Article & Video: The 12 Days of Christmas

The link below is to an article and video about the 12 days of Christmas – giving some commentary on what it is all about and where it came from.

For more visit:
http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/156472

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 – 12 May 1937

George VI Crowned King of the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth

Though reigning as king since the 11th December 1936, King George VI was not officially crowned until this day in 1937. His reign lasted until his death on the 6 February 1952, when he was succeeded by the current queen, Elizabeth II.

George VI was crowned King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth. He became king following his brother’s (Edward VIII) abdication in 1936.

 

Today in History – 19 April 1587

Sir Francis Drake Destroys the Spanish Fleet in Cadiz, Spain

War had broken out (Anglo-Spanish War of 1585 to 1604) between the Spanish and English – between Roman Catholic Spain and Protestant England. But it was more than just a religious war, for there were also political and economic agitations. English privateers were having a major impact on Spanish shipping. English support for the Netherlands in their fight for independence against Spain and also their support for an alternative Portuguese ruler (Portugal were in league with Spain) were a constant annoyance to the Spanish Empire. England saw Spain as a major threat to their security. Soon it was war, with Spain determined to invade England and crush Protestantism in its infancy.

Sir Francis Drake had been one of the thorns in Spain’s side, acting as a privateer in the Spanish Indies and taking many a Spanish ship as a prize. He was given command of an English fleet and set out to attack the Spanish on the 12th April 1587. On the 19th April 1587, Sir Francis Drake carried out what he described as having ‘singed the beard of the King of Spain,’ by sinking the Spanish fleet at harbor in the Bay of Cadiz, Spain. Up to 33 ships were destroyed and four were captured. This occurred the year prior to the sinking of the Spanish Armada during the attempted invasion of England.

When the fleet returned to England on the 6th of July, they had sunk over 100 enemy vessels and suceeded in setting back the planned Spanish invasion of England by a year. Drake had already sealed his place in history as one of England’s heroes, but his work had only just begun.