What happened today in history?

What happened
today in history?
[ May 20 ]

2023 - In Memory of Phil Sharpe: A Cricket Legend

Phil Sharpe, a notable English cricket batsman who played 12 Test matches, passed away at 77. He is remembered for his impressive batting skills with Yorkshire and Derbyshire, leaving a lasting legacy in the cricket world.

2022 - The Life and Legacy of Roger Angell

Roger Angell, a prominent American literary editor and baseball journalist for The New Yorker, died in 2022 at age 101 due to congestive heart failure. His writing left a significant mark on baseball journalism and literature.

2021 - The Legacy of Freddy Marks: Remembering an Entertainer

Freddy Marks, a beloved English actor, singer, and entertainer best known for 'Rod, Jane and Freddy,' passed away from cancer at the age of 71. His vibrant career brought joy to generations of children and left a lasting legacy in children's entertainment.

2021 - In Memory of Sándor Puhl: A Legendary Referee

Sándor Puhl, legendary Hungarian soccer referee known for officiating the 1994 FIFA World Cup Final and 1997 UEFA Champions League Final, passed away in 2021 at 65, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the world of soccer.

2020 - The Life and Legacy of Howard Curtis Nielson

Howard Curtis Nielson, a prominent American politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1983 to 1991, passed away on July 24, 2020, at the age of 95, leaving behind a rich legacy of public service and community engagement in Utah.

2018 - In Memory of Carol Mann: A Golfing Legend

Carol Mann, a prominent American golfer who achieved remarkable victories including the 1964 Western Open and the 1965 U.S. Open, passed away in 2018 at 77. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of golfers.

In Memory of Carol Mann: A Golfing Legend

2018 - Remembering Patricia Morison: A Star's Legacy

Patricia Morison, the celebrated American actress known for her roles in 'Kiss Me, Kate' and 'Peyton Place,' passed away at the age of 103 in 2018. Her remarkable career spanned theater and film, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

2015 - The Life and Legacy of Brian Cubbon

Brian Cubbon, a prominent British senior civil servant, passed away on April 13, 2015, at the age of 87. His extensive career in the UK’s civil service left a lasting legacy of public service and reform, inspiring many in the field.

2013 - The Life and Legacy of Anders Eliasson

Anders Eliasson, a renowned Swedish contemporary classical composer, passed away in 2013. His innovative works combined traditional and modern elements, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of classical music.

2007 - The Life and Legacy of Norman Von Nida

Norman Von Nida, a celebrated Australian golfer, coach, and broadcaster, died in 2007 at age 93. He is best remembered for his strong performance in the 1948 British Open and his significant contributions to the sport, shaping the future of golf in Australia.

2000 - The Legacy of Jean-Pierre Rampal: A Flute Virtuoso

Jean-Pierre Rampal, the influential French classical flautist known for his pioneering work in merging classical and jazz styles, passed away on April 20, 2000, at the age of 72 from heart failure. His legacy continues to inspire musicians worldwide.

1996 - The Passing of Jon Pertwee: A Doctor Who Legend

Jon Pertwee, the beloved Third Doctor from Doctor Who, passed away on April 20, 1996, at the age of 76. His contributions as an actor and entertainer, including memorable roles like Worzel Gummidge, continue to resonate with fans today.

1991 - The Legacy of Pete Runnels: A Baseball Icon

Pete Runnels, a celebrated American baseball infielder and manager, died from a stroke on December 29, 1991, at the age of 63. Known for his remarkable batting skills and contributions to teams like the Boston Red Sox, Runnels remains a beloved figure in baseball history.

1989 - The Legacy of Gilda Radner: A Comedic Pioneer

Gilda Radner, a pioneering comedian known for her work on SNL, died at 42 from ovarian cancer. Her legacy as a trailblazer for female comedians continues to inspire generations, influencing both comedy and women's health awareness.

1986 - Remembering Bernard Naylor: A Legacy in Music

Bernard Naylor, a remarkable English-Canadian organist, conductor, and composer, passed away at the age of 78 on July 26, 1986. His contributions to music education and classical compositions left a lasting legacy in the musical community.

1985 - The Life and Legacy of Harm Kamerlingh Onnes

Harm Kamerlingh Onnes, the distinguished Dutch painter, etcher, and ceramist, passed away on April 21, 1985, at the age of 92. His profound impact on art is still recognized today, showcasing a unique blend of creativity spanning across various mediums.

1984 - The Life and Legacy of Peter Bull

Peter Bull, a celebrated British actor known for roles in 'The African Queen' and 'Dr Strangelove', passed away at 72 from a heart attack in 1984, leaving behind a rich film legacy that continues to inspire future generations.

1983 - The Legacy of Clair Bee: A Pioneering Coach

Clair Bee, an influential American college basketball coach from Long Island University, passed away in 1983 at 87. He led LIU to multiple victories, including an undefeated season in 1936, and remains a legendary figure in basketball history.

1978 - The Life and Legacy of Ivan Harold Browning

Ivan Harold Browning, an iconic American actor and singer known for his role in 'Shuffle Along', passed away in 1978 at the age of 87. His performances, especially 'I'm Just Wild About Harry', left a lasting legacy in musical theatre.

1975 - The Tragic Death of Barbara Hepworth

Barbara Hepworth, acclaimed English abstract artist and sculptor, tragically died in an accidental fire at her Trewyn studios in 1975. This unforeseen event marked a somber day in the art world, culminating in the loss of both her life and remarkable creations.

1969 - The Life and Legacy of Fred Sherman

Fred Sherman, beloved American actor known for his role in 'Chain Lightning', tragically passed away from a stroke at age 64 in 1969. His impactful performances continue to resonate, inspiring future generations of actors.

1968 - The Life and Legacy of Albert Hartkopf

Albert Hartkopf, born in Queensland in 1931, was an Australian cricketer known for his singular Test match appearance in 1959. He died in 1968 at age 36, leaving behind a legacy remembered by cricket enthusiasts in Australia.

1968 - The Legacy of Kees van Dongen: A Master of Fauvism

Kees van Dongen, the esteemed Dutch-French painter known for his striking Fauvist style, passed away at the age of 91 in 1968. His legacy lies in his vibrant use of color and emotional expression in art, inspiring generations of artists.

1956 - The Legacy of André Eugène Maurice Charlot

André Eugène Maurice Charlot, a celebrated French actor known for his role in Summer Storm, passed away in 1956. His legacy and contributions to cinema continue to influence actors today, ensuring he is remembered as a vital figure in film history.

1947 - The Death of Philipp Lenard: A Pioneering Physicist

Philipp Lenard, an influential Austrian physicist awarded the Nobel Prize in 1905 for his research in cathode rays, died at the age of 84 on May 20, 1947. His legacy remains significant in the field of physics, despite controversies concerning his later beliefs.

1940 - The Life and Death of Joris van Severen

Joris van Severen, a prominent Flemish politician and founder of the Alliance of Dietsche National Solidarists, passed away at 45 in 1940. His advocacy for Flemish nationalism left a significant impact on the political landscape of Belgium.

1917 - The Life and Legacy of Valentine Fleming

Valentine Fleming was a Scottish politician born in 1887. A dedicated member of the Conservative Party, he tragically died in 1917 during World War I, leaving a legacy that inspired future generations, including the famed author Ian Fleming.

1876 - The Short Life of Harold of Schleswig-Holstein

Harold of Schleswig-Holstein, grandson of Queen Victoria, tragically passed away at just eight days old in 1876. His brief life casts a shadow on royal celebrations and highlights the fragility of human life in the royal context.

1876 - The Death of Khristo Botev: A Bulgarian Icon

Khristo Botev, a renowned Bulgarian poet and revolutionary, died in battle on June 1, 1876. His powerful poetry and heroic stance against Ottoman rule have made him a national hero, symbolizing the quest for freedom and patriotism in Bulgarian history.

1875 - The Death of Amalia of Oldenburg: A Queen's Legacy

Amalia of Oldenburg, Queen of Greece and wife of King Otto, died in 1875 at 58. Renowned for her charitable works and educational reforms, she left a lasting legacy in Greece, marked by her compassion and dedication to social progress.

1873 - The Death of George-Étienne Cartier

This article explores the life and death of George-Étienne Cartier, a French Canadian statesman, who passed away on May 20, 1873. His contributions to Canadian history as a joint Prime Minister and advocate for French Canadian rights remain significant.

1864 - The Death of John Clare: An English Poet's Legacy

John Clare, an influential English poet known for his vivid depictions of rural life, died in 1864 at the age of 70. His legacy lives on through his heartfelt poetry that beautifully showcases the connection between humans and nature.

1834 - The Death of Lafayette: A Revolutionary Legacy

Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert de Motier, better known as Lafayette, passed away on May 20, 1834. He was a key figure in the American and French revolutions, championing liberty and equality. His legacy continues to inspire those fighting for democracy today.

1825 - The Legacy of Papaflessas: A Greek Hero

Papaflessas was a pivotal figure in the Greek War of Independence, known for his leadership as a priest and government official. He died in 1825 during the fight against Ottoman rule, leaving behind a strong legacy as a martyr and inspiration for freedom.

1795 - The Execution of Ignác Martinovics: A Revolutionary's Fate

Ignác Martinovics, a Hungarian physicist and revolutionary, was beheaded in 1795 for his part in advocating for social reform and participating in the revolutionary movement against the Habsburg monarchy. His legacy endures as a symbol of resistance and commitment to scientific inquiry.

1793 - The Legacy of Charles Bonnet: A Visionary Naturalist

Charles Bonnet, a Swiss naturalist and writer, died in 1793 at the age of 73. His insightful contributions to natural history and philosophy have left a lasting legacy in the scientific community, influencing future generations of biologists and philosophers.

1782 - The Death of Carlo Giovanni Testori: A Legacy in Music

Carlo Giovanni Testori, an Italian violinist, composer, and musicologist, died in 1782 at the age of 68. His legacy includes significant contributions to music pedagogy and his influential work, La musica raggionata, shaping the future of music education.

1717 - The Death of John Trevor: A British Statesman

John Trevor, a prominent British statesman born in 1637, passed away in 1717. His career marked by significant contributions to British politics ended, leaving a legacy of integrity and dedication to public service.

1713 - The Legacy of Thomas Sprat: Remembering a Literary Luminary

Thomas Sprat, an influential English writer and historian, passed away in 1713. His work with the Royal Society and his advocacy for clear scientific communication left a lasting impact on literature. Known for his historical writings, his legacy continues to inspire today.

1677 - The Death of George Digby, 2nd Earl of Bristol

George Digby, 2nd Earl of Bristol, an influential English statesman who played a significant role during the English Civil War, died in 1677 at about 65. His political maneuvers and contributions to governance reflect a complex legacy in British history.

1650 - The Death of Francesco Sacrati: A Musical Loss

Francesco Sacrati, a notable Italian composer of the Baroque era, passed away in 1650 at the age of 44. His contributions to opera and sacred music influenced generations of composers, and his innovative style left a lasting mark on the musical landscape.

1648 - Death of Władysław IV Vasa: A King’s Untimely Passing

Władysław IV Vasa, the King of Poland from 1632 to 1648, died at the age of 52 from kidney stones. His reign was characterized by military and cultural achievements, but his unexpected death led to a political vacuum and subsequent unrest in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

1597 - The Death of Dutch Commander Matthijs Heldt in 1597

The death of Dutch commander Matthijs Heldt in 1597 during the Eighty Years' War highlights his bravery and commitment to the fight for Dutch independence. His sacrifice inspired future generations and cemented his legacy as a pivotal figure in military history.

1509 - The Life and Legacy of Catharina Sforza

Catharina Sforza, born in 1463, was a notable Italian duchess and fierce leader. Known for her remarkable resilience and strategic acumen, she bravely defended Forli and left a lasting legacy upon her death in 1509.

1506 - The Death of Christopher Columbus: Impact of an Era

Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer who discovered the New World for Spain, died in 1506. His legacy remains complex, marked by both pioneering exploration and the onset of European colonization with significant repercussions for indigenous peoples.

The Death of Christopher Columbus: Impact of an Era

1449 - The Life and Legacy of Peter, Duke of Coimbra

Peter, Duke of Coimbra, a prominent figure in 15th century Portugal, died in 1449. A skilled writer known for his work 'Virtuosa Benfeitoria', his life and contributions to literature and politics shaped the era's cultural landscape.

1444 - The Death of Bernardino of Siena

Bernardino of Siena, an influential Italian priest and Franciscan missionary, passed away in 1444 at the age of 63. He is renowned for his powerful sermons and writings that inspired many in the Catholic faith.

1277 - The Death of Pope John XXI in 1277

Pope John XXI, also known as Petrus Juliani, was the first Portuguese Pope, reigning briefly from 1276 until his death in 1277. A noted scholar and physician, his papacy emphasized education and reform, but was tragically cut short by a fatal accident.