Hazel Blears
English lawyer and politician
Engaged in legal practice and entered politics, representing the Salford constituency in the House of Commons from 1997 to 2015. Served as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government from 2006 to 2009, focusing on housing and community cohesion. Participated in various parliamentary committees and held positions in the Labour Party during her career.
Served as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
Represented Salford in the House of Commons
Other People Born on May 14th
Fred Englehardt
American long jumper, Olympic medalist
Born
May 14th, 1879 146 years ago
Died
July 25th, 1942 83 years ago — 63 years old
Competed in the long jump event at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris. Achieved a remarkable second-place finish, earning a silver medal. Englehardt's performance represented the early years of Olympic athletics, helping to popularize track and field events in the United States. He was one of the pioneering athletes in the sport of long jump, contributing to its development and recognition as an Olympic event.
Continue ReadingMagnus Hirschfeld
Physician and sexologist, founder of the WHK
Born
May 14th, 1868 157 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1935 90 years ago — 67 years old
A physician and sexologist, contributed significantly to the understanding of human sexuality. Founded the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee in 1897, the first advocacy group for homosexual rights. Conducted pioneering research on sexual orientation and gender identity. Instrumental in developing the concept of sexual variance within society. Published numerous works including 'Sexuality and its Problems', challenging prevailing social norms and medical theories.
Continue ReadingSambhaji
Indian emperor of the Maratha Empire
Born
May 14th, 1657 368 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1689 337 years ago — 31 years old
Born on May 14, 1657, an Indian emperor ruled the Maratha Empire after the death of his father, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Ascended to the throne in 1681, faced numerous challenges from both Mughal forces and internal dissent. His tenure saw continuous warfare as he defended the empire against the Mughal Empire's expansion under Aurangzeb. Sambhaji also engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure alliances with other regional powers. Captured in 1689, he faced brutal treatment and execution, becoming a martyr in Maratha history.
Continue ReadingNe Win
Burmese Army General and President
Born
May 14th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
December 5th, 2002 23 years ago — 92 years old
Served as an army general and politician, leading Burma as its fourth president. Assumed control of the country through a military coup in 1962, instituting a one-party socialist state. Focused on nationalization and central planning, implementing policies that significantly altered the economy. Remained a dominant figure in Burmese politics until stepping down in 1988. His regime faced criticism for human rights violations and suppression of dissent.
Continue ReadingTom Cochrane
Canadian singer-songwriter with hits.
Born
May 14th, 1953 72 years ago
Born in 1953, this Canadian musician started a career as a guitarist and singer-songwriter. Achieving success in the early 1990s, released the hit song 'Life is a Highway' which gained international recognition and was later covered in a popular film. The artist's album 'Mad Mad World' achieved critical and commercial success, becoming one of Canada's best-selling albums. His music blends rock and folk elements, influencing the Canadian music scene.
Continue ReadingThomas Gainsborough
English painter of landscapes and portraits
Born
May 14th, 1727 298 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1788 237 years ago — 61 years old
Born in 1727, this painter specialized in portraiture and landscape painting. His work displayed a mastery of color and light, contributing significantly to English art. The most notable creations include 'The Blue Boy' and the portrait of Sarah Siddons. Operating primarily in Bath and London, he was a key figure in the 18th-century art scene. Gainsborough established a significant reputation through his innovative approach to depicting subjects with a naturalistic quality, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity in painting. He also was a founding member of the Royal Academy, further solidifying his legacy in the arts.
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