Medieval

The Battle of Hastings depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry

The Battle of Hastings is considered to be one of the most important battles of England's history. Often taken as the definitive point when England stopped being Anglo-Saxon and instead became Norman - with all the associated changes in…

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Fact of the Day

The first woman killed by a tiger in Britain died in 1705.

Quote of the Day

"He who is the author of a war lets loose the whole contagion of hell and opens a vein that bleeds a nation to death. "

~ Thomas Paine

On This Day

205 Plautianus, long-time friend of Roman emperor Septimius Severus, was exceuted for allegedly plotting to kill the imperial family.

1536 The leaders of the Münster Rebellion, that turned Münster into an Anabaptist commune, were tortured and executed.

1552 The deposed Lord Protector and uncle to Edward VI, was executed for 'plotting' to change the government.

1561 Francis Bacon, statesman, lawyer, philosopher, essayist and Lord Chancellor of England, was born.

1666 Mogul Emperor of India, Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal, died under house-arrest in Agra Fort having been locked away by his son.

1719 William Paterson, one of the founders of the Bank of England and main proponents of the Darien scheme (Scottish colony in Panama) died. A mystery still surrounds his burial site.

1788 'Mad, bad, and dangerous to know', romantic poet Lord Byron was born.

1901 Queen Victoria died, aged 81. At the time, she was the longest reigning monarch and was succeeded by her son, Edward VII.

1924 Ramsay MacDonald became the first Labour Prime Miniter. It didn't last long - he lost the general election in October 1924.

1959 Mike Hawthorn, the UK's first F1 World Champion driver died in a car crash on the A3 in Surrey. He was 29.