1840. Baron Paganini, the most celebrated violinist the world ever produced, died at Nice, in Italy, aged 57, leaving a large fortune. (See [June 27, 1819].)
1848. The princess Sophia, 12th child of George III of England, died, aged 71; an amiable and benevolent lady.
1850. The temple of Nauvoo, erected by the Mormons, finished in 1845, partially burnt in October 1848, having but its four walls left—all its timber works having been consumed by the flames—was destroyed by a hurricane.
MAY 28.
812. St. William, of Aquitaine, died. He distinguished himself by his valor against the Saracens, under Charlemagne.
1089. Lanfranc, archbishop of Canterbury, died. He was an Italian, and has the character of a great statesman, as well as a learned prelate.
1220. Pope Honorius issued a decree that no person in England should keep in his hands more than two of the royal castles; intended to check the encroaching barons.
1357. Alphonso IV, of Portugal, died. He was an able prince, benevolent, and warred with the Moors.
1500. De Cabral's fleet encountered a violent storm; 4 of his vessels ran foul of each other and sunk. Bartholomew Diaz, the Portuguese navigator, who first doubled the cape of Good Hope, was lost here.
1576. The first newspaper printed in England was the Liverpool Times of this date; it is said to be published at the present day.