Article: Vagabonds of 1566

The following link is to an article about the many types of vagabonds from a publication in 1566 – worth a read.

For more, visit:
http://www.listsofnote.com/2012/02/23-types-of-vagabond.html

Article: The Myth of the 8 Hour Sleep

The following link is to an article about the historical method of sleeping – a quick and interesting read.

For more, visit:
http://www.neatorama.com/2012/02/22/the-myth-of-8-hour-sleep/

Today in History: 23 February 1836

Texas: San Antonio – the Battle of the Alamo

On this day in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo begins in San Antonio, then part of Mexican Texas. This battle was part of the wider Texas Revolution. The siege of the Alamo ended on the 6th March 1836 with a Mexican victory. Killed in the battle were James Bowie, William B. Travis and Davy Crockett.

For more, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Alamo

Today in History: 22 February 2011

New Zealand: Christchurch – Major Earthquake Kills 185 People

On this day in 2011, the second in a series of major earthquakes strikes Christchurch in New Zealand. 185 people were killed in the 6.3 quake and the historic city of Christchurch was changed forever. On the first anniversary of the earthquake the city of Christchurch is still coming to terms with what the future now holds for the devastated city.

For more visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/February_2011_Christchurch_earthquake

Today in History: 21 February 1916

France: World War I – The Battle of Verdun Begins

On this day in 1916, the Battle of Verdun began on the Western Front in World War I, between French and German forces. This battle waged in northeastern France killed close to 700 000 troops. Some 40 million artillery shells were fired before the battle concluded on the 18th December 1916 in a virtual stalemate, though regarded as a French win.

For more, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Verdun

Today in History: 20 February 1547

England: Edward VI was Crowned

On this day in 1547, King Edward VI was officially crowned King of England and Ireland at the age of 9. Tragically Edward’s reign lasted only 6.5 years, ending with his death on the 6th July 1553 (it had begun on the 28th January 1547 following the death of Henry VIII).

For more on Edward VI, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_VI_of_England

Today in History: 19 February 1942

War Comes to Australia: The Bombing of Darwin

On this day in 1942, Japan launched the first of a number of air raids on northern Australia, striking Darwin in the Northern Territory. The bombing of Darwin on the 19th February 1942 resulted in the deaths of over 250 people, hundreds more wounded, the destruction of 23 aircraft and 10 ships, with an
additional 25 ships damaged. The Japanese lost 7 aircraft in the attack.

Australia suffered more than 60 attacks from Japanese aircraft during World War II.

For more visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombing_of_Darwin

Today in History: 18 February 1546

Martin Luther Died

On this day in 1546, Protestant Reformer Martin Luther died in Eisleben, Saxony, which was then
part of the Holy Roman Empire.

Luther was an extremely important figure in the Reformation, challenging the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church in a number of key areas.

Today in History: 17 February 1864

Banjo Paterson Born

On this day in 1864, Australian poet, journalist and author, Andrew Barton Paterson (Banjo Paterson) was born. Paterson was born near Orange in New South Wales, Australia. Banjo died on the 5th February 1941 in Sydney, Australia.

His most important works include ‘Waltzing Matilda,’ ‘The Man From Snowy River‘ and ‘Clancy of the Overflow.’

A pdf copy of ‘The Collected Verse of A. B. Paterson’ can be obtained via the link below:

http://www.archive.org/details/collectedverseof00pate

Today in History: 11 February 1847

Thomas Edison Born

Today’s post is a little different and features a youtube video on the history of Thomas Edison who was born on this day in 1847.