Augustus the Strong (1674-1733), Elector of Saxony, would break horseshoes with his bare hands, and reputedly fathered 355 children
Fact of the Day
Quote of the Day
"Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its students.
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~ Hector Berlioz, composer
On This Day
1586 American colonists arrived in Plymouth with large quantities of tobacco. Smoking caught on quickly, though it was also used in tea.
1694 The Bank of England was founded by an act of parliament as a way to finance government debt by private subscription.
1943 The concentrated Allied bombing of Hamburg led to a three hour firestorm that killed approx 30,000 civilians.