7 August

10 weird and wonderful things which happened on 7 August:

1. This date in 1560 saw the birth of Elizabeth Bathory, possibly the most prolific serial killer in history, with possibly as many as 600 victims, although she was only convicted of 80. She was a Hungarian countess who sought immortality by killing young virgins and bathing in their blood.
2. Born on this date in 1876 was Margaretha Geertruida Zelle, better known as Mata Hari, famous exotic dancer and World War I spy. She moved to Paris to escape an abusive relationship and began a career in dancing and prostitution. It's said that she never took less that $7,500 a night for her favours. She was approached by the Germans to become a spy and given the code number H21. Although she never gave the Germans any information, she was brought before a court-martial on a charge of espionage. Her reputation as a courtesan to rich and powerful men strengthened the case against her. She was executed in October 1917.
3. In 1829, Felix Mendelsson visited Fingal’s Sea Cave in the Hebrides. He was inspired by the stormy weather there that day and wrote Fingale’s Cave, one of his most famous compositions.
4. In 1957, the group which would evolve into The Beatles, The Quarry Men, played at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. Paul McCartney was missing from the line up on this occasion because he was away at a Boy Scout summer camp. The Cavern was primarily a jazz club, but skiffle was tolerated. However, when John Lennon dared to play Hound Dog and Blue Suede Shoes, the club owner sent a note to the stage saying, "Cut out the bloody rock!"
5. On this date in 1711, Queen Anne attended the horse races at Ascot, giving them their ‘Royal’ status.
6. In 1782, the Purple Heart, a badge of military honour, was established by George Washington. The Purple Heart is awarded to any civilian or member of the armed forces who is wounded or killed in action.
7. In 1993, the public got its first glimpse inside Buckingham Palace as people were given the opportunity to tour the London home of Queen Elizabeth II. Proceeds from ticket sales were earmarked to help repair fire damage at Windsor Castle.
8. In 1840, Parliament passed an Act prohibiting the employment of climbing boys as chimney sweeps.
9. In 1974 Philippe Petit crossed between the twin towers of the World Trade Center on a tightrope 1,350 feet above the city of New York. He'd secured it with an arrow shot with a bow from one building to the other.
10. In 1992,the ocean liner Queen Elizabeth II accidentally discovered an uncharted rock off Cape Cod. Said rock caused a 74 foot gash in the side of the ship, forcing the evacuation of 1,815 passengers and crew.

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