The Middle English name for orchids is ballockwort, as in 'testicle plant'.
Quote of the Day
"Blessed are the peacemakers
"
~ James I & VI's personal motto
On This Day
303St George, a possibly Greek, Palestinian, or non-existent Roman soldier, was executed for preaching Christianity. He is the patron saint of Aragon, Catalonia, England, Ethiopia, Georgia, Greece, Lithuania, Palestine, Portugal, and Russia.
1344Or 1348. The Order of the Garter, the highest order of chivalry in England, was founded by Edward III.
1616William Shakespeare, one of the greatest playwrights in English history, died at the age of 52 and within a month of signing his will where he was described as being 'in perfect health'.
1661Charles II was crowned king of England, Scotland and Ireland, thereby officially restoring the monarchy. He chose St George's Day for his coronation, as did James II and Queen Anne.
1850Poet William Wordsworth died of pleurisy, aged 80.
1915Idealistic war poet Rupert Brooke died of an infected mosquito bite on his way to Gallipoli.
1945Hitler's propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels, and his wife committed suicide in Hitler's Berlin bunker, after killing their six children. Meanwhile, Hitler's private secretary, Martin Bormann, escaped from the bunker. He didn't make it far: his remains were discovered in Berlin in 1972.