Augustus the Strong (1674-1733), Elector of Saxony, would break horseshoes with his bare hands, and reputedly fathered 355 children
Fact of the Day
Quote of the Day
"Democracy means government by discussion, but it is only effective if you can stop people talking.
"
~ Clement Attlee
On This Day
1519 The greatest Italian polymath and Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci, died aged 67.
1536 Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII, was arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London on charges of treason, adultery, and incest.
1568 Mary Queen of Scots escaped Lochleven castle after almost 11 months' imprisonment. After defeat at the Battle of Langside, she fled into England, where she was again imprisoned and eventually executed.
1933 Hitler banned all trade unions in Germany. Police units occupied their headquarters and their leaders and other officials were arrested.
1945 The Battle of Berlin finished, when the Soviets finally captured the city and raised their flag above the Reichstag building.
1967 Harold Wilson announced that the UK would apply for EEC membership, but the UK's entry was vetoed by French president Charles de Gaulle later that year.
1972 The controversial first director of the FBI, J. Edgar Hoover, died of a heart attack, aged 77.