As defined in "Oxford English Dictionary" - a tax levied on every adult, without reference to their income or resources.
Poll tax
Fact of the Day
In 1621, a peer spent £3,000 on one day's meals.
Quote of the Day
"Who has appointed the Germans the judges of nations?
"
~ John of Salisbury
On This Day
19 Germanicus, Roman general and member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, died of a 'mysterious illness' (most probably assassination). He was viewed by many as the perfect Roman and his death led to a climate of fear in Rome.
1957 The worst nuclear accident in British history occurred when a fire led to a major radiation leak at the Windscale (now known as Sellafield) nuclear plant in Cumbria.
1971 After being sold, dismantled and moved to the USA, London Bridge was reconstructed and reopened in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
2004 Former Superman actor Christopher Reeve died, aged 52, possibly from an adverse reaction to an antibiotic. He became a prominent activist for people with spinal cord injuries after being severely injured when thrown from his horse.