1727: 78 people lost their lives during a puppet show at Burwell in eastern England. The stage was set up in a warehouse, and the influx was so great that it was finally decided to close the doors to prevent more people from entering. Among the many people who were turned away at the door was a horseman who became very embittered. The man then explained that he had taken a kerosene lamp into a dark barn adjacent to the barn, where he had planned to peer into the stage through a gap in the wall, but accidentally lit the hay. Only 60 of the 140 people in the warehouse survived the ensuing fire. Many of the dead were women and children. 47 years later, when the horseman was on his deathbed, he admitted to deliberately setting fire to the barn, as revenge for not being able to watch the puppet show.

1974: “Ladies and gentlemen: I have made a decision that I wish to convey to you, and to all Americans, as soon as I am convinced in my mind and conscience that it is the right decision.” With these words, President Gerald Ford began his televised speech in which he announced that he would pardon Richard Nixon. A month earlier, Nixon resigned from the presidency due to the Watergate scandal. In his speech, Ford said, among other things, that he was a staunch supporter of equality before the law, but, in his opinion, the possibility of a trial would be a greater burden on the former president than on ordinary citizens. Ford’s decision sparked heated debate among contemporaries. 27 years later, in 2001, Ford was awarded the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation’s “Profile in Courage Award” for his pardon of Nixon.

2022: Queen Elizabeth II of England died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, aged 96. With a tenure of 70 years and 214 days, he became the longest-reigning monarch in British history. In contrast, England has a long tradition of retaining kings and queens. The closest to Elizabeth II’s reign was Victoria, who was queen for 63 years 2016 days (1837–1901). Next were King George III with 59 years (1760–1820), James VI of Scotland with 57 years (1567–1625) and Henry III of England with 56 years (1216–1272). The next woman on the list is Elizabeth I of England, who at 44 years (1558–1603) had the ninth longest reign in English history. The ten longest-serving monarchs died of ill health. On Elizabeth II’s death certificate, “old age” is listed as the cause of death.

(© NTB)