December 29

in History

Thomas Becket Murdered — Four knights silence an archbishop in his cathedral

Canterbury, EnglandMedieval

1170

Thomas Becket Murdered

Four knights silence an archbishop in his cathedral

Inside Canterbury Cathedral, four knights loyal to King Henry II struck down Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in one of medieval history's most shocking acts of political violence. The murder, committed at the altar, horrified Christendom and transformed Becket into a martyr and saint. Canterbury became Europe's most popular pilgrimage site, and Henry did public penance for the crime.

1170 AD

Nels Stewart Born — Old Poison sharpens his first skates

Montreal, CanadaEarly 20th Century

1902

Nels Stewart Born

Old Poison sharpens his first skates

In Montreal, Canada, Robert Nelson Stewart was born, destined to become one of hockey's most lethal goal scorers. Known as 'Old Poison' for his deadly accuracy, he played for the Montreal Maroons, New York Americans, and Boston Bruins. He was the first player to win the Hart Trophy multiple times and held the NHL career goals record for fifteen years.

1902 AD

Second World War — Second World War: The Luftwaffe began a major night bombing raid on the British capital as part of the Blitz.

1939–1945 global conflictEarly 20th Century

1940

Second World War

Second World War: The Luftwaffe began a major night bombing raid on the British capital as part of the Blitz.

World War II or the Second World War was a global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies and the Axis powers. Nearly all of the world's countries participated. Tanks and aircraft played major roles, the latter enabling the strategic bombing of cities and delivery of the only nuclear weapons used in war. World War II was the deadliest conflict in history, causing the death of 60 to 75 million people.

1940 AD