The name 'Plantagenet' probably comes from the sprig of broom (planta genista) Henry II's father Geoffrey used to keep in his helmet.
Fact of the Day
Quote of the Day
"Foul as it is, hell itself is made more foul by the presence of John.
"
~ Matthew Paris (13th century chronicler) on King John
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.