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Was Richard III born on October 2 or October 11?

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white lily's avatarRICARDIAN LOONS

To begin this post, I will confess to having an attachment to the date of birth that Richard III wrote in his personal prayer-book.  In his own hand, he inscribed next to the entry for October 2 the words “hac die natus erat Ricardus Rex anglie IIIus apud ffoderingay Anno D’ni mcccc lijo” (“at this day had been born King Richard III of England, at Fotheringhay, in the year of our Lord 1452”).  I was born on October 2, five centuries later.  As a student of “Ricardian” history, it’s a point of pride for me to be born on the same calendar day as Richard — which makes me rather eccentric to say the least.

BookOfPrayer Richard III’s Book of Hours – with handwritten notation of his birthdate (L)

Nevertheless, it’s rare that we get to see anyone from the medieval period writing down their birthday, and so it…

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3 responses to “Was Richard III born on October 2 or October 11?”

  1. viscountessw Avatar
    viscountessw

    I’ve always been confused by this Julian versus Gregorian date thing, so it is almost a relief to have it all set out so clearly. Thank you.

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    1. white lily Avatar
      white lily

      Thank you. I learned a lot myself in researching this. In fact, the whole issue of Earth calendars is really complex.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. George Washington’s England, especially Sulgrave Manor…. | murreyandblue

    […] Washington, of course, was born when Britain and its colonies were living under the Julian calendar. American independence happened long after 1752, when it switched to the Gregorian calendar, under which he died – see here. […]

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