Today in 1606, Guy Fawkes and fellow-conspirators (pictured) were hung, drawn and quartered for their attempt to blow up Parliament and kill King James I for not turning out Catholic like his mother. The event is still celebrated in the quaint old British effigy-burning festival of Bonfire Night (5 November).
Menno Simons died today in 1561. Originally a Catholic priest, he was converted to Anabaptism and devoted his life to leading, teaching, evangelising and keeping on the move (since Anabaptism was illegal). He was the only prominent early Anabaptist who lived long enough to die of natural causes, and gave his name to the Mennonites.
Charles Spurgeon, the celebrated Victorian super-preacher, died today in 1892. London almost ground to a halt on the day of his funeral as crowds of thousands filled the streets to pay their respects.
‘There are no crown-wearers in heaven that were not cross-bearers here below.’ Charles Spurgeon
Image: Wikipedia