198. Decius Claudius Albinus, a Roman who assumed the imperial purple in opposition to Severus, was slain in battle on the river Rhone.
1401. William Sautre, an English clergyman, was burned for heresy, by the clergy, with the permission of Henry IV. This is said to have been the first execution in England on account of religion. (Timperley says March 10.)
1549. A bill passed the English parliament allowing clergymen to marry, on the ground that it was a less evil than compulsory chastity.
1553. Erasmus Reinhold died; an eminent German astronomer and mathematician, and professor at Wittemberg.
1567. Miles Coverdale, bishop of Exeter, buried. He was ejected from his see by queen Mary, and thrown into prison, from which he was liberated by Elizabeth. He assisted Tindal in the English version of the Bible, 1537.
1592. Edward Coke chosen speaker of parliament.
1597. Thomas Bentham, an English bishop, died; celebrated for his knowledge of the Chaldee and Hebrew tongues.
1619. Lucilio Vanini, a learned Italian, burnt. He early devoted himself with ardor to letters, studying philosophy, law, theology and astrology, at Rome and Padua. He traveled throughout every country of Europe, occupying himself with instruction; but wherever he appeared, he became obnoxious to suspicion on account of his religious views. In 1617 he went to Toulouse, where he was accused of atheism and sorcery, and condemned to the flames. He was drawn to the place of execution, when after his tongue was torn out, he was strangled, and burnt at the age of 34. His punishment appears to have been entirely undeserved, and has given him more celebrity than his writings.
1622. Henry Savile died, a learned English divine, historian and critic; Greek tutor to Queen Elizabeth.
1638. Insurrection of the Edinburgh presbyterians, who threw off their allegiance, and entered into a covenant or association against the government, which they compelled all people to subscribe; several Scotch bishops were forced to fly to England.