William Bedloe

English spy during the 17th century

William Bedloe - English spy during the 17th century
Born

April 20th, 1650
375 years ago

Died

August 20th, 1680
344 years ago — 30 years old

Category

Spies & Espionage Figures

Country

England

Links & References

Born in 1650 in England, significant contributions were made to espionage efforts during the turbulent period of the 17th century. Engaged in various intelligence activities, often working undercover to gather and deliver vital information. Involved in numerous plots and conflicts of the time, including the Popish Plot, a supposed conspiracy to assassinate King Charles II. Worked alongside prominent figures in the government and influenced political decisions through intelligence operations. Bedloe's activities spanned several critical events in English history, showcasing the role of espionage in shaping national policy and security.

Involvement in the Popish Plot

Intelligence gathering for the English crown

Other People Born on April 20th

Napoleon III

French politician and 1st President of France
Born
April 20th, 1808 217 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1873 152 years ago — 64 years old

Served as the first President of France from 1848 to 1852. Elected following the revolution of 1848, implemented various economic and social reforms during presidency. Later declared himself Emperor of the French, ruling as Napoleon III from 1852 until 1870. His reign is marked by modernization efforts in France, including the expansion of the railway system and urban renewal of Paris. Involved in several military conflicts, including the Crimean War and the Franco-Prussian War, which led to his ultimate fall from power.

Continue Reading

Mark Mallia

Maltese painter and sculptor
Born
April 20th, 1965 60 years ago
Died
2024 1 years ago — 59 years old

Born in 1965, a prominent figure in the Maltese art scene. Known for creating both paintings and sculptures that often reflect the cultural and historical facets of Malta. Worked extensively with various mediums and techniques, pushing boundaries within the local art community. Participated in numerous exhibitions, showcasing works that embody the essence of Maltese identity.

Continue Reading

Emperor Go-Kōmyō of Japan

Japanese Emperor during Edo Period
Born
April 20th, 1633 392 years ago
Died
October 30th, 1654 370 years ago — 21 years old

Ascended the throne in 1654, serving as the 110th Emperor of Japan. He presided over a period marked by relative peace and stability known as the Edo period. Managed court affairs and engaged in the promotion of culture and art, including poetry and calligraphy. Undertook reforms to improve the imperial court's standing and foster relations with the ruling Tokugawa shogunate.

Continue Reading

Henry de Montherlant

French essayist and novelist
Born
April 20th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
September 21st, 1972 52 years ago — 77 years old

Contributed significantly to French literature through works that explore themes of existentialism and the human condition. Notable works include the novel 'La Reine Morte' and the essay collection 'La Ville dont le Prince est un Enfant.' Active in the literary scene during the 20th century, engaged with academic and cultural discourses of the time. Also involved in theater, writing plays that garnered attention.

Continue Reading

Svante Pääbo

Geneticist and Nobel Laureate in Physiology
Born
April 20th, 1955 70 years ago

Contributions to the field of genetics include pioneering techniques in ancient DNA analysis. Achievements include sequencing the Neanderthal genome, providing insights into human evolution. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2022 for discoveries on how modern humans adapted to different environments through genetic inheritance.

Continue Reading

Dave Bancroft

Baseball player and manager
Born
April 20th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
1972 53 years ago — 81 years old

Played major league baseball as a shortstop from 1915 to 1930. Managed several teams after retiring as a player, including the New York Giants and the San Francisco Seals. Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971, recognizing contributions as an accomplished defensive player and leader on the field.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on August 20th

Joe Rosenthal

Photographer best known for iconic Iwo Jima image
Born
October 9th, 1911 113 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2006 18 years ago — 94 years old

An American photographer, recognized for capturing the famous image of U.S. Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. This photograph, taken on February 23, 1945, became one of the most reproduced images in history and played a pivotal role in boosting American morale during the war. The photograph won the Pulitzer Prize for Photography in 1945, solidifying its place in American cultural history. Rosenthal's work has been exhibited in various prestigious galleries and is part of the permanent collection of the U.S. National Archives.

Continue Reading

Percy Williams Bridgman

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
April 21st, 1882 143 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1961 63 years ago — 79 years old

A prominent American physicist and academic, he contributed significantly to experimental physics and high-pressure research. Bridgman developed methods to achieve extreme pressures and studied their effects on various materials. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1946 for his work on the properties of matter under high pressures, he became a professor at Harvard University where he mentored future scientists. His research advanced the understanding of physical phenomena in solid state physics.

Continue Reading

Narendra Dabholkar

Indian author and rationalist activist
Born
1945 80 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2013 11 years ago — 68 years old

An Indian author and activist focused on rationalism and social reform. Founded the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti, an organization combating superstition and promoting scientific thinking. Wrote extensively on the topics of atheism and rationalism. Authored several books addressing superstition, including 'The Myth of God' and 'Crisis of Faith'. Recognized for vigorous advocacy against black magic and fraudulent practices, leading campaigns to educate the public on rational thought and skepticism.

Continue Reading

Jonathan Daniels

Civil Rights Activist and Seminarian
Born
1939 86 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1965 59 years ago — 26 years old

A civil rights activist and seminarian dedicated to advocating for racial equality. In the 1960s, involvement in the civil rights movement included work with organizations like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Daniels provided support for various initiatives aimed at desegregation in the Southern United States, including voter registration drives and educational programs. He died in 1965 while protecting a fellow activist from armed hostility in Alabama. His sacrifice highlighted the dangers faced by civil rights workers during this tumultuous period.

Continue Reading

Kim Stanley

American actress in Broadway and film
Born
February 11th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2001 23 years ago — 76 years old

An accomplished American actress, noted for profound performances on stage and screen. Achieved early success in the Broadway productions of 'Batchelor's Holiday' and 'The Rose Tattoo', earning a Tony Award for the latter. Transitioned to film with memorable roles in 'The Goddess' and 'Bus Stop', showcasing a range of emotional depth and complexity. Received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for the film 'Seance on a Wet Afternoon'. Later, featured in television dramas and miniseries, including 'The Last of Mrs. Lincoln', further solidifying a reputation for strong character portrayals, particularly in adaptations of literary works.

Continue Reading

Egon Bahr

German politician and journalist
Born
March 18th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2015 9 years ago — 93 years old

Served as a prominent German politician and journalist. Held the position of Federal Minister for Special Affairs from 1966 to 1969. Played a pivotal role in shaping the policy of Ostpolitik, which aimed at improving relations with East Germany and the Eastern Bloc during the Cold War. Contributed significantly to the diplomatic efforts between East and West Germany, facilitating dialogue and negotiations in a tense geopolitical environment.

Continue Reading