People not belonging to the clergy.
Laity
Fact of the Day
The artillery used by the British in the run-up to the Somme offensive in 1916 was so loud it could be heard in England.
Quote of the Day
"I love argument, I love debate. I don't expect anyone just to sit there and agree with me, that's not their job.
"
~ Margaret Thatcher
On This Day
43 BCE The assassination of Cicero, requested by Marc Antony. When his head was delivered to Anthony, his wife, Fulvia, spat on it and jabbed hairpins into his tongue.
1732 The Theatre Royal, now known as the Covent Garden Opera House, opened with a performance of the Beggar's Opera.
1787 Delaware became the first state of the modern United States.
1817 Rear-Admiral William Bligh died. He had been captain of HMS Bounty during the mutiny.
1941 The Japanese launched a surprise attack on the American naval base a Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, killing 2,403.
1982 Charles Brooks Jr became the first person to be executed by lethal injection, with a huge dose of 'truth serum'
