On This Day

Admiral Robert Blake

Died 17/8/1657, 360 years ago

Admiral. The date given is his baptism, in Bridgwater, Somerset where there is now a museum and a statue. First fought for Cromwell in the army and was then appointed "General at Sea". 1652-3 he...

Person, Armed Forces

1 memorial

Diplomat, poet, hedonist and traveller. Born Petworth House, Sussex. Advocated anti-Imperialism, and supported Irish nationalism. Legendary womaniser, one being William Morris's wife, Jane. Married...

Person, Animals, Poetry, Exploring

1 memorial

Jose de San Martin

Died 17/8/1850, 167 years ago

Soldier and statesman. Born in present-day Argentina. An officer in the Spanish army but then a major player in the battle for independence from Spain for Argentina in 1812 and Chile in 1818. He fo...

Person, Nationalism, Politics & Administration, Argentina, Chile, France, Peru

3 memorials

Valerie Eliot

Born 17/8/1926, 91 years ago

Second wife and widow of the poet T.S. Eliot. Born Esmé Valerie Fletcher. From the age of 14 she determined to meet Eliot and when she left school she told her headmistress tht she wanted to become...

Person, Friend / family

2 memorials

Ruth First

Died 17/8/1982, 35 years ago

South African freedom fighter. Born Johannesburg. Married Slovo in 1949. Killed by a parcel bomb addressed to her in Mozambique where she was living in exile.

Person, Nationalism, Race Issues, Journalism / Publishing, Africa, South Africa