Sir Isaac Newton
When did he live? Isaac Newton was born on December 25th 1642 in Lincolnshire, England. He died on March 20th 1727 at the age of 84. Listen Why is he famous? Isaac Newton was a world-famous mathematician and scientist whose theories changed much of the understanding of how physical forces…
The 100 Most Influential Figures in American History
In 2006, The Atlantic magazine asked 10 eminent historians to compile a list of the most influential figures in US history. 1. Abraham Lincoln (lawyer, statesman, President) 2. George Washington (military general, revolutionary, Founding Father, President) 3. Thomas Jefferson (Founding Father, statesman, President) 4. Franklin D. Roosevelt (statesman, President) 5.…
Edward VIII
When did he live? Edward David was born on June 23rd 1894. He died on May 28th 1972 in Paris. Why is he famous? Edward became King Edward VIII on January 20th 1936 after the death of his father George V. 326 days later, on December 11th, he abdicated, the…
John Lennon
When did he live? John Lennon was born on October 9th 1940 in Liverpool. He was killed on December 8th 1980 in New York. John Lennon, Musician Why is he famous? Lennon was a member of The Beatles, one of the most successful bands in history. Together with Paul McCartney…
Abraham Lincoln
When did he live? Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12th 1809 in Kentucky. He was assassinated on April 15th 1865. Listen Why is he famous? Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, being in office from 1860 until 1865. He is most famous for being the President…
Stephen Hendry
When was he born? Stephen Hendry was born on January 13th 1969 in Edinburgh. He grew up in nearby Fife. Why is he famous? Hendry is one of the most successful snooker players in history. He won 7 World Titles, all in the 1990s, dominating the game for a decade.…
Jane Austen
When did she live? Jane Austen was born in Steventon, Hampshire, England, on 16 December 1775. She died on 18 July 1817. Why is she famous? Jane Austen is one of England's most famous writers. She is also possibly the most famous female writer from a time when very few…
William Shakespeare
When did he live? William Shakespeare's exact date of birth is unknown, but it is believed to be April 23rd 1564. He died on April 23rd in 1616, his believed birthday. Why is he famous? Many people say he is Britain's - and possibly the world's - greatest writer. He…
Margaret Thatcher
When did she live? Margaret Roberts was born on October 13th 1925. She married Denis Thatcher in 1951. She died on April 8th 2013. Listen Why is she famous? Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister of the UK for 11 years, from 1979 until 1990. This made her the longest serving…
James Clerk Maxwell
A Young James Clerk Maxwell When did he live? James Clerk was born on 13 June 1831 in Edinburgh. He added the name Maxwell later after inheriting an estate connected to the Maxwell family. He died on 5 November 1879. Listen Why is he famous? Maxwell is one of history's…