Burnt Candlemas was a failed invasion of Scotland in early 1356 by an English army commanded by King Edward III (pictured), and was the last campaign of the Second War of Scottish Independence. Tensions on the Anglo-Scottish border led to a military build-up in 1355. In September a nine-month truce was agreed, and most of the English left. A few days later the Scots invaded and devastated Northumberland. In early November, the Scots escaladed the walls of Berwick-on-Tweed, captured the town and laid siege to its castle. The English army retook the town and marched on Edinburgh, leaving a trail of devastation 50 to 60 miles (80 to 100 km) wide. The Scots refused battle and practised a scorched earth policy, removing or destroying all food in their own territory. The English burnt Edinburgh and thoroughly despoiled Lothian. Edward's army was supplied by sea, but a winter storm scattered his fleet, forcing the English to withdraw. In 1357 a permanent peace was agreed, largely on English terms.
Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burnt_Candlemas
_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:
1659:
Jan van Riebeeck, the founder of Cape Town, produced the first bottle of South African wine (vineyard pictured). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African_wine
1913:
New York City's Grand Central Terminal, the world's largest train station by number of platforms, opened immediately after midnight. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Central_Terminal
1942:
The first act of the Norwegian resistance movement took place with the bombing of Oslo East Station by the Osvald Group to protest the inauguration of Vidkun Quisling. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osvald_Group
2009:
Omid, Iran's first domestically made satellite, was successfully launched from Semnan Space Center. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omid
_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:
Imbolc: (Britain, Ireland) A Gaelic and Wiccan festival celebrated on 1 or 2 February which marks the beginning of spring. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Imbolc
___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:
I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention. I've done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions. And I am so proud of what we have achieved. My teammates, coaches, fellow competitors, and fans deserve 100% of me, but right now, it's best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes. --Tom Brady https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Tom_Brady