Deaths on January 20

Charles Yorke

Died on January 20, 1770

Charles Yorke, English lawyer and politician, Lord Chancellor of Great Britain (b. 1722)

Charles Yorke PC (30 December 1722 – 20 January 1770) was briefly Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain. His father was also Lord Chancellor, and he began his career as a Member of Parliament. He served successively as Solicitor-General and Attorney-General for several governments, during which he was best known for writing what became the Quebec Act. He was appointed Lord Chancellor over his objections, but he committed suicide only three days after taking the post.

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Events on 1770

19 Apr

Louis XVI of France
Marie Antoinette marries Louis XVI of France in a proxy wedding.
20 Apr

Battle of Aspindza
The Georgian king, Erekle II, abandoned by his Russian ally Count Totleben, wins a victory over Ottoman forces at Aspindza.
16 May

Louis XVI of France
A 14-year-old Marie Antoinette marries 15-year-old Louis-Auguste who later becomes king of France.
11 Jun

Great Barrier Reef
British explorer Captain James Cook runs aground on the Great Barrier Reef.