St Valentine’s day has a long history
On this day the feast of St. Valentine is held. In early tradition, Valentine’s Day was the date that birds began to choose their mates,... Read More
George Simenon’s shady private life
On this day in 1903 the Belgian writer Georges Simenon was born. Simenon will always be remembered for his creation, Commissaire Maigret, the cerebral and... Read More
Abraham Lincoln’s oratory
On this day in 1809 the future US President Abraham Lincoln was born. From truly humble beginnings (born in a log cabin) Lincoln rose to... Read More
Bernadette Soubirous, humble saint of Lourdes
On this day in 1858 Bernadette Soubirous, aged 14, saw the first of a series of visions at Lourdes. Bernadette, her sister and a friend... Read More
Sir John Suckling’s card scam
On this day in 1609 the Cavalier poet Sir John Suckling was born. A soldier as well as a poet, he is famous as the... Read More
Amy Lowell, America’s powerful poetess
On this day in 1874 the American poet Amy Lowell was born. By all accounts Lowell was a short and rather plump lady. Ezra Pound... Read More
Mary Queen of Scots’ unhappy end
On this day in 1587 Mary Queen of Scots was beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire. When her time came she appeared serene and smiling... Read More
