On This Day facts March 8th

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY - 8th MARCH

On This Day in 1702, Queen Anne became Queen of England after the death of William III, or William of Orange, or William-Of-The-Evil-Fruit.

 

Queen Anne started out as Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland, then became Queen of Great Britain when the Kingdoms were officially united. She left no direct heirs, and, as such, was the last monarch of the House of Stewart.

 

Anne was the sister of Mary II, who was the wife of Not-The-First-William-Who-Invaded-England.

 

William-The-Third-Orange-Almost-Killed-Me had invaded England in what became known as the Glorious Revolution. It was an almost bloodless coup when James II took a holiday in France, which led Parliament to declare he had abdicated.

 

This was the second time someone called William invaded England to claim the throne. Must be something in the name.

 

If you know someone called William, better watch out for him. He's probably contemplating conquering your ass. Or horse. Whatever one you have.

Also On This Day In History

On This Day in 1775, Thomas Paine published his article "African Slavery in America."

 

Although the article was anonymous, the common consensus is that Thomas Paine was the writer. It was the first published article in the American colonies which called for the emancipation of slaves, and the abolition of slavery.

 

On This Day in 1817, the New York Stock Exchange is founded.

 

On This Day in 1921, Eduardo Dato Iradier, the Spanish Prime Minister, is assassinated as he left the Parliament Building in Madrid.

 

On This Day in 1971, Joe Frazier wins in 15 rounds by a unanimous decision from the judges against his opponent Muhammad Ali, in the Fight of the Century.

 

On This Day in 1978, the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a book by Douglas Adams, is transmitted for the first time on BBC Radio 4.