Note 280.1 — THE PASTON LETTERS Edward IV

[From Fenn, i. 232.] Like Nos. 457 and 458, this letter refers to the approaching coronation of Edward IV.

280.2 Sir John Howard.

280.3 Sir Thomas Montgomery.

280.4 Childermas, or Holy Innocents’ Day, the 28th of December, fell on Sunday in the year 1460. The day of the week on which it fell used to be considered ominous or unlucky during the whole ensuing year. This superstition seems to have continued as late as the beginning of the eighteenth century, and is alluded to by Addison in the seventh number of the Spectator. It is not true, however, that Edward’s coronation was put off till Monday. It took place on the Sunday which had been originally appointed for it, but the processions and pageantry were deferred till next day. The following is the account of the matter given in a contemporary chronicle in the Cottonian MS., Vitellius, A. xvi:—

‘And upon the morn, Sunday, which was St. Peter’s Even, and the 28th day of June, he was crowned at Westminster with great solemnity of bishops and other temporal lords. And upon the morn after, the King went crowned again in Westminster Abbey, in the worship of God and St. Peter. And upon the next morn he went also crowned in St. Paul’s in the worship of God and St. Paul; and there the angel came down and censed him. At which time was as great a multitude of people in Paul’s as ever was seen afore in any days.’