Mathew Lyons

Death of Zaga Christ

Zaga Christ died on 22 April 1638 leaving Europe no wiser as to the authenticity of the self-proclaimed Ethiopian prince who might bring his homeland to Catholicism.

Maiden Flight of the Spitfire

On 5 March 1936 the prototype Spitfire made its maiden flight. Its creator R.J. Mitchell would not live to see its finest hour.

The Birth of Giovanni Morelli

Giovanni Morell—later Morelli—was born in Verona on 25 February 1816 beginning a lifetime of dedication to the art of the connoisseur.

Ronald Knox’s Radio Revolution

On 16 January 1926, the BBC broke the news that a murderous mob was storming the capital. Broadcasting the Barricades wasn’t supposed to be a hoax, but it was an effective one.

The UN Declaration of Human Rights

On 10 December 1948, after months of negotiation led by Eleanor Roosevelt, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was passed by the UN General Assembly.

Death of a Turkey Legend

William Strickland died on 8 December 1598. He was said to have introduced the turkey to England, but the truth followed him to his grave.