In 1252 Henry III was given a polar bear by King Haakon of Norway. He kept it in the Tower of London on a long chain so it could swim in the Thames.
Fact of the Day
Quote of the Day
"I see that you have made three spelling mistakes
"
~ Thomas de Mahy, Marquis de Favras's last words on being handed a copy of his order of execution, 1790
On This Day
1397 Geoffrey Chaucer told The Canterbury Tales for the first time at the court of Richard II.
1521 Martin Luther's trial began during the Diet of Worms over his 95 Theses. When asked about his teachings, he asked for time to reflect and was given a day to think.