In some London streets in the seventeenth century, one house in every three was a tavern.
Fact of the Day
Quote of the Day
"Madam, I have whipped his arse; you may kiss it if you please.
"
~ Buchanan, the young James VI of Scotland's tutor, after being upbraided for punishing his charge
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.