08 May is in May.
1460 June Yorkist Landing at Sandwich
1483 Richard III appointed Lord Protector
8th May 1063. The Battle of Graus was part of the reconquest of the Iberian Peninsular by the Spanish from the Arabs.
Ramiro Sánchez I King Aragon [aged 56] was killed in battle. His son Sancho [aged 21] succeeded I King Aragon.
Chronicon ex Chronicis by Florence and John of Worcester. 8th May 1124. Simon, the bishop-elect of Worcester, was conducted into Worcester by the clergy and people in joyful procession on the eighth of the ides [the 8th] of May2, being the day of our Lord's Ascension; and, on the tenth of the calends of June [23rd May], he was ordained priest at Canterbury by William [aged 54] the archbishop.
Note 2. It fell that year on the 7th May.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 8th May 1130. On the fourth day after this was the King Henry [aged 62] in Rochester, when the town was almost consumed by fire; and the Archbishop William [aged 60] consecrated the monastery of St. Andrew, and the aforesaid bishops with him.
On 8th May 1250 King Louis IX of France [aged 36] and his two brothers Alphonse Count Poitiers II Count Toulouse [aged 29] and King Charles Capet of Sicily [aged 23] with 12,000 fellow prisoners were allowed to leave for Acre [Map] after paying a ransom of 400,000 dinars.
On 8th May 1319 King Haakon V [aged 49] died.
Chronicle of Jean le Bel Volume 1. These lords, who had been sent overseas and were so honourably received at Valenciennes, as you have heard, considered among themselves that it would be a great encouragement to the king, in view of what he intended to undertake, if he could obtain the support and aid of the Flemings, who at that time were at odds with the King of France and with their own count. They took counsel with the noble Count of Hainaut, who told them plainly that it would indeed be of great advantage to the king if they could win them over; but he did not see how they could succeed unless they first secured the favour of Jacques d’Artevelde. They replied that they would at once do their utmost in that regard. Soon afterward they departed from Valenciennes and made their way into Flanders. Some went to Bruges1, some to Ypres, and others to Ghent; and wherever they went they spent so lavishly that it seemed money rained down upon them from the clouds, promising this and that to everyone.
Ces seigneurs, qui estoient envoyez par decha la mer et estoient si honnourablement à Valenchiennes, comme vous avez ouy, se penserrent entre eulx que ce seroit grand confort pour le roy, selonc ce qu'il vouloit entreprendre, s'il pouoit avoir le confort et ayde des Flamens qui adoncques estaient mal du roy de France et de leur conte. Si s'en conseillerrent au gentil conte de Haynau, qui leur dist vrayement que ce seroit au roy trés grand confort s'ilz les pouoient avoir; maiz il ne veoit pas bien qu'ilz les peussent acquerir s'ilz n'avoient premierement la grace de Jacquemart d'Artevelle. Lors dirent qu'ilz en feroient tantost leur pouoir. Assez tost aprez ilz se partirent de Valenchiennes et tirerent vers Flandres et en ala partie à Bruges', partie à Ypre et partie à Gand, et tausjours despendoient si largement qu'il sembloit que argent leur plut des nues, et promettoient aux ungs et aux aultres.
Note 1. On 8th May 1338, Edward III wrote to the men of Ghent that he had learned with pleasure of the treaty of friendship they had concluded with him. On the same day, he informed the magistrates of Bruges and Ypres that he greatly desired an alliance to be formed between himself and them and that, if they wished, they might confer on this matter with his ambassadors, who were still in Brabant (Rymer 2.1035).
1. A la date du 8 mai 1338, Édouard III écrivit aux Gantois qu'il avait appris avec plaisir le traité d'amitié qu'ils avaient conclu avec lui. Le même jour, il faisait savoir aux magistrats de Bruges et d'Ypres qu'il désirait vivement qu'une alliance fût conclue entre lui et eux et que, s'ils le voulaient, ils pouvaient s'entendre à ce sujet avec ses ambassadeurs qui étaient encore en Brabant. (Rymer op. cit., t. Il, IIe partie, p. 1035.)
Adam Murimuth Continuation. "To the most serene prince, lord Edward, by the grace of God king of England, their most illustrious and dearly beloved friend: Ambaldus, bishop of Tusculum, and Raymond, deacon of Saint Mary Nova, cardinals of the holy Roman Church, by divine mercy, send greeting in Him through whom kings reign and princes rule. We make known to your royal serenity by the tenor of these presents that, on Tuesday before the feast of the Ascension of the Lord, on the seventh day of the month of May, without any prior negotiation but by divine inspiration alone, the holy father and lord Clement VI, formerly cardinal priest of the title of Saints Nereus and Achilleus, was, with the agreement of the whole college, raised to the summit of the apostolic office. And he, knowing that we are bound to your serenity by close friendship and are special promoters of your royal honour, summoned us to his presence, in the presence of the reverend fathers, the lords Gaillard de la Motte, cardinal of Saint Lucia in Silice, and John of Colonna, cardinal deacon of Saint Angelo, and said to us that we ought to write to your serenity that you should rejoice, and indeed ought to rejoice, at his promotion; for he was born in your duchy and formerly swore to you an oath of fidelity concerning the church of Rouen, and assuredly he has loved you and loves you still, and intends to grant you a good and honourable peace. And therefore he commanded us that we should ask you and persuade you to agree, at least for the present, to a truce, for his sake and honour and that of the Church. Wherefore it seems to us that you should be joyful and sincerely rejoice, because we are certain, and even before his promotion we knew, that he loved you, grieved over your war, and desired that you should obtain a good peace advantageous to you; for moreover, in the presence of the college of cardinals, he declared this his will and resolved to write to you on these matters with the counsel of the cardinals. Furthermore, according to the times now running and the dispositions prevailing, we believe that your serenity could not at present have anyone better disposed, and less inclined to act partially. We also advise, and it seems wholly expedient to us, that you should immediately send envoys to the lord pope himself, with letters of joy and gladness, to congratulate him and to commend to him yourself, your kingdom, and your cause, and to arrange for a truce under hope of peace. Nor does it seem to us that you ought to fail him in his first requests, but rather wholly to comply with his wishes. And we intend to assist your envoys with counsel, aid, and suitable favour. And do not delay, through the bearers of these presents, our couriers specially sent for this purpose, to write back to the said lord pope and to us; for the lord pope has determined to be crowned on the coming feast of Pentecost, on the twelfth day of the said month of May. May your serenity prosper for many years, as we desire. Given at Avignon, under our seal, on the eighth day of May [1342]."
"Serenissimo principi domino Edwardo, Dei gratin regi Angliæ, illustri amico eorum carissimo, miseratione divina Ambaldus, episcopus Tuscolanus, et Raymundus, sanctæ Mariæ Novæ diaconus, sanctæ Romanæ ecclesiæ cardinales, salutem in Eo per quem reges regnant et principes dominantur. Ad regiæ serenitatis notitiam tenore præsentium deducimus quod, die Martis ante festum Ascensionis Dominicæ, VIJ die mensis Maii, nullo præcedente tractatu, sed sola inepiratione divina, sanctus pater et dominus Clemens sextus, dudum tituli sanctorum Nerrei et Achillei presbyter sanctæ Romanæ ecclesiæ cardinalis, de concordia totius collegii fuit ad apicem totius apostolatus assamptus. Qui, sciens nos vestræ serenitati stricta amicitia fore conjunctos et speciales honoris regii zelatores, nos ad se vocavit in præsentia reverendoram patram dominorum Dei gratia Gailardi de Mota, seanctæ Luciæ in Silice, et Johannis de Columpna, sancti Angeli, diaconoram cardinalium, nobisque dixit quod vestræ serenitati scribere deberemus quod gaudeatis et gaudere deketis de ejus promotione, quia de vestro ducatu natus fuit et vobis juramentum alias fidelitatis fecit pro ecclesia Rothomagensi, et pro certo vos dilexit et diligit e bonam ac honorabilem pacem vobis dare disponit. Et ideo nobis mandavit quod vos rogaremus vosque induceremus quod ad treugas ad minus pro nunc condescenderetis, propter umorem et honorem suum et ecclesiæ. Quare nobis videtur quod habeatis lætum et sincere gaudere quia pro certo percipimus, et ante ejus promotionem percipiebamus, quod ipse vos diligebat et de guerra vestra dolebat et pacem bonam vos habituros et vobis proficuam desiderabat; quia, insuper, in præsentia collegii dominorum cardinaliam suam voluntatem prædictam declaravit, et se scripturum vobis super prædictis de consilio dominoruam cardinalium determinavit. Insuper, secundum tempora quæ currebant et dispositiones quæ eminebant, credimus vestram serenitatem non potuisse pro nunc meliorem habere et minus intendentem ad actus partiales faciendos. Consulimus etiam, et nobis penitus videtur expedire, quod statim ad ipsum dominum papam nuncios destinetis cum literis gaudii et lætitiæ, ad congaudendum sibi et vos eidem et regnum vestrum et justitiam vestram recommendandum et de treuga ordinandum sub spe pacis. Nec videtur nobis quod in primis suis requisitionibus sibi deficere debeatis, sed omnino votis suis condescendere Quibus nunciis vestris nos assistere disponimus consilio et auxilio ac favoribus opportunis. Nec tardetis per præsentium portitores, cursores nostros, ad hoc specialiter destinatos, prædicto domino nostro papæ et nobis rescribere, qui dominus papa in festo Pentecostes proximo futuro, xij. die mensis Maii prædicti, coronari disposuit. Valeat vestra serenitas per tempora longiora, sicut valere desideramus. Datæ Avinione, sub sigillo nostro, die VIIJ mensis Maii."
On 8th May 1360 King Edward III of England [aged 47] and King John "The Good" II of France [aged 41], and their eldest sons Edward "Black Prince" [aged 29] and the future King Charles V of France [aged 21], ratified the Treaty of Brétigny at Calais [Map]. Louis Valois Anjou I Duke Anjou [aged 20] and John Valois 1st Duke Berry [aged 19] were given as hostages.
Philip "Bold" Valois II Duke Burgundy [aged 18] was ransomed. The treaty confirmed lands held by King Edward III of England including Aquitaine.
King John "The Good" II of France was ransomed for three million écus being released after the payment of the first third.
Bishop William of Wykeham [aged 40] was present.
The Treaty was signed on 24th October 1360 at Calais.
On 8th May 1429 the English army left their strongholds of Les Tourelles. They offered battle but the French refused; the English left.
On 8th May 1429 William Moleyns [aged 23] died at the Siege of Orléans.
On 8th May 1460 Frederick Hohenzollern I Margrave Brandenburg-Ansbach was born to Albert "Achilles" Elector Brandenburg [aged 45]. He married 14th February 1479 his second cousin twice removed Sophia Jagiellon Margravine of Brandenburg-Ansbach and had issue.
Patent Rolls. Membrane 17d. 8th May 1460. Commission to Thomas Kiriell [aged 64], knight, John Cheyne, knight, Thomas Westminster. Broun, knight, John Fogge, Robert Home and William Hexstall, to take near Sandwich, Kent [Map] the muster of all men at arms and archers ordered to go with Henry, duke of Exeter [aged 29], on the safe-keeping of the sea to resist the king's rebels and enemies, and to certify the king thereof in Chancery.
Patent Rolls. 8th May 1461. York [Map]. Commission to John Haryngton [aged 47], esquire, John Kyrton, Thomas Banke and William Boleyn to arrest Thomas CLaymond, esquire, Robert Heryng, 'sowter' and John Hedale, carpenter, and bring them before the king [aged 19] in Chancery.
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.
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Patent Rolls. 8th May 1461. York [Map]. Grant for life to William Herbert [aged 38], knight, of the offices of office of chief justice and chamberlain of South Wales, steward of the commontes in the counties of Caermarthen and Cardigan, and chief forester in those counties (Carmarthenshire,Cardiganshire).
Before 8th May 1483 King Richard III of England [aged 30] was appointed Lord Protector.
On 8th May 1491 Prince Arthur Tudor [aged 4] was appointed 240th Knight of the Garter by King Henry VII of England and Ireland [aged 34]. at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle [Map].
On 8th May 1508 Charles Wriothesley was born to Thomas Wriothesley [aged 20].
On 8th May 1513 Charles Bourbon Duke Vendôme [aged 23] and Françoise Valois Countess Vendôme [aged 23] were married. She by marriage Countess Vendôme. She the daughter of Rene Valois Duke Alençon and Margaret Lorraine Duchess Alençon [aged 50]. He the son of Francis Bourbon Count Vendôme and Soissons and Marie Luxemburg Countess Vendôme and Soissons. They were half third cousin once removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England.
Ellis' Letters. Ande fyrste as towchyng the small determynacion and concludyng of the matter of devorse betwene my Lady Kateren and the Kyngs Grace, whiche said matter after the Convocacion in that behalf hadde determyned and aggreed accordyng to the former consent of the Vniversites, yt was thowght convenient by the Kyng and his lernyd Councell that I shuld repayre unto Dunstable, which ys within iiij. myles vnto Amptell [Map], where the said Lady Kateren [aged 47] kepeth her howse, and there to call her before me, to here the fynall Sentance in this said mateir. Notwithstandyng she would not att all obey therunto, for whan she was by doctour Lee cited to appear by a daye, she utterly refused the same, sayinge that inasmoche as her cause was before the Pope she would have none other judge; and therfore woulde not take me for her judge.
Nevertheless the viij th daye of Maye [8th May 1533], accordyng to the said appoyntment, I came vnto Dunstable, my Lorde of Lyncoln [aged 60] beyng assistante vnto me, and my Lorde of Wyncehester [aged 50], Doctour Bell, Doctour Claybroke, Doctour Trygonnel, Doctour Hewis, Doctour Olyver, Doctour Brytten, Mr. Bedell, with diuerse other lernyd in the Lawe beyng councellours in the Lawe for the King's parte: and soo there at our commyng kepte a Courte for the apperance of the said Lady Kateren, where were examyned certeyn witnes whiche testified that she was lawfully cited and called to appere, whome for fawte of apperance was declared contumax; procedyng in the said cause agaynste her in pænam contumaciam as the processe of the Lawe thereunto belongeth; whiche contynewed xv. dayes after our cummyng thither. And the morow after Assension daye I gave finall Sentance therin, howe that it was indispensable for the Pope to lycense any suche marieges.
On 8th May 1559 the Second Act of Supremacy received Royal assent. The act re-instated Elizabeth, and her heirs, as Supreme Head of the Church of England. The act revived ten acts formerly revoked by Queen Mary I.
After 8th May 1566. St Mary's Church, Fawsley [Map]. Elizabethan Period monument to Valentine Knightley [deceased] and Anne Ferrers.
Valentine Knightley: In 1495 he was born to Richard Knightley. Before 1566 Valentine Knightley and Anne Ferrers were married. On 8th May 1566 Valentine Knightley died
Anne Ferrers: In 1495 she was born to Edward Ferrers. On 12th December 1554 Anne Ferrers died.
On 8th May 1584 Dorothea Marie Wettin was born to Friedrich Wilhelm Wettin I Duke Saxe Weimar [aged 22] and Sophie of Württemberg Duchess of Saxe-Weimar [aged 20] at Weimar. She died aged two in 1586.
On 8th May 1587 Victor Amadeus I Duke of Savoy was born to Charles Emmanuel Savoy I Duke Savoy [aged 25] and Catherine Habsburg Spain Duchess Savoy [aged 19]. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.67%. He married 1619 his third cousin Christine Marie Bourbon Duchess Savoy and had issue.
On 8th May 1648 the Battle of St Fagans was fought near St Fagans, Glamorganshire. A detachment from the veteran Parliamentarian New Model Army defeated a Royalist force primarily composed of mutinous former Parliamentarian soldiers, and ill-equipped levies. Their defeat ended significant Royalist resistance in Wales.
John Evelyn's Diary. 8th May 1654. I went to Hackney, to see Lady Brook's garden, which was one of the neatest and most celebrated in England, the house well furnished, but a despicable building. Returning, visited one Mr. Tomb's garden; it has large and noble walks, some modern statues, a vineyard, planted in strawberry borders, staked at ten feet distances, the banqueting-house of cedar, where the couch and seats were carved à l'antique; some good pictures in the house, especially one of Vandyke's, being a man in his shirt; also some of Stenwyck. I also called at Mr. Ducie's, who has indeed a rare collection of the best masters, and one of the largest stories of H. Holbein. I also saw Sir Thomas Fowler's aviary, which is a poor business.
John Evelyn's Diary. 8th May 1656. I went to visit Dr. Wilkins [aged 42], at Whitehall [Map], when I first met with Sir P. Neal [aged 43], famous for his optic glasses. Greatorix, the mathematical instrument maker, showed me his excellent invention to quench fire.
On 8th May 1660 King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland [aged 29] received a letter inviting him to return to England and become King at Breda [Map].
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th May 1660. All the morning busy. After dinner come several persons of honour, as my Lord St. John [aged 61] and others, for convoy to Flushing [Map], and great giving of them salutes. My Lord and we at nine-pins: I lost 9s. While we were at play Mr. Cook brings me word of my wife. He went to Huntsmore to see her, and brought her and my father Bowyer to London, where he left her at my father's [aged 59], very well, and speaks very well of her love to me. My letters to-day tell me how it was intended that the King should be proclaimed to-day in London, with a great deal of pomp. I had also news who they are that are chosen of the Lords and Commons to attend the King. And also the whole story of what we did the other day in the fleet, at reading of the King's [aged 29] declaration, and my name at the bottom of it. After supper some musique and to bed. I resolving to rise betimes to-morrow to write letters to London.
John Evelyn's Diary. 8th May 1660. This day was his Majesty [aged 29] proclaimed in London, etc.
On 8th May 1661 King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland [aged 30] summoned his second Parliament.
John Bennet 1st Baron Ossulston [aged 44] was elected MP Wallingford.
James Thynne [aged 56] was elected MP Wiltshire.
Adam Browne 2nd Baronet [aged 35] was elected MP Surrey.
Henry Cavendish 2nd Duke Newcastle upon Tyne [aged 30] was elected MP Northumberland.
William Compton [aged 36] was elected MP Cambridge.
Thomas Coventry 1st Earl Coventry [aged 32] was elected MP Camelford.
Charles Berkeley 2nd Viscount Fitzhardinge [aged 61] was elected MP Bath and Heytesbury.
Edward Hungerford [aged 28] was elected MP Chippenham.
Robert Pierrepont [aged 24] was elected MP Nottingham.
John Melbury Sampford Strangeways [aged 75] was elected MP Weymouth.
Giles Strangeways [aged 45] was elected MP Dorset.
John Strangeways [aged 24] was elected MP Bridport.
William Wyndham 1st Baronet [aged 29] was elected MP Taunton.
James Herbert [aged 38] was elected MP Queenborough.
William Alington 1st and 3rd Baron Alington [aged 21] was elected MP Cambridge.
William Bowes of Streatlam [aged 4] was elected MP Durham.
Robert Brooke [aged 24] was elected MP Aldeburgh.
Josiah Child [aged 30] was elected MP Dartmouth.
Gervase Clifton 1st Baronet [aged 73] was elected MP Nottinghamshire.
Thomas Crew 2nd Baron Crew [aged 37] was elected MP Brackley.
Richard Jennings [aged 42] was elected MP St Albans.
Robert Kemp 2nd Baronet [aged 33] was elected MP Norfolk.
Edward Phelips [aged 48] was elected MP Somerset.
Robert Robartes [aged 27] was elected MP Bossiney.
Hender Robartes [aged 25] was elected MP Bodmin.
Clement Fisher 2nd Baronet [aged 48] was elected MP Coventry.
William Portman 6th Baronet [aged 17] was elected MP Taunton.
John Robinson 1st Baronet [aged 46] was elected MP Rye.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th May 1662. So home and to dinner, and by and by to the office, and after the rest gone (my Lady Albemarle [aged 43] being this day at dinner at Sir W. Batten's [aged 61]) Sir G. Carteret [aged 52] comes, and he and I walked in the garden, and, among other discourse, tells me that it is Mr. Coventry [aged 34] that is to come to us as a Commissioner of the Navy; at which he is much vexed, and cries out upon Sir W. Pen [aged 41], and threatens him highly.
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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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th May 1662. And looking upon his lodgings, which are now enlarging, he in passion cried, "Guarda mi spada; for, by God, I may chance to keep him in Ireland, when he is there:" for Sir W. Pen [aged 41] is going thither with my Lord Lieutenant [aged 51]. But it is my design to keep much in with Sir George [aged 52]; and I think I have begun very well towards it. So to the office, and was there late doing business, and so with my head full of business I to bed.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th May 1663. Up very early and to my office, there preparing letters to my father of great import in the settling of our affairs, and putting him upon a way [of] good husbandry, I promising to make out of my own purse him up to £50 per annum, till either by my uncle Thomas's death or the fall of the Wardrobe place he be otherwise provided. That done I by water to the Strand, and there viewed the Queen-Mother's [aged 53] works at Somersett House [Map], and thence to the new playhouse, but could not get in to see it.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th May 1665. Thence with Sir W. Batten [aged 64] to the Duke of Albemarle's [aged 56] and there did much business, and then to the 'Change [Map], and thence off with Sir W. Warren to an ordinary, where we dined and sat talking of most usefull discourse till 5 in the afternoon, and then home, and very busy till late, and so home and to bed.
John Evelyn's Diary. 8th May 1666. To Queensborough [Map], where finding the Richmond frigate, I sailed to the buoy of the Nore to my Lord-General [aged 57] and Prince Rupert [aged 46], where was the Rendezvous of the most glorious fleet in the world, now preparing to meet the Hollander.
John Evelyn's Diary. 8th May 1667. Made up accounts with our Receiver, which amounted to £33,936 1s. 4d. Dined at Lord Cornbury's [aged 5], with Don Francisco de Melos, Portugal Ambassador, and kindred to the Queen [aged 28]: Of the party were Mr. Henry Jermyn [aged 62] and Sir Henry Capel [aged 29]. Afterward I went to Arundel House [Map], to salute Mr. Howard's sons, newly returned out of France.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th May 1667. Thence with Sir H. Cholmly [aged 34] to find out Creed from one lodging to another, which he hath changed so often that there is no finding him, but at last do come to his lodging that he is entering into this day, and do find his goods unlading at the door, by Scotland Yard, and there I set down Sir H. Cholmly, and I away to the 'Change [Map], where spoke about several things, and then going home did meet Mr. Andrews [aged 35] our neighbour, and did speak with him to enquire about the ground behind our house, of which I have a mind to buy enough to make a stable and coach-house; for I do see that my condition do require it, as well as that it is more charge to my purse to live as I do than to keep one, and therefore I am resolved before winter to have one, unless some extraordinary thing happens to hinder me. He promises me to look after it for me, and so I home to dinner, where I find my wife's flageolette master, and I am so pleased with her proceeding, though she hath lost time by not practising, that I am resolved for the encouragement of the man to learn myself a little for a month or so, for I do foresee if God send my wife and I to live, she will become very good company for me. He gone, comes Lovett with my little print of my dear Baroness Castlemayne [aged 26] varnished, and the frame prettily done like gold, which pleases me well. He dined with me, but by his discourse I do still see that he is a man of good wit but most strange experience, and acquaintance with all manner of subtleties and tricks, that I do think him not fit for me to keep any acquaintance with him, lest he some time or other shew me a slippery trick.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th May 1667. Up pretty betimes and out of doors, and in Fen Church street [Map] met Mr. Lovett going with a picture to me, but I could not stand to discourse or see it, but on to the next Hackney coach and so to Sir W. Coventry [aged 39], where he and I alone a while discoursing of some businesses of the office, and then up to the Duke of York [aged 33] to his chamber with my fellow brethren who are come, and so did our usual weekly business, which was but little to-day, and I was glad that the business of Carcasse was not mentioned because our report was not ready, but I am resolved it shall against the next coming to the Duke of York. Here was discourse about a way of paying our old creditors which did please me, there being hopes of getting them comprehended within the 11 months Tax, and this did give occasion for Sir G. Carteret's [aged 57] and my going to Sir Robert Long [aged 67] to discourse it, who do agree that now the King's Council do say that they may be included in the Act, which do make me very glad, not so much for the sake of the poor men as for the King [aged 36], for it would have been a ruin to him and his service not to have had a way to have paid the debt. There parted with Sir G. Carteret and into Westminster Hall [Map], where I met with Sir H. Cholmly [aged 34], and he and I to Sir Ph. Warwicke's [aged 57] to speak a little about our Tangier business, but to little purpose, my Lord Treasurer [aged 60] being so ill that no business can be done.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th May 1668. After dinner my Lord and I together. He tells me he hears that there are great disputes like to be at Court, between the factions of the two women, my Baroness Castlemayne [aged 27] and Mrs. Stewart [aged 20], who is now well again, and the King [aged 37] hath made several public visits to her, and like to come to Court: the other is to go to Barkeshire-house, which is taken for her, and they say a Privy-Seal is passed for £5000 for it. He believes all will come to ruin.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th May 1669. By and by also comes Browne, the mathematical instrument maker, and brings me home my instrument for perspective, made according to the description of Dr. Wren's [aged 45], in the late Transactions; and he hath made it, I think, very well, and that, that I believe will do the thing, and therein gives me great content; but have I fear all the content that must be received by my eyes is almost lost.
On 8th May 1670 Charles Beauclerk 1st Duke St Albans was born illegitimately to King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland [aged 39] and Nell Gwyn [aged 20].
Annals of the six Kings of England by Nicholas Trivet
Translation of the Annals of the Six Kings of England by that traces the rise and rule of the Angevin aka Plantagenet dynasty from the mid-12th to early 14th century. Written by the Dominican scholar Nicholas Trivet, the work offers a vivid account of English history from the reign of King Stephen through to the death of King Edward I, blending political narrative with moral reflection. Covering the reigns of six monarchs—from Stephen to Edward I—the chronicle explores royal authority, rebellion, war, and the shifting balance between crown, church, and nobility. Trivet provides detailed insight into defining moments such as baronial conflicts, Anglo-French rivalry, and the consolidation of royal power under Edward I, whose reign he describes with particular immediacy. The Annals combines careful year-by-year reporting with thoughtful interpretation, presenting history not merely as a sequence of events but as a moral and political lesson. Ideal for readers interested in medieval history, kingship, and the origins of the English state, this chronicle remains a valuable and accessible window into the turbulent world of the Plantagenet kings.
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On 8th May 1674 Bartholomew Beale committed suicide by "throwing himself downe in his frantick fitt" from the upper window of this house.
John Evelyn's Diary. 8th May 1688. His Majesty [aged 54], alarmed by the great fleet of the Dutch (while we had a very inconsiderable one), went down to Chatham, Kent [Map]; their fleet was well prepared, and out, before we were in any readiness, or had any considerable number to have encountered them, had there been occasion, to the great reproach of the nation; while being in profound peace, there was a mighty land army, which there was no need of, and no force at sea, where only was the apprehension; but the army was doubtless kept and increased, in order to bring in and countenance Popery, the King beginning to discover his intention, by many instances pursued by the Jesuits, against his first resolution to alter nothing in the Church Establishment, so that it appeared there can be no reliance on Popish promises.
On 8th May 1703 Stillborn Saxe Coburg Altenburg was born to Frederick Saxe Coburg Altenburg II Duke Saxe Gotha Altenburg [aged 26] and Magdalena Augusta Anhalt-Zerbst Duchess Saxe Gotha Altenburg at Gotha.
On 8th May 1704 John Cordell 3rd Baronet [aged 26] died from a fall from a horse without issue. Baronet Cordell of Long Melford extinct.
On 8th May 1716 John Stratford 1st Earl Aldborough [aged 17] educated at Trinity College, Dublin.
On 8th May 1720 William Cavendish 4th Duke Devonshire was born to William Cavendish 3rd Duke Devonshire [aged 21] and Catherine Hoskins Duchess Devonshire [aged 21]. He married before 1748 his fourth cousin once removed Charlotte Elizabeth Boyle Marchioness Hartington, daughter of Richard Boyle 3rd Earl Burlington and Dorothy Savile Countess Burlington, and had issue.
On 8th May 1735 Nathaniel Dance-Holland was born.
On 8th May 1736 Frederick Louis Hanover Prince of Wales [aged 29] and Augusta Saxe Coburg Altenburg [aged 16] were married. She the daughter of Frederick Saxe Coburg Altenburg II Duke Saxe Gotha Altenburg and Magdalena Augusta Anhalt-Zerbst Duchess Saxe Gotha Altenburg. He the son of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland [aged 52] and Caroline Hohenzollern Queen Consort England [aged 53]. They were half fourth cousin once removed.
On 8th May 1740 Frederick Hesse-Kassel [aged 19] and Mary Hanover [aged 17] were married. She the daughter of King George II [aged 56]. She the daughter of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland and Caroline Hohenzollern Queen Consort England. He the son of William Hesse-Kassel [aged 58]. They were fourth cousins.
On 8th May 1747 Robert Spencer was born to Charles Spencer 3rd Duke of Marlborough [aged 40] and Elizabeth Trevor Duchess of Marlborough [aged 34].
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.'
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On 8th May 1757 Georgiana Fitzroy was born to Augustus Henry Fitzroy 3rd Duke Grafton [aged 21] and Anne Liddell Duchess Grafton [aged 20]. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. She married 4th June 1778 John Smyth and had issue.
On 8th May 1773 Frederick Beauclerk was born to Aubrey Beauclerk 5th Duke St Albans [aged 32] and Catherine Ponsonby Duchess St Albans [aged 30]. He a great x 2 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.
On 8th May 1777 Catherine Hoskins Duchess Devonshire [aged 78] died at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire [Map].
Archaeologia Volume 9 Section XVII. Discoveries in opening a Tumulus [Garratts Piece Barrow [Map]] in Derbyshire. In a Letter from the Rev. Mr. Pegge [aged 83] to the Rev. John Brand, Secretary. Read May 8, 1788.
On 8th May 1790 George Russell was born to John Russell 6th Duke Bedford [aged 23] and Georgiana Elizabeth Byng [aged 22]. He a great x 3 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. He married before 16th October 1819 Elizabeth Anne Rawdon and had issue.
On 8th May 1798 John Opie [aged 36] and Amelia Alderson [aged 28] were married at St Marylebone Church.
Dictionary of National Biography: Meanwhile he had married again, and this time his choice was very fortunate. It was at an evening party at Norwich that he first met Amelia Alderson, the daughter of a doctor of that town, and cousin of Baron Alderson [aged 10]. He fell in love at first sight. They were married at Marylebone Church on 8 May 1798, and lived till his death at 8 Berners Street, whither he had moved in 1791. They were thoroughly suited to each other; she appreciated liis genius and character. A grace was afterwards observed in his works, especially his female portraits, which they had lacked before. At first fortune did not seem to favour them, and there was a short period at the end of 1801 and the beginning of 1802 when he was wholly without employment; Mrs. Opie considered these ' three alarming months ' as the severest trial in her married life. Then a ' torrent of business ' came, and never ceased to flow till the day of his death.
On 8th May 1828 Francis Walpole [aged 33] and Elizabeth Knight [aged 30] were married at St George's Church, Hanover Square by Reverend Robert Walpole [aged 47] in the presence of [?] Knight, Frances Knight and Sophia Walpole.
Vestiges of the Antiquities of Derbyshire. The 8th of May, 1844, was opened a barrow called Sliper Lowe [Map], upon Brassington Moor; this tumulus is about twelve yards in diameter, and not more than a foot in height, being probably much reduced by its being frequently tilled; which was made evident by the disturbed and shattered state of some human bones which lay just beneath the turf. On making sections through the mound from the four cardinal points, the remains of three human skeletons were found much disturbed; bones of various descriptions of animals, amongst them the skull of a polecat, same as those previously found at Bole Hill [Map], (July 30, 1843,) and rats' bones, a small fragment of a stone celt, five instruments of flint, and various chippings of the same. On arriving at the centre, a deposit of burnt bones was discovered, from amongst which were taken two arrow-heads, and two other instruments of flint. The surface upon which this interment lay was perceived to be soil, whilst the other parts of the barrow had a level floor of rock; this suggested the idea of a cist being cut in the rock, which on examination proved to be the case, as a circular cist was found to be sunk to the depth of two feet, on the floor of which lay the skeleton of a child, apparently about ten years of age, above this was deposited a drinking-cup of elegant form, and elaborately ornamented, and which when found was still in an upright position, as it had been originally placed. There were no traces of any ornaments having been buried with this juvenile Briton.
On 8th May 1846 Henry Lewis Hobart [aged 72] died. He has a memorial at All Saints' Church, Nocton [Map] sculpted by G P White of London.
Henry Lewis Hobart: In 1774 he was born to George Hobart 3rd Earl Buckinghamshire and Albinia Bertie Countess Buckinghamshire.
On 8th May 1865 Brigadier-General Charles Fitz-Clarence was born to Captain George Fitz-Clarence [aged 29] and Maria Henrietta Scott [aged 24]. He a great grandson of King William IV of the United Kingdom. He married 20th April 1898 his sixth cousin Violet Spencer-Churchill and had issue.
On 8th May 1896 Abel Hold [aged 81] died at Cawthorne, South Yorkshire. He was buried at All Saints Church, Cawthorne [Map].
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.
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All Saints Church, Hough-on-the-Hill [Map]. Memorial to Captain Arthur Fox MC of the 1st Kings Shropshire Light Infantry killed in action 8th May 1917 and to Percy Lord who was killed in action 28 Oct 1918.
On 8th May 1925 Henry John Brinsley Manners 8th Duke Rutland [aged 73] died. His son John [aged 38] succeeded 9th Duke Rutland, 9th Marquess Grandby, 17th Earl of Rutland, 9th Baron Manners of Haddon in Derbyshire, 3rd Baron Roos of Belvoir in Leicestershire. Kathleen Tennant Duchess Rutland [aged 30] by marriage Duchess Rutland.
On 8th May 1926 Edward Dent [aged 70] died. Wall memorial at St Andrew's Church, Bolam [Map].
Edward Dent: On 8th June 1855 he was born to Commander William Dent Hedley aka Dent and Ellen Mary Kerr. Archaeologia Aeliana Series 4 Volume 33 Pagess 134-141. Edward John Dent, who became owner in 1880, made Shortflatt [Map] famous in sporting circles, his record as a breeder and trainer of greyhounds being six winners of the Waterloo Cup in eight years. His son, Lieut.-Colonel W. E. Hedley-Dent, assumed the name of Hedley-Dent in 192632, and he and his wife have created a charming garden, and wide stretches of lawn, with beds of roses and lavender, and fine trees in the background, making a delightful setting for the old Border house, whose history I have told.
After 8th May 1936. Memorial at St Peter's Church, Tawstock [Map] to Philip Bourchier Sherard Wrey 12th Baronet [deceased].
Philip Bourchier Sherard Wrey 12th Baronet: On 28th June 1858 he was born to Henry Bourchier Toke Wrey 10th Baronet and Marianne Sarah Sherard Lady Wrey. On 26th January 1917 Robert Bourchier Sherard Wrey 11th Baronet died. His brother Philip succeeded 12th Baronet Wrey of Trebitch in Cornwall. On 8th May 1936 Philip Bourchier Sherard Wrey 12th Baronet died. His brother Albany succeeded 13th Baronet Wrey of Trebitch in Cornwall.
On 8th May 1939 Basil Brown, the landowner Mrs Edith Pretty, began excavating Mound 1 at Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge with two new helpers, John Jacobs, one of the gardeners, and William Spooner, the gamekeeper. The Mound would eventually reveal an intact ship burial.
On 8th May 1945 Victory in Europe Day was celebrated, marking the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces.
Image of Winston Churchill waving to the crowds in Whitehall (Parliament Street) on 8th May 1945.
On 8th May 1957 James Stewart-Murray 9th Duke of Atholl [aged 77] died unmarried. His fourth cousin Iain [aged 25] succeeded 10th Duke Atholl, 11th Marquess Atholl, 12th Earl Atholl, 13th Earl Tullibardine, 6th Baron Glenlyon of Glenlyon in Perthshire. Baron Strange Knockin abeyant. His fourth cousin once removed Hugh [aged 43] succeeded 9th Baron Percy.
On 8th May 1959 David Manners 11th Duke of Rutland was born to Charles John Robert Manners 10th Duke Rutland [aged 39] and Frances Helen Sweeny Duchess of Rutland [aged 22]. He married 1992 Emma Watkins Duchess Rutland and had issue.
On 8th May 1959 Natalia Phillips Duchess of Westminster was born to Harold Philips [aged 49] and Georgina Wernher [aged 39]. She married 1978 Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor 6th Duke Westminster, son of Robert George Grosvenor 5th Duke Westminster and Viola Maud Lyttelton Duchess Westminster, and had issue.
On 8th May 1984 the Thames Barrier was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen set off from Festival Pier on her barge, the Royal Nore, passing under bridges bedecked with bunting. Just after 3.30pm, she arrived at Woolwich Reach, to behold "the glittering new structure, resembling a row of drowned Sydney Opera Houses" [The Times]. After a short speech, the Queen pressed the button, and the gates swung slowly into action.
On 8th May 1326 Joan Auvergne Queen Consort France was born to William Auvergne XII Count Auvergne II Count Boulogne [aged 22] and Margaret Évreux Countess Auvergne and Boulogne [aged 19]. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry III of England. She married (1) before 1344 her half second cousin once removed Philip Burgundy I Count Auvergne, son of Odo IV Duke Burgundy and Joan Capet Duchess Burgundy, and had issue (2) 9th February 1350 her half second cousin King John "The Good" II of France.
On 8th May 1427 John "Butcher of England" Tiptoft 1st Earl of Worcester was born to John Tiptoft 1st Baron Tiptoft and Joyce Charleton Baroness Tiptoft [aged 23] at Eversden. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward I of England. He married (1) 1449 his second cousin Cecily Neville Duchess Warwick, daughter of Richard Neville Earl Salisbury and Alice Montagu 5th Countess of Salisbury (2) before 1452 Elizabeth Greyndour Countess of Worcester and had issue (3) after 1452 Elizabeth Hopton Countess of Worcester and had issue.
On 8th May 1460 Frederick Hohenzollern I Margrave Brandenburg-Ansbach was born to Albert "Achilles" Elector Brandenburg [aged 45]. He married 14th February 1479 his second cousin twice removed Sophia Jagiellon Margravine of Brandenburg-Ansbach and had issue.
On 8th May 1508 Charles Wriothesley was born to Thomas Wriothesley [aged 20].
On 8th May 1584 Dorothea Marie Wettin was born to Friedrich Wilhelm Wettin I Duke Saxe Weimar [aged 22] and Sophie of Württemberg Duchess of Saxe-Weimar [aged 20] at Weimar. She died aged two in 1586.
On 8th May 1587 Victor Amadeus I Duke of Savoy was born to Charles Emmanuel Savoy I Duke Savoy [aged 25] and Catherine Habsburg Spain Duchess Savoy [aged 19]. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.67%. He married 1619 his third cousin Christine Marie Bourbon Duchess Savoy and had issue.
On 8th May 1634 Alexander Stuart 5th Earl of Moray was born to James Stewart 4th Earl of Moray [aged 23] and Margaret Home Countess Moray. He married 1658 Emilia Balfour Countess Moray and had issue.
On 8th May 1656 John Mainwaring 2nd Baronet was born to Thomas Mainwaring 1st Baronet [aged 33] and Mary Delves [aged 26]. He married before 7th August 1681 his fourth cousin Elizabeth Whitley and had issue.
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 8th May 1670 Charles Beauclerk 1st Duke St Albans was born illegitimately to King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland [aged 39] and Nell Gwyn [aged 20].
On 8th May 1703 Stillborn Saxe Coburg Altenburg was born to Frederick Saxe Coburg Altenburg II Duke Saxe Gotha Altenburg [aged 26] and Magdalena Augusta Anhalt-Zerbst Duchess Saxe Gotha Altenburg at Gotha.
On 8th May 1707 William Villiers 3rd Earl Jersey was born to William Villiers 2nd Earl Jersey [aged 25]. He married 23rd June 1733 his fourth cousin once removed Anne Egerton Duchess Bedford, daughter of Scroop Egerton 1st Duke Bridgewater and Elizabeth Churchill Countess Bridgewater, and had issue.
On 8th May 1710 Charle Hope-Weir aka Vere was born to Charles Hope 1st Earl Hopetoun [aged 29] and Henrietta Johnstone [aged 27]. He married (1) Helen Dunbar and had issue (2) 26th July 1733 Catherine Weir, daughter of William Weir 2nd Baronet (3) 20th March 1745 Anne Vane, daughter of Henry Vane 1st Earl Darlington and Grace Fitzroy Countess Darlington.
On 8th May 1720 William Cavendish 4th Duke Devonshire was born to William Cavendish 3rd Duke Devonshire [aged 21] and Catherine Hoskins Duchess Devonshire [aged 21]. He married before 1748 his fourth cousin once removed Charlotte Elizabeth Boyle Marchioness Hartington, daughter of Richard Boyle 3rd Earl Burlington and Dorothy Savile Countess Burlington, and had issue.
On 8th May 1735 Nathaniel Dance-Holland was born.
On 8th May 1737 Margaret Georgiana Poyntz Countess Spencer was born to Stephen Poyntz [aged 51] and Anna Maria Mordaunt at St James's Palace [Map]. She married 20th December 1755 John Spencer 1st Earl Spencer, son of John Spencer and Georgiana Caroline Carteret, and had issue.
On 8th May 1745 Sophia Campbell Lady de Clifford was born to Samuel Campbell of Mount Campbell in County Leitrim. She married 29th August 1765 Edward Southwell 20th Baron Clifford.
On 8th May 1747 Robert Spencer was born to Charles Spencer 3rd Duke of Marlborough [aged 40] and Elizabeth Trevor Duchess of Marlborough [aged 34].
On 8th May 1757 Georgiana Fitzroy was born to Augustus Henry Fitzroy 3rd Duke Grafton [aged 21] and Anne Liddell Duchess Grafton [aged 20]. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. She married 4th June 1778 John Smyth and had issue.
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.
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On 8th May 1770 Henry Meux 1st Baronet was born to Richard Meux [aged 36] and Mary Brougham [aged 26]. He married before 28th December 1817 Elizabeth-Mary Smith Lady Meux and had issue.
On 8th May 1773 Frederick Beauclerk was born to Aubrey Beauclerk 5th Duke St Albans [aged 32] and Catherine Ponsonby Duchess St Albans [aged 30]. He a great x 2 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.
On 8th May 1790 George Russell was born to John Russell 6th Duke Bedford [aged 23] and Georgiana Elizabeth Byng [aged 22]. He a great x 3 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. He married before 16th October 1819 Elizabeth Anne Rawdon and had issue.
On 8th May 1796 William Wright aka Lawson 1st Baronet was born to John Wright of Kelvedon [aged 32] and Elizabeth Lawson.
On 8th May 1802 Henry Reynolds-Moreton 2nd Earl Ducie was born to Thomas Reynolds-Moreton 1st Earl Ducie [aged 25] and Frances Herbert Baroness Ducie Tortworth [aged 20]. He married 29th June 1826 Elizabeth Dutton Countess Ducie, daughter of John Dutton 2nd Baron Sherborne, and had issue.
On 8th May 1819 Mary Louisa Lambton Countess Kincardine and Elgin was born to John "Radical Jack" Lambton 1st Earl Durham [aged 27] and Louisa Elizabeth Grey Countess Durham [aged 22]. She married 7th November 1846 James Bruce 12th Earl Kincardine 8th Earl Elgin, son of Thomas Bruce 11th Earl Kincardine 7th Earl Elgin and Mary Nisbet Countess Elgin, and had issue.
On 8th May 1830 Charles George Bingham 4th Earl Lucan was born to George Charles Bingham 3rd Earl Lucan [aged 30] and Anne Brudenell Countess Lucan [aged 20]. He married before 13th December 1860 his fourth cousin once removed Cecilia Catherine Gordon-Lennox Countess Lucan, daughter of Charles Gordon-Lennox 5th Duke Richmond and Caroline Paget Duchess Richmond, and had issue.
On 8th May 1832 Anna Maria Gibbs Baroness Hunsdon was born to Richard Durant [aged 20] and Charlotte Still Dashwood [aged 3]. She married before 29th March 1887 Herbert Gibbs 1st Baron Hunsdon, son of Henry Hucks Gibbs 1st Baron Aldenham and Louisa Anne Adams Baroness Aldenham, and had issue.
On 8th May 1837 Mary Amherst Baroness Egerton was born to William Amherst 2nd Earl Amherst [aged 31] and Gertrude Percy Countess Amherst [aged 22]. She married 15th October 1857 Wilbraham Egerton 1st Earl Egerton, son of Wilbraham Egerton 1st Baron Egerton Tatton and Charlotte Elizabeth Loftus Baroness Egerton Tatton, and had issue.
On 8th May 1865 Brigadier-General Charles Fitz-Clarence was born to Captain George Fitz-Clarence [aged 29] and Maria Henrietta Scott [aged 24]. He a great grandson of King William IV of the United Kingdom. He married 20th April 1898 his sixth cousin Violet Spencer-Churchill and had issue.
On 8th May 1878 John Anderson 1st Baronet was born.
On 8th May 1879 Charles William Reginald Duncombe 2nd Earl Feversham was born to William Reginald Duncombe [aged 26] and Muriel Frances Louisa Chetwynd-Talbot [aged 19]. He married before 2nd November 1906 his fifth cousin once removed Marjorie Blanche Eva Greville Countess Feversham, daughter of Francis Greville 5th Earl Warwick 5th Earl Brooke and Frances Evelyn "Daisy" Maynard Countess Warwick, and had issue.
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.
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On 8th May 1893 Violet Mary de Trafford was born to Humphrey Francis de Trafford 3rd Baronet [aged 30] and Violet Franklin Lady de Trafford. She married 1919 Rupert Oswald Derek Keppel, son of Arnold Keppel 8th Earl Albermarle and Gertrude Egerton Countess Albemarle.
On 8th May 1895 Michael Knatchbull 5th Baron Brabourne was born to Cecil Knatchbull-Hugessen 4th Baron Brabourne [aged 31]. He married 29th January 1919 Doreen Browne Baroness Brabourne and had issue.
On 8th May 1897 Ernest Henry John Miller 10th Baronet was born to Henry Holmes Miller 9th Baronet [aged 30] and Caroline "Corry" Greville Lady Miller [aged 24].
On 8th May 1912 Arthur Guinness was born to Rupert Edward Cecil Lee Guinness 2nd Earl Iveagh [aged 38] and Gwendolen Florence Mary Onslow Countess Iveagh [aged 30].
On 8th May 1935 Lucius Cary 15th Viscount Falkland was born to Lucius Cary 14th Viscount Falkland [aged 30].
On 8th May 1938 John Philip Starkey 3rd Baronet was born to William Randle Starkey 2nd Baronet [aged 38].
On 8th May 1946 John Lister-Kaye 8th Baronet was born to John Christopher Lister Lister-Kaye 7th Baronet [aged 32]. He married 24th June 1972 Sorrel Deidre Bentinck, daughter of Henry Charles Bentinck 11th Earl of Portland.
On 8th May 1959 David Manners 11th Duke of Rutland was born to Charles John Robert Manners 10th Duke Rutland [aged 39] and Frances Helen Sweeny Duchess of Rutland [aged 22]. He married 1992 Emma Watkins Duchess Rutland and had issue.
On 8th May 1959 Natalia Phillips Duchess of Westminster was born to Harold Philips [aged 49] and Georgina Wernher [aged 39]. She married 1978 Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor 6th Duke Westminster, son of Robert George Grosvenor 5th Duke Westminster and Viola Maud Lyttelton Duchess Westminster, and had issue.
On 8th May 1405 Peter Luxemburg I Count Saint Pol [aged 15] and Margherita Baux [aged 11] were married. She the daughter of Francesco Baux 1st Duke Andria [aged 75] and Sueva Orsini [aged 45]. They were sixth cousins. He a great x 4 grandson of King Henry III of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King John of England.
On 8th May 1513 Charles Bourbon Duke Vendôme [aged 23] and Françoise Valois Countess Vendôme [aged 23] were married. She by marriage Countess Vendôme. She the daughter of Rene Valois Duke Alençon and Margaret Lorraine Duchess Alençon [aged 50]. He the son of Francis Bourbon Count Vendôme and Soissons and Marie Luxemburg Countess Vendôme and Soissons. They were half third cousin once removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England.
On 8th May 1630 Christopher Hatton 1st Baron Hatton [aged 24] and Elizabeth Montagu Baroness Hatton [aged 18] were married in Hackney.
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 8th May 1690 Theophilus Hastings 7th Earl Huntingdon [aged 39] and Mary Frances Fowler Countess Huntingdon [aged 26] were married. She by marriage Countess Huntingdon. He the son of Ferdinando Hastings 6th Earl Huntingdon and Lucy Davies Countess Huntingdon.
On 8th May 1708 Thomas Lyttelton 4th Baronet [aged 22] and Christian Temple Lady Lyttelton [aged 29] were married. They were half third cousins.
On 8th May 1736 Frederick Louis Hanover Prince of Wales [aged 29] and Augusta Saxe Coburg Altenburg [aged 16] were married. She the daughter of Frederick Saxe Coburg Altenburg II Duke Saxe Gotha Altenburg and Magdalena Augusta Anhalt-Zerbst Duchess Saxe Gotha Altenburg. He the son of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland [aged 52] and Caroline Hohenzollern Queen Consort England [aged 53]. They were half fourth cousin once removed.
On 8th May 1739 Robert Eden 3rd Baronet [aged 21] and Mary Davison Lady Eden [aged 18] were married at St Mary-le-Bow Church, Cheapside [Map]. She by marriage Lady Eden of West Auckland.
On 8th May 1740 Frederick Hesse-Kassel [aged 19] and Mary Hanover [aged 17] were married. She the daughter of King George II [aged 56]. She the daughter of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland and Caroline Hohenzollern Queen Consort England. He the son of William Hesse-Kassel [aged 58]. They were fourth cousins.
On 8th May 1788 Nicholas Colthurst 3rd Baronet [aged 44] and Harriet la Touche [aged 18] were married. They had three children, Elizabeth, Charlotte and Sir Nicholas Conway Colthurst, 4th Baronet. The difference in their ages was 25 years.
On 8th May 1798 John Opie [aged 36] and Amelia Alderson [aged 28] were married at St Marylebone Church.
Dictionary of National Biography: Meanwhile he had married again, and this time his choice was very fortunate. It was at an evening party at Norwich that he first met Amelia Alderson, the daughter of a doctor of that town, and cousin of Baron Alderson [aged 10]. He fell in love at first sight. They were married at Marylebone Church on 8 May 1798, and lived till his death at 8 Berners Street, whither he had moved in 1791. They were thoroughly suited to each other; she appreciated liis genius and character. A grace was afterwards observed in his works, especially his female portraits, which they had lacked before. At first fortune did not seem to favour them, and there was a short period at the end of 1801 and the beginning of 1802 when he was wholly without employment; Mrs. Opie considered these ' three alarming months ' as the severest trial in her married life. Then a ' torrent of business ' came, and never ceased to flow till the day of his death.
On 24th October 1809 John Margetts Brewer and Sarah Dunn-Gardner Marchioness Townshend were married bigamously at Gretna Green, Dumfrieshire. She was, at the time, married to George Ferrers Townshend 3rd Marquess Townshend [aged 30] although they had separated on 8th May 1808. The couple had a number of children who adopted the surname Townshend until delegitimated in 1843 by a private Act of Parliament and barred from using the surname Townshend.
On 8th May 1810 William Orde-Powlett 2nd Baron Bolton [aged 27] and Maria Carleton Baroness Bolton [aged 32] were married. She by marriage Baroness Bolton of Bolton in Yorkshire.
On 8th May 1822 William Feilding 6th Earl Desmond 7th Earl Denbigh [aged 26] and Mary Elizabeth Kitty Moreton Countess Desmond and Denbigh [aged 23] were married. She by marriage Countess Desmond Countess Denbigh. She the daughter of Thomas Reynolds-Moreton 1st Earl Ducie [aged 45] and Frances Herbert Baroness Ducie Tortworth [aged 40].
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.
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On 8th May 1877 George Robert Charles Herbert 13th Earl Pembroke 10th Earl Montgomery [aged 26] and Gertrude Frances Chetwynd-Talbot Countess Pembroke and Montgomery [aged 37] were married. She by marriage Countess Pembroke, Countess Montgomery. She the daughter of Henry John Chetwynd-Talbot 3rd Earl Talbot 18th Earl of Shrewsbury and Sarah Elizabeth Beresford Countess Talbot Shrewsbury Waterford [aged 69].
On 8th May 1951 Michael Holland-Hibbert 6th Viscount Knutsford [aged 24] and Sheila Constance Portman [aged 23] were married.
On 8th May 1319 King Haakon V [aged 49] died.
On 8th May 1370 Piers Butler 2nd Baron Dunboyne [aged 76] died. His son Thomas [aged 16] succeeded 3rd Baron Dunboyne.
On 8th May 1381 Bishop Thomas of Hatfield [aged 71] died.
On 8th May 1411 William Beauchamp 1st Baron Abergavenny [aged 68] died at Meaux [Map]. He was buried at Tewkesbury Abbey [Map]. His son Richard [aged 15] succeeded 2nd Baron Abergavenny.
On 8th May 1473 John Stafford 1st Earl Wiltshire [aged 45] died. His son Edward [aged 3] succeeded 2nd Earl Wiltshire.
On 8th May 1538 Bishop Edward Fox [aged 42] died. He was buried at St Mary Mounthaw Church, Old Fish Street.
On 8th May 1616 Gilbert Talbot 7th Earl of Shrewsbury [aged 63] died. His daughter Alethea [aged 31] succeeded 13th Baroness Furnivall, 17th Baroness Strange Blackmere, 14th Baroness Talbot. His brother Edward [aged 55] succeeded 8th Earl of Shrewsbury, 8th Earl Waterford.
On 8th May 1632 Elizabeth Spencer Countess Northampton [aged 56] died.
On 8th May 1657 Silvester Browne 2nd Baronet died. His brother Richard succeeded 3rd Baronet Browne of Kishack in the County of Dublin.
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.
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On 8th May 1697 Richard Temple 3rd Baronet [aged 63] died. His son Field [aged 21] succeeded 4th Baronet Temple of Stowe.
On 8th May 1704 John Cordell 3rd Baronet [aged 26] died from a fall from a horse without issue. Baronet Cordell of Long Melford extinct.
On 8th May 1722 Charles William Howard 7th Earl Suffolk [aged 28] died. He was buried at Waldon Priory and Abbey [Map]. His uncle Edward [aged 50] succeeded 8th Earl Suffolk.
On 8th May 1737 George Browne 4th Baronet [aged 52] died. His brother John [aged 51] succeeded 5th Baronet Browne of The Neale in County Mayo.
On 8th May 1777 Catherine Hoskins Duchess Devonshire [aged 78] died at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire [Map].
On 8th May 1778 Teresa Conyers Countess Trauqair died.
On 8th May 1783 Henry Loftus 1st Earl of Ely [aged 73] died without issue. Earl of Ely in Wicklow, Viscount Loftus of Ely and Baron Loftus of Loftus Hall in Wexford extinct. His estates passed to his nephew Charles Tottenham aka Loftus 1st Marquess Ely [aged 45], the son of his sister Elizabeth Loftus, who adopted the surname Loftus.
On 8th May 1786 John Taylor 1st Baronet [aged 41] died. His son Simon succeeded 2nd Baronet Taylor of Lysson Hall in Jamaica.
On 8th May 1804 Hannah Maitland Marchioness Tweddale [aged 54] died.
On 8th May 1818 Frances Elizabeth Burgoyne died.
On 8th May 1825 Bishop John Fisher [aged 77] died at Seymour Street, Portman Square.
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.
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On 8th May 1829 Charles Abbot 1st Baron Colchester [aged 71] died. His son Charles [aged 31] succeeded 2nd Baron Colchester.
On 8th May 1846 Samuel Hood aka Hood-Tibbits 3rd Viscount Hood [aged 38] died. His son Francis [aged 7] succeeded 4th Viscount Hood of Whitley in Warwickshire, 4th Baronet Hood of Catherington.
On 8th May 1857 Thomas Legh [aged 64] died at Milford Lodge, Lymington. His nephew William John Legh 1st Baron Newton [aged 28] inherited his estates including Lyme Hall, Cheshire [Map].
On 8th May 1870 George Cholmondeley 2nd Marquess Cholmondeley [aged 78] died. He was buried at St Oswald's Church, Malpas [Map]. His brother William [aged 70] succeeded 3rd Marquess Cholmondeley, 6th Earl Cholmondeley in Cheshire, 3rd Earl Rocksavage of Cheshire, 7th Viscount Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath, 6th Viscount Malpas in Cheshire, 6th Baron Cholmondeley Nampwich in Cheshire, 5th Baron Newburgh of Newburgh in Anglesey, 5th Baron Newborough of Newborough in County Wexford. Marcia Emma Georgiana Arbuthnot Marchioness Cholmondeley [aged 66] by marriage Marchioness Cholmondeley.
On 8th May 1882 Edwin Hare Dashwood 7th Baronet [aged 56] died. His son Edwin [aged 27] succeeded 8th Baronet Dashwood of West Wycombe in Buckinghamshire.
On 8th May 1893 William Petre 13th Baron Petre [aged 46] died. His brother Bernard [aged 34] succeeded 14th Baron Petre.
On 8th May 1896 Abel Hold [aged 81] died at Cawthorne, South Yorkshire. He was buried at All Saints Church, Cawthorne [Map].
On 8th May 1925 William Henry Fellowes 2nd Baron de Ramsey of Ramsey Abbey [aged 76] died. His grandson Ailwyn [aged 15] succeeded 3rd Baron Ramsey of Ramsey Abbey in Huntingdonshire.
On 8th May 1925 Henry John Brinsley Manners 8th Duke Rutland [aged 73] died. His son John [aged 38] succeeded 9th Duke Rutland, 9th Marquess Grandby, 17th Earl of Rutland, 9th Baron Manners of Haddon in Derbyshire, 3rd Baron Roos of Belvoir in Leicestershire. Kathleen Tennant Duchess Rutland [aged 30] by marriage Duchess Rutland.
On 8th May 1926 Francis Montagu Stuart-Wortley-Mackenzie 2nd Earl of Wharncliffe [aged 69] died. His son Archibald [aged 34] succeeded 3rd Earl Wharncliffe, 5th Baron Wharncliffe of Wortley in Yorkshire.
On 8th May 1929 Edmund Russborough Turton 1st Baronet [aged 71] died. Baronet Turton of Upsall Yorkshire extinct.
On 8th May 1936 Philip Bourchier Sherard Wrey 12th Baronet [aged 77] died. His brother Albany [aged 75] succeeded 13th Baronet Wrey of Trebitch in Cornwall.
On 8th May 1938 Ralph Ormsby-Gore 3rd Baron Harlech [aged 83] died. He was buried at St Mary the Virgin Church, Selattyn [Map]. His son George [aged 53] succeeded 4th Baron Harlech.
Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
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On 8th May 1947 Drummond Cunliffe Smith 4th Baronet [aged 86] died. His second cousin Drummond [aged 70] succeeded 5th Baronet Hamilton-Spencer-Smith of Tring Park in Hertfordshire.
On 8th May 1949 Clare Florence Mary Stapleton Countess Cowley [aged 70] died.
On 8th May 1953 Ethel Caroline Jane Wellesley Lady Cradock-Hartopp died.
On 8th May 1957 James Stewart-Murray 9th Duke of Atholl [aged 77] died unmarried. His fourth cousin Iain [aged 25] succeeded 10th Duke Atholl, 11th Marquess Atholl, 12th Earl Atholl, 13th Earl Tullibardine, 6th Baron Glenlyon of Glenlyon in Perthshire. Baron Strange Knockin abeyant. His fourth cousin once removed Hugh [aged 43] succeeded 9th Baron Percy.
On 8th May 1962 Charles Sackville-West 4th Baron Sackville [aged 91] died. His son Edward [aged 60] succeeded 5th Baron Sackville of Knole in Kent.
On 8th May 1969 Almina Wombwell Countess Carnarvon [aged 93] died.
On 8th May 2014 James Thomas Douglas-Home 28th Baron Dacre 27th Baron Multon [aged 61] died. His daughter Emily [aged 31] succeeded 29th Baroness Dacre Gilsland, 28th Baroness Multon of Gilsland.
On 8th May 2021 Robert Walpole 10th and 8th Baron Walpole [aged 82] died. His son Jonathan [aged 53] succeeded 9th Baron Walpole of Wollerton.