15 Jul is in July.
1381 Battle of Revel aka Montégut-Lauragais
1464 July 1464 Sieges of Lancastrian Castles
Chronicum Anglicanum by Ralph Coggeshall. 1099, on the Ides of July, [15th July], a Friday, Jerusalem was captured by the Christians, and Duke Godfrey was elected as ruler by the entire army. Pope Urban passed away.
MXCIX. Idus Julii feria sexta, Jerusalem a Christianis capta est, et dux Godefridus ab omni exercitu in regem est electus. Obit Urbanus papa.
The Ecclesiastical History of England and Normandy by Orderic Vitalis. [15th July 1102] At the same time, several distinguished barons in Normandy, namely, Walter Giffard, William de Breteuil, and Ralph de Conches, departed this life, and were succeeded by young men. Walter Giffard, earl of Buckingham, died in England, and his body was brought over to Normandy, as he had ordered, and buried at the entrance of the church of the blessed Virgin Mary, at Longueville1. His epitaph was inscribed on the wall, which was ornamented with pictures:
Among his sires, the lords of Longueville,
His bones to rest was WALTER GIFFARD'S will;
Borne hither from fair England's shores to lie
In his own work, St. Mary's priory.
The generous knight, his country's faithful son,
Gave to religion what his valour won;
And Cluni's grateful monks rejoice to raise
This pictured tablet to their founder's praise.
Note 1. Longueville-la-Giffard, near Dieppe. Walter Giffard, the second of that name, died July 15, 1102. He founded in 1084 the priory of Sainte-Foi at Longueville. It was this lord who was with the army of William Rufus when he invaded the Vexin in 1097, and not his father, Walter L, as wo stated in mistake, The latter died before 1084.
Close Rolls Henry III. 15th July 1228. Concerning a writ for the purchase of wimples. — The king to the sheriffs of London, greetings. We command you that two pairs of silk wimples be bought and delivered to Rembald, the messenger of Ralph de Willington, constable of Bristol, to be carried to Bristol for the use of Alienore [aged 44], our kinswoman. And the cost, etc., shall be accounted for, etc. Witness the king at Westminster, on the 15th day of July, in the twelfth year of our reign.
Contrabreve de wymplis emptis. — Rex vicecomitibus Lond' salutem. Precipimus vobis quod duo paria winplamm de serico emi et liberari faciatis Rembaldo nuncio Radulfi de Wjlinton' constabularii Bristoll' deferenda usque Bristoll' ad opus Alienore cognate nostre. Et custum etc. computabitur etc. Teste rege apud Westmonasteriuihy, xv die Julii, anno regni nostri xijo.
On 15th July 1291 Rudolph I King Romans [aged 73] died at Speyer. He was buried at Speyer Cathedral. His son Albert [aged 36] succeeded I Duke Austria.
On 15th July 1299 Eric II King Norway [aged 31] died. His brother Haakon [aged 29] succeeded V King Norway. Euphemia of Rügen Queen Norway [aged 19] by marriage Queen Norway.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough. In this year, the king of England, with the queen, and the earls of Derby, Northampton, and Salisbury, together with a great company of knights, on the Ides of July [15th July 1338] embarked1 at Orwell to go against the king of France; and, having crossed the sea successfully, he remained for a time at Antwerp, and, having held counsel near Cologne with Louis of Bavaria, then occupying the kingdom of Germany, he was made his vicar over the whole empire on this side of Cologne, and acted in his place in all matters concerning the empire.
Hoc anno rex Angliæ cum regina et comitibus de Derby, Northampton, et Sarum ac militia copiosa idibus Julii apud Orewelle in mare se posuit contra regem Franciæ; transitoque prospere mare, apud Antwerpe moram traxit, habitoque juxta Coloniam cum Ludovico de Bavaria, regnum Almanniæ tunc occupante, consilio, de toto imperio citra Coloniam ejus vicarius factus est, et omnibus imperium tangentibus vicem ejus gerens.
Note 1. The King embarked at Orwell on Sunday, the 12th of July, but the fleet did not weigh anchor until Thursday, the 16th, between one and two o'clock. Rot. Claus. 12 Edward III p. 2, m. 22, d.; Rymer, Fœdera, 2.1050.
Patent Rolls. 15th July 1380. Westminster. Licence for the king's kinswoman, Margaret Mareschall, countess of Norfolk, about to pass to divers manors for sport (pro deductu suo), and her servants, to carry arms and weapons for defence should the king's enemies invade the same.
On 15th July 1381 John Ball [aged 43] was hanged, drawn and quartered in St Albans, Hertfordshire [Map] in the presence of King Richard II of England [aged 14].
Froissart Book 10: 1380-1382. [222] [Before 15th July 1381] John Ball [aged 43] and Jack Straw were discovered hiding in a shabby house, trying to escape, but they could not—for they were betrayed by their own followers. Their capture brought great joy to the King and his lords, and their heads were cut off, along with Wat Tyler's. These heads were placed on display on London Bridge, replacing the heads of the valiant men the rebels had beheaded on Thursday. News of this spread quickly around London and beyond, especially to the foreign delegations and people from distant regions who had been summoned by the rebels. These now retreated at once to their own places, and did not dare to return.
Jehan Balle et Jaque Strau furent trouvé en une viesse maison repus, qui se quidoient embler, mais il ne peurent, car de leurs gens meïsmes il furent racuset. De leur prisse eurent li rois et li signeur grant joie, car on leur trenca les testes, et de Tieullier ossi; et furent misses sus le pont à Londres, et ostées celles des vaillans hommes que le joedi il avoient decollet. Ces nouvelles s'espardirent tantos environ Londres pour ceux des estragnes contrées qui là venoient et qui mandé de ces mesceans gens estoient. Si se retraïssent tantos en leurs lieux, ne il ne vinrent ne ossèrent venir plus avant.
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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Anonimalle Chronicle. And at that same time in Suffolk, a great number of commons rose up, and they had as their captain a chaplain from Suffolk, Sir John Wrawe [aged 43] by name, bringing with him more than ten thousand people. They robbed many good people, tore down their houses, and set them on fire and in flames. The said Sir John took the gold and silver for his own use. They came to Cambridge and there did great damage by burning houses. Then afterward they went to Bury (St Edmunds), and in the town they found a just judge, Sir John de Cavendish, Chief Justice of the King's Bench. They brought him to the pillory, cut off his head, and placed it upon the pillory. After that, they dragged the prior of the abbey—a good and wise man, and a fine and excellent singer—and another monk with him, out of their house to the pillory, and cut off their heads as well, placing them on poles above the pillory so that all who passed through that street could see them.
[15th July 1381] And the said Sir John, their captain, was later captured as a traitor and brought to London, where he was condemned to death. He was drawn, disembowelled, hanged, and beheaded.
Et mesme celle temps furount levez e Southfolk graundes noumbre des comunes et avoient a lour chevetayne une chaplein en Southfolk, sire Johan Wraw par noune, amenaunt ovesge luy passaunt x mille; et robberont plusours bones gentz et treerount lour mesones a terre et mistrent en feu et en flame et le dit sire Johan prist le avoir dore et dargent a soun oeps demesne; et viendrent a Caumbrigge et illeoges firent graunde male de mesons par arsure, et puis apres alerount a Bury et troveront en la ville une iustice droiturelle, sire Johan de Caundische, chief del bank le roy, et luy amenerount al pilorie et firent couper sa test et metterount sur le dit pilorie; et apres traherount le priour del abbaye, bone homme et sage et bone et excellent chauntour et une autre moigne ovesge luy, hors de lour mesone a le pilorie et couperount lour testes et les mistrent sur stoures amount le pelorie, qe toutz ge passerount par celle estreit les purroient veer;
et sire Johan avauntdit lour cheftayne fuist apres pris come traitour et amene a Loundres et foriuge a la morte et fuist trayne, bowelle, pendu et decole.
Thomas Walsingham [~1422]. This letter John Ball [aged 43] himself confessed to having written and sent to the commons, and he admitted to many other things and actions; because of which, as we have said, he was drawn, hanged, and beheaded at St. Albans on the Ides of July [15th July 1381], in the presence of the King; and his body was quartered and sent to four cities of the kingdom.
Hanc litteram idem Johannes Balle confessns est scripsisse, et communibus transmisisse, et plura alia fatebatur et fecit ; propter quæ, ut diximus, tractus, suspensus, et decollatus, apud Sanctum Albanum Idibus Julii, præsente Rege; et cadaver ejus quadripartitum quatuor regni civitatibus missum est.
Life of Charles VI by a Monk of St Denis. The duke of Berry, however, mindful of his oath, together with the count of Armagnac, whose sister he had married, led great forces of chosen soldiers into Aquitaine around the beginning of June. For three months they ravaged the country like enemies, carrying out everything that enemies usually inflict upon enemies, except for slaughter and arson. The inhabitants, worn down by such hardships, appealed to the count of Foix, earnestly begging him to avenge the injuries done to them by force. He immediately sent the duke of Berry notice of a day for battle and, marching out from Toulouse with a very large force of nobles and common soldiers, reached the battlefield first. When the duke arrived there and had surveyed the enemy's position, he realized that they greatly outnumbered his own men. Because of the disadvantage of the terrain, several brave men advised that the battle should be postponed. But he replied: "May God turn away from the heart of the king's son such a sign of cowardice as to have the enemy nearby and refuse battle! For I swear an oath that I will not withdraw from here." Thus the engagement took place. Once the battle lines had been drawn up, the fight did not last long: the smaller force quickly gave way to the greater, and the count gained the victory. Three hundred of the duke's men were killed, and he himself, spurring his horse, took flightENDNOTE1ENDNOTE. The duke tried several times during that year to redeem this disgrace, now near Toulouse, now near Béziers, sometimes by assaults on castles, sometimes by bloody raids, but always in vain, since the men of Aquitaine were constantly ready to resist. At last, however, the noble count of Foix, moved by compassion for the devastation of the land, decided to prefer the common good to his own advantage. Content that he had honourably defeated the duke, he made a treaty of peace with him, confirmed by oaths, and voluntarily resigned from the government of the countryENDNOTE2ENDNOTE.
Dux vero Biturie, juramenti non immemor, cum comite Armeniaci, cujus sorori nupserat, electorum bellatorum ingentes copias circa principium junii secum in Aquitaniam traxit; que trium mensium spacio per patriam grassando hostiliter sevierunt, quidquid hostis in hostem consuevit exercentes, duntaxat cedibus et incendiis exceptis. Tantis gravaminibus incole attediati, comitem Fuxi adeunt, vallidis precibus requirentes ut dampna illata viribus susciperet vindicanda; qui mox duci Biturie diem belli mutui intimavit, quo eciam, cum cuneo nobilium et ignobilium permaximo exiens de Tholosa anticipavit locum pugne. Illic eciam dux accedens, statu hostium explorato, cum eos comperisset suos longe antecedere numero, et propter iniquitatem loci nonnulli viri strenui ad tempus bellum differre censerent: «Ab animo, inquit, filii regis Deus avertat tante pusillanimitatis signum, ut hostes habeat in vicino et bellum detrectet! Nam jurejurando firmo inde me non recessurum, consulciüs dictum fuit; nam, instructis aciebus, non diu pugna duravit, sed paucitas multitudini cito cessit, sicque comes victoria potitus est, trecentisque ex parte ducis occisis, ipse, equo calcaribus adacto, fuga dilabitur; Quod dedecus anno illo pluries temptavit redimere, nunc prope Tholosam, nunc prope Besiers, nunc oppugnacionibus castrorum, nunc discursibus cruen tis, frustra tamen, Aquitanis semper-ad. resistenciam paratis. Tandem tamen vastacioni patrie nobilis comes Fuxi compaciens, bonum commune utilitati proprie preferre excogitavit, et contentus ducem laudabiliter debellasse, cum eodem. federe pacis inito et sacramentis vallato, a regimine patrie se voluntarie abdicavit.
Note 1. The Monk gives neither the day nor the place of the battle. The Duke of Berry having besieged Revel, in the diocese of Lavaur, the Count of Foix appointed for the Duke of Berry, as the place of combat, the plain which lies around that town, and the battle took place on 15th or 16th July 1381. Histoire générale de Languedoc, vol. IV, p. 378.
1. Le Religieux ne marque ni le jour, ni le lieu du combat. Le due de Berri ayant asiégé Revel, dans le diocèse de Lavaur, le comte de Foix assigna au duc de Berri, pour le combat, la plaine qui est aux environsde cette ville, et la bataille eut lieu le 15 ou le 16 juillet. Hist. gener. de Languedoc, tom. IV, page 378.
Note 2. The Cardinal of Amiens, having intervened by order of Pope Clement to pacify the province, went to Capestang towards the end of December, and finally mediated an agreement between the Duke of Berry and the Count of Foix. Histoire générale de Languedoc, vol. IV, p. 580.
2. Le cardinal d’Amiens s’étant entremis, par ordre du pape Clément, pour pacifier la province, se rendit à Capestang vers la fin du mois de décembre, et moyenna enfin un accord entre le duc de Berri et le comte de Foix. Hist. génér. de Languedoc, tom. IV, p. 580.
On 15th July 1401 Jacqueline Wittelsbach Duchess Brabant and Gloucester was born to William Wittelsbach IV Count Holland VI Count Hainaut V Count Zeeland [aged 36] and Margaret Valois Countess Holland [aged 26]. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward I of England. She married (1) 1415 her second cousin John Valois (2) 1418 her first cousin John Valois IV Duke Brabant, son of Anthony Valois Duke Brabant and Jeanne Luxemburg Duchess Brabant (3) 1423 her third cousin Humphrey Lancaster 1st Duke Gloucester (4) 1434 Frank II Zeeland.
On 15th July 1406 William "The Courteous" Habsburg Duke Austria [aged 36] died at Vienna [Map].
On 15th July 1445 Joan Beaufort Queen Consort Scotland [aged 41] died at Dunbar Castle, Dunbar. She was buried at Perth Charterhouse.
On 15th July 1459 Joachim Valois was born to King Louis XI of France [aged 36] and Queen Charlotte of Savoy [aged 17]. Coefficient of inbreeding 2.69%. He died aged less than one years old.
On 15th July 1464 Ralph Grey of Chillingham [aged 32] was beheaded at Doncaster [Map].
Memoires Jacques du Clercq. On the 15th day of July 1465, the Count of Charolais and all his army, who had departed from the bridge of Saint-Cloud to march toward Étampes and to go meet the Dukes of Berry and of Brittany, who could not pass because of the army of the King of France that was blocking them, arrived at Montlhéry and its surroundings. And the Count of Saint-Pol, who led the vanguard, went as far as Montlhéry and lodged himself and his men in the town of Montlhéry, upon the said mount, without entering the castle; which castle was garrisoned with soldiers placed there by the king, and the count made no assault upon it, nor did those inside make any sign of war. The Count of Charolais, who led the main battle, lodged himself two leagues from the mount, and the Bastard of Burgundy, who led the rear guard, lodged himself two leagues from the count and four leagues from the mount. The Count of Saint-Pol, who was upon the mount, sent out his scouts all around him, some of whom went as far as Chastres, three leagues from the mount, toward Étampes; and when they returned, they reported to the count that the King of France and all his forces were at Chastres and nearby, as was indeed the case. It was about eleven o'clock at night when the Count of Saint-Pol received this news, upon which he left his lodging on the mount and came to lodge below it in the valley, in an open field on the side toward Paris, and sent word of the news to the Count of Charolais, informing him that he should hasten to come, and that the king would give him battle the next day at dawn. The count, being thus informed, hastened greatly to go where the Count of Saint-Pol was, and sent word to the Bastard of Burgundy that he should make haste, which he did; and on the following day, the 16th day of the month of July, about sunrise, the Count of Charolais came to where the Count of Saint-Pol was, and the rear guard, led by the Bastard of Burgundy, came together with them, and there they arranged their battles and drew themselves up in order.
LE XV jour de juillet xivc lxv, le comte de Chrollois et toute son armée qui s'estoit parti du pond St Cloud pour tirer vers Estampes et aller allecontre des ducs de Berry et de Bretaigne, lesquels ne pooient passer pour l'armée du roy de Franche qui les empeschoit, arriverent a Mont-le-Hery et environ; et alla le comte de St Pol, qui menoit l'avangarde jusques le Mont-le-Hery, et se logea lui et ses gens en la ville de Mont-le-Hery, sur ledit Mont sans entrer au chasteau; lequel chastel estoit garny de gens de guerre y commis de par le roy, auquel le comte ne feit quelque assaut, ne ceulx de dedans ne feirent quelque seigne de guerre. Le comte de Chrollois qui menoit la bataille, se logea a deux lieues près du Mont, et le bastard de Bourgogne qui mnoit l'arriere-garde, se logea a deux lieues près du comte, et a quatre lieues du Mont; le comte de St Pol qui estoit sur le Mont, envoya ses escoutes tout envron lui, desquels aulcuns allerent jusques a Chastres, a trois lieues du Mont, tirant vers Estampes; lequels retournés certiffierent au comte que le roy de Franche et toute sa puissance estoit a Chastres et environ, comme il estoit vray. Il estoit environ onze heures en la nuict quant le comte de St Pol oyt ses nouvelles, pour lesquelles il se deslogea du Mont et vint logier au dessous du Mont en la vallée, en une campaigne au lez devers Paris, et feit sçavoir les nouvelles au comte Charollois, lui mandant qu'il se hastat de venir et que le roy lui livreroit bataille le lendemain au poinct du jour. Le comte, de ce adverti, se hasta moult fort d'aller ou le comte de St Pol estoit, et manda au bastard de Bourgogne qu'il se hastat, comme il feit; et le lendemain, xvje jour du mois de juillet, environ soleil levant, le comte Chrollois vint ou le comte de St Pol estoit, et l'arriergarde, que menoit le bastard de Bourgogne, vint avecq eulx, et illecq ordonnerent leurs batailles et se meirent en ordonnances.
Memoires Jacques du Clercq. In the said year 1466, on the 15th day of July, the lord of Rollepot, a knight aged sixty years or more, having gone to a village called Frévent, near Lucheux, where there was a feast, a man, one of six companions of war, quarrelled with the said knight's men, and they began to strike one another. Seeing this, the knight took up a weapon and slew with his own hand the one who had begun the quarrel, and he and his men, who were twelve or fourteen, wounded several others. In the same year, on the last day of June, one named Baudechon Boucquet, called Buffardin, a native of Gouy in Artois, who, being a poor child of humble origin, in his youth served Sir Baude de Noyelle, knight, lord of Noyelle and of the said Gouy, who bore the order of the Duke of Burgundy and was governor of Péronne, so that he made him his receiver, and afterwards married him in the town of Péronne to a young girl of that town, very rich, who was but eleven or twelve years old when he took her, and he became receiver of Péronne, and was by that time very rich, about forty years of age. This Buffardin, returning the day before from a wedding at Noyon, with his wife, sent her, accompanied by two of his brothers, to lodge at the house of a cousin of his, not far from Péronne, some four or five bowshots away. And on the following day, the last day of June, filled, as it were, with a devilish spirit, he sent one of his brothers to tell his wife to return to Péronne. She departed from her cousin's house with two of the said Buffardin's brothers and a priest; and as she approached Péronne, before an abbey called Biaches, the brothers said to her: "Alas, confess yourself, for you must die, and if you do not hasten, you will die without confession". She, begging for mercy, and seeing that pleading availed nothing, confessed to the priest; then they struck her three blows with daggers in the breast and split her head, and thus murdered her, she being, as was said, with child. They then cast her into a well nearby, so that no one perceived it, and went to Péronne, threatening the priest with death if he spoke of it. This murder was concealed for sixteen days, for he spread the rumour that she had gone away with certain men about the country, in adultery, which many believed readily, because she had had a reputation, and still had, of misconduct with him; and although her husband had known this for ten or twelve years, he had never harmed her for it, but rather showed her great affection until that day. But it happened, as God would have it, that such a murder could not remain hidden; for some shepherds, looking into the well where the woman lay, saw a body, and went to inform the authorities of Péronne. They came, and the woman was drawn out, and it was recognised that she was the wife of the said Buffardin. Immediately, when Buffardin was informed of this, he and his brothers fled the country; and although I do not say that he himself was present at the murder, many said that he had been there and had given her three blows with a dagger, calling her a false harlot, to which she replied that whatever she had done, he was the cause of it. This Buffardin was not loved in the country, because he had been the cause of reimposing the salt tax, and had set its price and given large sums of money so that it might be restored.
Audit an lxvj, le xv jour de juillet, le St de Rollepot, chevallier en l'age de lx ans ou plus, comme il estoit allé en ung villaige nommé Frevent, emprès Lucheu, ou il estoit la feste, ung compagnon, lui sixiesme des compagnons de guerre, prit parolles aulx gens dudit chevallier, et commencherent a frapper l'ung sur l'aultre; ce voyant ledit chevallier se frappa au moillon et tua de sa propre main celluy qui avoit esmeu la noise, et que lui que ses gens, qui estoient douze ou quatorze, en navrerent encoires des aultres. Audit an, le dernier jour de juing, ung nommé Baudechon Boucquet, dit Buffardin, natif de Gouy en Artois, lequel, pauvre enfant et de petites gens, en son enfance servit messire Baude de Noyelle, chevallier, St de Noyelle et dudit Gouy, portant l'ordre du duc de Bourgogne et gouverneur de Peronne, tellement qu'il le feit son recepveur, et puis le marria en la ville de Peronne a une josne fille de la ville de Peronne, très riche, qui ne avoit que onze ou douze ans quant il le prist, et fust recepveur de Peronne, et estoit a ce jour très riche, agié de quarante ans ou environ. Icelluy Buffardin, revenant le jour de devant d'une nopce de Noyon, et sa femme avecq lui, envoya sa femme par deux de ses freres couchier a l'hostel d'ung sien cousin germain, assés près de Peronne, a quatre ou cinq traicts d'arcq, et le lendemain dernier jour de juing, rempli de l'ennemy d'enfer, envoya un sien frere dire a sa femme, qu'elle revenist a Peronne; laquelle se partist de l'hostel de sondit cousin, elle et deux des freres dudit Buffardin et ung prestre; et comme elle approcha Peronne, devant une abbaye nommée Biach, les freres dudit Buffardin lui dirent: "Lisse, confesse toy, il te fault mourir, et se tu ne te abrege, tu mourras sans confession". Laquelle priant mercy, et voyant que merey ne valloit rien, parla au prestre en confesse; puis lui frapperent trois coulps de dague en sa poitrine, et lui fendirent la teste, et ainsy la meurdrirent; ( elle estoit enchainte, comme on disoit ); puis la jetterent en ung puich, assés près d'illecq, que nul ne s'en percheut, et s'en allerent a Peronne et menacherent le prestre de mort s'il en disoit rien. Ce meurdrie fut celé seize jours; car il faisoit courrir la voix que elle s'en estoit allé avecq quelques hommes par le pays, en adultere; ce que on creoit assés, parce qu'elle avoit eu renommée et encoires avoit de se mal porter de son corps avecq lui; et combien que son marry le sceut bien passé dix ou douze ans, sy ne lui en feit oncques mal; ains lui monstroit grand amour jusqu'a cestuy jour. Or, advint il, ainsy que Dieu le veult, et que tel meurdre ne se peut celer, que aulcuns bergers regarderent au puich ou ceste femme estoit, sy veirent quelque personne et allerent dire a la justice de Peronne, laquelle y vint, et fust la femme thirée hors et cognut on que c'estoit la femme dudit Buffardin; et tantost ledit Buffardin de ce adverty, lui et ses freres s'enf fuyrent hors du pays; et combien que audit meurdre faire, je ne dis pas que ledit Buffardin y fust, toutesfois les plusieurs disoient que ledit Buffardin y avoit esté et qu'il lui avoit donné trois coulps de dague et l'appellant faulse ribaude; laquelle elle respondit, que ce qu'elle avoit fait il en estoit cause. Icelluy Buffardin n'estoit pas aimé au pays, parce qu'il avoit esté cause de remectre sups la gabelle du sel et le avoit mis a prix et donné grands deniers, adfin qu'elle recourrut.
Close Rolls Edward IV Edward V Richard III 1476-1485. 15th July 1483 Henry Stafford 2nd Duke of Buckingham [aged 28] was appointed Constable of England. King Richard III of England [aged 30]. Westminster Palace [Map]. Grant for life to the king's kinsman Henry, Duke of Buckingham, of divers specified offices and powers in North and South Wales and the marches.
The like to the same of the office of constable of England, with the accustomed fees. By p.s.
On 15th July 1497 Francis Oldenburg was born to John King of Denmark Norway and Sweden [aged 42] and Christina Queen Consort Denmark Norway and Sweden [aged 35].
Collectanea by John Leland [1502-1552]. The 15th Day of the fayd Monneth [15th July 1503] the Quene [aged 13] departed from Pontfret in faire Company, as at other Tymes before, the Mayor, Aldermen, Bourgesses, and Habitants conveying of her. And from thens she went to Dynner to Tadcaster [Map].
Att the Partyng after Dynner cam to hyr my Lord Latymer, and my Lady his Wyff, vary well apoynted, compayned of many Gentylmen and Gentylwomen, to the Nombre of Horses. Hys Folke arayd in his Liveray.
Out of the sayd Tadcaster cam the two Shriffs of the Citty of Yorke wellcomyng the Quene into ther Fraunchyses, in Company of many Officers of the Towne, and others, Bourges and Habitants well honnestly apoynted, and horst to the Nombre of IIIxx Horfys. And two Mylle from the fayd Tadcaster cam to hyr the Lord Scroupp of Bolton, and the Lord Scroop of Upsal, his Sone, in Company of many Gentylmen well appoynted, and ther Folks, to the Nombre of XX Horsys of ther Liverays, well horsyd.
Fore Mylle from the sayd Towne mett the sayd Quene the Lady Conyars, nobly drest, and in hyr Company many Gentyllwomen and others honestly appoynted, to the Nombre of 60 Horsys.
Att two Mylle fro the sayd Cite cam toward the sayd Quene my Lord the Earle of Northumberland [aged 25], well horst opon a fayr Corser, with a Foot Cloth to the Grounde of Cramsyn Velvett, all borded of Orsavery; his Armes vary rich in many Places uppon his Saddle and Harnays, his Sterrops gylt, hymselfe arayd of a Gowne of the said Cramsyn. At the Opnyngs of the Slyves and the Coller, a grett Bordeur of Stones. His Boutts of Velvett blak, his Spours gylt, and in many Places he maid Gambads, plaisant for to see. Allwayes ny to him wer two Fotemen. Ther Jackets of that sam as before to hys Devyses.
Before hym hee had 3 Hensmen rychly drest, and mounted apon fayr Horsys, their short Jakets of Orsavery, and the Harnays of the sayd Horsys of the same. After them rode the Maister of his Horse, arayd of his Liveray of Velvyt, inonted apon a gentyll Horse, and Campanes of Silver and gylt, and held in his Haund an other fayr Corser. Of all Thyngs hys Harnays apoyntted as before is sayd.
Wyth hym in hys Company war many noble Knights; that is to weytt, Sir John Hastyngs, Sir John Penynton, Sir Lancelot Thirlekeld, Sir Thomas Curwen, Sir John Normanville, Syre Robert of Aske, all Knyghts arayd of hys sayd Liveray of Velvet, with some Goldsmyth Marke, and grett Chaymes, and war well mounted. Some of ther Horse Harnes war full of Campanes, Sum of Gold and Silver, and the others of Syiver.
also ther was hys Officer of Armes, named Northumberland Harault, arayed of his said Liveray of Velvet, berring hys Cotte, sens the mettyng tyll to hys Departyng, thorough all the Entryng and Yssbe of good Townes and Citez.
Also other Gentylmen. in such wys arayd of hys said Liveray. Same in Velvet, others in Damaske and Chamlett, and others in Cloth, well inonted, to the Nombre of Thre hundreth Horsys.
A Mylle owte of the said Cite, the said Quene apoynted hyr in hyr Horse Litere, rychely befene, her Ladies and Gentihvoynen ryght freshly arayd. All the Nobles, Lordes, Knyghts, Gentylmen, and others of her Company, wer apoynted in so good Manere and so ryche, that it was a goodly Sight for to beholde.
At the Entryng of the Soubarbes war the IIIJ Ordres of Mendicants in Processyon before hyr.
In the Stat as before, in fayr Ordre, she entred in the fayd Cite, Trompetts, Mynstrells, Sakebowtts, and High Wods retentyssynge, that was fayr for to here. Cotts of Armes open, ryche Masses in Haunds, Horsys of Desyr, and noble Kerts delibered.
Collectanea by John Leland [1502-1552]. [15th July 1503] Within the sayd Cite ny to the Gatt [Map] my Lord Mayr, Syr John Guillott, Knyght, companyd of the Aldermen, all on Horseback and honnestly arayd in Gownys of Scarlatte, the sayd Mayr in Sattin Cramsyn, and good Channes and on ther Neks, resayved the said Quene [aged 13] varey mykely. And after, they rod before Hyr to the Mother Church, the sayd Mayre: beryng hys Masse [mace]. Ny to them wer within the Streytt, on Foote, and in good Ordre, the honnest Bourges and Habitaunts of the said Cite honnestly besene in ther best Aray. All the Wyndowes wer so full of Nobles, Ladyes, Centylwomen, Damsells, Bourgesys, and others, in so grett Multitude, that it was a fayr Sight for to se.
Thus it contynewd the Space of Too Houres, er she was conveyd to the Mother Church [Map]: Wher was the Reverend Fathers in God my Lord the Archbyschop of York [aged 54], the Byschop of Durham, th Abbot of Saunte Marie, and the Soufragan in Pontificalis, with the College togeder, reveised of riche Coppes. Ny to the Fonnte was notably apoynted the Place wher the Crosse was; the wich she kissed. And after, she went to the Hert of the Church, to make hyr Offrynge.
That doon, she was conveyd thorough the said Company to the Pallays [Map]1, wher she was lodged: And so every Mani withdrew him to hys Lodginge, to refresh: But it was grett Melodie for to here the Bells rynge thorough the Cite.
Note 1. Whilst it is not explicitly stated we believe this refers to the Archbishop of York's palace at Bishopthorpe Palace, York [Map] five kilometers down river from the Cathedral
On 15th July 1508 Unamed Stillborn Stewart was born to King James IV of Scotland [aged 35] and Margaret Tudor Queen Scotland [aged 18] at Holyrood Palace, Holyrood. She a granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1529. 15th July 1529. Cott. App. XXVII. 147. B. M. 5774. Catharine of Arragon.
14. Deposition of Thomas visc. Rocheford [aged 52], 15 July, at the Friars Minors.
Is 52 years of age. To the 1st and 2nd articles, knows that Henry VII. and Elizabeth considered and named Arthur and Henry as their lawful sons, and they were everywhere so considered. To the 3rd and 4th, was present at St. Paul's in Nov. 17 Henry VII. at the wedding of Arthur and Catharine; Henry VII. was present in the consistory place, and a great number of Englishmen and Spaniards in the church. Believes the marriage was lawful. Arthur was above 15 years of age; which he knew from the books in which the births of the children of the kings of England are entered, and from the report of nobles present at his baptism. Heard from Spaniards that Catharine was more than 16, and she has often told him the same herself. After the marriage they dwelled together as man and wife, to his knowledge, at the King's court and at Ludleye [Map]. Believes the marriage was consummated, from their age. Heard from many who were familiar with the Prince, that the day after his marriage he said he had been in the midst of Spain. Believes the 5th, 6th and 7th articles to be true. To the 8th cannot depose. To the 9th, the King and Queen cohabited till about two years ago, when he heard that the King was advised by his confessor to abstain from intercourse with the Queen, so as not to offend his conscience. Believes the 10th, 11th and 12th articles to be true. Has not been subjected to undue influence.
States in answer to a question, that it is customary for brides, especially noble ladies, to be veiled during the blessing of the bed.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1529. 16th July 1529. 5778. The Divorce. i. Deposition of Mary [aged 31] wife of Henry Bourchier Earl of Essex, taken at Stanstede, on Thursday, 15 July 1529, in the presence of Robert Johnson, notary public (of Norwich diocese). Her age is 44 years and over. She says that prince Arthur and Catharine [aged 43] lived as man and wife together; that the two occupied the same bed after the wedding, at London House, and were generally reputed as man and wife.
ii. Deposition of Agnes [aged 52] widow of Thomas late Duke of Norfolk, taken on Friday, 16 July 1529, in the church of St. Mary [Map], of the Cluniac priory of Thetford, by Sampson Mychell, canon, in the presence of John [Fletcher] and [William] Molyneux, M.A., her chaplain. Her age is 52 years and over. She knew Henry VII. and his Queen Elizabeth from the time she was 15, and remembers Catharine coming from Spain, and the marriage of Arthur and Catharine in St. Paul's. "He was then about the stature that the young [earl of] Derby is now at, but not fully so high as the same Earl is." Also, that the said Prince Arthur and [princess Ka]theryne, now being Queen, were brought to bed the next night after the said marriage; for this deponent did see them lie... me in one bed the same night, in a chamber within the said palace being prepared for them, and that this deponent left them so [lying to]gether there the said night.
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 15th July 1553 Ernest Habsburg Spain was born to Maximilian Habsburg Spain II Holy Roman Emperor [aged 25] and Maria of Spain Holy Roman Empress [aged 25]. Coefficient of inbreeding 10.03%.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 15th July 1557. The xv day of July the Quen('s) [aged 41] grace dynyd at Lambeth [Map] with my lord cardenall Polle [aged 57], and after dener removyd to Rychmond [Map], and ther (her) grace tares ther her plesur.
On 15th July 1561 Louise Bourbon Duchess of Monpensier [aged 79] died.
Letters of the Court of James I 1613. 15th July 1613. London. Reverend Thomas Lorkin to Thomas Puckering 1st Baronet [aged 21].
Since my last letters, the king hath signed the book for the prince's household, and *** first entry thereupon on Friday last. The same day were sworn unto him all such officers as have been thought fit to be about him for the present. In the bed-chamber - Sir Robert Carey [aged 30], Sir James Fullerton [aged 50], Robert Carr of Ancram [aged 35], were sworn gentlemen, whereof the last came in by my Lord of Rochester's [aged 26] means. Sir David Murray was not only rejected, but taxed openly at the council-table, for having suggested none of the best counsels to the late prince deceased. Into the same place were sworn, as grooms, Mr. Kirk, Mr. Gray (who was formerly his highness's page), and Pitcairne, who, till then, supplied the office of carver. This man is likewise one of my Lord of Rochester's creatures. In the privy-chamber were sworn gentlemen-ushers, Sir William Irwin and Mr. Heydon, to the prejudice of Sir Robert Darcy, who is left out for a wrangler, notwithstanding his continual attendance since his last master's death ***. In quality of gentlemen were sworn into the same place, Sir Arthur Mainwaring [aged 33], Sir Edward Vemey [aged 23], Sir Edward Lewis, Mr. Clare, and Mr. Dallington. The grooms are taken out of the gentlemen-waiters to the prince, while he was Duke of York, without the addition of any, unless it be Trotter, who is either already come in, or like to obtain the like condition very soon. Mr. Young and Mr. Alexander are sworn gentlemen-ushers of the presence. For carvers, cup-bearers, and sewers, I have not yet learned certainly who they be; but I hear there is little alteration. Ramsay is the first equerry, and Sir Thomas Howard [aged 28] master of the horse. The great officers rest still in expectation. Sir David Foulis, it seems, promiseth himself the best assurance; for he executes his place still, though more by permission and sufferance than any commission he hath received to that purpose. D. Ramsay and **** have been great suitors, but with as bad success as may be.
The court is at Theobalds, where his majesty [aged 47] hath been much afflicted with a flux and griping of the belly. He is much amended; and, if the occasion of this sickness alter, not his purpose, begins his progress in [Wiltshire], and so to Salisbury, Wiltshire, next Saturday. The queen [aged 38], likewise, returns to the Bath, Somerset [Map] the Saturday following.
The chief subject of our French news is the compounding of the quarrel between the Dukes of Savoy [aged 51] and Mantua; whereof to write aught to you, who live so near them, were to send owls to Athens.
There hath lately fallen out a great difference between the Duke de Rohan and Monsieur de Plessis (both men of principal mark of them of the Religion, though in a several kind); but what is the cause of their quarrel I yet know not. The chief church there is not a little troubled at it, insomuch that the deputies-general have sent Monsieur Durand, one of the ministers of Paris, down into those parts, to clear the matter, and to mediate a friendly peace between both. The Duke of Lennox [aged 38] hath received there a very honourable entertainment. He was expected in the condition of ambassador; but on his arrival took no other quality than of a private person, which gives many occasion to think, that his first commission was countermanded upon the Duke of Savoy's late ambassage hither. These are but conjectures.
I wish your return into these quarters as soon as the season of the year will permit you; it was your purpose when I left you, and I trust you still keep that resolution. The knowledge of that state is chiefly necessary, and the use of that language. I am sure you understand these things better than myself, and therefore dare not [presume] to advise you. Only my desire is the more earnestly led hereunto by an opinion I have of being able to do you there some pleasing service, and of putting into your hands the commodity of advantaging yourself [into] his highnesses favour, than either your friends or money are like to do in haste. I have heard that you have formerly had some inward acquaintance with Sir Robert Carr of Ancram. It will not be unworthy your entertaining still.
On 15th July 1628 Archbishop William Laud [aged 54] was appointed Bishop of London.
On 15th July 1635 Maximilian "The Great" Wittelsbach I Duke Bavaria I Elector Bavaria [aged 62] and Maria Anna Habsburg Spain Duchess Bavaria [aged 25] were married. She by marriage Duchess Bavaria. The difference in their ages was 36 years. She the daughter of Ferdinand of Spain II Holy Roman Emperor [aged 57] and Maria Anna Wittelsbach Holy Roman Empress. He the son of William Wittelsbach V Duke Bavaria and Renata Lorraine Duchess Bavaria. They were uncle and niece.
On 15th July 1637 Philip Augustus Habsburg Spain Archduke Austria was born to Ferdinand III Holy Roman Emperor [aged 29] and Maria Anna of Spain Holy Roman Empress [aged 30]. Coefficient of inbreeding 15.19%. He died aged one in 1639.
On 15th July 1639 Richard Butler 1st Earl Arran was born to James Butler 1st Duke Ormonde [aged 28] and Elizabeth Preston Duchess Ormonde [aged 23]. He married (1) September 1664 his half fifth cousin once removed Mary Stewart Countess Arran, daughter of James Stewart 4th Duke Lennox 1st Duke Richmond and Mary Villiers Duchess Lennox Duchess Richmond (2) before 19th February 1674 Dorothy Ferrers Countess Arran and had issue.
On 15th July 1646 Frederick Saxe Coburg Altenburg I Duke Saxe Gotha Altenburg was born to Ernest "The Pious" Saxe Gotha I Duke Saxe Gotha [aged 44] and Elisabeth Sophie Saxe Altenburg Duchess Saxe Gotha [aged 26] at Gotha. Coefficient of inbreeding 3.17%. He married 14th November 1669 his third cousin once removed Duchess Magdalena Sibylle of Saxe Gotha Altenburg and had issue.
On 15th July 1658 John Manners 1st Duke Rutland [aged 20] and Anne Pierrepont [aged 27] were married. See Lord Ross Divorce. She the daughter of Henry Pierrepont 1st Marquess Dorchester [aged 52] and Cecilia Bayning. He the son of John Manners 8th Earl of Rutland [aged 54] and Frances Montagu Countess Rutland [aged 44]. They were second cousins.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 15th July 1663. Thence home to dinner, whither Captain Grove came and dined with me, he going into the country to-day; among other discourse he told me of discourse very much to my honour, both as to my care and ability, happening at the Duke of Albemarle's [aged 54] table the other day, both from the Duke [aged 29], and the Duchess [aged 26] themselves; and how I paid so much a year to him whose place it was of right, and that Mr. Coventry [aged 35] did report thus of me; which was greatly to my content, knowing how against their minds I was brought into the Navy.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 15th July 1664. The Duke of Yorke [aged 30], as much as is possible; and in the business of late, when I was to speak to my Lord about his going to sea, he says that he finds the Duke did it with the greatest ingenuity and love in the world; "and whereas", says my Lord, "here is a wise man hard by that thinks himself so, and would be thought so, and it may be is in a degree so (naming by and by my Lord Crew [aged 66]), would have had me condition with him that neither Prince Rupert [aged 44] nor any body should come over his head, and I know not what". The Duke himself hath caused in his commission, that he be made Admirall of this and what other ships or fleets shall hereafter be put out after these; which is very noble. He tells me in these cases, and that of Mr. Montagu's, and all others, he finds that bearing of them patiently is his best way, without noise or trouble, and things wear out of themselves and come fair again. But, says he, take it from me, never to trust too much to any man in the world, for you put yourself into his power; and the best seeming friend and real friend as to the present may have or take occasion to fall out with you, and then out comes all. Then he told me of Sir Harry Bennet [aged 46], though they were always kind, yet now it is become to an acquaintance and familiarity above ordinary, that for these months he hath done no business but with my Lord's advice in his chamber, and promises all faithfull love to him and service upon all occasions. My Lord says, that he hath the advantage of being able by his experience to helpe and advise him; and he believes that that chiefly do invite Sir Harry to this manner of treating him. "Now", says my Lord, "the only and the greatest embarras that I have in the world is, how to behave myself to Sir H. Bennet and my Chancellor [aged 55], in case that there do lie any thing under the embers about my Lord Bristoll [aged 51], which nobody can tell; for then", says he, "I must appear for one or other, and I will lose all I have in the world rather than desert my Chancellor: so that", says he, "I know not for my life what to do in that case". For Sir H. Bennet's love is come to the height, and his confidence, that he hath given my Lord a character, and will oblige my Lord to correspond with him. "This", says he, "is the whole condition of my estate and interest; which I tell you, because I know not whether I shall see you again or no". Then as to the voyage, he thinks it will be of charge to him, and no profit; but that he must not now look after nor think to encrease, but study to make good what he hath, that what is due to him from the Wardrobe or elsewhere may be paid, which otherwise would fail, and all a man hath be but small content to him. So we seemed to take leave one of another; my Lord of me, desiring me that I would write to him and give him information upon all occasions in matters that concern him; which, put together with what he preambled with yesterday, makes me think that my Lord do truly esteem me still, and desires to preserve my service to him; which I do bless God for. In the middle of our discourse my Baroness Crew came in to bring my Lord word that he hath another son, my Lady being brought to bed just now, I did not think her time had been so nigh, but she's well brought to bed, for which God be praised! and send my Lord to study the laying up of something the more! Then with Creed to St. James's, and missing Mr. Coventry [aged 36], to White Hall; where, staying for him in one of the galleries, there comes out of the chayre-room Mrs. Stewart [aged 17], in a most lovely form, with her hair all about her eares, having her picture taking there. There was the King [aged 34] and twenty more, I think, standing by all the while, and a lovely creature she in this dress seemed to be.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 15th July 1664. Up, and to my Lord Sandwich's [aged 38]; where he sent for me up, and I did give my Lord an account of what had passed with my Chancellor [aged 55] yesterday; with which he was well pleased, and advised me by all means to study in the best manner I could to serve him in this business. After this discourse ended, he begun to tell me that he had now pitched upon his day of going to sea upon Monday next, and that he would now give me an account how matters are with him. He told me that his work now in the world is only to keep up his interest at Court, having little hopes to get more considerably, he saying that he hath now about £8,000 per annum. It is true, he says, he oweth about £10,000; but he hath been at great charges in getting things to this pass in his estate; besides his building and good goods that he hath bought. He says he hath now evened his reckonings at the Wardrobe till Michaelmas last, and hopes to finish it to Ladyday before he goes. He says now there is due, too, £7,000 to him there, if he knew how to get it paid, besides £2000 that Mr. Montagu do owe him. As to his interest, he says that he hath had all the injury done him that ever man could have by another bosom friend that knows all his secrets, by Mr. Montagu; but he says that the worst of it all is past, and he gone out and hated, his very person by the King [aged 34], and he believes the more upon the score of his carriage to him; nay, that the Duke of Yorke [aged 30] did say a little while since in his closett, that he did hate him because of his ungratefull carriage to my Lord of Sandwich. He says that he is as great with the Chancellor, or greater, than ever in his life. That with the King he is the like; and told me an instance, that whereas he formerly was of the private council to the King before he was last sicke, and that by the sickness an interruption was made in his attendance upon him; the King did not constantly call him, as he used to do, to his private council, only in businesses of the sea and the like; but of late the King did send a message to him by Sir Harry Bennet [aged 46], to excuse the King to my Lord that he had not of late sent for him as he used to do to his private council, for it was not out of any distaste, but to avoid giving offence to some others whom he did not name; but my Lord supposes it might be Prince Rupert [aged 44], or it may be only that the King would rather pass it by an excuse, than be thought unkind: but that now he did desire him to attend him constantly, which of late he hath done, and the King never more kind to him in his life than now.
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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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 15th July 1668. So to Unthanke's to my wife, and with her and Deb. to visit Mrs. Pierce, whom I do not now so much affect, since she paints. But stayed here a while, and understood from her how my Lady Duchesse of Monmouth [aged 17] is still lame, and likely always to be so, which is a sad chance for a young [lady] to get, only by trying of tricks in dancing.
John Evelyn's Diary. 15th July 1669. Having two days before had notice that the University intended me the honor of Doctorship, I was this morning attended by the beadles belonging to the Law, who conducted me to the Theater, where I found the Duke of Ormond [aged 58] (now Chancellor of the University) with the Earl of Chesterfield [aged 35] and Mr. Spencer [aged 40] (brother to the late Earl of Sunderland). Thence, we marched to the Convocation House, a convocation having been called on purpose; here, being all of us robed in the porch, in scarlet with caps and hoods, we were led in by the Professor of Laws, and presented respectively by name, with a short eulogy, to the Vice-Chancellor, who sat in the chair, with all the Doctors and Heads of Houses and masters about the room, which was exceedingly full. Then, began the Public Orator his speech, directed chiefly to the Duke of Ormond, the Chancellor; but in which I had my compliment, in course. This ended, we were called up, and created Doctors according to the form, and seated by the Vice-Chancellor among the Doctors, on his right hand; then, the Vice-Chancellor made a short speech, and so, saluting our brother Doctors, the pageantry concluded, and the convocation was dissolved. So formal a creation of honorary Doctors had seldom been seen, that a convocation should be called on purpose, and speeches made by the Orator; but they could do no less, their Chancellor being to receive, or rather do them, this honor. I should have been made Doctor with the rest at the public Act, but their expectation of their Chancellor made them defer it. I was then led with my brother Doctors to an extraordinary entertainment at Doctor Mewes's, head of St John's College, Oxford University, and, after abundance of feasting and compliments, having visited the Vice-Chancellor and other Doctors, and given them thanks for the honor done me, I went toward home the 16th, and got as far as Windsor, Berkshire [Map], and so to my house the next day.
On 15th July 1672 Diana Bruce died in childbirth. The child, named Robert, died the same day.
John Evelyn's Diary. 15th July 1675. Our cause was pleaded in behalf of the mother, Mrs. Howard [aged 49] and her daughters, before Baron Thurland [aged 68], who had formerly been steward of Courts for me; we carried our cause, as there was reason, for here was an impudent as well as disobedient son [aged 26] against his mother, by instigation, doubtless, of his wife, one Mrs. Ogle [aged 23] (an ancient maid), whom he had clandestinely married, and who brought him no fortune, he being heir-apparent to the Earl of Berkshire [aged 60] [Note. The reference to heir apparent is incorrect insofar as Charles Howard 2nd Earl Berkshire having a younger brother Thomas Howard 3rd Earl Berkshire [aged 55] who did inherit the Earldom]. Craven in line to inherit in the event the 2nd or 3rd Earl didn't have issue which proved to be the case but Craven had died by that time so his son Henry Bowes Howard 4th Earl Berkshire 11th Earl Suffolk became the 4th Earl. We lay at Brickhill, Bedfordshire, in Bedfordshire, and came late the next day to our journey's end.
John Evelyn's Diary. 15th July 1679. I dined with Mr. Sidney Godolphin [aged 34], now one of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury.
John Evelyn's Diary. 15th July 1683. The public was now in great consternation on the late plot and conspiracy; his Majesty [aged 53] very melancholy, and not stirring without double guards; all the avenues and private doors about Whitehall and the Park shut up, few admitted to walk in it. The Papists, in the meantime, very jocund; and indeed with reason, seeing their own plot brought to nothing, and turned to ridicule, and now a conspiracy of Protestants, as they called them.
Before 15th July 1685 James Scott 1st Duke Monmouth 1st Duke Buccleuch [aged 36] was attainted; Duke Monmouth, Earl Doncaster, Baron Scott of Tynedale, Duke Buccleuch, Earl Dalkeith, Baron Scott of Whitchester and Eskdale forfeit. The Act of Parliament Act of Attainder, 1 Ja. 2. c. 2: "Whereas James Duke of Monmouth has in an hostile Manner Invaded this Kingdom and is now in open Rebellion Laying War against the King contrary to the Duty of his Allegiance, Be it enacted by the Kings most Excellent Majesty by and with the Advice and Consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and Commons in this Parliament assembled and by the Authorities of the same, That the said James Duke of Monmouth Stand and be Convicted and Attainted of High-Treason and that he suffer Paines of Death and Incurr all Forfeitures as a Traitor Convicted and Attainted of High Treason."
On 15th July 1685 James Scott 1st Duke Monmouth 1st Duke Buccleuch [aged 36] was beheaded at Tower Hill [Map]. Duke Monmouth and Duke Buccleuch forfeit. Bishop Francis Turner [aged 47] acted a Chaplain.
John Evelyn's Diary. 15th July 1685. Thus ended this quondam Duke [aged 36], darling of his father and ye ladies, being extreamly handsome and adroit; an excellent souldier and dancer, a favourite of the people, of an easy nature, debauch'd by lust, seduc'd by crafty knaves who would have set him up only to make a property, and took the opportunity of the King being of another religion, to gather a party of discontented men. He fail'd, and perish'd. He was a lovely person, had a virtuous and excellent lady that brought him greate riches, and a second dukedom in Scotland. He was Master of the Horse, General of the King his father's Army, Gentleman of the Bedchamber, Knight of the Garter, Chancellor of Cambridge, in a word had accumulations without end. See what ambition and want of principles brought him to! He was beheaded on Tuesday 14th July [Note. Most sources quote 15th July 1685]. His mother, whose name was Barlow [Note. Lucy Walter is often spoken of incorrectly as Mrs. Walters or Waters, and during her career she seems to have adopted the alias of Mrs. Barlo or Barlow (the name of a family with which the Walters of Pembrokeshire had intermarried). From Dictionary of National Biography.], daughter of some very meane creatures, was a beautiful strumpet, whom I had often seene at Paris; she died miserably without any thing to bury her; yet this Perkin had ben made to believe that the King had married her; a monstrous and ridiculous forgerie; and to satisfy the world of the iniquity of the report, the King his father (If his father he really was, for he most resembl'd one Sidney, who was familiar with his mother) publickly and most solemnly renounc'd it, to be so enter'd in the Council Booke some yeares since, with all ye Privy Councellors at testation.
John Evelyn's Diary. 15th July 1685. Ross, tutor to the Duke of Monmouth, proposed to Bishop Cozens to sign a certificate of the King's marriage to Mrs. Barlow, though her own name was Walters: this the Bishop refused. She was born of a gentleman's family in Wales, but having little means and less grace, came to London to make her fortune. Algernon Sidney, then a Colonel in Cromwell's army, had agreed to give her 50 broad pieces (as he told the Duke of York) but being ordered hastily away with his regiment, he missed his bargain. She went into Holland, where she fell into the hands of his brother Colonel Robert Sidney, who kept her for some time, till the King hearing of her, got her from him. On which the Colonel was heard to say, Let who will have her she is already sped and after being with the King she was so soon with child that the world had no cause to doubt whose child it was, and the rather that when he grew to be a man, he very much resembled the Colonel both in stature and countenance, even to a wort on his face. However the King owned the child. In the King's absence she behaved so loosely, that on his return from his escape at Worcester, he would have no further commerce with her, and she became a common prostitute at Paris. Life of King James II Vol I.
On 15th July 1685 Maximilian Wittelsbach II Elector Bavaria [aged 23] and Maria Antonia of Austria [aged 16] were married. She the daughter of Leopold Habsburg Spain I Holy Roman Emperor [aged 45] and Margaret Theresa Habsburg Holy Roman Empress. They were second cousins.
John Evelyn's Diary. 15th July 1685. Monmouth [aged 36] was this day brought to London and examin'd before the King [aged 51], to whom he made greate submission, acknowledg'd his seduction by Ferguson the Scot [aged 48], whom he nam'd ye bloudy villain. He was sent to ye Tower [Map], had an interview with his late Dutchesse [aged 34], whom he receiv'd coldly, having liv'd dishonestly with ye Lady Henrietta Wentworth [aged 24] for two yeares. He obstinately asserted his conversation with that debauch'd woman to be no in, whereupon, seeing he could not be persuaded to his last breath, the divines who were sent to assist him thought not fit to administer the Holy Communion to him. For ye rest of his faults he profess'd greate sorrow, and so died without any apparent feare; he would not make use of a cap or other circumstance, but lying downe, bid the fellow do his office better than to the late Lord Russell, and gave him gold; but the wretch made five chopps before he had his head off; wch so incens'd the people, that had he not been guarded and got away, they would have torn him to pieces. The Duke made no speech on the scaffold (wch was on Tower Hill [Map]) but gave a paper containing not above 5 or 6 lines, for the King, in which he disclaims all title to ye Crown, acknowledges that the late King, his father, had indeede told him he was but his base sonn, and so desir'd his Ma* to be kind to his wife and children. This relation I had from Dr. Tenison (Rector of St. Martin's) [aged 48], who, with the Bishops of Ely [aged 47] and Bath and Wells [aged 48], were sent to him by his Ma*, and were at the execution.
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.
John Evelyn's Diary. 15th July 1685. I went to see Dr. Tenison's [aged 48] Library [in St. Martin's [Map].].
On 15th July 1689 Mary Churchill Duchess of Montagu was born to John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough [aged 39] and Sarah Jennings Duchess of Marlborough [aged 29]. She married 1705 her third cousin John Montagu 2nd Duke Montagu, son of Ralph Montagu 1st Duke Montagu and Elizabeth Wriothesley Countess Northumberland, and had issue.
On 15th July 1699 Thomas Coventry 1st Earl Coventry [aged 70] died. His son Thomas [aged 37] succeeded 2nd Earl Coventry, 6th Baron Coventry. Anne Somerset Countess Coventry [aged 25] by marriage Countess Coventry. He was buried in St Mary Magdalene's Church, Croome D'Abitot [Map].
The Monument in St Mary the Virgin Church, Elmley [Map] was commissioned by his second wife [aged 29] for installation at St Mary Magdalene's Church, Croome D'Abitot [Map] but it rejected by his son. She, apparently, being somewhat imaginative in the inscription describing her provenance to from the Graham family. She was the daughter of Richard Grimes, a mean person, by trade a Turner, and sister of Richard Grimes, a Waterman. She had been niece of the Earl's housekeep, and a servant in his household, and he had married her in his declined old age: "Elizabeth, Countess by her dower right, descended from the noble family of the Grahams, daughter of Richard, son of Richard Graham of the County of Norfolk, Esquire, who valiantly fought as a captain for King Charles I. She placed this, a token of sincere love and utmost respect, as a final pledge of her soul, mourning deeply, in gratitude for the tender affection shown to her by her lord and husband—though blessed with no children. And after her death, she desired that her body be laid here with her most beloved husband."
"Elizabeth comitissa eius dotaria e nobili Grahamorum familia prognatta Richardi filii Ricardi Graham de Com. Norff. Armi. pro rege Carolo Primo strenue dimicantis capitanei, filia; Hoc amoris sinceri, summæ observantiæ gratio demun animi pignus, pro tenerrimo dni et mariti erga se affectu nulla licet beata prole, moestissima posuit; et post obitum corpus suum cum dilectissimo marito hic recondi voluit."
Monument including a white marble figure elbow reclining on a deep chest in front of a lengthy inscription and under an arch crowned with armorial bearings. Large sub-figures flank the chest and the armorial bearings. Earl's coronet. Signed by William Stanton [aged 60]. Powdered Wig. Heeled Shoes. Buckled Shoes.
Thomas Coventry 2nd Earl Coventry: Around 1662 he was born to Thomas Coventry 1st Earl Coventry and Winifred Edgecumbe. In 1691 Thomas Coventry 2nd Earl Coventry and Anne Somerset Countess Coventry were married. She the daughter of Henry Somerset 1st Duke Beaufort and Mary Capell Duchess Beaufort. He the son of Thomas Coventry 1st Earl Coventry and Winifred Edgecumbe. They were sixth cousins. In August 1710 Thomas Coventry 2nd Earl Coventry died. His son Thomas succeeded 3rd Earl Coventry, 7th Baron Coventry.
Anne Somerset Countess Coventry: On 22nd July 1673 she was born to Henry Somerset 1st Duke Beaufort and Mary Capell Duchess Beaufort. On 14th February 1763 Anne Somerset Countess Coventry died at Snitterfield, Warwickshire.
On 15th July 1711 John Holles 1st Duke Newcastle upon Tyne [aged 49] died. Duke Newcastle upon Tyne, Earl Clare, Baron Haughton extinct.
On 15th July 1718 Alexander Roslin was born in Malmö.
The London Gazette 6494. Whitehall, July 15 [1726].
His Majesty has been pleased to create his Highness Prince Frederick [aged 19], a Baron, Viscount, Earl, Marquess, and Duke of the Kingdom of Great Britain, by the Names Stiles and Titles of Baron of Snaudon in the County of Caernarvon, Viscount of Lanceston in the County of Cornwall, Earl of Eltham in the County of Kent, Marquess of the Isle of Wight [Note. An error for Isle of Ely], and Duke of Edinburgh.
His Majesty has been pleased to create his Highness Prince William [aged 5], a Baron, Viscount, Earl, Marquess, and Duke of the Kingdom of Great Britain, by the Names Stiles and Titles of Baron of the lsle of Alderney, Viscount of Trematon in the Councy of Cornwall, Earl of Kinnington in the County of Surrey, Marquess of Berkhamstead in the County of Hertford, and Duke of Cumberland.
On 15th July 1740 Archibald Hamilton 9th Duke Hamilton 6th Duke Brandon was born to James Hamilton 5th Duke Hamilton 2nd Duke Brandon [aged 37] and Anne Spencer Duchess Hamilton Duchess Brandon [aged 30]. He married 25th May 1765 his half fifth cousin once removed Harriet Stewart, daughter of Alexander Stewart 6th Earl Galloway and Catherine Cochrane Countess Galloway, and had issue.
On 15th July 1750 Francis Saxe Coburg Gotha I Duke Saxe Coburg Gotha was born to Ernest Frederick Saxe Coburg Saalfeld Duke Saxe Coburg Saalfeld [aged 26] and Sophia Antonia Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel Duchess Saxe Coburg Saalfeld [aged 26]. He married (1) 6th March 1776 Sophie Saxe Hildburghausen Duchess Saxe Coburg Gotha, daughter of Ernst Friedrich Saxe Hildburghausen 2nd Duke Saxe Hildburghausen (2) 13th June 1777 his fifth cousin Augusta Reuss Duchess Saxe Coburg Gotha and had issue.
On 15th July 1775 Richard Westmacott was born to Richard "The Elder" Westmacott [aged 28] and Sarah Vardy. He married 20th February 1798 Dorothy Margaret Wilkinson and had issue.
Before 16th March 1803 Mary Finch [aged 87] died. On 16th March 1803 she was buried.
On 15th July 1756 William Howard [aged 41] was killed accidentally whilst driving a chaise.
Monument in St Peter's Church, Elford [Map].
Mary Finch: On 1st March 1716 she was born to Heneage Finch 2nd Earl Aylesford and Mary Fisher Countess Aylesford. On 6th November 1736 William Howard and she were married. She the daughter of Heneage Finch 2nd Earl Aylesford and Mary Fisher Countess Aylesford. He the son of Henry Bowes Howard 4th Earl Berkshire 11th Earl Suffolk and Catherine Graham Countess Berkshire and Suffolk.
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 15th July 1808 Thomas-Henry Scheemakers [aged 68] died.
On 15th July 1823 Alexander Hesse Darmstadt was born to Louis Hesse Darmstadt II Grand Duke [aged 45] and Princess Wilhelmine Baden [aged 34]. Coefficient of inbreeding 7.03%. He married Julia Hauke and had issue.
Ten Years' Digging. There are two barrows in the valley adjoining a hill near Hartington called Casking Low, which are commonly called Moneystones. The largest [Map] [Moneystones Barrow 1 [Map]] has been nearly removed, for the sake of the limestone it contained, and has been further rifled by treasure-seekers allured by the attractive name. On this account our researches on the 15th of July proved unavailing, as we found nothing but fragments of human skeletons and bits of flint. The smaller barrow [Map] [Moneystones Barrow 2 [Map]] is in the same field, about one hundred yards from the other, measures about six yards across, and is surrounded by a circle of large limestones, whose grey and lichen-covered surfaces, rising above the turf, present a venerable and old-world appearance. Near the surface, about the centre, we found a skeleton having no implements. Somewhat lower down the earth at first sight appeared to be quite undisturbed; but on closer examination we detected particles of charcoal, and consequently proceeded till, at the depth of about a yard, we discovered two more skeletons, lying in the usual contracted posture upon the top of the natural rock. They were both much decayed, and had each but one spear head of flint, though they were surrounded by a slight sprinkling of chippings of the same material.
Ten Years' Digging. On the 15th of July we made an excavation, four yards long by three wide, in a barrow in the garden at Newton Grange, near Tissington, Derbyshire. The mound measured fifteen yards diameter and four feet high, and is composed of stiff earth, mixed with chert, amongst which we observed charcoal and a few chippings of flint at intervals from the surface to the natural level, where there were some pieces of calcined bone, a piece of coal, and an iron nail, the two last shovring that the barrow had been previously opened. On the same day we dug a hole in the middle of another barrow [Crake Low Barrow [Map]?], on a hill at Newton Grrange, looking towards Parwich, the dimensions of which were twenty-eight yards diameter by two feet six inches in height, finding it composed of earth and gravel, but making no discovery.
On the 18 th October we turned over a space of about twelve square yards in the centre, for the most of which we found the natural level strewed with charcoal and burnt earth, where were also a few rude flints, but no trace of interment. We likewise tried other parts of the barrow without success.
On 15th July 1861 Joanna Mary Boyce [aged 29] died from childbirth shortly after the birth of her third child.
On 15th July 1909 Alfonso Orléans Galliera Duke Galliera [aged 22] and Beatrice Windsor Duchess Galliera [aged 25] were married at Coburg. She by marriage Duchess Galliera. She the daughter of Prince Alfred Windsor and Maria Holstein Gottorp Romanov [aged 55].
On 15th July 1911 Louisa Vonalten Duchess Devonshire and Manchester [aged 79] died.
On 15th July 1912 Henry George Alan Percy 9th Duke Northumberland was born to Alan Ian Percy 8th Duke Northumberland [aged 32] and Helen Gordon-Lennox Duchess Northumberland [aged 25].
The London Gazette 28849. 4th Battalion, The Leicestershire Regiment; Second Lieutenant John H. M., The Marquis of Granby [aged 27], resigns his commission. Dated 15th July, 1914.
After 15th July 1917. Church of St Mary the Virgin, Lesbury [Map]. Grave of J. Patterson, Able Seaman, R.N., SS/6639, H.M.S. Crusader, 15th July 1917 age 20. The son of John and Isabella Patterson, of 3, Garden Terrace, Lesbury. He drowned at the RN Base, Portsmouth.
On 15th July 1272 Edmund Stafford 1st Baron Stafford was born to Nicholas Stafford [aged 26] and Eleanor Clinton [aged 22] at Clifton, Staffordshire. He married before 1298 Margaret Basset, daughter of Ralph Basset 1st Baron Basset Drayton, and had issue.
On 15th July 1383 Richard Vernon was born to Richard Vernon 11th Baron Shipbrook [aged 28].
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 15th July 1401 Jacqueline Wittelsbach Duchess Brabant and Gloucester was born to William Wittelsbach IV Count Holland VI Count Hainaut V Count Zeeland [aged 36] and Margaret Valois Countess Holland [aged 26]. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward I of England. She married (1) 1415 her second cousin John Valois (2) 1418 her first cousin John Valois IV Duke Brabant, son of Anthony Valois Duke Brabant and Jeanne Luxemburg Duchess Brabant (3) 1423 her third cousin Humphrey Lancaster 1st Duke Gloucester (4) 1434 Frank II Zeeland.
On 15th July 1459 Joachim Valois was born to King Louis XI of France [aged 36] and Queen Charlotte of Savoy [aged 17]. Coefficient of inbreeding 2.69%. He died aged less than one years old.
On 15th July 1497 William Neville was born to Richard Neville 2nd Baron Latimer of Snape [aged 29] and Anne Stafford Baroness Latimer [aged 26]. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward III of England. He married 1st April 1529 Elizabeth Greville.
On 15th July 1497 Francis Oldenburg was born to John King of Denmark Norway and Sweden [aged 42] and Christina Queen Consort Denmark Norway and Sweden [aged 35].
On 15th July 1508 Unamed Stillborn Stewart was born to King James IV of Scotland [aged 35] and Margaret Tudor Queen Scotland [aged 18] at Holyrood Palace, Holyrood. She a granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.
On 15th July 1553 Ernest Habsburg Spain was born to Maximilian Habsburg Spain II Holy Roman Emperor [aged 25] and Maria of Spain Holy Roman Empress [aged 25]. Coefficient of inbreeding 10.03%.
On 15th July 1575 Thomas Berkeley was born to Henry Berkeley 7th Baron Berkeley [aged 40] and Katherine Howard Baroness Berkeley [aged 37]. He married before 1601 his third cousin once removed Elizabeth Carey, daughter of George Carey 2nd Baron Hunsdon and Elizabeth Spencer Baroness Hunsdon and Eure, and had issue.
On 15th July 1631, possibly 1632, Bishop Richard Cumberland was born.
On 15th July 1632 Bishop Richard Cumberland was born
On 15th July 1637 Philip Augustus Habsburg Spain Archduke Austria was born to Ferdinand III Holy Roman Emperor [aged 29] and Maria Anna of Spain Holy Roman Empress [aged 30]. Coefficient of inbreeding 15.19%. He died aged one in 1639.
On 15th July 1639 Richard Butler 1st Earl Arran was born to James Butler 1st Duke Ormonde [aged 28] and Elizabeth Preston Duchess Ormonde [aged 23]. He married (1) September 1664 his half fifth cousin once removed Mary Stewart Countess Arran, daughter of James Stewart 4th Duke Lennox 1st Duke Richmond and Mary Villiers Duchess Lennox Duchess Richmond (2) before 19th February 1674 Dorothy Ferrers Countess Arran and had issue.
On 15th July 1646 Frederick Saxe Coburg Altenburg I Duke Saxe Gotha Altenburg was born to Ernest "The Pious" Saxe Gotha I Duke Saxe Gotha [aged 44] and Elisabeth Sophie Saxe Altenburg Duchess Saxe Gotha [aged 26] at Gotha. Coefficient of inbreeding 3.17%. He married 14th November 1669 his third cousin once removed Duchess Magdalena Sibylle of Saxe Gotha Altenburg 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 15th July 1663 John Cropley 2nd Baronet was born to Edward Cropley [aged 26] and Martha Wilson. He was baptised at St James' Church, Clerkenwell on 23rd July 1663.
On 15th July 1689 Mary Churchill Duchess of Montagu was born to John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough [aged 39] and Sarah Jennings Duchess of Marlborough [aged 29]. She married 1705 her third cousin John Montagu 2nd Duke Montagu, son of Ralph Montagu 1st Duke Montagu and Elizabeth Wriothesley Countess Northumberland, and had issue.
On 15th July 1715 Martha Harcourt Baroness Vernon of Kinderton was born to Simon Harcourt [aged 30] and Elizabeth Evelyn. She married 10th April 1744 George Venables-Vernon 1st Baron Vernon and had issue.
On 15th July 1718 Alexander Roslin was born in Malmö.
On 15th July 1740 Archibald Hamilton 9th Duke Hamilton 6th Duke Brandon was born to James Hamilton 5th Duke Hamilton 2nd Duke Brandon [aged 37] and Anne Spencer Duchess Hamilton Duchess Brandon [aged 30]. He married 25th May 1765 his half fifth cousin once removed Harriet Stewart, daughter of Alexander Stewart 6th Earl Galloway and Catherine Cochrane Countess Galloway, and had issue.
On 15th July 1745 John Morris 1st Baronet was born to Robert Morris and Margaret Jenkins. He married 1774 Henrietta Musgrave Lady Morris, daughter of Philip Musgrave 6th Baronet and Jane Turton, and had issue.
On 15th July 1750 Francis Saxe Coburg Gotha I Duke Saxe Coburg Gotha was born to Ernest Frederick Saxe Coburg Saalfeld Duke Saxe Coburg Saalfeld [aged 26] and Sophia Antonia Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel Duchess Saxe Coburg Saalfeld [aged 26]. He married (1) 6th March 1776 Sophie Saxe Hildburghausen Duchess Saxe Coburg Gotha, daughter of Ernst Friedrich Saxe Hildburghausen 2nd Duke Saxe Hildburghausen (2) 13th June 1777 his fifth cousin Augusta Reuss Duchess Saxe Coburg Gotha and had issue.
On 15th July 1775 Richard Westmacott was born to Richard "The Elder" Westmacott [aged 28] and Sarah Vardy. He married 20th February 1798 Dorothy Margaret Wilkinson and had issue.
On 15th July 1777 James Wandesford Butler 1st Marquess Ormonde was born to John Butler 17th Earl Ormonde 11th Earl Ossory [aged 36] and Frances Wandesford Countess Ormonde and Ossory [aged 23]. He married 12th October 1807 Grace Louisa Staples Marchioness Ormonde and had issue.
On 15th July 1800 Frederick Hervey 2nd Marquess of Bristol was born to Frederick William Hervey 1st Marquess of Bristol [aged 30] and Elizabeth Albana Upton [aged 25] at Portland Place, Marylebone. He married 1st December 1830 his sixth cousin Katherine Isabella Manners, daughter of John Henry Manners 5th Duke Rutland and Elizabeth Howard Duchess Rutland, and had issue.
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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On 15th July 1809 George St Vincent Duckworth-King 4th Baronet was born to Richard King 2nd Baronet [aged 34] and Sarah Anne Duckworth Lady King [aged 24]. He married 16th December 1847 Caroline Mary Dawson-Damer and had issue.
On 15th July 1816 George Graham Otway 2nd Baronet was born to Robert Waller Otway 1st Baronet [aged 46] and Clementia Holloway Lady Otway [aged 34].
On 15th July 1823 Alexander Hesse Darmstadt was born to Louis Hesse Darmstadt II Grand Duke [aged 45] and Princess Wilhelmine Baden [aged 34]. Coefficient of inbreeding 7.03%. He married Julia Hauke and had issue.
On 15th July 1856 Weetman Dickinson Pearson 1st Viscount Cowdray was born.
On 15th July 1857 Avarina Mary Vane-Tempest was born to George Henry Vane-Tempest 5th Marquess Londonderry [aged 36] and Mary Cornelia Edwards Marchioness Londonderry [aged 28].
On 15th July 1867 Cicely Anne Gore Marchioness Salisbury was born to Arthur Saunders Gore 5th Earl Arran [aged 28] and Edith Jocelyn [aged 22]. She married 17th May 1887 James Gascoyne-Cecil 4th Marquess Salisbury, son of Robert Gascoyne-Cecil 3rd Marquess Salisbury and Georgina Alderson Marchioness of Salisbury, and had issue.
On 15th July 1867 Montague Waldegrave 5th Baron Radstock was born to Granville Waldegrave 3rd Baron Radstock [aged 34] and Susan Calcraft [aged 34].
On 15th July 1868 Anthony Hungerford Lechmere was born to Edmund Shirley 3rd Baronet [aged 41].
On 15th July 1868 William Fuller-Acland-Hood was born to Alexander Hood 3rd Baronet [aged 49] and Isabel Harriet Fuller-Palmer-Acland Lady Hood [aged 35].
On 15th July 1881 Beatrice Susan Theodosia Stuart-Wortley was born to Charles Beilby Stuart-Wortley 1st Baron Stuart [aged 29] and Beatrice Trollope. She married 1st December 1906 her sixth cousin Captain Arthur William James Gascoyne-Cecil.
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 15th July 1882 Sybil Grey was born to Albert Henry George Grey 4th Earl Grey [aged 30] and Alice Holford Countess Grey.
On 15th July 1883 Guy Larnach Neville 4th Marquess Abergavenny was born to George Montacute Neville [aged 27] and Florence Soames. He married 30th March 1909 Isabel "Nellie" Larnach Marchioness Abergavenny and had issue.
On 15th July 1907 William Howard Lawson 5th Baronet was born to Henry Joseph Lawson 3rd Baronet [aged 29] and Ursula Mary Howard [aged 27].
On 15th July 1912 Henry George Alan Percy 9th Duke Northumberland was born to Alan Ian Percy 8th Duke Northumberland [aged 32] and Helen Gordon-Lennox Duchess Northumberland [aged 25].
On 15th July 1927 Anthony Mohun Leckonby Cope 15th Baronet was born to Denzil Cope 14th Baronet [aged 53].
On 15th July 1928 John Arthington Worsley was born to William Arthington Worsley 4th Baronet [aged 38] and Joyce Morgan Brunner Lady Worsley [aged 33]. He married 16th January 1954 Carolyn Mary Wynyard Hardinge, daughter of Caryl Nicholas Hardinge 4th Viscount Hardinge.
On 15th July 1959 Joanna Montagu-Stuart-Wortley was born to Alan Montagu Stuart-Wortley-Mackenzie 4th Earl of Wharncliffe [aged 24] and Aline Margaret Bruce Countesss Wharncliffe [aged 22].
On 15th July 1977 Patrick William Lowther 7th Baronet was born to Charles Douglas Lowther 6th Baronet [aged 31].
On 15th July 1553 John Gresham [aged 58] and Katherine Sampson [aged 57] were married.
On 15th July 1635 Maximilian "The Great" Wittelsbach I Duke Bavaria I Elector Bavaria [aged 62] and Maria Anna Habsburg Spain Duchess Bavaria [aged 25] were married. She by marriage Duchess Bavaria. The difference in their ages was 36 years. She the daughter of Ferdinand of Spain II Holy Roman Emperor [aged 57] and Maria Anna Wittelsbach Holy Roman Empress. He the son of William Wittelsbach V Duke Bavaria and Renata Lorraine Duchess Bavaria. They were uncle and niece.
On 15th July 1650 Robert Kemp 2nd Baronet [aged 22] and Mary Kerridge Lady Kemp were married at St Bartholomew the Less. She by marriage Lady Kemp of Gissing in Norfolk.
On 15th July 1658 John Manners 1st Duke Rutland [aged 20] and Anne Pierrepont [aged 27] were married. See Lord Ross Divorce. She the daughter of Henry Pierrepont 1st Marquess Dorchester [aged 52] and Cecilia Bayning. He the son of John Manners 8th Earl of Rutland [aged 54] and Frances Montagu Countess Rutland [aged 44]. They were second cousins.
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 15th July 1675 William Alington 1st and 3rd Baron Alington [aged 35] and Diana Russell Baroness Latimer Willoughby Broke Alington [aged 23] were married. She by marriage Baroness Alington of Killard. She the daughter of William Russell 1st Duke Bedford [aged 58] and Anne Carr Countess of Bedford [aged 59]. They were sixth cousins.
On 15th July 1685 Maximilian Wittelsbach II Elector Bavaria [aged 23] and Maria Antonia of Austria [aged 16] were married. She the daughter of Leopold Habsburg Spain I Holy Roman Emperor [aged 45] and Margaret Theresa Habsburg Holy Roman Empress. They were second cousins.
On 15th July 1691 Charles Carnegie 4th Earl Southesk [aged 30] and Mary Maitland were married. She the daughter of Charles Maitland 3rd Earl Lauderdale. He the son of Robert Carnegie 3rd Earl Southesk and Anne Hamilton Countess Southesk [aged 52]. They were third cousin once removed.
On 15th July 1710 Charles Maitland 6th Earl Lauderdale [aged 22] and Elizabeth Ogilvy Countess Lauderdale [aged 18] were married . She the daughter of James Ogilvy 1st Earl Seafield 4th Earl Findlater [aged 47]. He the son of John Maitland 5th Earl Lauderdale [aged 55] and Elizabeth Lauder Countess of Lauderdale.
On 15th July 1762 William John Kerr 5th Marquess Lothian [aged 25] and Elizabeth Fortescue 5th Marchioness Lothian [aged 17] were married. He the son of William Henry Kerr 4th Marquess Lothian [aged 52] and Caroline Darcy Marchioness Lothian.
On 15th July 1828 William Richard Annesley 3rd Earl Annesley [aged 55] and Priscilla Cecilia Moore Countess Annesley [aged 19] were married. She by marriage Countess Annesley of Castlewellan in County Down. The difference in their ages was 36 years. He the son of Richard Annesley 2nd Earl Annesley.
On 15th July 1854 the marriage of John Ruskin [aged 35] and Effie Gray [aged 26] annulled by the Commissary Court of Surrey on the grounds of John Ruskin being "incapable of consummating the same [marriage] by reason of incurable impotency".
On 15th July 1867 Henry Wyndham 2nd Baron Leconfield [aged 36] and Constance Evelyn Primrose Baroness Leconfield [aged 21] were married. She by marriage Baroness Leconfield of Leconfield in the East Riding of Yorkshire. She the daughter of Archibald John Primrose and Catherine Lucy Wilhelmina Stanhope Duchess of Cleveland [aged 48].
On 15th July 1875 Robert Curzon 15th Baron Zouche [aged 24] and Annie Mary Eleanor Fraser [aged 18] were married.
On 15th July 1885 Arthur Henry Chichester 3rd Baron Templemore [aged 31] and Alice Elizabeth Dawkins Baroness Templemore were married.
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 15th July 1886 Hugh Fortescue 4th Earl Fortescue [aged 32] and Emily Ormsby-Gore Countess Fortescue [aged 26] were married. He the son of Hugh Fortescue 3rd Earl Fortescue [aged 68] and Georgina Augusta Dawson-Damer Countess Fortescue. They were second cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King James II of England Scotland and Ireland. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King James II of England Scotland and Ireland.
On 15th July 1899 Anthony Ashley-Cooper 9th Earl of Shaftesbury [aged 29] and Constance Grosvenor Countess of Shaftesbury [aged 23] were married. She by marriage Countess Shaftesbury. He the son of Anthony Ashley-Cooper 8th Earl Shaftesbury and Harriet Augusta Anna Seymourina Chichester Countess Shaftesbury. They were fifth cousins.
On 15th July 1905 John Henry Savile 6th Earl Mexborough [aged 37] and Margaret Eva Knatchbull-Hugessen Countess Mexborough [aged 24] were married. He the son of John Savile 4th Earl Mexborough and Agnes Louisa Elizabeth Raphael.
On 15th July 1909 Alfonso Orléans Galliera Duke Galliera [aged 22] and Beatrice Windsor Duchess Galliera [aged 25] were married at Coburg. She by marriage Duchess Galliera. She the daughter of Prince Alfred Windsor and Maria Holstein Gottorp Romanov [aged 55].
On 15th July 1944 Antony Guy Acland 5th Baronet [aged 27] and Margaret Joan Rooke Lady Acland were married. She by marriage Lady Acland of St Mary Magdalen in Oxford.
On 15th July 1102 Walter Giffard 1st Earl Buckingham died. His son Walter succeeded 2nd Earl Buckingham.
On 15th July 1291 Rudolph I King Romans [aged 73] died at Speyer. He was buried at Speyer Cathedral. His son Albert [aged 36] succeeded I Duke Austria.
On 15th July 1299 Eric II King Norway [aged 31] died. His brother Haakon [aged 29] succeeded V King Norway. Euphemia of Rügen Queen Norway [aged 19] by marriage Queen Norway.
On 15th July 1381 John Ball [aged 43] was hanged, drawn and quartered in St Albans, Hertfordshire [Map] in the presence of King Richard II of England [aged 14].
On 15th July 1406 William "The Courteous" Habsburg Duke Austria [aged 36] died at Vienna [Map].
On 15th July 1445 Joan Beaufort Queen Consort Scotland [aged 41] died at Dunbar Castle, Dunbar. She was buried at Perth Charterhouse.
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 15th July 1470 Alexander Gordon 1st Earl Huntley died. His son George [aged 15] succeeded 2nd Earl Huntley. Anabella Stewart [aged 34] by marriage Countess Huntley.
On 15th July 1561 Louise Bourbon Duchess of Monpensier [aged 79] died.
On 15th July 1561 William Bill [aged 56] died. He was buried in the Chapel of St Benedict, Westminster Abbey [Map].
On 15th July 1663 Anne Lewknor Lady Strange [aged 51] died.
On 15th July 1664 Alexander Leslie 2nd Earl Leven [aged 27] died.
On 15th July 1672 Diana Bruce died in childbirth. The child, named Robert, died the same day.
On 15th July 1676 Francis Wyndham 1st Baronet [aged 64] died. His son Thomas [aged 28] succeeded 2nd Baronet Wyndham of Trent.
On 15th July 1685 James Scott 1st Duke Monmouth 1st Duke Buccleuch [aged 36] was beheaded at Tower Hill [Map]. Duke Monmouth and Duke Buccleuch forfeit. Bishop Francis Turner [aged 47] acted a Chaplain.
On 15th July 1699 Thomas Coventry 1st Earl Coventry [aged 70] died. His son Thomas [aged 37] succeeded 2nd Earl Coventry, 6th Baron Coventry. Anne Somerset Countess Coventry [aged 25] by marriage Countess Coventry. He was buried in St Mary Magdalene's Church, Croome D'Abitot [Map].
The Monument in St Mary the Virgin Church, Elmley [Map] was commissioned by his second wife [aged 29] for installation at St Mary Magdalene's Church, Croome D'Abitot [Map] but it rejected by his son. She, apparently, being somewhat imaginative in the inscription describing her provenance to from the Graham family. She was the daughter of Richard Grimes, a mean person, by trade a Turner, and sister of Richard Grimes, a Waterman. She had been niece of the Earl's housekeep, and a servant in his household, and he had married her in his declined old age: "Elizabeth, Countess by her dower right, descended from the noble family of the Grahams, daughter of Richard, son of Richard Graham of the County of Norfolk, Esquire, who valiantly fought as a captain for King Charles I. She placed this, a token of sincere love and utmost respect, as a final pledge of her soul, mourning deeply, in gratitude for the tender affection shown to her by her lord and husband—though blessed with no children. And after her death, she desired that her body be laid here with her most beloved husband."
"Elizabeth comitissa eius dotaria e nobili Grahamorum familia prognatta Richardi filii Ricardi Graham de Com. Norff. Armi. pro rege Carolo Primo strenue dimicantis capitanei, filia; Hoc amoris sinceri, summæ observantiæ gratio demun animi pignus, pro tenerrimo dni et mariti erga se affectu nulla licet beata prole, moestissima posuit; et post obitum corpus suum cum dilectissimo marito hic recondi voluit."
Monument including a white marble figure elbow reclining on a deep chest in front of a lengthy inscription and under an arch crowned with armorial bearings. Large sub-figures flank the chest and the armorial bearings. Earl's coronet. Signed by William Stanton [aged 60]. Powdered Wig. Heeled Shoes. Buckled Shoes.
Thomas Coventry 2nd Earl Coventry: Around 1662 he was born to Thomas Coventry 1st Earl Coventry and Winifred Edgecumbe. In 1691 Thomas Coventry 2nd Earl Coventry and Anne Somerset Countess Coventry were married. She the daughter of Henry Somerset 1st Duke Beaufort and Mary Capell Duchess Beaufort. He the son of Thomas Coventry 1st Earl Coventry and Winifred Edgecumbe. They were sixth cousins. In August 1710 Thomas Coventry 2nd Earl Coventry died. His son Thomas succeeded 3rd Earl Coventry, 7th Baron Coventry.
Anne Somerset Countess Coventry: On 22nd July 1673 she was born to Henry Somerset 1st Duke Beaufort and Mary Capell Duchess Beaufort. On 14th February 1763 Anne Somerset Countess Coventry died at Snitterfield, Warwickshire.
On 15th July 1711 John Holles 1st Duke Newcastle upon Tyne [aged 49] died. Duke Newcastle upon Tyne, Earl Clare, Baron Haughton extinct.
On 15th July 1743 Henry Tichborne 4th Baronet [aged 88] died. His brother John [aged 64] succeeded 5th Baronet Tichborne of Tichborne in Hampshire.
On 15th July 1743 Bishop John Wynne [aged 76] died at his home Soughton Hall [Map]. He was buried at St Eurgain's and St Peter's Church, Northop [Map]. His eldest son John Wynne [aged 16] inherited Soughton Hall [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 15th July 1744 Charles Maitland 6th Earl Lauderdale [aged 56] died. His son John [aged 26] succeeded 7th Earl Lauderdale, 7th Viscount Maitland, 7th Viscount Lauderdale, 3rd Baronet Maitland of Ravelrig in Nova Scotia.
On 15th July 1750 Abigail Harley Countess Kinnoul [aged 61] died.
On 15th July 1751 John Monckton 1st Viscount Galway [aged 56] died. His son William [aged 26] succeeded 2nd Viscount Galway. Elizabeth Villareal Viscountess Galway by marriage Viscountess Galway.
On 15th July 1757 John Robartes 4th Earl Radnor [aged 71] died unmarried. Earl Radnor, Viscount Bodmin, Baron Robartes of Truro in Cornwall, Baronet Robartes extinct.
On 15th July 1760 Henry Arundell Bedingfeld 3rd Baronet died. His son Richard [aged 39] succeeded 4th Baronet Bedingfield of Oxburgh in Norfolk.
On 15 or 18th July 1763 John Evelyn 1st Baronet [aged 81] died. He was buried at St John's Church, Wotton on 22nd July 1763. His son John [aged 56] succeeded 2nd Baronet Evelyn of Wotton in Surrey.
On 15th July 1776 Richard Warwick Bampfylde 4th Baronet [aged 53] died. His son Charles [aged 23] succeeded 5th Baronet Bampfylde of Poltimore in Devon.
On 15th July 1801 William Legge 2nd Earl Dartmouth [aged 70] died. His son George [aged 45] succeeded 3rd Earl Dartmouth. Frances Finch Countess Dartmouth [aged 40] by marriage Countess Dartmouth. He took his seat in the Lords on 29th October 1801.
On 15th July 1803 Henry Oxenden 6th Baronet [aged 81] died. His son Henry [aged 47] succeeded 7th Baronet Oxenden of Dene in Kent. Mary Graham Lady Oxenden [aged 30] by marriage Lady Oxenden of Dene in Kent.
On 15th July 1808 Thomas-Henry Scheemakers [aged 68] died.
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 15th July 1814 Edward Buckworth aka Buckworth-Herne 5th Baronet [aged 81] died. His son Buckworth [aged 52] succeeded 6th Baronet Buckworth-Herne-Soame of Sheen in Surrey. Susan Semperingham Lady Buckworth-Herne-Soame by marriage Lady Buckworth-Herne-Soame of Sheen in Surrey.
On 9th July 1834 Michael Seymour 1st Baronet [aged 65] died at Rio de Janeiro. He was buried at the Cemitério dos Ingleses, Gamboa on 15th July 1834. His son John [aged 34] succeeded 2nd Baronet Seymour of High Mount in Cork and Friery Park in Devon.
On 15th July 1839 John Ramsden 4th Baronet [aged 83] died. His grandson John [aged 7] succeeded 5th Baronet Ramsden of Byram in Yorkshire.
On 15th July 1845 Alexander Murray 6th Earl Dunmore [aged 41] died. His son Charles [aged 4] succeeded 7th Earl Dunmore, 3rd Baron Dunmore of Dunmore in the Forest of Athole in Perthshire.
On 15th July 1854 Theophilus Biddulph 6th Baronet [aged 69] died. His son Theophilus [aged 24] succeeded 7th Baronet Biddulph of Westcombe in Kent. Mary Agnes Somerville Lady Biddulph [aged 16] by marriage Lady Biddulph of Westcombe in Kent.
On 15th July 1858 Elizabeth Tollemache Countess Cardigan [aged 60] died at 36 South Street Park Lane.
On 15th July 1859 Frances Gask Lady Edwardes [aged 94] died. She was buried at St Mark's Church, Frodesley where her memorial has the inscription: "Here Lyeth, FRANCES Relict of the, Rev. Sir JOHN THOMAS CHOLMONDLEY EDWARDES Bart, and daughter of JOHN GASK Esq of Tickhill County of York. Born 13th October 1764 Died 15th July 1859, Also, FRANCES, Eldest daughter of the Rev. Sir J.T.C. EDWARDES Bart, Born 10th August 1785 Died 20th July 1881, JULIANA, Second daughter of the Rev. Sir J.T.C. EDWARDES Bart, Born 3rd July 1789 Died 23rd July 1872, TREVOR HOPE EDWARDES, Second son of Sir HENRY EDWARDES Bart, Born 25th March 1831 Died 18th February 1878, LENORA Relict of TREVOR HOP EDWARDES, and daughter of Captain GORE BROWN, Born 31st August 1842 Died 29th December 1878, LOUISA MARY ANN EDWARDES, Widow of Sir HENRY EDWARDES Bart, Afterward widow of Major JAMES HENRY MURRAY MARTIN and only daughter of J.T. HOPE Esq of Netley Hall Co. Salop, Born Novbr 21st 1801 Died Septbr 7th 1886, Sir HENRY HOPE EDWARDES, 10th and last Baronet Born April 10th 1828, Died at Wootton Hall Ashbourne, August 24th 1900, Aged 70"
On 15th July 1861 Joanna Mary Boyce [aged 29] died from childbirth shortly after the birth of her third child.
On 15th July 1884 Henry Richard Charles Wellesley 1st Earl Cowley [aged 80] died at 20 Albermarle Street. He was buried at Draycott, Wiltshire. His son William [aged 49] succeeded 2nd Earl Cowley, 2nd Viscount Dangan of Meath, 3rd Baron Cowley. Emily Gwendoline Williams Countess Cowley [aged 45] by marriage Countess Cowley.
On 15th July 1900 Walter Rockliffe Farquhar 3rd Baronet [aged 90] died. His son Henry [aged 61] succeeded 4th Baronet Farquhar of Cadogan House in Middlesex. Alice Brand Lady Farquhar [aged 60] by marriage Lady Farquhar of Cadogan House in Middlesex.
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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On 15th July 1911 Charles Bertram Bellew 3rd Baron Bellew [aged 56] died at Barmouth Castle without issue. His brother George [aged 54] succeeded 4th Baron Bellew of Barmeath in Louth, 10th Baronet Bellew of Barmeath in Louth.
On 15th July 1911 Louisa Vonalten Duchess Devonshire and Manchester [aged 79] died.
On 15th July 1928 Charles James Jessel 1st Baronet [aged 68] died. His son George [aged 37] succeeded 2nd Baronet Jessel of Ladham House in Kent. Muriel Gladys Chapline Lady Jessel [aged 44] by marriage Lady Jessel of Ladham House in Kent.
On 15th July 1956 Commander Frederick Neville Eardley-Wilmot [aged 71] died. His son John [aged 39] succeeded 5th Baronet Eardley-Wilmot of Berkswell Hall in Warwickshire.
On 15th July 1958 Mabel Laura Georgiana Palmer Countess Grey [aged 73] died.
On 15th July 1959 Francis Savile Crossley 2nd Baron Somerleyton [aged 70] died. His son Saville [aged 30] succeeded 3rd Baron Somerleyton of Somerleyton in Suffolk, 4th Baronet Crossley.
On 15th July 1966 Francis Gerald Agar-Robartes 7th Viscount Clifden [aged 83] died unmarried. His brother Arthur [aged 79] succeeded 8th Viscount Clifden of Gowran in County Kilkenny, 8th Baron Mendip of Mendip in Somerset, 4th Baron Robartes of Lanhydrock and of Truro in Cornwall.
On 15th July 1974 Cedric Brudenell-Bruce 7th Marquess of Ailesbury [aged 70] died. His son Michael [aged 48] succeeded 8th Marquess Ailesbury, 14th Earl Cardigan, 9th Earl Ailesbury, 8th Earl Bruce of Whorlton in Yorkshire, 8th Viscount Savernake of Savernake Forest in Wiltshire, 14th Baron Brudenell of Stonton in Leicestershire, 9th Baron Bruce of Tottenham in Wiltshire.
On 11th July 2011 George Henry Hubert Lascelles 7th Earl Harewood [aged 88] died. He was buried at All Saints Church Harewood [Map] on 15th July 2011. His son David [aged 60] succeeded 8th Earl Harewood in Yorkshire, 8th Viscount Lascelles, 8th Baron Harewood of Harewood in Yorkshire.
On 15th July 2016 Peregrine Nicholas Eliot 10th Earl of St Germans [aged 75] died. His grandson Albert [aged 12] succeeded 11th Earl St Germans, 12th Baron Eliot of St Germans in Cornwall.