Hermann Weingärtner
German gymnast and Olympic champion
Competed in artistic gymnastics during the late 19th century. Participated in the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens, where gymnastics was featured as a new sport. Achieved significant success by winning three medals, including a gold in the team event, contributing to the early prominence of gymnastics in Olympic history.
Won three medals at the 1896 Summer Olympics
Secured gold in the team event
Achieved silver in the parallel bars and horizontal bar events
Other People Born on August 27th
Koxinga
Ming loyalist and military leader
Born
August 27th, 1624 401 years ago
Died
1662 364 years ago — 38 years old
Born in 1624, Koxinga was a military leader known for his efforts to restore the Ming dynasty. He launched military campaigns against the Qing dynasty and established a base on Taiwan, which served as a center for Ming loyalism. Koxinga aimed to defeat the Qing and reinstate the Ming emperor, becoming a significant figure in Chinese history. His legacy includes the establishment of a short-lived kingdom in Taiwan, which marked a pivotal moment in Taiwanese history.
Continue ReadingKatharine McCormick
Biologist, philanthropist, women's rights advocate
Born
August 27th, 1875 150 years ago
Died
December 28th, 1967 58 years ago — 92 years old
Born in 1875, a prominent biologist and philanthropist contributed significantly to women's reproductive rights. Played a vital role in funding research for the development of the birth control pill. Actively participated in the women's suffrage movement and improved access to education for women in science. Co-founded several organizations focused on women's rights and health.
Continue ReadingNat Lofthouse
English footballer and manager
Born
August 27th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
January 15th, 2011 15 years ago — 85 years old
Played as a forward for Bolton Wanderers, contributing significantly to the club's success in the 1950s. Lofthouse made 33 appearances for the England national team, scoring 30 goals. Managed Bolton Wanderers after his playing career, focusing on youth development and team success. Celebrated for his powerful playing style and goal-scoring ability, he remains a legendary figure in English football history.
Continue ReadingCharles Calvert
English politician and 3rd Baron Baltimore
Born
August 27th, 1637 388 years ago
Died
February 21st, 1715 310 years ago — 77 years old
3rd Baron Baltimore served as a prominent figure in colonial American governance during the 17th century. Engaged in politics, managed the proprietary colony of Maryland, overseeing its development and expansion. Contributed to the establishment of religious freedom by allowing Catholic settlers in the colony. Played a significant role in the navigation and land policies during a time of colonial tension.
Continue ReadingCharles Rolls
Engineer and co-founder of Rolls-Royce
Born
August 27th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1910 115 years ago — 32 years old
An English engineer and businessman, co-founded Rolls-Royce Limited in 1904. The company became a prominent manufacturer of luxury automobiles and aircraft engines. Rolls was instrumental in establishing the high standards of engineering and quality that defined the Rolls-Royce brand. He was also an aviation pioneer, known for his enthusiasm for flying and his contributions to early aviation. Rolls tragically died in a flying accident in 1910.
Continue ReadingJames Molyneaux
Northern Irish soldier and politician
Born
August 27th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
March 9th, 2015 10 years ago — 94 years old
Served as a soldier with the British Army during his early career. Elected as a Member of Parliament, representing the Ulster Unionist Party for many years. Held the position of leader of the Ulster Unionist Party from 1979 to 1995. Actively participated in the political landscape of Northern Ireland, particularly during the Troubles, and engaged in significant discussions around unionism and governance in the region. Navigated various political challenges during a tumultuous period in Northern Ireland's history, and contributed to shaping unionist policies.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 22nd
Yuan Qianyao
Official of the Tang dynasty
Died
December 22nd, 731 1294 years ago — None years old
Served during the Tang dynasty in China, playing an integral role in government administration. Contributed to the stability and governance of the empire. Engaged in various state affairs and implemented policies that shaped the national landscape. Notable for being appointed to important positions within the bureaucracy, influencing the direction of the dynastic rule. His tenure involved managing regional matters and overseeing projects beneficial to the state's interests.
Continue ReadingCynesige
Archbishop of York
Died
December 22nd, 1060 965 years ago — None years old
Served as Archbishop of York, influencing ecclesiastical matters in England during the 11th century. Played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity and church governance. Extended the influence of the York archdiocese, contributing to significant religious and political developments of the time. His tenure included dealings with monastic reforms and the establishment of church authority in the region.
Continue ReadingOlaf Magnusson
King of Norway during Viking Age
Born
1099 927 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1115 910 years ago — 16 years old
Reigned as king of Norway from 1103 until death in 1115. Focused on consolidating power and promoting Christianity in the kingdom. Encouraged the establishment of churches and the spread of religious practices throughout Norway. Led military campaigns to secure and expand territorial control, promoting unity among various regions and tribes. His reign was marked by efforts to strengthen royal authority and foster economic stability.
Continue ReadingRichard Dimbleby
Journalist and BBC news presenter
Born
May 25th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1965 60 years ago — 52 years old
Pioneered television journalism in the United Kingdom. Reported on major events, including the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the D-Day landings during World War II. Served as the first presenter of the BBC's television news and hosted various current affairs programs that set the standard for broadcasting journalism. Dimbleby played a pivotal role in establishing the BBC's reputation for quality news coverage.
Continue ReadingSamuel Beckett
Irish playwright and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
April 13th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1989 36 years ago — 83 years old
A prominent figure in modern literature, this individual achieved recognition for contributions to drama and fiction. Often associated with existential themes, works include the play 'Waiting for Godot' and the novel 'Molloy'. The writing style employed a minimalistic approach, significantly influencing the absurdist movement in theatre. The Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded in 1969, acknowledging creative and innovative literary output. Beyond plays, exploration of narrative forms in novels and poetry also marked a significant aspect of the individual's work.
Continue ReadingRichard von Krafft-Ebing
Psychologist and author of 'Psychopathia Sexualis'
Born
August 14th, 1840 185 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1902 123 years ago — 62 years old
A psychologist and author contributed to the understanding of sexual psychology through extensive research and writing. Authored 'Psychopathia Sexualis', a pioneering work analyzing sexual anomalies and behaviors. This work served as a foundational text in sexology, influencing both academic and medical fields. Engaged in clinical practices, providing insights into sexual disorders during a time of limited discussion on the subject. Established a framework for the classification and understanding of sexual deviance, which shaped future discussions in psychology and psychiatry.
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