Can anyone read date in roman numerals?

[samesizedfeet]

I've found a play on google books written for the Theatre Royal Covent Garden by Elijah Fenton.

I can't see any date except the publisher's date which is written in roman numerals:

MDCCXCIV


Is anyone able to translate that at all?


tyia
Z

[WendyPusey]

1794


(http://www.babylon.com/definition/MDCCCXCIV_%28Roman_Numerals%29/English)

[Merry]

MDCCXCIV

M = 1000
D = 500
C = 100

So the first four characters = 1700

then we have an X = 10 before a C = 100 These two characters = 90 (you know to subtract because you have a lower value character before a higher one)

Same goes for the last two characters: I = 1 and V = 5, so the last two characters = 4

So the whole lot = 1794. :)

[samesizedfeet]

Thanks Wendy.

I wasn't expecting that though as Elijah was around in the 1700s.

[Merry]

Wendy, you have an extra C in your link!

EDIT - Ignore that - now corrected!

[samesizedfeet]

MDCCXCIV

M = 1000
D = 500
C = 100

So the first four characters = 1700

then we have an X = 10 before a C = 100 These two characters = 90 (you know to subtract because you have a lower value character before a higher one)

Same goes for the last two characters: I = 1 and V = 5, so the last two characters = 4

So the whole lot = 1794. :)


*checks nurofen stocks*

Thanks, I think :)

[WendyPusey]

Sorry I have just corrected my post.

[samesizedfeet]

Aha - I think it's a reprint

"Catalogue of rare books - Page 20

Ellis (Firm) - 1728
108 FENTON (Elijah), Mariamne. A Tragedy. Acted at the Theatre Royal in Lincoln's-Inn-Fields. London, printed for J. Tonson, 1723. 8vo, First Edition, sewed, 9s. 6d. ..."

[Merry]

*checks nurofen stocks*


You need brandy, not nurofen!

[samesizedfeet]

Harumph

"Fenton, Elijah. Born in 1683 and died in 1730, authored "The poetical works of Elijah Fenton."


I feel I may be getting distracted as I was only looking for hits for Henry Fenton at the Theatre Royal before he married in 1829.
Also getting sidetracked by a Lavinia Fenton.

[Bella]

To samesizedfeet.

Can I ask please, if you have any connection with the Fenton's ? It was my maiden name, my lot were from NTT, but there may be a connection with Elijah who was of the STS bunch, and another possible connection with the Armada admiral and the explorer.

I would love to know who your Henry was .

Bella

Your date may also be writtenMDCCXCiiij

[samesizedfeet]

HI Bella,

I'm directly descended from the Henry John Fenton. If you tell me what your abbreviations stand for (NTT /STS) I can let you know if I have any in those places. Although they're all very transient as they were actors who travelled a lot so pinpointing them to one place of origin is proving difficult.

Zoe

[kiterunner]

I'm guessing Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire.

[Mark Dudley]

I thought Nippon Telegraph and Telephone and Stroud Tyre Services :confused::cool:

[Bella]

Yes, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire - Chapman Code abbreviations.

samesizedfeet. I will PM you if I may tomorrow after the match.

Bella

[lozaras]

I thought Nippon Telegraph and Telephone and Stroud Tyre Services :confused::cool:

.... why does that not surprise me???? Hmmm??:rolleyes:

:D:D

[Mark Dudley]

Thanks Sarah! :p