02 Apr is in April.
On 2nd April 742 Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor was born.
On 2nd April 1118 Baldwin I King Jerusalem [aged 60] died. Baldwin II King Jerusalem [aged 43] succeeded King Jerusalem.
Chronicle of William Nangis. 1118. The king of Jerusalem, Baldwin I, died; he was succeeded by Baldwin of Bourcq1, his kinsman, count of the city of Roas, which was formerly called Edessa.
Note 1. Baldwin I died on 2nd April 1118. Baldwin II of Bourcq, son of Hugh I, Count of Rethel, crowned on Easter Day in the year 1118, died on 21st August 1131.
MCXVIII. Rex Jerusalem Balduinus primus moritur; cui successit Balduinus de Burgo ejus consanguincus, corms de Roasa civitate, quæ olim dicta fuit Edissa.
1. Baudouin II, du Bourg, fils de Hugues Ier, comte de Rethel, couronné le jour de Pâques de l'an 1118, mourut le 21 août 1131.
Chronicle of Roger de Hoveden. [2nd April 1194] On the same day, the lord king set the date of his coronation to be held at Winchester, during the Eastertide.
Eodem die statuit dominus rex diem coronationis suæ apud Wintoniam in clauso Paschæ.
Chronicle of Roger de Hoveden. [2nd April 1194] Then, through the counsel and scheming of the chancellor, as it was said, Gerard de Camville [aged 62] was accused of harbouring robbers, who had plundered the goods of merchants traveling to the Stamford [Map] fair. These robbers had departed from his lands to commit the crime and, after the plundering, had returned to him. Furthermore, he was charged with violating the royal majesty, because he refused to appear when summoned by the king's justices to answer for the harbouring of these robbers, nor did he bring them to royal justice. Instead, he declared himself a man of Count John, insisting that he would only answer in John's court. Additionally, he was accused of providing military aid and assistance to Count John and other enemies of the king in their attempt to seize the royal castles of Nottingham and Tickhill. Gerard de Camville denied all the charges brought against him, while his accusers pledged to prosecute their case. In response, Gerard gave a pledge to defend himself by means of one of his free men.
Deinde per consilium et machinationem cancellarii, ut dicitur, Girardus de Camvilla fuit retatus de receptatione prædonum, qui rapuerunt bona mercatorum euntium ad nundinas de Stanford; et ab eo recesserunt ad rapinam illam faciendam, et de rapina illa redierunt ad eum. Præterea appellaverunt eum de lesione regio majestatis, in eo quod ipse ad vocationem justitiarum regis venire noluit, nec juri stare de prædicta receptatione raptorum, neque eos ad justitiam regis producere; sed respondit se esse hominem comitis Johannis, et velle in curia sua juri stare. Præterea appellaverunt eum quod ipse fuit in vi et adjutorio cum comite Johanne, et aliis inimicis regis, ad castella regis de Notingham et de Tikehil capienda. Girardus vero de Camvilla negavit omnia quae objiciebantur ei ab illis; et illi dederunt vadium de prosequendo, et Girardus dedit vadium de defendendo se per unum de liberis hominibus suis.
Chronicle of Roger de Hoveden. 2nd April 1194. On the second day of April, a Saturday, the king held the fourth and final day of his council. On this day, all those—both clergy and laity—who wished to present complaints against the Archbishop of York brought forth many accusations concerning robberies and unjust exactions committed by him. However, the Archbishop of York gave them no response.
Secunda die mensis Aprilis, Sabbato, celebravit diem quartum et ultimum concilii sui: in quo omnes, tam clerici quam laici, qui volebant sibi conqueri de archiepiscopo Eboracensi, fecerunt querimonias multas de rapinis et injustis exactionibus: sed archiepiscopus Eboracensis nullum dedit eis responsum.
Chronicle of Roger de Hoveden. [2nd April 1194] On the same day, the king traveled to Clipstone to confront William, King of Scotland. He also ordered that all those who had been captured in the following castles: Nottingham, Tickhill, Marlborough, Lancaster, St. Michael's Mount, should assemble before him at Winchester on the day after the close of Easter (Easter Monday).
Eodem die perrexit rex usque Clipestun contra Willelmum regem Scottorum: et præcepit ut omnes qui capti fuerant in castello de Notingham, et castello de Tikehil, et castello de Merleberge, et castello de Lancastre, et in Monte Sancti Michaelis, convenirent ad eum apud Wintoniam in crastino clausi Paschæ.
Annals of Six Kings of England by Nicholas Trivet. Richard, King of the Romans, brother of the King of England, on the fourth day before the Nones of April [2nd April 1272], at the castle of Berkhamsted, passed the way of all flesh; his heart was buried in the church of the Friars Minor at Oxford, and his body in the church of the Cistercian monks at Hailes, which he had built at his own expense. In the same year, in the month of August, the citizens of Norwich, attacking the priory of the monks, burned the cathedral church. On account of this, King Henry, greatly angered, sent there to punish the offenders a certain knight, Thomas Treveth, who had also been a justice in eyre for the crown, and whose son was the one who wrote this chronicle. Under the pressure of the royal command and the horror of the crime, a great multitude of citizens, convicted of so great a crime, were dragged at the tails of horses and put to death by hanging.
Ricardus rex Romanorum, frater regis Angliæ, quarto nonas Aprilis apud castrum de Berkhamstede viam universæ carnis ingressus est; cujus cor in ecclesia fratrum Minorum Oxoniæ, corpus vero in ecclesia monachorum ordinis Cisterciensis de Hayles, quam ipse impensis propriis construxerat, sepelitur. Eodem anno mense Augusti cives Norwicenses, prioratum monachorum invadentes, combusserunt ecclesiam cathedralem. Super qua re indignatus admodum rex Henricus, ad vindictam malefactorum misit illuc justitiarium militem quendam, Thomam Treveth dictum, qui et justitiarius itineris fuerat de corona, cujus filius erat qui chronicam istam scripsit. Urgente autem mandato regio, horroreque facinoris, magna multitudo civium, convicta de scelere tanto, ad caudas equorum tracti suspendio perimuntur.
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.
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On 2nd April 1284 Alfonso X King Castile X King Leon [aged 62] died. His son Sancho [aged 25] succeeded IV King Castile, IV King Leon. Maria Molina Queen Consort Castile Queen Consort Leon by marriage Queen Consort Castile, Queen Consort Leon.
On 2nd April 1305 Joan Blois I Queen Navarre [aged 32] died.
Chronicle of Jean le Bel Volume 1. At the time when King Edward was holding the siege before Berwick, news of him spread into France. Many young knights and squires who desired to follow arms, advance themselves, and win honour were stirred to go there to serve the noble King of England, whose fame increased from day to day. Among the others, the young Count John of Namur1, Sir Guy2 and Sir Philip3, his brothers, likewise wished to go there to see that young King of England and his estate, and also that of the King of Scotland, and especially to see Sir Robert of Artois, their uncle, for they knew well that he stood in high favour in the company of King Edward. They therefore provided themselves with a fine company of men-at-arms, as befitted their rank, in order to undertake such a journey. When they were organised, equipped, and ready, they set out and travelled until they arrived in England, where they asked the road to the place where the king was. They were shown the direct way: to London, from London to York, from York to Durham, and from Durham to Newcastle upon the River Tyne.
En ce temps que cil roy Edowart tenoit le siege devant Berwik vint la renommée en France de luy, par quoy moult de jœunes chevaliers et escuiers qui desiroient à siewir les armes et avanchier leurs corps et venir à honneur s'esmurent pour aler celle part servir le noble roy d'Angleterre, de quy la renommée multiplioit de jour en jour. Entre les aultres, le jœune conte Jehan de Namur?, messire Guy et messire Philippe, ses n freres, eurent aussy talent d'aler celle part veoir celluy jœune roy d'Angleterre et son estat et cil du roy d'Escoce, et principalment pour veoir messire Robert d'Artois, leur oncle, car bien sçavoient qu'il estoit en bel estat en la compaignie de celluy roy Edowart. Si se pourveirent de belle compaignie de gens d'armes selonc ce qu'il afferoit à leur estat pour faire tel voyage. Quant ilz furent ordonnez, porveuz et aprestez, il se partirent en alant tant qu'ilz arriverent en Angleterre et demanderrent le chemin pour aler là où le roy estoit. On leur enseigna le chemin droit à Londres et de Londres à Eurwick et de Eurwick à Duramme et de Duramme au Neuf Chastel, sur la riviere de Tyen.
Note 1. John II of Namur [aged 19] succeeded his father, John I, on 1st February 1330, and died on 2nd April 1335, without having been married.
1. Jean II de Namur succéda à son père Jean Ier, le 1er février 1330, et mourut le 2 avril 1335, sans avoir été marié.
Note 2. Guy II [aged 24], brother of John II, succeeded him and was killed in a tournament on 12th March 1336, leaving no heir.
2. Gui II, frère de Jean II, lui succéda et fut tué dans un tournoi le 12 mars 1336, sans laisser d'héritier.
Note 3. Philip III [aged 11], brother of Guy, succeeded him and was killed on the island of Cyprus in September 1337, without having been married.
3. Philippe Ill, frère de Gui, lui succéda et fut tué dans l'île de Chypre au mois de septembre 1337, sans avoir été marié.
On 2nd April 1416 Ferdinand I King Aragon [aged 35] died. His son Alfonso [aged 20] succeeded V King Aragon.
Memoires Jacques du Clercq. Around that time, Jennet Dossay, captain of the Count of Nevers, by order of the count and accompanied by his archers, in a village called Diénost in the county of Saint-Pol, seized a gentleman named Jean de Lestoire, son and heir of the Lord of Diénast, and brought him prisoner to the castle of Péronne. This Jean was one of the finest men one could see, tall, strong, and bold; but he had committed many crimes and misdeeds in homicides, quarrels, and other wicked acts. He had killed a feudal man who considered him a good friend, because he had refused him money for a horse. He had been banished from the kingdom and had his goods confiscated several times. Yet his stepfather, who had married his mother, named Guillaume de Cuinchy, had always secured his reconciliation and the recovery of his goods and lands, although Jean often kept a mistress and was not married. As he was accustomed to visit his stepfather's castle, one day after Easter in the year 1464 [2nd April], after dinner, he came there; and as Guillaume, his stepfather, was leaning at a window, Jean struck at him with a large knife, intending to split his head, but missed and struck his shoulder instead. When Guillaume felt this, he fled from the chamber, and as he fled, Jean wounded him in several places. Guillaume was forced to leap from the bridge into the water of his moat, otherwise he would have been killed. This Jean had many unruly companions under him who committed many wrongs, and he himself along with them; and when he had done some great crime, he would act as though out of his senses and without reason. Guillaume was in great danger of death; he did not die, but, as people said, he remained crippled or impaired thereafter.
Environ ce temps, Jennet Dossay, capitaine du comte de Nevers, par mandement du comte, et ac compagnié de ses archiers, en ung villaige nommé Dyenost, en la comté de Saint Pol, prist prisonnier ung gentilhomme nommé Jehan de Lestoire, fils et heritier du Sr de Dyenast, et le mena au chastel de Peronne. Icelluy Jehan estoit ung des beaux hommes qu'on peult veoir, grand, fort et hardy, mais il avoit fait plusieurs crimes et maulx en hommicides, desbats et aultres mechantes entreprises; il avoit tué ung homme de fief, qui le tenoit pour bon amy, pour ce qu'il lui avoit refusé l'argent d'ung cheval; il avoit esté banny du royaume, et ses biens confisqués par plusieurs fois; mais son beau pere qui avoit epousé sa mere, nommé Guillaume de Cuinchy, lui avoit fait toujours sa paix, et ravoir ses biens et heritages, combien que plusieurs fois icelluy Jehan tenoit une garche, dont il se pooit deffaire et n'estoit point marrié. Et comme il avoit accoustumé d'aller souvent au chastel de son beau pere, un jour après Pasques, l'an lxiiij, après disner vint audit chastel; et comme Guillaume son beau pere s'appuyoit a une fenestre, frappa d'un grand coustel sur ledit Guillaume, et lui cuida fendre la teste, mais il faillit et frappa sur son espaule. Quant Guillaume sentit ce, il wida de la chambre, et en widant il le navra en plusieurs lieux, et fust constraint ledit Guillaume de saillir de son pont en l'eau de ses fossés, ou aultrement il l'euist tué. Icelluy Jehan avoit beaucoup de mauvais garchons dessoubs lui qui faisoient moult de maulx, et lui avecq eulx; et quant il avoit fait quelque grand mal, il faisoit l'homme comme hors du sens et de raison. Guillaume fust en grand peril de mort; il ne mourut pas, mais il demoura affolé comme on disoit.
The Manuscripts of His Grace the Duke of Rutland Volume 1. 2nd April 1471. The Duke of Clarence [aged 21] to Henry Vernon [aged 26], squire.
[1471,] April 2. Burford [Map]. Right trusty and welbeloved we grete you wele, And desire and pray you that incontenent aftre the sight of these our lettres ye comme unto us with the people that ye have gadred in defensible array, keping the way toward us to Banbury warde, and that ye faile not herof as our special trust is in you. Yeven undre our signet at Burford the secunde day of Aprile. (Signed: — ) Gr. Clarence. Signet.
On 2nd April 1502 Susanne Wittelsbach was born to Albert Wittelsbach IV Duke Bavaria [aged 54] and Kunigunde Habsburg Duchess Bavaria [aged 37]. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.
On 2nd April 1502 Prince Arthur Tudor [aged 15] died at Ludlow Castle [Map]. Earl Chester extinct. The cause of death unknown other than being reported as "a malign vapour which proceeded from the air". Catherine of Aragon [aged 16] had recovered.
Wriothesley's Chronicle [1508-1562]. 2nd April 1502. And in Easter weeke followinge the saide Prince Arthure [aged 15] deceased at Ludlowe [Map], in Wales, and was buried at Worcester [Map].b
Note b. Prince Arthur died on the Saturday following Easter Sunday in 1503, being April 2nd, and was buried in Worcester cathedral on the 27th April.
Wriothesley's Chronicle [1508-1562]. 2nd April 1544. Munday the 2 of Aprill, 1554, the Parlement began at Westminster, which should haue bene kept at Oxforde, the Queens Majestie [aged 28] ridinge in her Parlement robes from her pallace of Whitehall to St. Peters churche with all her Lordes spirituall and temporall in their robes, and there heard masse of the Holie Ghoete and a sermon. And that aftemoone the Common Howse did chuse Mr. Robert Brooke, esquier, and sergiant at lawe and Recorder of London, for their speaker in this Parlement.
On 2nd April 1545 Elizabeth Valois Queen Consort Spain was born to King Henry II of France [aged 26] and Catherine Medici Queen Consort France [aged 25]. She married 20th July 1559 her fourth cousin Philip "The Prudent" II King Spain, son of Charles V Holy Roman Emperor and Isabel Aviz Queen Consort Spain, and had issue.
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.
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Henry Machyn's Diary. 2nd April 1554. The ij day of Aprell began the parlemente, and the Quen('s) [aged 38] grace rod thedur in her robes, and bysshopes and lordes in parlement robes, and ther was a goody masse of the Holy-gost; and [so] to the parlement howsse.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 2nd April 1560. [The ij day of April, Alley [aged 50], bishop elect of Exeter, preached at court,] aganst blasfemy, dysse [dice ie gambling], and women, and drunkenes.
On 2nd April 1568 Ambrose Cave [aged 66] died. Monument at St Nicholas' Church, Stanford-on-Avon [Map].
In March 1586 a virulent outbreak of gaol fever occurred during the Assizes in Exeter, Devon [Map]. The cause according to modern medical opinion was typhus transmitted by the human body-louse. Among the dead victims were eight judges, eleven of the twelve jurors, several constables, and the surrounding population which was ravaged by the disease for several months.
Edward Flowerdew died of gaol fever.
On 28th March 1586 Thomas Carew of Haccombe [aged 70] died of gaol fever.
On 31st March 1586 John Chichester died of gaol fever.
On 1st April 1586 Robert Carey [aged 71] died of gaol fever.
On 2nd April 1586 Arthur Bassett [aged 45] died of gaol fever.
On 10th April 1586 Bernard Drake [aged 58] died of gaol fever.
On 2nd April 1586 Filippo Emanuele Prince of Piedmont was born to Charles Emmanuel Savoy I Duke Savoy [aged 24] and Catherine Habsburg Spain Duchess Savoy [aged 18]. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.67%.
On 2nd April 1616 Wilhelm Anton Oldenburg was born to Alexander Oldenburg I Duke Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg [aged 43] and Dorothea Schwarzburg Duchess Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg [aged 37]. He died aged less than one years old.
Diary of Anne Clifford. 2nd April 1617. The 2nd my Lord [aged 28] came down from London with Tom Glenham with him, my Lord told me how the King was gone with so few company as he had but one Lord went with him through Northamptonshire.
On 2nd April 1625 the first Parliament of King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland [aged 24] known as the Useless Parliament sat.
On 2nd April 1653 Prince George of Denmark 1st Duke Cumberland was born to Frederick III King of Denmark [aged 44] and Sophie Amalie Hanover Queen Consort Denmark [aged 25] at Copenhagen Castle. He married 28th July 1683 his second cousin once removed Queen Anne of England Scotland and Ireland, daughter of King James II of England Scotland and Ireland and Anne Hyde Duchess of York, and had issue.
On 2nd April 1656 the Treaty of Brussels agreeing mutual support between England (Royal) and Spain was signed by Henry Wilmot 1st Earl Rochester [aged 43] and James Butler 1st Duke Ormonde [aged 45] on behalf of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland [aged 25], and Alonso Cárdenas on behalf of Philip IV King Spain [aged 50].
On 2nd April 1657 Ferdinand III Holy Roman Emperor [aged 48] died.
On 2nd April 1660 William Courtenay 5th Earl Devon [aged 31] was elected MP Ashburton.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 2nd April 1660. Up very early, and to get all my things and my boy's packed up. Great concourse of commanders here this morning to take leave of my Lord upon his going into the Nazeby, so that the table was full, so there dined below many commanders, and Mr. Creed, who was much troubled to hear that he could not go along with my Lord, for he had already got all his things thither, thinking to stay there, but W. Howe was very high against it, and he indeed did put him out, though everybody was glad of it. After dinner I went in one of the boats with my boy before my Lord, and made shift before night to get my cabin in pretty good order. It is but little, but very convenient, having one window to the sea and another to the deck, and a good bed. This morning comes Mr. Ed. Pickering [aged 42], like a coxcomb as he always was. He tells me that the King will come in, but that Monk [aged 51] did resolve to have the doing of it himself, or else to hinder it.
Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke
Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson.
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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 2nd April 1662. Mr. Moore came to me, and he and I walked to the Spittle an hour or two before my Lord Mayor and the blewcoat boys come, which at last they did, and a fine sight of charity it is indeed. We got places and staid to hear a sermon; but, it being a Presbyterian one, it was so long, that after above an hour of it we went away, and I home and dined; and then my wife and I by water to the Opera, and there saw "The Bondman" most excellently acted; and though we had seen it so often, yet I never liked it better than to-day, Ianthe acting Cleora's part very well now Roxalana [aged 20] is gone. We are resolved to see no more plays till Whitsuntide, we having been three days together. Met Mr. Sanchy, Smithes; Gale, and Edlin at the play, but having no great mind to spend money, I left them there. And so home and to supper, and then dispatch business, and so to bed.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 26th July 1662. Thence to Mrs. Sarah, and there looked over my Lord's lodgings, which are very pretty; and White Hall garden and the Bowling-ally (where lords and ladies are now at bowles), in brave condition. Mrs. Sarah told me how the falling out between my Baroness Castlemaine's [aged 21] and her Lord was about christening of the child lately1, which he would have, and had done by a priest: and, some days after, she had it again christened by a minister; the King [aged 32], and Lord of Oxford, and Duchesse of Suffolk, being witnesses: and christened with a proviso, that it had not already been christened. Since that she left her Lord, carrying away every thing in the house; so much as every dish, and cloth, and servant but the porter. He is gone discontented into France, they say, to enter a monastery; and now she is coming back again to her house in Kingstreet. But I hear that the Queen [aged 23] did prick her out of the list presented her by the King;2 desiring that she might have that favour done her, or that he would send her from whence she come: and that the King was angry and the Queen discontented a whole day and night upon it; but that the King hath promised to have nothing to do with her hereafter. But I cannot believe that the King can fling her off so, he loving her too well: and so I writ this night to my Lady to be my opinion; she calling her my lady, and the lady I admire. Here I find that my Lord hath lost the garden to his lodgings, and that it is turning into a tennis-court. Hence by water to the Wardrobe to see how all do there, and so home to supper and to bed.
Note 1. The boy was born in June at Baroness Castlemaine's house in King Street. By the direction of Lord Castlemaine, who had become a Roman Catholic, the child was baptized by a priest, and this led to a final separation between husband and wife. Some days afterwards the child was again baptized by the rector of St. Margaret's, Westminster [Map], in presence of the godparents, the King, Aubrey De Vere [aged 35], Earl of Oxford, and Barbara, Countess of Suffolk [aged 40], first Lady of the Bedchamber to the Queen and Baroness Castlemaine's aunt. The entry in the register of St. Margaret's [Map] is as follows: "1662 June 18 Charles Palmer Ld Limbricke, s. to ye right honorble Roger Earl of Castlemaine by Barbara" (Steinman's "Memoir of Barbara, Duchess of Cleveland", 1871, p. 33). The child was afterwards called Charles Fitzroy, and was created Duke of Southampton in 1674. He succeeded his mother in the dukedom of Cleveland in 1709, and died 1730.
Note 2. By the King's command Lord Clarendon [aged 54], much against his inclination, had twice visited his royal mistress with a view of inducing her, by persuasions which he could not justify, to give way to the King's determination to have Baroness Castlemaine's of her household.... Lord Clarendon has given a full account of all that transpired between himself, the King and the Queen, on this very unpleasant business ('Continuation of Life of Clarendon,' 1759, ff. 168-178). Steinman's Memoir of Duchess of Cleveland, p. 35. The day at length arrived when Baroness Castlemaine's was to be formally admitted a Lady of the Bedchamber. The royal warrant, addressed to the Lord Chamberlain [aged 61], bears date June 1, 1663, and includes with that of her ladyship, the names of the Duchess of Buckingham [aged 24], the Countesses of Chesterfield and Bath [aged 22], and the Countess Mareshall. A separate warrant of the same day directs his lordship to admit the Countess of Suffolk as Groom of the Stole and first Lady of the Bedchamber, to which undividable offices she had, with the additional ones of Mistress of the Robes and Keeper of the Privy Purse, been nominated by a warrant dated April 2, 1662, wherein the reception of her oath is expressly deferred until the Queen's household shall be established. We here are furnished with the evidence that Charles would not sign the warrants for the five until Catherine had withdrawn her objection to his favourite one. Addenda to Steinman's Memoir of Duchess of Cleveland (privately printed), 1874, p. i.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 2nd April 1664. At noon to the Coffee-house, where excellent discourse with Sir W. Petty [aged 40], who proposed it as a thing that is truly questionable, whether there really be any difference between waking and dreaming, that it is hard not only to tell how we know when we do a thing really or in a dream, but also to know what the difference [is] between one and the other.
On 2nd April 1668 Peter II King Portugal [aged 18] and Marie Françoise Élisabeth of Savoy Queen Consort of Portugal [aged 21] were married. She had, two years before, married his older brother Alfonso VI King Portugal [aged 24] who he, Peter, had deposed; an example of Married to Two Siblings. She the daughter of Charles Amadeus Duke of Nemours and Élisabeth Bourbon Vendôme. He the son of John IV King Portugal and Luisa de Guzman Queen Consort Portugal.
John Evelyn's Diary. 2nd April 1668. To the Royal Society, where I subscribed 50,000 bricks, toward building a college. Among other libertine libels, there was one now printed and thrown about, a bold petition of the poor w--s [Note. whores] to Baroness Castlemaine [aged 27].
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 2nd April 1668. Up, after much pleasant talk with my wife, and upon some alterations I will make in my house in her absence, and I do intend to lay out some money thereon. So she and I up, and she got her ready to be gone, and by and by comes Betty Turner [aged 15] and her mother, and W. Batelier, and they and Deb., to whom I did give 10s. this morning, to oblige her to please her mistress (and ego did baiser her mouche), and also Jane, and so in two coaches set out about eight o'clock towards the carrier, there for to take coach for my father's, that is to say, my wife and Betty Turner, Deb., and Jane; but I meeting my Lord Anglesey [aged 53] going to the Office, was forced to 'light in Cheapside, and there took my leave of them (not baisado Deb., which je had a great mind to), left them to go to their coach, and I to the office, where all the morning busy, and so at noon with my other clerks (W. Hewer [aged 26] being a day's journey with my wife) to dinner, where Mr. Pierce come and dined with me, and then with Lord Brouncker [aged 48] (carrying his little kinswoman on my knee, his coach being full), to the Temple [Map], where my Lord and I 'light and to Mr. Porter's chamber, where Cocke [aged 51] and his counsel, and so to the attorney's, whither the Sollicitor-Generall [aged 46] come, and there, their cause about their assignments on the £1,250,000 Act was argued, where all that was to be said for them was said, and so answered by the Sollicitor-Generall beyond what I expected, that I said not one word all my time, rather choosing to hold my tongue, and so mind my reputation with the Sollicitor-Generall, who did mightily approve of my speech in Parliament, than say anything against him to no purpose. This I believe did trouble Cocke and these gentlemen, but I do think this best for me, and so I do think that the business will go against them, though it is against my judgment, and I am sure against all justice to the men to be invited to part with their goods and be deceived afterward of their security for payment.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 2nd April 1669. Up, and by water to White Hall, and there with the Office attended the Duke of York [aged 35], and staid in White Hall till about noon, and so with W. Hewer [aged 27] to the Cocke [aged 52], and there he and I dined alone with great content, he reading to me, for my memory's sake, my late collections of the history of the Navy, that I might represent the same by and by to the Duke of York; and so, after dinner, he and I to White Hall, and there to the Duke of York's lodgings, whither he, by and by, by his appointment come: and alone with him an hour in his closet, telling him mine and W. Coventry's [aged 41] advice touching the present posture of the Navy, as the Duke of Buckingham [aged 41] and the rest do now labour to make changes therein; and that it were best for him to suffer the King [aged 38] to be satisfied with the bringing in of a man or two which they desire. I did also give the Duke of York a short account of the history of the Navy, as to our Office, wherewith he was very well satisfied: but I do find that he is pretty stiff against their bringing in of men against his mind, as the Treasures were, and particularly against Child's' coming in, because he is a merchant. After much discourse with him, we parted; and [he to] the Council, while I staid waiting for his telling me when I should be ready to give him a written account of the administration of the Navy. This caused me to wait the whole afternoon, till night. In the mean time, stepping to the Duchess of York's [aged 32] side to speak with Lady Peterborough [aged 47]; I did see the young Duchess [aged 6]1, a little child in hanging sleeves; dance most finely, so as almost to ravish me, her ears were so good: taught by a Frenchman that did heretofore teach the King, and all the King's children, and the Queen-Mother [aged 59] herself, who do still dance well.
Note 1. The Princess Mary, afterwards Queen of England.
On 2nd April 1676 George Wilhelm Hanover Duke Brunswick-Lüneburg [aged 52] and Eleonore Esmier D'Olbreuse Duchess Brunswick-Lüneburg were married. She by marriage Duchess Brunswick Lüneburg. He the son of George Hanover Duke Brunswick-Lüneburg and Anne Eleonore Hesse Darmstadt Duchess Brunswick-Lüneburg.
On 2nd April 1684 Henry Somerset 2nd Duke Beaufort was born to Charles Somerset Marquess Worcester [aged 23] and Rebecca Child Marchioness Worcester [aged 18] at Monmouth Castle [Map]. He married (1) 7th July 1702 his fourth cousin Mary Sackville 2nd Duchess Beaufort, daughter of Charles Sackville 6th Earl Dorset 1st Earl Middlesex and Mary Compton Countess Dorset and Middlesex (2) 26th February 1706 his fourth cousin Rachel Noel Duchess Beaufort, daughter of Wriothesley Baptist Noel 2nd Earl Gainsborough and Catherine Greville Duchess Buckingham and Normandby, and had issue (3) 14th September 1711 his fourth cousin once removed Mary Osborne Duchess Beaufort, daughter of Peregrine Osborne 2nd Duke Leeds and Bridget Hyde Duchess Leeds.
John Evelyn's Diary. 12th January 1690. The Parliament was unexpectedly prorogued to 2d of April to the discontent and surprise of many members who, being exceedingly averse to the settling of anything, proceeding with animosities, multiplying exceptions against those whom they pronounced obnoxious, and producing as universal a discontent against King William [aged 39] and themselves, as there was before against King James [aged 56]. The new King resolved on an expedition into Ireland in person. About 150 of the members who were of the more royal party, meeting at a feast at the Apollo Tavern [Map] near St. Dunstan's [Map], sent some of their company to the King, to assure him of their service; he returned his thanks, advising them to repair to their several counties and preserve the peace during his absence, and assuring them that he would be steady to his resolution of defending the Laws and Religion established. The great Lord suspected to have counselled this prorogation, universally denied it. However, it was believed the chief adviser was the Marquis of Carmarthen [aged 57], who now seemed to be most in favour.
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 2nd April 1695 William Savile 2nd Marquess Halifax [aged 30] and Mary Finch Duchess Roxburghe [aged 18] were married. She by marriage Marchioness Halifax. She the daughter of Daniel Finch 2nd Earl Nottingham 7th Earl Winchilsea [aged 47] and Essex Rich Countess Nottingham. He the son of George Savile 1st Marquess Halifax [aged 61] and Dorothy Spencer Lady Savile. They were fourth cousins.
On 2nd April 1701 Henry Howard 7th Duke of Norfolk [aged 46] died of apoplexy. He was buried in the Fitzalan Chapel, Arundel Castle [Map]. His nephew Thomas [aged 17] succeeded 8th Duke Norfolk, 19th or 26th Earl Arundel, 9th Earl Surrey, 6th Earl Norfolk, 3rd Earl Norwich, 19th Baron Mowbray, 20th Baron Segrave, 17th Baron Furnivall, 21st Baron Strange Blackmere, 18th Baron Talbot, 16th Baron Maltravers, 16th Baron Arundel, 3rd Baron Howard of Castle Rising.
On 2nd April 1717 Thomas Pelham Holles 1st Duke Newcastle-under-Lyne [aged 23] and Henrietta Godolphin Duchess Newcastle under Lyne [aged 16] were married. She by marriage Duchess Newcastle under Lyme. She the daughter of Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 38] and Henrietta Churchill 2nd Duchess of Marlborough [aged 35].
On 2nd April 1751 John Smibert [aged 63] died. He was buried at the Granary Burying Ground, Boston.
2nd April 1781. Captain John Donnellan was hanged having been convicted of poisoning his brother-in-law Theodosius Boughton 7th Baronet.
A True and Particular Account, of the Trial, and Execution of Captain Donnellan, Who was Executed, At Warwick, on Monday last, the 2d of April, for Poisoning his Brother in Law, Sir Theodosius Boughton, Bart. and also the Solem manne he declared his Inn >cence, at the place of Execution,
Sir Theodosius being slightly indiposed, was advised by the captain to take some Physeick, accordingly, a Draught being sent for, the Captain found some means (as is supposed) to substitute a Vial, contaening a strong water Distil'd from Lawrel (which is the strongest of all Poisons) in its stead, and which the Mother of the Deceased, innocently giving to her Son, he expired in strong Convations in half an hour after, the Captain being apprehended, and Tried for the above Crime and was convicted on the strongest circumstantial evedence, aid was order'd to be Executed and Anasomited. What induced the Captain to commit this Horrid Crime is supposed to be his being Profesed of a fare Estate which would have come to his Wife and Family atter his Brother in Law's Death,
The Behaviour and Execution of Captain Donnellan.
Immediately aftcr the Conviction of Cap. Donnellan, a Divine, acoompanied by a particular friend of the Prisoner's, went to see Him, and to all appearance he was perfectly resigned to his unhappy Fate, It was urged to Him, that as the evidence had been clear, a denial of the fact wou'd be looked upon by the World as a mean Prevarication, and would induce people to thruw an additional insult upon his Memory. To this observation, he answered, he could not help any man's conclusions; he knew his own Heart, and would with his last breath, assert his Innocence. Some few unguarded and unpremeditated expressions, aggravated by talsehood of the flagrant kind, which was sworn at his Trial, had induced a Jury to take his Life; but time would do him justice, and prove him an in-Man, ruined by those who ought to heve been his friends. —Perceiving the Gentlemen in astonishment at this conversation, he added. that he should dedicate to Morrow (Sunday) to the purpose of drawing up an answer to, and refutation of the evidence and should leave it with a Friend, that he hap no doobt would comply with the last Request he should make, that of seeing it correctly published. He asked whether he had not a desire to see his Wife, and take a last farewell. To this he hastily replied, I do beseech you let me not hear a gain of this: if she do nat come, I shall die composed. On Sunday Evening he deposited his case with a Gentleman of Coventry, who assisted him in his Trial, with an earnest request that he would Print and Publish it. He then gave some directions relative to the adjustment of the sad operation which was to take place in the Morning, and appeared remarkably chearful and composed. —At seven o'clock next day he was carried to the place of Excution in a mourning Coach, followed by a Hearse, and the Sheriff 's Officers in deep Mourning; as he went on, he frequently put his head out of the Coach, and earnestly desired the prayers of the People arround him. — On his arrival at the place of Execution, he alighred from the Coach, and ascending in a few steps of the Ladder, prayed for a considerable time, and then joined in the usual service with the greatest appearance of devotion; he then in a audible tone of voice, addressed the spectators in the following terms: That as he was then going to appear before God, to whom all deceit was known, he solemnly declared that he was innocent of the crime for which he was to suffer! that he had drawn up a vindicition of himself, which he hoped the World would believe, for it was of more consequence to him tio speak truth than falsehood, and had no doubt but that time would reveal the many mysteries that had arised in his Trial, and prove that he fell a sacrifice to the malice and black designs of his — —, After praying fervently some time, he let his Handkerchief fall, a signal agreed on between him and the Executioner, and was launced into Eterniiy.— After hanging the usual time, the body cut down, and put into a black Coffin, and conveyed to the Town Hall to be dissected.
The Battle of Copenhagen was fought on 2nd April 1801 was a naval battle in which a British fleet fought and defeated a smaller force of the Dano–Norwegian Navy anchored near Copenhagen.
Graham Hamond 2nd Baronet [aged 21] commanded the fifth-rate HMS Blanche.
On 2nd April 1826 Georg II Duke of Saxe Meiningen was born to Bernhard II Duke of Saxe Meiningen [aged 25].
On 2nd April 1827 William Holman Hunt was born to William Hunt [aged 27] and Sarah Hobman [aged 29] at 41 Lifford Street or Love Lane [Map]. Originally William Hobman Hunt he changed his name when he discovered it had been erroneously entered at his baptism on 10th April 1827 at the St Giles without Cripplegate Church [Map]. He married (1) 28th December 1865 Fanny Waugh and had issue (2) November 1875 Marion Edith Waugh and had issue.
William Hunt: In 1800 he was born. In 1856 he died.
Sarah Hobman: In 1798 she was born to William Hobman of Rotherhithe. In 1884 she died.
After 2nd April 1827. St Mary's Church, Buckden [Map]. Monument to John Green.
On 2nd April 1830 Margaret Douglas-Maclean-Clephane Marchioness Northampton [aged 38] died in Rome. She was buried in Naples. Monument at Church of St Mary Magdalen, Castle Ashby [Map] sculpted by Pietro Tenerani [aged 40] in 1836.
On 2nd April 1841 Susan Stewart Duchess of Marlborough [aged 73] died.
On 2nd April 1848 Samuel Rush Meyrick [aged 64] died.
On 2nd April 1853 George Howard 7th Earl Carlisle [aged 50] was given the Freedom of the City of Edinburgh.
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.
2nd April 1871. Census. 8 Edward Street, St Pancras.
James Forsyth [aged 43]. 43. Sculptor.
Annie Hardie [aged 32]. 32.
James Nesfield Forsyth [aged 7]. Son. 7. Scholar.
Agnes Ellen Forsyth [aged 5]. Daughter. 5. Scholar.
Eliza Forsyth [aged 3]. Daughter. 3.
William Adam Forsyth. Son. 8. Scholar.
Agnes m Forsyth. Mother. 66. No occupation.
Mary Blackall. Servant. 16.
2nd April 1871. Census. Thorpe St Andrew, Norfolk [Map].
Keomi aka Keytumas Gray [aged 30]. Aged 28.
2nd April 1871. Census. 37 Fitzroy Square.
Ford Madox Brown [aged 49]. Head. 49.
Emma Matilda Hill [aged 41]. Wife. 36.
Emma Lucy Madox Brown [aged 27]. Daughter. 26.
Catherine Emily Brown [aged 20]. Daughter. 20.
Oliver Madox Brown [aged 16]. Son. 16.
Charloote Kirkby. Servant. 29.
Mary Ann Edwards. Servant. 19.
Oliver Madox Brown: In 1855 he was born to Ford Madox Brown and Emma Matilda Hill. In 1874 he died.
On 2nd April 1878 William Clements 3rd Earl Leitrim [aged 71] was assassinated along with his clerk and driver, near Cratlagh Wood while on his way to Milford (a village he owned in its entirety) from his home, Manor Vaughan (usually known as Mulroy House), on Mulroy Bay. Michael Heraghty and brothers Thomas and Bernard McGranahan were arrested. The gun butt had been traced to Heraghty, and paper for the wadding used to load the rifle was traced to a school copybook owned by the McGranahans. The McGranahans were released from Lifford Jail due to a lack of evidence. Heraghty died in Lifford Jail of typhus. The assassins, Nial Shiels of Doughmore, an itinerant tailor, Michael Hergarty of Tullyconnell, and Michael McElwee of Ballyworiskey, were from the remote Fanad Peninsula. His nephew Robert [aged 31] succeeded 3rd Earl Leitrim. Winifred Coke Countess of Leitrim [aged 27] by marriage Countess Leitrim.
On 2nd April 1882 Cornelius Jeremiah Vanderbilt [aged 51] committed suicide. He fired his Smith & Wesson revolver into his left temple whilst in Room 80 of the Glenham Hotel, Fifth Avenue.
New York Times, 07 April 1882: Mr Vanderbilt's Suicide. The Coroner's jury find that it was done under mental depression.
The inquest in the case of Cornelius J. Vanderbilt, who shot himself in the Glenbam Hotel on sunday last, was held by Coroner Brady yesterday. The jury was composed of nine physiclans. George N. Terry test!fied that he had been the constant companion of Mr, Vanderbilt since 1872, The latter's health was never good, and he was subject to epileptic fits. In February witness and Mr. Vanderbilt went to the Hot Springs. They returned and then went to Florida, whence they same back three weeks ago. On Sunday last Mr. Vanderbilt went to bed about 6:30 o'clock in the Egroing. He had been out all Saturday night. Fitness was not with him,
"Do vou know where he had been!" asked Coroner Brady.
"Is it necessary for me to answer that question?" asked Mr. Terry in a low tone.
"Yes, I think you had better answer," sald the Coroner.
Mr. Vanderbilt told me he had been at No. 12 Ann-street," Mr, Terry finally answered. He also testified that Mr. Vanderbilt seemed considerably depressed, and told him he had been unfortunate. On previous occasions he had told witness he was tired of life. He had said it so frequently that witness thought nothing of it. Mr. Vanderbilt was irritable and slept very little, if any, after going to bed on Sunday. Witness fell asleep in an adjoining room and was awakened by the pistol shot. He ran into tie room, saw what had happened, and immediately sent for Dr. Weir and E. O. Perrin. Witness had no doubt that Mr. Vanderbilt committea suicide.
Major E. D. Luston. Mr. Vanderbilt's private secretary, testified that Mr. Vanderbilt was In about the same condition on the Sunday previous to his death as on the day he shot himself. Witness had frequently heard him say he was tired of life. He seemed to be greatly annoyed by the litiations in which he was involved. On Saturday Mr. Vanderbilt put his hand to his head and said to witness, "If I don't get some relief I'll commit suicide. I have got nothing to live for." Afterward he brightened up and became as cheerful as ever. Major Luxton told how much money Mr. Vanderbilt received on Saturday, and said that he could not have had more than $1,200 or £1,600 in his pocket that night. Witness believed Mr, Vanderbiit's nervousness caused him to sommit suicide. He had a severe spasm on Friday night.
Dr. Robert G. Weir testified that he was Mr, Vanderbilt's physician, and told how he found his patient when he was called in after the shooting and what was done to relieve him. Mr. Vanderbiit remained unconscious until his death. at 6:10 o'clock in the evening. E. O. Perrin and George B. Ashley testified concerning Mr. Vanderbilt's condition on Saturday, each saying that he did not seem to be more irritable than usual. Mr, Ashley stated that one day last week he spoke to Mr. Vanderbilt about postponing the preparation of a legal document until the next day. "We had better attend to it today." said Mr. Vanderbilt, "for I may not be allve to-morrow." Deputy Coroner Raefle read to the Jury the result of his post-mortem examination of the body, and after a brief charge by the Coroner the jurymen retired, They were out jess than two minutes, and returned a verdict to the effect that Vanderbilt committed suicide while suffering under a temporary mental depression."
Cornelius Jeremiah Vanderbilt: On 29th December 1830 he was born to Cornelius "Commodore" Vanderbilt and Sophia Johnson Coefficient of inbreeding 3.12%. In 1856 Cornelius Jeremiah Vanderbilt and Ellen Williams were married. There was no issue from the marriage.
On 2nd April 1895 Clarissa Hall [aged 70] died. Her funeral was held at the Grosvenor Chapel, Mayfair on 5th April 1895 attended by her daughters Clarita "Clara" Jerome [aged 44], Jenny Jerome [aged 41] and Leonie Blanche Jerome Lady Leslie [aged 36], her grandsons Winston Churchill [aged 20] and John Strange "Jack" Spencer-Churchill [aged 15] and the Dowager Frances Anne Emily Vane Duchess of Marlborough [aged 72].
On 2nd April 1911. 1911 Census. 6 Ravenslea Road Wandsworth Common.
Ellis William Roberts [aged 50]. Portrait Painter.
Eliza Glover [aged 44]. Portrait Painter.
Robert Ellis Roberts [aged 21]. Student at Cambridge.
Millicent Elsie Roberts [aged 11]. School.
and two servants Lottie Hipkins and Edith Cox.
Eliza Glover: Around 1867 she was born to Joseph Glover at Longton, Staffordshire.
Robert Ellis Roberts: Around 1890 he was born to Ellis William Roberts and Eliza Glover.
Millicent Elsie Roberts: Around 1900 she was born to Ellis William Roberts and Eliza Glover.
2nd April 1911. The Census records Jane Morris nee Burden [aged 71], Elizabeth Burden [aged 69] and a Lady's Maid living at 33 St George's Place.
On 2nd April 1916, at 14:20, a store of 200 tons of TNT exploded at a gunpowder mill at Uplees, near Faversham in Kent. As it was a Sunday, no women were at work. There were 115 deaths of men and boys, including all the Works Fire Brigade, in the explosion and in subsequent detonations. The bodies of seven victims were never found; 108 were buried in a mass grave at Faversham Cemetery on 6 April.
On 2nd April 1932 Edward Marjoribanks [aged 32] committed suicide by shooting himself in the chest while in the billiard room of his stepfather's [aged 60] house in Sussex.
On 2nd April 1937 Edith Eleanor Percy [aged 67] died. She was buried at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Lesbury [Map].
Edith Eleanor Percy: On 7th November 1869 twins Louisa Elizabeth Percy and she was born to Henry George Percy 7th Duke Northumberland and Edith Campbell Duchess Northumberland.
On 6th May 1938 Victor Christian William Cavendish 9th Duke Devonshire [aged 69] died at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire [Map]. He was buried at Cavendish Plot, St Peter's Church, Edensor [Map]. His son Edward [aged 43] succeeded 10th Duke Devonshire, 13th Earl Devonshire, 5th Earl Burlington, 13th Baron Cavendish Hardwick. Mary Alice Gascoyne-Cecil Duchess Devonshire [aged 42] by marriage Duchess Devonshire. On 2nd April 1960 Evelyn Emily Mary Petty-Fitzmaurice Duchess Devonshire [aged 67] died. Both the Duke and Duchess were buried in the Cavendish Plot, St Peter's Church, Edensor [Map].
Evelyn Emily Mary Petty-Fitzmaurice Duchess Devonshire: On 27th August 1870 she was born to Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice 5th Marquess Lansdowne. On 30th July 1892 Victor Christian William Cavendish 9th Duke Devonshire and she were married. She by marriage Duchess Devonshire. She the daughter of Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice 5th Marquess Lansdowne. They were fifth cousins.
The Visitor Centre at Rosslyn Chapel [Map] was opened by the Prince of Wales [aged 49] on 2nd April 1998.
On 2nd April 2006 John Brigg Charles Fountaine [aged 83] died. He was buried in the Churchyard of the Church of St Mary, Narford [Map].
John Brigg Charles Fountaine: On 15th November 1922 he was born to Vice Admiral Charles Andrew Fountaine and Louisa Constance Catherine Maclean at Narford Hall. On 14th September 1997 Andrew Douglas Algernon Fountaine died of cancer possibly at Swaffham Hospital otherwise at Narford Hall without issue. His brother John Brigg Charles Fountaine inherited Narford Hall.
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 1 Chapters 1-60 1307-1342
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel offer one of the most vivid and immediate accounts of 14th-century Europe, written by a knight who lived through the events he describes, and experienced some of them first hand. Covering the early decades of the Hundred Years’ War, this remarkable chronicle follows the campaigns of Edward III of England, the politics of France and the Low Countries, and the shifting alliances that shaped medieval warfare. Unlike later historians, Jean le Bel writes with a strong sense of eyewitness authenticity, drawing on personal experience and the testimony of fellow soldiers. His narrative captures not only battles and sieges, but also the realities of military life, diplomacy, and the ideals of chivalry that governed noble society. A key source for Jean Froissart, Le Bel’s chronicle stands on its own as a compelling and insightful work, at once historical record and literary achievement. This translation builds on the 1905 edition published in French by Jules Viard, adding extensive translations from other sources Rymer's Fœdera, the Chronicles of Adam Murimuth, William Nangis, Walter of Guisborough, a Bourgeois of Valenciennes, Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke and Richard Lescot to enrich the original text and Viard's notes.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 2nd April 742 Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor was born.
On 2nd April 1502 Susanne Wittelsbach was born to Albert Wittelsbach IV Duke Bavaria [aged 54] and Kunigunde Habsburg Duchess Bavaria [aged 37]. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.
On 2nd April 1545 Elizabeth Valois Queen Consort Spain was born to King Henry II of France [aged 26] and Catherine Medici Queen Consort France [aged 25]. She married 20th July 1559 her fourth cousin Philip "The Prudent" II King Spain, son of Charles V Holy Roman Emperor and Isabel Aviz Queen Consort Spain, and had issue.
On 2nd April 1586 Filippo Emanuele Prince of Piedmont was born to Charles Emmanuel Savoy I Duke Savoy [aged 24] and Catherine Habsburg Spain Duchess Savoy [aged 18]. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.67%.
On 2nd April 1616 Wilhelm Anton Oldenburg was born to Alexander Oldenburg I Duke Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg [aged 43] and Dorothea Schwarzburg Duchess Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg [aged 37]. He died aged less than one years old.
On 2nd April 1638 Henry Beaumont 2nd Baronet was born to Thomas Beaumont 1st Baronet and Elizabeth Trott. He was baptised at the Church of St Mary and All Saints, Stoughton [Map]. He married 2nd April 1662 Elizabeth Farmer and had issue.
On 2nd April 1653 Prince George of Denmark 1st Duke Cumberland was born to Frederick III King of Denmark [aged 44] and Sophie Amalie Hanover Queen Consort Denmark [aged 25] at Copenhagen Castle. He married 28th July 1683 his second cousin once removed Queen Anne of England Scotland and Ireland, daughter of King James II of England Scotland and Ireland and Anne Hyde Duchess of York, and had issue.
On 2nd April 1684 Henry Somerset 2nd Duke Beaufort was born to Charles Somerset Marquess Worcester [aged 23] and Rebecca Child Marchioness Worcester [aged 18] at Monmouth Castle [Map]. He married (1) 7th July 1702 his fourth cousin Mary Sackville 2nd Duchess Beaufort, daughter of Charles Sackville 6th Earl Dorset 1st Earl Middlesex and Mary Compton Countess Dorset and Middlesex (2) 26th February 1706 his fourth cousin Rachel Noel Duchess Beaufort, daughter of Wriothesley Baptist Noel 2nd Earl Gainsborough and Catherine Greville Duchess Buckingham and Normandby, and had issue (3) 14th September 1711 his fourth cousin once removed Mary Osborne Duchess Beaufort, daughter of Peregrine Osborne 2nd Duke Leeds and Bridget Hyde Duchess Leeds.
On 2nd April 1699 Mary Leigh Lady Hoskyns was born to Theophilus Leigh [aged 52] and Mary Brydges [aged 33]. She married November 1716 Hungerford Hoskyns 4th Baronet, son of John Hoskyns 2nd Baronet and Jane Lowe Lady Hoskyns, and had issue.
On 2nd April 1730 George Walpole 3rd Earl Orford was born to Robert Walpole 2nd Earl Orford [aged 29] and Margaret Rolle Countess Orford [aged 21].
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 2nd April 1790 Judith St John-Mildmay Countess Radnor was born to Henry Paulet St John-Mildmay 3rd Baronet [aged 25] and Jane Mildmay Lady St-John Mildmay [aged 25]. She was a twin with Maria St John-Mildmay Viscountess Bolingbroke and St John. She married 24th May 1814 William Pleydell-Bouverie 3rd Earl Radnor, son of Jacob Pleydell-Bouverie 2nd Earl Radnor and Anne Duncombe Countess Radnor, and had issue.
On 2nd April 1790 Maria St John-Mildmay Viscountess Bolingbroke and St John was born to Henry Paulet St John-Mildmay 3rd Baronet [aged 25] and Jane Mildmay Lady St-John Mildmay [aged 25]. She was a twin with Judith St John-Mildmay Countess Radnor. She married 1812 Henry St John 4th Viscount Bolingbroke 5th Viscount St John, son of George Richard St John 4th Viscount St John 3rd Viscount Bolingbroke and Charlotte Collins, and had issue.
On 2nd April 1790 Maria FitzHardinge Berkeley was born illegitimately to Frederick Augustus Berkeley 5th Earl Berkeley [aged 45] at Mount Street Grosvenor Square and Mary Cole. On 2nd June 1793 Maria FitzHardinge Berkeley died. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.
On 2nd April 1792 Catherine Charlotte Legge was born to George Legge 3rd Earl Dartmouth [aged 36] and Frances Finch Countess Dartmouth [aged 31]. She died aged less than one years old.
On 2nd April 1799 Charles Yorke 4th Earl of Hardwicke was born to Admiral Joseph Sydney Yorke [aged 30] and Elizabeth Weake Rattray at Sydney Lodge, Hamble le Rice. He married August 1833 Susan Liddell Countess Hardwicke, daughter of Thomas Liddell 1st Baron Ravensworth and Maria Susannah Simpson Baroness Calthorpe, and had issue.
On 2nd April 1807 Charles Edward Trevelyan 1st Baronet was born to Archdeacon George Trevelyan [aged 42] and Harriet Neave [aged 35].
On 2nd April 1818 Beilby Lawley 2nd Baron Wenlock was born to Paul Thompson 1st Baron Wenlock [aged 33] and Caroline Griffin Baroness Wenlock. He married before 1848 his fifth cousin Elizabeth Grosvenor Baroness Wenlock, daughter of Richard Grosvenor 2nd Marquess Westminster and Elizabeth Mary Leveson-Gower Marchioness Westminster, and had issue.
On 2nd April 1823 George de Yarburgh-Bateson 2nd Baron Deramore was born to Robert Bateson 1st Baronet [aged 41].
On 2nd April 1826 Georg II Duke of Saxe Meiningen was born to Bernhard II Duke of Saxe Meiningen [aged 25].
On 2nd April 1827 William Holman Hunt was born to William Hunt [aged 27] and Sarah Hobman [aged 29] at 41 Lifford Street or Love Lane [Map]. Originally William Hobman Hunt he changed his name when he discovered it had been erroneously entered at his baptism on 10th April 1827 at the St Giles without Cripplegate Church [Map]. He married (1) 28th December 1865 Fanny Waugh and had issue (2) November 1875 Marion Edith Waugh and had issue.
William Hunt: In 1800 he was born. In 1856 he died.
Sarah Hobman: In 1798 she was born to William Hobman of Rotherhithe. In 1884 she died.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 2nd April 1827 Edward John Cornwallis Eliot was born to Edward Granville Eliot 3rd Earl St Germans [aged 28] and Jemima Cornwallis Countess St Germans [aged 23].
On 2nd April 1832 Maria Stonor was born to Thomas Stonor 3rd Baron Camoys [aged 34] and Frances Towneley Baroness Camoys [aged 31]. She married 7th October 1855 Charles Frederick Smythe 7th Baronet, son of Edward Joseph Smythe 6th Baronet.
On 2nd April 1833 Lionel Eldred Smith-Gordon 2nd Baronet was born to General Lionel Smith 1st Baronet [aged 54] and Isabella Pottinger Lady Smith [aged 53]. He married before 22nd March 1857 his first cousin Fanny Pottinger Lady Smith and had issue.
On 2nd April 1848 George Fenton Fletcher Boughey 8th Baronet was born to Thomas Fletcher Fenton Boughey 3rd Baronet [aged 39].
On 2nd April 1854 Henry Charles Gage 5th Viscount Gage was born to Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Edward Hall Gage [aged 40] and Sophia Selena Knightley.
On 2nd April 1859 Henry Thompson 2nd Baronet was born to Henry Thompson 1st Baronet [aged 38].
On 2nd April 1865 William Bourchier Sherard Wrey was born to Henry Bourchier Toke Wrey 10th Baronet [aged 35] and Marianne Sarah Sherard Lady Wrey [aged 29]. He married 3rd June 1897 Flora Bathurst Grieve.
On 2nd April 1875 Henry Lovick Cooper 5th Baronet was born to William Rickford Astley Cooper [aged 49].
On 2nd April 1877 Thomas Henry Noel-Hill 8th Baron Berwick was born to Thomas Noel-Hill [aged 29]. He married 1919 Edith Teresa Hulton Baroness Berwick.
On 2nd April 1930 William Smith 4th Viscount Hambleden was born to William Smith 3rd Viscount Hambleden [aged 26] and Patricia Herbert Viscountess Hambleden [aged 25].
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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On 2nd April 1936 Rupert Bromley 10th Baronet was born to Rupert Bromley 9th Baronet [aged 25].
On 2nd April 1941 Caroline Elizabeth Thellusson Lady Goring was born to Charles Anthony Hugh Thellusson 8th Baron Rendlesham [aged 26]. She married (1) 24th September 1960 William Burton Nigel Goring 13th Baronet.
On 2nd April 1945 Roger Bootle-Wilbraham 7th Baron Skelmersdale was born to Lionel Bootle-Wilbraham 6th Baron Skelmersdale [aged 48].
On 2nd April 1946 Spencer Compton 7th Marquess of Northampton was born to William Bingham Compton 6th Marquess Northampton [aged 60] and Virginia Lucie Heaton Marchioness Northampton [aged 27].
On 2nd April 1954 Henry David Montgomery 3rd Viscount Montgomery was born to David Bernard Montgomery 2nd Viscount Montgomery [aged 25] and Mary Connell.
On 2nd April 1627 Thomas Coventry 2nd Baron Coventry [aged 21] and Mary Craven [aged 25] were married.
On 2nd April 1646 Ralph Delaval 1st Baronet [aged 23] and Anne Leslie Lady Delaval were married at Cathedral Church St Nicholas, Newcastle upon Tyne [Map]. She the daughter of Alexander Leslie 1st Earl Leven [aged 66].
On 2nd April 1657 William Cholmley 2nd Baronet [aged 31] and Katherine Savile Lady Cholmley were married.
On 2nd April 1662 Henry Beaumont 2nd Baronet [aged 24] and Elizabeth Farmer were married at St Andrew's Church, Holborn [Map].
On 2nd April 1668 Peter II King Portugal [aged 18] and Marie Françoise Élisabeth of Savoy Queen Consort of Portugal [aged 21] were married. She had, two years before, married his older brother Alfonso VI King Portugal [aged 24] who he, Peter, had deposed; an example of Married to Two Siblings. She the daughter of Charles Amadeus Duke of Nemours and Élisabeth Bourbon Vendôme. He the son of John IV King Portugal and Luisa de Guzman Queen Consort Portugal.
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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On 2nd April 1673 John Egerton 3rd Earl Bridgewater [aged 26] and Jane Paulet Countess Bridgewater [aged 17] were married at St Dionis Backchurch. She the daughter of Charles Paulet 1st Duke Bolton [aged 43] and Mary Scrope 6th Marchioness Winchester. He the son of John Egerton 2nd Earl Bridgewater [aged 49] and Elizabeth Cavendish Countess Bridgewater. They were fourth cousin once removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.
On 2nd April 1676 George Wilhelm Hanover Duke Brunswick-Lüneburg [aged 52] and Eleonore Esmier D'Olbreuse Duchess Brunswick-Lüneburg were married. She by marriage Duchess Brunswick Lüneburg. He the son of George Hanover Duke Brunswick-Lüneburg and Anne Eleonore Hesse Darmstadt Duchess Brunswick-Lüneburg.
On 2nd April 1695 William Savile 2nd Marquess Halifax [aged 30] and Mary Finch Duchess Roxburghe [aged 18] were married. She by marriage Marchioness Halifax. She the daughter of Daniel Finch 2nd Earl Nottingham 7th Earl Winchilsea [aged 47] and Essex Rich Countess Nottingham. He the son of George Savile 1st Marquess Halifax [aged 61] and Dorothy Spencer Lady Savile. They were fourth cousins.
On 2nd April 1717 Thomas Pelham Holles 1st Duke Newcastle-under-Lyne [aged 23] and Henrietta Godolphin Duchess Newcastle under Lyne [aged 16] were married. She by marriage Duchess Newcastle under Lyme. She the daughter of Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 38] and Henrietta Churchill 2nd Duchess of Marlborough [aged 35].
On 2nd April 1731 William Dalrymple Crichton 5th Earl Dumfries 4th Earl of Stair [aged 32] and Anne Gordon Countess Dumfries [aged 22] were married. She by marriage Countess Dumfries. She the daughter of William Gordon 2nd Earl Aberdeen [aged 52] and Mary Melville. He the son of Colonel William Dalrymple Earl Dumfries [aged 57] and Penelope Crichton 4th Countess of Dumfries.
On 2nd April 1733 Charles Stourton 15th Baron Stourton [aged 31] and Catherine Walmesley Baroness Petre and Stourton were married.
On 2nd April 1741 William Courtenay 7th Earl Devon [aged 32] and Frances Finch Countess Devon were married. She by marriage Countess Devon. She the daughter of Heneage Finch 2nd Earl Aylesford [aged 58] and Mary Fisher Countess Aylesford. He the son of William Courtenay 6th Earl Devon and Anne Bertie Countess Devon.
On 2nd April 1825 Robert Henry Cunliffe 4th Baronet [aged 39] and Susan Emily Paton Lady Cunliffe [aged 18] were married at Calcutta, India. The difference in their ages was 21 years.
On 2nd April 1839 William Bowyer-Smijth 11th Baronet [aged 24] and Marianne Frances Meux Lady Bowyer-Smijth were married. They had two sons and a daughter.
On 2nd April 1844 Charles Gordon 10th Marquess Huntly [aged 52] and Maria Antoinetta Pegus Marchioness Huntly [aged 23] were married. The difference in their ages was 28 years. She the daughter of Reverend William Peter Pegus and Charlotte Layard Countess Lindsey [aged 64]. He the son of George Gordon 9th Marquess Huntly [aged 82] and Catherine Anne Cope.
On 2nd April 1118 Baldwin I King Jerusalem [aged 60] died. Baldwin II King Jerusalem [aged 43] succeeded King Jerusalem.
On 2nd April 1272 Richard of Cornwall 1st Earl Cornwall [aged 63] died at Berkhamsted Castle, Hertfordshire [Map]. He was buried at Hailes Abbey [Map]. His son Edmund [aged 22] succeeded 2nd Earl Cornwall.
On 2nd April 1284 Alfonso X King Castile X King Leon [aged 62] died. His son Sancho [aged 25] succeeded IV King Castile, IV King Leon. Maria Molina Queen Consort Castile Queen Consort Leon by marriage Queen Consort Castile, Queen Consort Leon.
On 2nd April 1305 Joan Blois I Queen Navarre [aged 32] died.
Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke
Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 2nd April 1335 John Dampierre II Marquis Namur [aged 24] died unmarried. His brother Guy [aged 23] succeeded II Count Namur.
On 2nd April 1368 Margaret Norwich Countess Suffolk [aged 82] died.
On 2nd April 1380 Margaret Deincourt Baroness Tibetot [aged 36] died at Nettlestead, Suffolk.
On 2nd April 1416 Ferdinand I King Aragon [aged 35] died. His son Alfonso [aged 20] succeeded V King Aragon.
On 2nd April 1502 Prince Arthur Tudor [aged 15] died at Ludlow Castle [Map]. Earl Chester extinct. The cause of death unknown other than being reported as "a malign vapour which proceeded from the air". Catherine of Aragon [aged 16] had recovered.
On 2nd April 1565 Elisabeth Brooke Marchioness Northampton [aged 38] died.
On 2nd April 1570 Margaret Cholmley Countess of Westmoreland [aged 62] died.
On 2nd April 1623 George Keith 5th Earl Marischal [aged 70] died. His son William [aged 38] succeeded 6th Earl Marischal.
On 2nd April 1624 John Tufton 1st Baronet [aged 80] died. His son Nicholas [aged 46] succeeded 2nd Baronet Tufton of Hothfield. Frances Cecil Countess Isle Thanet [aged 43] by marriage Lady Tufton of Hothfield.
On 2nd April 1630 George Talbot 9th Earl of Shrewsbury [aged 63] died. His nephew John [aged 29] succeeded 10th Earl of Shrewsbury, 10th Earl Waterford. Mary Fortescue Countess Shrewsbury and Waterford [aged 30] by marriage Countess of Shrewsbury, Countess Waterford.
On 2nd April 1630 Thomas Wotton 2nd Baron Wotton [aged 43] died. Baron Wotton extinct. His daughter Katherine Wotton Countess Chesterfield [aged 21] inherited Boughton aka Bocton Place, Kent [Map].
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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On 2nd April 1657 Ferdinand III Holy Roman Emperor [aged 48] died.
On 2nd April 1663 Henry Carey 4th Viscount Falkland [aged 29] died. He was buried at St Michael & All Angels Church, Great Tew [Map]. His son Anthony [aged 7] succeeded 5th Viscount Falkland.
On 2nd April 1701 Henry Howard 7th Duke of Norfolk [aged 46] died of apoplexy. He was buried in the Fitzalan Chapel, Arundel Castle [Map]. His nephew Thomas [aged 17] succeeded 8th Duke Norfolk, 19th or 26th Earl Arundel, 9th Earl Surrey, 6th Earl Norfolk, 3rd Earl Norwich, 19th Baron Mowbray, 20th Baron Segrave, 17th Baron Furnivall, 21st Baron Strange Blackmere, 18th Baron Talbot, 16th Baron Maltravers, 16th Baron Arundel, 3rd Baron Howard of Castle Rising.
On 2nd April 1704 Anthony Abdy 2nd Baronet [aged 48] died. His son Anthony [aged 15] succeeded 3rd Baronet Abdy of Felix Hall in Kelveden in Essex.
On 2nd April 1704 Thomas Spring 3rd Baronet [aged 32] died. His son William [aged 7] succeeded 4th Baronet Spring of Pakenham in Suffolk.
On 2nd April 1715 Thomas Nugent 1st Baron Nugent died.
On 2nd April 1734 Elizabeth Seymour Countess Thomond [aged 49] died.
On 2nd April 1751 John Smibert [aged 63] died. He was buried at the Granary Burying Ground, Boston.
On 2nd April 1798 Louisa North Baroness Latimer Baroness Willoughby of Broke [aged 61] died.
On 2nd April 1798 Anthony Perrin FitzHerbert 2nd Baronet [aged 19] died. His brother Henry [aged 14] succeeded 3rd Baronet Fitzherbert of Tissington in Derbyshire.
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 2nd April 1804 Theophilus Henry Hastings 11th Earl Huntingdon [aged 75] died. Hans Francis Hastings 12th Earl Huntingdon [aged 24] de jure 12th Earl Huntingdon although it wasn't until 1819 that after a long and complex investigation he was confirmed as the 12th Earl.
On 2nd April 1814 Horatio Mann 2nd Baronet [aged 70] died. Baronet Mann of Linton in Kent extinct. His nephew James Mann 5th Earl Cornwallis [aged 35] inherited his estates of Boughton aka Bocton Place, Kent [Map] and Linton.
On 2nd April 1819 Charles Dormer 9th Baron Dormer [aged 66] died. His half brother John [aged 48] succeeded 10th Baron Dormer of Wyng in Buckinghamshire, 10th Baronet Dormer of Wyng in Buckinghamshire. Elizabeth Kerr Baroness Dormer [aged 53] by marriage Baroness Dormer of Wyng in Buckinghamshire.
On 2nd April 1830 Margaret Douglas-Maclean-Clephane Marchioness Northampton [aged 38] died in Rome. She was buried in Naples. Monument at Church of St Mary Magdalen, Castle Ashby [Map] sculpted by Pietro Tenerani [aged 40] in 1836.
On 2nd April 1841 Susan Stewart Duchess of Marlborough [aged 73] died.
On 2nd April 1845 George Wyndham 4th Earl Egremont [aged 58] died without issue at Silverton Park, Devon. Earl Egremont, Baronet Wyndham of Orchard in Somerset extinct.
On 2nd April 1848 Samuel Rush Meyrick [aged 64] died.
On 2nd April 1856 Edmund Hungerford Lechmere 2nd Baronet [aged 63] died. His son Edmund [aged 29] succeeded 3rd Baronet Lechmere of Rhyd in Worcestershire.
On 2nd April 1878 William Clements 3rd Earl Leitrim [aged 71] was assassinated along with his clerk and driver, near Cratlagh Wood while on his way to Milford (a village he owned in its entirety) from his home, Manor Vaughan (usually known as Mulroy House), on Mulroy Bay. Michael Heraghty and brothers Thomas and Bernard McGranahan were arrested. The gun butt had been traced to Heraghty, and paper for the wadding used to load the rifle was traced to a school copybook owned by the McGranahans. The McGranahans were released from Lifford Jail due to a lack of evidence. Heraghty died in Lifford Jail of typhus. The assassins, Nial Shiels of Doughmore, an itinerant tailor, Michael Hergarty of Tullyconnell, and Michael McElwee of Ballyworiskey, were from the remote Fanad Peninsula. His nephew Robert [aged 31] succeeded 3rd Earl Leitrim. Winifred Coke Countess of Leitrim [aged 27] by marriage Countess Leitrim.
On 2nd April 1895 Clarissa Hall [aged 70] died. Her funeral was held at the Grosvenor Chapel, Mayfair on 5th April 1895 attended by her daughters Clarita "Clara" Jerome [aged 44], Jenny Jerome [aged 41] and Leonie Blanche Jerome Lady Leslie [aged 36], her grandsons Winston Churchill [aged 20] and John Strange "Jack" Spencer-Churchill [aged 15] and the Dowager Frances Anne Emily Vane Duchess of Marlborough [aged 72].
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 2nd April 1896 Mary Caroline Stuart-Wortley-Mackenzie Marchioness Drogheda [aged 69] died.
On 2nd April 1912 Alfred Erasmus Dryden 8th and 5th Baronet [aged 90] died. His son Arthur [aged 59] succeeded 9th Baronet Dryden of Ambrosden in Oxfordshire, 6th Baronet Dryden of Canons Ashby in Northamptonshire.
On 2nd April 1925 Michael Culme-Seymour 4th Baronet [aged 57] died. His son Michael [aged 15] succeeded 5th Baronet Seymour of High Mount in Cork and Friery Park in Devon.
On 2nd April 1937 Granville Waldegrave 4th Baron Radstock [aged 77] died unmarried. His brother Montague [aged 69] succeeded 5th Baron Radstock of Castletown in the Queen's County.
On 6th May 1938 Victor Christian William Cavendish 9th Duke Devonshire [aged 69] died at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire [Map]. He was buried at Cavendish Plot, St Peter's Church, Edensor [Map]. His son Edward [aged 43] succeeded 10th Duke Devonshire, 13th Earl Devonshire, 5th Earl Burlington, 13th Baron Cavendish Hardwick. Mary Alice Gascoyne-Cecil Duchess Devonshire [aged 42] by marriage Duchess Devonshire. On 2nd April 1960 Evelyn Emily Mary Petty-Fitzmaurice Duchess Devonshire [aged 67] died. Both the Duke and Duchess were buried in the Cavendish Plot, St Peter's Church, Edensor [Map].
Evelyn Emily Mary Petty-Fitzmaurice Duchess Devonshire: On 27th August 1870 she was born to Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice 5th Marquess Lansdowne. On 30th July 1892 Victor Christian William Cavendish 9th Duke Devonshire and she were married. She by marriage Duchess Devonshire. She the daughter of Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice 5th Marquess Lansdowne. They were fifth cousins.
On 2nd April 1955 John Page Wood 6th Baronet [aged 57] died. His son John [aged 33] succeeded 7th Baronet Wood of Hatherley House in Gloucestershire.
On 2nd April 1963 Charles Robert Grey 5th Earl Grey [aged 83] died. His second cousin twice removed Richard [aged 24] succeeded 6th Earl Grey, 6th Viscount Grey of Howick in Northumberland, 6th Baron Grey of Howick in Northumberland, 7th Baronet Grey of Howick in Northumberland.
On 2nd April 1998 Jane Faith de Yarburgh-Bateson Baroness-Stourton, Segrave and Mowbray [aged 65] died.
On 2nd April 1999 Howard Cæsar Hawkins 8th Baronet [aged 42] died. His brother Richard [aged 40] succeeded 9th Baronet Hawkins of Kelston in Somerset.
On 2nd April 2009 Hugh Amherst Cecil 4th Baron Amherst [aged 68] died. His son Hugh [aged 40] succeeded 5th Baron Amherst of Hackney in London.
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 1 Chapters 1-60 1307-1342
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel offer one of the most vivid and immediate accounts of 14th-century Europe, written by a knight who lived through the events he describes, and experienced some of them first hand. Covering the early decades of the Hundred Years’ War, this remarkable chronicle follows the campaigns of Edward III of England, the politics of France and the Low Countries, and the shifting alliances that shaped medieval warfare. Unlike later historians, Jean le Bel writes with a strong sense of eyewitness authenticity, drawing on personal experience and the testimony of fellow soldiers. His narrative captures not only battles and sieges, but also the realities of military life, diplomacy, and the ideals of chivalry that governed noble society. A key source for Jean Froissart, Le Bel’s chronicle stands on its own as a compelling and insightful work, at once historical record and literary achievement. This translation builds on the 1905 edition published in French by Jules Viard, adding extensive translations from other sources Rymer's Fœdera, the Chronicles of Adam Murimuth, William Nangis, Walter of Guisborough, a Bourgeois of Valenciennes, Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke and Richard Lescot to enrich the original text and Viard's notes.
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On 2nd April 2012 Grania Mary Villiers-Stuart Lady Duff-Gordon [aged 71] died.