William Bedloe

English spy during the 17th century

William Bedloe - English spy during the 17th century
Born

April 20th, 1650
374 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

Johannes Agricola

Theologian and Reformer of the Reformation
Born
April 20th, 1494 530 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 1566 458 years ago — 72 years old

Born in 1494, a significant figure in the Protestant Reformation, focusing on doctrine and faith. Played a crucial role in the spread of Lutheranism in Germany. Engaged in debates about justification and the role of the law in salvation, which led to tensions with Martin Luther. Published influential works that emphasized salvation by faith alone.

Continue Reading

Ernie Stautner

American football player and coach
Born
April 20th, 1925 99 years ago
Died
February 16th, 2006 19 years ago — 80 years old

Played as a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1950 to 1963. After retiring as a player, transitioned to coaching, taking on roles with the Dallas Cowboys and other teams. Stautner's coaching career included significant contributions to defensive strategies and player development in professional football.

Continue Reading

Heinrich Göbel

German-American mechanic and engineer
Born
April 20th, 1818 206 years ago
Died
1893 132 years ago — 75 years old

Born in Germany, a mechanic and engineer emigrated to the United States in the mid-19th century. Contributed to the development of light bulbs. Patented a carbon filament light bulb in the 1850s, predating Thomas Edison's more famous version. Engaged in various mechanical projects and inventions during his career in America.

Continue Reading

Lionel Hampton

Vibraphone player and bandleader
Born
April 20th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
August 31st, 2002 22 years ago — 94 years old

An American vibraphone player, pianist, bandleader, and actor, achieved prominence in the jazz genre from the 1930s onward. Gained recognition as a member of the Benny Goodman Quartet, contributing to the popularization of the vibraphone in jazz music. Led his own band and became a pivotal figure in the big band era. Achieved significant acclaim for performances that bridged jazz and popular music, also participated in television and film as an entertainer.

Continue Reading

Mother Angelica

Roman Catholic religious leader and founder
Born
April 20th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
March 27th, 2016 8 years ago — 92 years old

A significant figure in American Catholicism, Mother Angelica founded the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) in 1981, which became the largest religious television network in the world. She established a community of nuns and led various evangelistic efforts. As a host of programs on EWTN, she discussed faith and spirituality, attracting a wide audience. She authored several books and was an influential voice in contemporary Catholic discourse until her passing in 2016.

Continue Reading

Kakha Bendukidze

Georgian economist and reformer
Born
April 20th, 1956 68 years ago
Died
November 13th, 2014 10 years ago — 58 years old

An economist and politician from Georgia, contributed significantly to the nation's economic reforms after the Rose Revolution. Served as the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, implementing policies that spurred privatization and deregulation. Advocated for free market principles, which transformed the Georgian economy. Believed in reducing the size of government and promoted entrepreneurship.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on August 20th

Oswine of Deira

King of Deira and Frithuwold's nephew
Died
August 20th, 651 1373 years ago — None years old

Ruled over the kingdom of Deira in Northumbria during the early 7th century. Ascended to the throne after the death of his predecessor, becoming involved in the conflicts and politics of the time. Demonstrated loyalty to the church and sought to support its establishment in Deira. Executed by King Oswiu of Bernicia in a bid for power after a brief reign. His death marked a significant shift in the Northumbrian political landscape.

Continue Reading

Joan Voûte

Dutch astronomer and academic authority
Born
June 7th, 1879 145 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1963 61 years ago — 84 years old

Born in 1879, this individual contributed significantly to the field of astronomy and education. Serving as a professor, focused on research in astrophysics and educational methodologies. Involved with numerous academic institutions, helped shape the curriculum for aspiring astronomers and scientists. Authored various publications that advanced knowledge in observational techniques and celestial mechanics.

Continue Reading

Phyllis Diller

Comedian and voice artist in 'The Jetsons'
Born
July 17th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2012 12 years ago — 95 years old

An American actress and comedian, gained recognition for a unique comedic style characterized by self-deprecating humor and eccentric persona. Started a career in the 1950s and made significant contributions to both stand-up comedy and television. Appeared in films such as 'The Pruitts of Southampton' and voiced the character of the hag in the animated series 'The Jetsons'. Diller also became a regular guest on various talk shows and entertained audiences with her distinctive laugh and energetic performances.

Continue Reading

B. K. S. Iyengar

Yoga Instructor and Iyengar Yoga founder
Born
1918 107 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2014 10 years ago — 96 years old

An influential yoga instructor and author, established a method of yoga that emphasizes precision and alignment. Founded Iyengar Yoga, which integrates a systematic approach to the practice through the use of props. Authored several books on yoga, including 'Light on Yoga', which serves as a foundational text for many practitioners. The teachings and methodologies contributed significantly to the global spread and practice of yoga.

Continue Reading

Hua Guofeng

Chinese politician, 2nd Premier of China
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2008 16 years ago — 87 years old

Served as a prominent political figure in China during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Held the position of Premier from 1976 to 1980, succeeding Zhou Enlai, and served as Chairman of the Communist Party of China. Played a significant role in the transition following Mao Zedong's death, promoting policies that continued the direction of economic reform initiated by Deng Xiaoping. Advocated for agricultural and economic improvements as part of the modernization agenda. Oversaw China's state affairs during a critical period in its history, influencing political stability and reforms.

Continue Reading

S. Sivamaharajah

Sri Lankan Tamil newspaper publisher
Born
June 28th, 1938 86 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2006 18 years ago — 68 years old

Established a significant presence in the Tamil media landscape of Sri Lanka through the founding of a prominent Tamil-language newspaper. Engaged in political activities representing Tamil interests and advocating for rights within the region. Contributed to the development and dissemination of Tamil culture and social issues through journalism.

Continue Reading