JUNE 29.
65. Peter, the apostle, crucified at Rome, in the reign of Nero. On the evening of this day, St. Peter's church at Rome is splendidly illuminated.
455. The sack of Rome under Genseric, the Vandal, terminated. It had continued 14 days. The spoils of Jerusalem were removed to Carthage.
794. Offa, a powerful English king, died. He corresponded on flattering terms with Charlemagne, and fixed a seal to his charters.
1033. A great eclipse of the sun was observed. In France it caused almost midnight darkness at noon.
1215. King John signed magna charta,
or the great charter of liberties, which is esteemed the basis and palladium of British freedom, on this day, at Runemede, a meadow on the banks of the Thames, between Staines and Windsor, now occupied as a race course. Of 26 barons who subscribed this document, only 3 could write their own names. (This event is attributed to various days.)
1450. William Ascough, bishop of Sarum, murdered at the altar by Jack Cade and his followers.
1502. Columbus arrived at Hispaniola on his fourth voyage.
1509. Margaret of Lancaster, mother of Henry VII, died. She was a munificent patron of learning, and the founder of St. John's and Christ's colleges at Cambridge. She sustained an excellent character.