1536
Politics
Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII, is beheaded at the Tower of London after being convicted of treason and adultery.
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May 19
Did You Know
Anne Boleyn's execution on this day was carried out by an expert swordsman specially brought from Calais, France. It was considered a merciful alternative to the axe. She reportedly said: 'I heard say the executioner was very good, and I have a little neck.'
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Major Events
1588
War
The Spanish Armada sets sail from Lisbon with 130 ships to invade England, in what would become one of history's most famous naval campaigns.
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1962
Culture
Marilyn Monroe sings 'Happy Birthday' to President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden in a breathy, iconic performance.
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1997
Politics
The Sierra Club votes to reverse its neutral position on immigration, sparking a debate about environmentalism and population growth.
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2018
Culture
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are married at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, watched by nearly 2 billion people worldwide.
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Born On This Day
Malcolm X
1925
African American civil rights leader
Ho Chi Minh
1890
Vietnamese revolutionary leader and president
Notable Deaths
Anne Boleyn
1536
Queen of England, second wife of Henry VIII
James Boswell
1795
Scottish biographer known for The Life of Samuel Johnson
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