kingston [aged 58].
On 25th July 1643 Robert Pierrepont 1st Earl Kingston Was accidentally shot and killed while a prisoner on board a vessel bound for Hull. His son Henry [aged 37] succeeded 2nd Earl Kingston upon Hull, 2nd Viscount Newark, 2nd Baron Pierrepont of Holme Pierrepoint. by marriage Countess Kingston upon Hull.
On 17th January 1848 Edward Herbert 2nd Earl Powis [aged 62] died. he had been shot accidentally in the thigh ten days before by his son George Herbert [aged 22] during a pheasant shoot at Powis Castle [Map]. He died His son Edward [aged 29] succeeded 3rd Earl Powis.
On 31st January 1907 [aged 26] was accidentally shot and killed by her husband Captain James Harold Cuthbert [aged 30] when he slipped whilst out on a pheasaant shoot at their home Beaufront Castle, Hexham [Map].
On 17th August 1916 Edward Henry Fiennes-Clinton [aged 30] was accidentally shot and killed by 3475 Pte Wilfred Crossley Bowler who by his "careless handling of a loaded revolver" fired a shot which hit Charles in the hip/abdomen. He was buried at Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. A court of enquiry was set up at Bonneville on 20th August 1916 its President was Captain R. Christie, into the death of Private Fiennes-Clinton and it was found that the death was an accident due to the careless handling of a loaded revolver by Private 3475 Bowler.
On 3rd August 1460 King James II of Scotland [aged 29] was killed accidentally whilst besieging Roxburgh Castle when a cannon exploded and he was hit by debris. He was buried at Holyrood Abbey, Holyrood. His son James [aged 9] succeeded III King Scotland.
William Douglas 3rd Lord Drumlanrig [aged 20] was present.
In 1703 Bishop Richard Kidder [aged 70] was killed accidentally when a chimney from the Bishop's Palace, Wells fell on him and his wife whilst they were in bed during the 1703 Great Storm.
On 7th September 1869 Charles Stuart Champion [aged 9] was killed accidentally at Offord and Buckden Railway Station, Bedfordshire. It isn't clear that is was a railway accident since no records for a railway accident on 07 Sep 1869 are extant.
On 6th June 1217 Henry I King Castile [aged 13] was killed by a tile falling of a roof. He was buried at Abbey of Santa Maria la Real de Huelgas [Map]. His sister Berengaria [aged 38] succeeded I Queen Castile.
In 1253 Burkhard V Count Hohenberg was killed by lightning.
Anne Boleyn. Her Life as told by Lancelot de Carle's 1536 Letter.
In 1536, two weeks after the execution of Anne Boleyn, her brother George and four others, Lancelot du Carle, wrote an extraordinary letter that described Anne's life, and her trial and execution, to which he was a witness. This book presents a new translation of that letter, with additional material from other contemporary sources such as Letters, Hall's and Wriothesley's Chronicles, the pamphlets of Wynkyn the Worde, the Memorial of George Constantyne, the Portuguese Letter and the Baga de Secrets, all of which are provided in Appendices.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 13th August 1884 [aged 61] was killed by lightning. His third cousin Frederick [aged 43] succeeded 13th Earl Lauderdale, 13th Viscount Maitland, 13th Viscount Lauderdale, 9th Baronet Maitland of Ravelrig in Nova Scotia.
On 14th January 1792 Robert Hughes was killed by the fall of a tree.
On 4th August 1936 [aged 22] was killed racing his Bugatti at the Limerick Grand Prix. Earl Arlington, Viscount Thetford, Baron Arlington of Arlington in Middlesex and Baron Arlington of Arlington in Middlesex abeyant between his sisters [aged 20] and [aged 17]. His first cousin once removed Charles [aged 44] succeeded 10th Duke Grafton, 10th Earl Euston, 10th Viscount Ipswich, 10th Baron Sudbury.
On 24th January 1898 [aged 40] was killed whilst playing polo at Ambala aka Umballa, Haryana.
