Anthony Ashley Cooper (above), 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, was born today in 1801. A love-starved child, he was converted by his mother’s maid and grew up to become the leader of the British evangelical reform movement of the 19th century. He used his wealth and political influence over many years to introduce legislation to prohibit or limit child labour in factories and mines, worked for humane conditions for the mentally ill, and promoted child education.
Queen Elizabeth I’s funeral was held five weeks after her death, today in 1603. A procession of over 1,000 people accompanied her body from Westminster, and tens of thousands lined the streets. John Stow reported that her mourners raised ‘such a general sighing, groaning and weeping as the like hath not been seen or known in the memory of man.’
‘Consorts in realm and tomb, here we sleep, Elizabeth and Mary, sisters, in hope of resurrection.’ Translation of the Latin tomb inscription in Westminster Abbey for Elizabeth I and her half sister, Mary I
Nicholas West, Bishop of Ely, who enjoyed a lavish lifestyle with an estimated 100 servants, died today in 1533. He had built himself a splendid chapel to rest in peace, but its statues were pulled down and smashed to bits by the next Bishop of Ely, who was a hammer-happy Protestant.
Revd Jack Russell, dog breeder and Vicar of Swimbridge, North Devon, died today in 1883. A keen hunter, he bred the dogs named after him for their short, stout physique, which made them a formidable foe of the fox.
Image: Wellcome Collection under CC BY 4.0