Historical Events In April - 17

0858  Benedict III ends his reign as Catholic Pope   

1397  Geoffrey Chaucer tells the Canterbury Tales for the first time at the court of Richard II. Chaucer scholars have also identified this date (in 1387) as when the book's pilgrimage to Canterbury starts.   

1492  Christopher Columbus signs contract with Spain to find the Indies   

1492  Christopher Columbus signs contract with Spain to find Indies   

1521  Martin Luther is excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church   

1524  Giovanni Verrazano discovers New York Harbor. Real estate prices immediately increase.   

1524  NY Harbor discovered by Giovanni Verrazano   

1524  Giovanni Verrazano, a florentine navigator, discovers New York Bay   

1534  Sir Thomas More confined in London Tower   

1555  Siena surrenders for Spanish troops   

1596  Arch duke Albrecht of Austria occupies Calais   

1278  Michael ix palaeologus: Co-ruling eastern roman emperor   

1539  Tobias stimmer: Swiss painter/cartoonist (comedia)   

1573  Maximilian i: Duke/ruler of bayern (catholic league)   

1573  Maximilian i: Elector of bavaria   

1586  John ford: English dramatist ('tis pity she's a whore)   

1587  Marco ivan lukacic: Composer   

1598  Giovanni riccioli: Italian astronomer   

1620  Marguerite bourgeoys: Founder of the congregation of notre dame   

0326  Alexander of alexandria: Patriarch of alexandria   

0485  Proclus: Greek mathematician,   

0617  Donnán of eigg: Celtic christian martyr, patron saint of eigg   

0818  Bernhard i: King of italy,   

0858  Benedict iii: Italian pope (855-58),   

1080  King harald iii of denmark: King harald iii of denmark (b. 1041)   

1272  Zita/cita: Italian maid/saint,   

1297  Willem van afflighem: Flemish poet/abbot st truiden,