804. Flaccus Alcuinus, an English ecclesiastic, died in France. He may be considered as one of the learned few whose genius dissipated the gloom of the 8th century. His writings, most of which are extant, were published 1617. (See [Dec. 1].)
1122. Lincoln in England destroyed by fire.
1217. Battle of Lincoln; the French defeated, and England effectually secured from the dominion of Lewis the Dauphin, who was then holding his court within the walls of London.
1218. Otho IV (the proud), emperor of Germany, died. He laid claim to some of the territories of the pope, by whom he was excommunicated and deposed.
1242. Henry III of England embarked for France, taking with him 30 hhds of silver.
1494. Columbus, proceeding towards Cuba, named the headland Cabo de Cruz on this day. He now ascertained from the natives that Cuba was an island, but after coasting it 335 leagues from the eastern point, renounced the idea; and but for the scarcity of provisions, would have attempted to return to Europe by way of the Red sea, under the impression that he was on the coast of India.
1536. Anne Boleyn, queen of England, executed. She was crowned at Westminster 1533 with unparalleled splendor, and in a few weeks after became the mother of the famous Elizabeth.
1610. Thomas Sanchez, a Spanish Jesuit, died, and was buried with extraordinary magnificence. His works are ingenious.
1613. King James issued farthing tokens by proclamation.
1622. Osman I, sultan of Turkey, strangled by his soldiery. He undertook an expedition against Poland, in which he lost 80,000 men and 100,000 horses: these misfortunes were attributed to the Janizaries, who thereupon hurled him from the throne.