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.
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.
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. 1940
American
actor Lee Majors.
1936
American singer Roy Orbison.1928
Shirley Temple, child Hollywood star. Best known for films such as Wee Willie Winkie and
Heidi. Later becomes United States Ambassador to
Ghana and
Czechoslovakia. Real name Shirley Temple Black.
1775
English landscape painter Joseph Mallard William Turner.1564
English poet & playwright
William Shakespeare born in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. Dies on his 52nd birthday in 1616.
1997
England international cricketer and international footballer Denis Compton aged 78.1990
American actress Paulette Goddard. Former wife of Charlie Chaplin. Films with Chaplin included 'Modern Times' and 'The Great Dictator'.1986
Surrey and England cricketer Jim Laker aged 64. Took a record 19 wickets for only 90 runs while bowling for England against
Australia in 1956.
1986
Austrian-born film
director Otto Preminger aged 80. Films included 'Laura'; 'Carmen Jones' and 'Exodus'.
1983
American film
actor Larry 'Buster' Crabb famous for his portrayal of
Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers.
1915
English poet
Rupert Brooke dies of blood poisoning on the
Greek island of Skyros after being bitten by a snake.
1791
Composer Wolfgang Mozart.1616
Spanish novelist and playwright Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. Author of 'Don Quixote'.
