The names of the English rivers Amber, Avon, Axe, Esk, Exe, Ouse, Humber, Irwell, Thames and Tyne all mean 'river' or 'water' in various old languages.
Quote of the Day
"Foul as it is, hell itself is made more foul by the presence of John.
"
~ Matthew Paris (13th century chronicler) on King John
On This Day
1016Cnut defeated Edmund Ironside at the Battle of Assandun, forcing Edmund to make a peace with the invading Danes: he got to keep Wessex, but the rest of England came under Danish rule. A month later, he had died of 'natural causes' so Wessex, too, went to Cnut.
1216King John died of dysentery. He was succeeded by his nine year old son, Henry III.
1867The US officially took possession of Alaska. It wasn't a popular decision at the time.
