Arsenic

 In the 19th century, it was common to adulterate foodstuffs by adding cheap substances. Calcium sulphate was added to peppermints. In 1858 a sweet maker in Bradford, England sent somebody to obtain some from a druggist. However, by mistake, the druggist's assistant picked up some arsenic thinking it was calcium sulphate. The arsenic was added to the sweets. As a result, 200 people became seriously ill and 20 died.

Fire of London

The Fire of London began on 2 September 1666 in a baker's house. It devastated the city. www.localhistories.org/fire.html

Mary Shelley

The great writer Mary Shelley was born on 30 August 1797. She is famous for her novel Frankenstein. 200 years after it was written her book is still famous. www.localhistories.org/shelley.html

Ivan the Terrible

Tsar Ivan the Terrible was born on 25 August 1530 www.localhistories.org/ivan.html

Tudor Spooks

An article about Tudor ghosts https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/history-and-stories/historic-hauntings-at-hampton-court-palace/#gs.e6lt87

Battle of Bosworth

On 22 August 1485, a decisive battle in English history was fought at Bosworth. Richard III was killed, Henry Tudor won and subsequently, he became King Henry VII, the first of the Tudor dynasty.

Virginia Dare

On 18 August 1587 Virginia Dare became the first child born in North America of English parents