October 13th can be quite a spooky day for many of us, especially if it lands on a Friday! But before you get too freaked out, there are some pretty important facts and figures about today’s date that are well worth remembering. Whether or not today is a special day for you personally, here are some of the most special reasons to mark October 13th otherwise.
On this day
1The Pilgrimage of Grace began.
In October 1536, thousands of people in Yorkshire rose up against Henry VIII’s break with Rome and, above all, the closing of the monasteries. Led by the lawyer Robert Aske, the Pilgrimage of Grace was the biggest rebellion of Henry’s reign. Its leaders were tricked into disbanding and later executed.
2Frederick III made Denmark an absolute monarchy.
In October 1660, King Frederick III of Denmark, backed by the clergy and townspeople, forced the nobles to make the monarchy hereditary. The change made him an absolute ruler, and it was written into law in the King’s Law of 1665. Denmark remained an absolute monarchy until 1849.
3The US Navy was founded.
On 13 October 1775, the Continental Congress voted to fit out two armed ships to attack British supply vessels, the beginning of the Continental Navy. The US Navy still celebrates its birthday on this date.
4The Cornerstone was laid for the Executive Mansion.
In 1792, the Cornerstone was laid for the Executive Mansion in Washington. You may know it better by its more modern name, the White House – home of the sitting US President in any given term!
5Crowds witnessed the 'Miracle of the Sun' at Fátima.
On 13 October 1917, a crowd of tens of thousands gathered at Fátima in Portugal, where three shepherd children said the Virgin Mary had promised a miracle. Many said they saw the sun change colour and appear to dance in the sky. The Catholic Church later declared the visions worthy of belief.
Special Days Falling on October 13th
This October 13th, why not join in the festivities? You’ll be glad that all over the world, there are people commemorating and celebrating this very special day – here are some of the most important events taking place today.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day
Every 13 October in the United States is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. It draws attention to breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, which is treatable but not curable, and to the need for more research and support for people living with it.
Prince Louis Rwagasore Day
In Burundi, October 13th is Prince Louis Rwagasore Day. The day is dedicated to Prince Louis Rwagasore, the Burundian prince and politician who served as the nation’s second prime minister. However, he only served for two weeks as he was killed on this very date back in 1961. He was generally beloved by the nation, which is why people to this day celebrate his life and achievements every year on October 13th.
National Yorkshire Pudding Day
If you have never tried a Yorkshire pudding, today is the perfect day to tuck in and give them a go! Ironically, the UK doesn’t celebrate one of their most famous delicacies today, as they do it on the first Sunday of February. However, for the rest of us, today is Yorkshire Pudding Day in the US – more for America, then!
This month in history
The United States invaded Grenada. On 25 October 1983, days after Prime Minister Maurice Bishop was killed in a coup, US troops landed on Grenada with forces from several Caribbean nations. President Ronald Reagan said the aim was to protect around 600 American medical students and restore order. Grenada marks 25 October as Thanksgiving Day.
Famous Birthdays on October 13th
- Margaret Thatcher, British prime minister, born 1925
- Paul Potts, English pop-opera singer, born 1970
- Sacha Baron Cohen, English comedian and actor, born 1971
- Kele Okereke, English singer with Bloc Party, born 1981
- Caleb McLaughlin, American actor, born 2001
If you were born on October 13th…
…you’re a Libra! You’re very open-minded, but once that mind is made up, that’s pretty much it! You’re willing to fight for what you believe in but would rather deal with things diplomatically. People call on their favorite Libras to help bring balance and order – and as the Zodiac’s set of scales, that’s you!
Take a look at our Libra fact file to find out more.
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