741. Charles Martel, duke of Austrasia, died. He was the actual sovereign of France during 25 years, under the titles of mayor of the palace, and duke of the Franks. He repeatedly vanquished the Suevians, Frisons, Allemans and Saxons, and at the famous battle near Poictiers defeated the Saracens with such great slaughter, that it is said 375,000 of them were destroyed.
1322. Hugh, the illuminator, died at Cairo in Egypt, on his way from Dublin to the holy land.
1495. John II (the Great) of Portugal, died. He carried war into Africa against the Moors, and extended the settlements of the Portuguese in Africa and India.
1658. Interment of Oliver Cromwell, with great pomp. "It was the joyfulest funeral I ever saw," says Evelyn; "for there were none that cried but dogs, which the soldiers hooted away with a barbarous noise, drinking and taking tobacco in the streets as they went."
1685. Edict of Nantes revoked by the imbecile Louis XIV, who imagined the protestants in his kingdom were nearly extirpated. The protestants were now deprived of their religious and civil rights, which they had enjoyed nearly a century. They were driven in great numbers into different countries of Europe by the persecutions which followed, where they established the silk and other manufactures, to the great prejudice of their own country.
1707. Cloudesley Shovel, a celebrated English admiral, wrecked off the Scilly isles, as he was returning with his fleet from the coast of Spain; 900 seamen also perished with him.
1708. Herman Witsius died; a learned Dutch divine, and theological writer.
1710. Birthday of Marie Anne le Page du Boccage, a French lady greatly celebrated for her writings.
1724. William Wollaston died; a celebrated English divine, author of the Religion of Nature.
1726. The island of Jamaica visited by a fearful hurricane which destroyed much property on the plantations and a fleet of ships.