Thomas Blood
Irish Colonel and notorious rogue
Born
1618
407 years ago
Died
August 24th, 1680
345 years ago — 62 years old
Category
Military & Warriors
Country
Ireland
Links & References
Served as an Irish colonel during the 17th century and became notorious for the attempted theft of the Crown Jewels of England in 1671. After being apprehended, managed to convince King Charles II to pardon, leading to a surprising friendship. Later, lived a life of relative comfort and wealth based on this escapade. Blood's audacious act and subsequent escape from the Tower of London cemented his place in criminal lore.
Attempted theft of the Crown Jewels
Escape from the Tower of London
Other People Who Died on August 24th
Michael V Kalaphates
Ruled as Byzantine emperor from 1041 until 1042, succeeding Michael IV. Came to the throne following the death of Michael IV and faced significant opposition during his reign. Suffered from political instability and court intrigues, which ultimately led to a loss of support. His reign was marked by an inability to effectively manage the great aristocratic families that dominated the political landscape. After being overthrown, was exiled and died shortly thereafter.
Continue ReadingDoulu Ge
Served as Chancellor of the Later Tang during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period in China. Played a crucial role in the political landscape of the time, navigating through power struggles and contributing to the administration's stability. Held significant authority and was involved in key decisions that influenced the governance of the dynasty. Oversaw military campaigns and internal affairs during his tenure, ensuring the consolidation of power within the Later Tang.
Continue ReadingAlbert F. Mummery
An English mountaineer and author, recognized for pioneering climbs in the late 19th century. Focused on high-altitude ascents in the Alps and the Himalayas. Mummery authored several works on mountaineering, including "The High Alps in Winter" and is noted for his exploration of Nanga Parbat. His expeditions contributed significantly to the development of mountaineering as a sport.
Continue ReadingThomas Chatterton
A prominent figure in 18th-century English literature, he gained attention for composing false medieval poems that were initially attributed to a fictitious monk. Chatterton's works captured the imagination of the Romantic poets and laid groundwork for later literary movements. His poetry explored themes of tragedy, love, and loss, reflecting a deep sensitivity to human experience. Struggles with poverty marked his short life, leading to his untimely death at the age of 17. Despite the challenges faced, the beauty of his poetry and the intrigue surrounding his forgeries have ensured his place in literary history.
Continue ReadingPaul Gottlieb Nipkow
Contributed to the field of television technology with the invention of the Nipkow disk, a crucial component in early mechanical televisions. Developed this device in 1884, which enabled the transmission of images by scanning them. The innovation laid foundational work for future television systems and influenced video technology development through the 20th century.
Continue ReadingLouis Prima
Born in 1910, this American musician was a prominent figure in the jazz and swing music scenes. Prima's career spanned several decades, with significant contributions as a singer and trumpet player. He gained popularity during the 1930s and 1940s for his energetic performances and distinctive style that blended New Orleans jazz and swing. Prima also acted in films, further showcasing his multi-talented nature. His music remains influential, and he is especially recognized for his lively hit 'Jump, Jive an' Wail'. His collaboration with the band The Witnesses added to his fame as a dynamic performer.
Continue Reading