Decree absolute

A court of law's final order officially ending a marriage, enabling either party to remarry.

Fact of the Day

In 1252 Henry III was given a polar bear by King Haakon of Norway. He kept it in the Tower of London on a long chain so it could swim in the Thames.

"We would often be ashamed of our finest actions if the world could see the motives behind them."

~ La Rochefoucauld (17th century)

1598 Playwright Ben Jonson was put on trial for manslaughter after killing fellow actor Gabriel Spenser in a duel.

1692 The last people accused of practicing witchcraft in Salem were hanged.

1735 Robert Walpole became the first British Prime Minister to occupy 10 Downing Street.