Fact of the Day

In the 16th century, more people were killed by sheep than by dogs.

Quote of the Day

"Democracy means government by discussion, but it is only effective if you can stop people talking. "
~ Clement Attlee

On This Day

461 Roman emperor Julius Valerius Majorianus was beheaded in north-west Italy by his former friend Ricimer, following a disastrous naval battle with the Vandals in the Bay of Alicante.
1613 Sir Thomas Fleming, the judge who presided over the trial of Guy Fawkes following the Gun powder Plot, died suddenly in his bed, aged 69.
1840 The Chimney Sweepers and Chimneys Regulation Act 1840 was passed. It was designed to prevent children climbing chimneys as chimney sweeps. However, it was largely ignored due to lack of enforcement.
1914 The first elements of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) landed in France following the declaration of war with Germany. By the end of 1914, much of the old army had been wiped out.
1933 The start of the five-day Simele Massacre against Assyrians by Iraqi forces, sparked by clashes with the Iraqi army after Assyrian refugees were refused entry into Syria.