Where is the year going? It seems like fall only arrived a week or so ago, and yet, the festive season will soon be upon us. We’re already halfway into the month, but before we look too quickly to the second half, here are some of the most interesting things to know about November 15th!
On this day
1Henry VIII was told to end his relationship
In 1532, Pope Clement VII told the English King Henry VIII to end his relationship with Anne Boleyn. She would later be imprisoned and executed – and, as many of us already know, she certainly wouldn’t be the last woman the King would marry!
2William of Orange's invasion fleet landed.
William of Orange landed at Brixham in Devon on 5 November 1688 by the English calendar, which was 15 November by the calendar used in the Netherlands. James II fled, and William and Mary became joint monarchs of England, Scotland and Ireland. The change of ruler was largely bloodless in England, though there was fighting in Ireland and Scotland.
3Calico Jack, Anne Bonny and Mary Read were captured.
In 1720, the pirate ‘Calico Jack’ Rackham and his crew, including Anne Bonny and Mary Read, were captured off Jamaica by Captain Jonathan Barnet. They were tried at Spanish Town, then Jamaica’s capital. Rackham was hanged; Bonny and Read escaped execution because they were pregnant.
4José Miguel Carrera seized power in Chile.
On 15 November 1811, José Miguel Carrera took control of Chile’s government in a coup and led the country in the early years of its fight for independence. He was executed in Argentina in 1821, aged 35.
5Brazil became a republic.
On 15 November 1889, a military coup overthrew Emperor Pedro II, and Brazil was declared a republic. The emperor and his family were sent into exile in Europe.
Special Days Falling on November 15th
November 15th is also very much about celebrating. Here are some of the biggest celebrations and commemorations taking place around the world today.
Day of the Imprisoned Writer
Day of the Imprisoned Writer takes place every November 15th all over the world. The day is there to raise awareness about censorship and the persecution of writers around the globe. Journalists and authors who face criticism, persecution, and violence simply for writing and disclosing facts and opinions has long been an issue, and even today, it is a problem that writers in countries around the planet continue to face.
Republic Proclamation Day
For the people of Brazil, November 15th is Republic Proclamation Day. On this very day back in 1889, the opposition used a military coup d’état to overthrow Emperor Pedro II. In so doing, they established a provisional government, which became the Republic of the United States of Brazil. Even today, the day is known as the day that the republic in Brazil was born!
Steve Irwin Day
November 15th, every year, people all over the world gather to celebrate the great man that was Steve Irwin. For those of you who may have grown up after he passed away and may not be familiar with him, Irwin was known to millions as the “Crocodile Hunter” – and was famous for teaching people all over the world about wildlife, various ecosystems, and the importance of protecting and respecting all forms of life across the planet. His legacy lives on in people continuing to care for the animals of the world and the ecosystems we strive to protect!
This month in history
In 1995, Ireland voted to legalize divorce. However, it was the closest vote in the nation’s history, with a margin of less than one percent!
Famous Birthdays on November 15th
- Nicholas V, Italian Pope, born 1397
- William Herschel, German-British astronomer, born 1738
- Georgia O’Keeffe, American artist, born 1887
- Petula Clark, English singer, born 1932
- Beverly D’Angelo, American actor, born 1951
If you were born on November 15th…
…you’re a Scorpio! You’re resourceful, fun, and kind. However, you can also be pretty mysterious – you like to keep your cards close to your chest and rarely trust people until you have a good reason to. That said, the people in your life are very happy to have you around – as you’re deeply passionate about the things and people that matter to you most.
Head over to our Scorpio facts page to learn more!
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