Offline for a Week: Back on February 8

Sorry readers and visitors, I’ll be away from History for Today until the 8th February 2012. I have some Internet connectivity issues which should be resolved by then.

Today in History: 30 January 1649 and 30 January 1661

England: Charles I Beheaded

On this day in 1649, Charles I (19 November 1600 – 30 January 1649) was executed by being beheaded in England. His reign had begun on the 27th March 1625.

For more on Charles I visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_I_of_England

 

England: Ritual Execution of Oliver Cromwell

On this day in 1661, Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, was ritually executed two years after his death and on the same day as the king he deposed.

For more on Oliver Cromwell visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Cromwell

Today in History: 29 January 1856

Victoria Cross: Introduced to Honour Acts of Valour in Crimean War

On this day in 1856, Queen Victoria established the military medal known as the Victoria Cross. It was the highest military decoration issued for valour in the face of the enemy within the British Empire and now the Commonwealth. It was first introduced to honour members of the armed forces who fought in the Crimean War.

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

Today in History: 28 January 1521

Martin Luther: Diet of Worms Begins

On this day in 1521, the Diet of Worms began in Worms, Germany. This assembly was held from the 28th January until the 25th May 1521, with the Emperor (Charles V) presiding.

The Diet of Worms held in 1521 was memorable because it was the assembly which investigated Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. It was at this assembly that Luther was condemned as a heretic.

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

Today in History: 27 January 1944

WWII Siege of Leningrad by Germany Ends

On this day in 1944, the siege of Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) by German Army Group North in World War II, was brought to an end by Soviet forces. The siege had lasted for 872 days. There were heavy losses on both sides during the siege.

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

Today in History: 26 January 1788

Australia Day

This day is the day that Australians celebrate as Australia Day.

On this day in 1788, the First Fleet had arrived and the first landing was made inside Port Jackson (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia) by the pioneering first settlers from Britain.

For more on Australia Day visit:
http://www.australiaday.org.au/

Today in History: 25 January 1759

Robert Burns Day/Burns Night – Burns Supper

This day is known as Robert Burns Day in Scotland, which is of course the day on which the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns, was born. Burns was born on this day in 1759.

Wherever Robert Burns is remembered, a Burns Supper is generally held on or about Robert Burns Day/Night. These suppers usually include a haggis, Scotch whisky and the reading/recitation of poetry written by Robert Burns.

For more on  Burns Suppers visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burns_supper

For a book by Thomas Carlyle, ‘Burns,’ visit:
http://www.archive.org/details/burns01carl

Today in History: 24 January 41AD

Roman Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (Caligula) Assassinated

On this day in 41 AD, Roman Emperor Caligua was assassinated after almost 4 years as emperor (37 AD to 41 AD). The assassination conspiracy involved members of the Praetorian Guard and the Roman Senate. He was succeeded by Claudius as emperor.

Caligula was born on the 31st August 12 AD. His reign as emperor is remembered for the final two years of his rule, years that were marked with great cruelty.

For a treatment on the life of Caligula, download the book ‘The Lives of the Twelve Caesars,’ by Seutonius. This book contains a chapter on Caligula.

For a copy of the book visit:
http://www.archive.org/details/livesofthetwelve035040mbp

Today in History: 23 January 1556

China: Shaanxi Earthquake

On this day in 1556, one of the deadliest earthquakes in history struck Shaanxi in China. The Shaanxi Earthquake of 1556 killed some 830 000 people. Almost 60% of the population was killed in some areas affected by the quake.

For more visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1556_Shaanxi_earthquake

Today in History: 22 January 1879

South Africa: Anglo-Zulu War – Battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift

On this day in 1879, the first major battles of the Anglo-Zulu War took place. This war was fought between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom in South Africa.

The Battle of Isandlwana resulted in a crushing victory for the Zulu army and defeat for the first British invasion of Zululand.

The Battle of Rorke’s Drift was a defence of a mission station immediately following the loss at Isandlwana. About 150 troops defended the station against some 4000 Zulus.