Queen Elizabeth II did not expect the Throne
On this day in 1926 Queen Elizabeth II was born, in Mayfair, London. Her father had never expected to become monarch and nor did she.... Read More
Johann Sebastian Bach, father of harmony
On this day in 1685 the German composer Johann Sebastian Bach was born. One of music’s all-time greats, Bach grew up in a musical household... Read More
Julius Caesar’s day of reckoning
On this day in 32 BC Julius Caesar, Roman general and politician, was assassinated. Famously told by soothsayers to ‘Beware the Ides of March’, Caesar... Read More
Edna St Vincent Millay lights a candle
On this day in 1892 the American lyrical poet Edna St. Vincent Millay was born. Raised in rural Maine, Millay moved to New York City... Read More
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
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet has more than one theme
On this day in 1595 the first performance of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet took place. This tale of teenage love, violence and death is the... Read More
John Milton, a ‘cow ready for milking’
On this day in 1608 the English poet John Milton was born, 16 years before the death of Shakespeare. His Republican views brought him into... Read More