1347. The conquest of Calais by the third Edward, after a siege of 11 months, when the six citizens, with halters round their necks, surrendered the keys of their independence. The condemned lives of these men, whose patriotism has scarcely ever been equaled, were spared through the tears and intercessions of Philippa. The inhabitants were removed and the city repeopled with English, in whose possession it remained more than two centuries. The pay of the army was as follows: the marines and archers on foot received 3d.; the black prince £1; and the bishop of Durham, with the earls, 6s. 8d. per day.
1496. Bartholomew Columbus, the
admiral's brother, laid the foundation of St. Domingo.
1578. Battle of the three kings, in the west of Africa, which was invaded by Sebastian of Portugal, in which the Moors were victorious, but the three kings engaged in it lost their lives.
1583. Sir Humphrey Gilbert landed at St. Johns, Newfoundland, and took possession of it in the name of the queen of England.
1598. William Cecil, lord Burley, died. He was an eminent English statesman, memorable for his virtue and integrity, as well as his great abilities.
1609. Hudson discovered cape Cod, and under the supposition that it was an island, called it New Holland, in compliment to the country of his employers. The Dutch afterwards called it Staaten hoek. The Indians here were observed to have green tobacco, and pipes with clay bowls and copper stems.
1612. Hugh Broughton, an eminent Hebrew scholar, died. So classical was his Hebrew that a Jew predicted the turning of the whole Jewish race if the New Testament would be printed in such pure Hebrew.
1633. George Abbot, archbishop of Canterbury, died, aged 71. He rose from humble circumstances to great dignity.
1651. Stirling castle and town taken by Monk for Cromwell.