Friday, November 17, 2006

Today, in Olden Times

Lacking any deep thought, I will start a new semi-regular (or maybe not - we'll see) feature: Today, in Olden Times. A look at what else has happened today, but in olden times.

Today's nugget of fact? In 1558 Elizabeth I ascended the throne of England. She reigned until 1603. Considering most people in olden times lived to be about 40, that's a hell of a long time to reign. Also, the Spanish Armada invaded in 1588 and Elizabeth wore a white dress and rode on a big horse in front of the troops at Tilbury. She made a speech about being only a woman, but having the heart of a king, and a king of England at that. This was very effective, as the English whipped the Spanish. Or so they taught me in school - perhaps the Spanish see it differently?
What I know is that those three dates - 1558, 1603 and 1588, come up far more than you would think. Learn them, use them. When someone learns that you know the dates of ER I, they assume you know a lot of other things. It's great! All hail Queen Bess!

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