One of most powerful political organisations in the late Middle Ages. Their ranks were filled by the richest aristocratic families of Europe. Formed in Jerusalem in the 11th Century to provide hospital care and protection for Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. Still exist today though split into many Orders.
Knights Hospitallers
Fact of the Day
King Edward II faced invasion in 1326, when an army from France landed in Suffolk. The army was commanded by his wife.
Quote of the Day
"Men make their own history, but they do not make it as they please.
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~ Karl Marx
On This Day
1637 English poet and playwright Ben Jonson died, aged sixty-five.
1806 The Holy Roman Empire was dissolved following Francis II's abdication after his defeat by Napoleon at Austerlitz. It had been in existence in some form for a thousand years.
1945 The first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, during the Second World War. 80,000 people were killed in the explosion, and tens of thousands subsequently died from radiation exposure.
1962 Jamaica gained independence from the British Empire.