This Day in History - April 23rd

1564: William Shakespeare born

It is commonly believed that the great English dramatist and poet William Shakespeare is born in Stratford-upon-Avon on 23 April 1564. Actually, it is impossible to be certain exactly the day on which he was born, just as it is impossible to prove conclusively if it was the Shakespeare from Stratford who displayed such literary and theatrical mastery. However, it is certain that no plays have been performed or analysed as much as the 36 plays ascribed to him. These works, such as Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and King Lear, are known worldwide and, as frequent modern adaptation attests, continue to be relevant 400 years after they were composed.

Also On This Day

2006

Hungary's ruling Socialists win a second term in government.

2001

The trial of Jane Andrews, a former personal assistant to the Duchess of York, for the murder of her boy friend begins at the Old Bailey in London. Andrew’s is subsequently found guilty and sentenced to life.

1998

The killer of Martin Luther King, James Earl Ray, dies in hospital.

1997

42 people are killed in the Omaria massacre in the Algerian village of Omaria, south of Algiers.

1984

In America, Scientists announce the discovery of HTLV-3 virus – which is later renamed HIV.

1979

In England, police and anti National Front demonstrators clash in Southall, London. One man is killed in the violent exchange which occurred.

1968

First decimal coins appear in Britain - the 5p and 10p pieces which replace the 1 shilling and 2 shilling coins.

1961

During the Algerian War of Independence, three French Generals stage the Algiers putsch, a failed coup attempt to take control of Algeria.

1945

President Truman meets Soviet foreign minister Vyacheslav Molotov in America, lambasting the Soviet’s for breaking agreements with the U.S.

1942

The Second World War: Germany begins the “Baedeker Raids”, with German bombers striking Exeter, and later Bath, Norwich, York amongst other cities in England. Almost 1,000 civilians are killed by the raids.

1940

209 African-American people are killed as the Rhythm Night Club catches fire in Natchez, Mississippi, U.S.A.

1935

A new Polish Constitution is passed.

1661

Charles II is crowned King of England, completing the restoration of the monarchy.

1660

Sweden and Poland sign the Treaty of Oliwa, which settles land disputes between the two countries.

1014

King Brian Boru of Ireland defeats the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf, but is killed during the victory.