The military success of King Richard I of England earned him the nickname the ‘Lionheart’. His brother and successor John, however, lacked his brother’s martial abilities and was granted a less respectful nickname. What was it?
Answer: He was known as John ‘Softsword’.
Source: 12 Books That Changed the World by Melvyn Bragg
69 – Otho seizes power in Rome, proclaiming himself Emperor of Rome, but rules for only three months before committing suicide.
1822 – In the Greek War of Independence, Demetrios Ypsilantis is elected president of the legislative assembly.
1867 – Forty people die when ice covering the boating lake at Regent’s Park, London, collapses.
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A short, sharp hit of history in video format. Acclaimed Irish playwright and novelist Oscar Wilde was the toast of London society in the 1890s until things came decidedly unstuck through an association with a young British aristocrat, Lord Alfred Douglas, known as ‘Bosie’.
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French chef August Escoffier (1847-1935)
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‘With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your later days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.’
General George Washington bidding farewell to his officers, December 4, 1783, at Fraunces Tavern in New York City.
Italian mystic. He founded the religious order known as the Franciscans. Renowned for his love, simplicity and practice of poverty, he is one of history’s most famous and venerated religious figures.
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