1221. The convent belonging to Westminster abbey destroyed; which issued in several individuals being severely punished.
1464. Cosmo de Medicis, a Florentine merchant, died. He bestowed vast expense and attention in the promotion of learning, and presided over the commonwealth 34 years, with so much wisdom and popularity, as to acquire the title of Father of the People. (See [Oct. 4, 1434].)
1498. Columbus, on his third voyage, first set his foot upon the continent of America at Terra-Firma, mistaking it for an island. This was more than a year after the English expedition under the Cabots had reached its shores.
1560. The Scottish parliament assembled which overturned the Roman church in Caledonia, and established a new ecclesiastical system on a Calvinistic and presbyterian model.
1589. Henry III, of France, assassinated. He was a weak and vicious prince, during whose reign the country was desolated with factions and civil and religious wars. He was the last of the house of Valois.
1605. Edmund Anderson, an eminent English lawyer, died. He was one of the ablest and most learned of queen Elizabeth's judges; his law works are of great authority.
1625. The first parliament of Charles I, of England, on account of the plague, met at Oxford.
1714. Anne, queen of England, died, in the 50th year of her age.
1716. James Boileau, a celebrated French theologian, died; a doctor of the Sorbonne, and a man of great wit and learning.
1720. John Leake, a brave English admiral, died. He signalized himself in many important victories in different parts of the world.