19 March: A Gallery of History
A Tale of Betrayal, 1330
Historical Occurrence on 19th March: Significant Events That Unfolded
Edmund of Woodstock, the first Earl of Kent, lost his head outside Winchester Castle. His treasonous curiosity led him to believe that his deposed half-brother, King Edward II, was still alive and in prison. His support for Edward and his involvement in a rescue conspiracy ended in his gruesome execution. Initially, no one was willing to end the life of such a prominent figure. After a long wait, a common criminal agreed to do the deed in exchange for a pardon.
A Gun-Slinging Lawman's Birth, 1848
Wyatt Earp, known for his varied roles as a hunter, gambler, saloon keeper, lawman, and killer, entered the world on this day in Monmouth, Illinois. His most famous moment came in October 1881 in Tombstone, Arizona, when he partnered with John "Doc" Holliday and his brothers in the notorious gunfight at the OK Corral.
A Revolution in England, 1649
Parliament abolished the House of Lords, deeming it "useless and dangerous to the people of England." Two days earlier, it had abolished the monarchy following the execution of King Charles I. This marked the end of the House of Lords, and those that remained were known as the Rump Parliament, ruling England for over four years until they were forcibly dissolved by Oliver Cromwell in April 1653.
The Explorer's Journey Begins, 1649
David Livingstone, a Scottish writer, doctor, missionary, and explorer, was born in a Lanarkshire tenement. Leaving a life of working in cotton mills behind, he journeyed to London in 1838 to pursue scriptural and medical studies before embarking on his groundbreaking explorations.
The First International Women's Day, 1911
Over one million people attended rallies in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland to mark the first International Women's Day.
The Landmark Bridge Opens, 1932
Following six years of construction, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was formally opened. But before Captain Francis de Groot could cut the ceremonial ribbon, a member of the right-wing New Guard group interrupted proceedings and, dressed in his First World War cavalry uniform, cut the ribbon with his sabre.
A Young Folk Star's Debut, 1962
Bob Dylan, a young musician with a zealous spirit, released his first album, titled simply Bob Dylan.
- On March 19, 1932, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, an iconic symbol of Australia, officially opened, despite unconventional efforts to interrupt the formal opening.
- In the realm of general-news and crime-and-justice, Frank Nitti, a prominent figure in Chicago's underworld, took his own life at the Chicago Central Railyard on March 19, 1943.
