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>
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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>
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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>
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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>