King Æthelred the Unready orders the St. Brice's Day massacre, leading to the killing of many Danish settlers in England.
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On This Day in History: December 29
Explore the historical events that shaped our world on December 29th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
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Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury is assassinated in Canterbury Cathedral, leading to a conflict between church and state in England.
It is believed the Henry II's expressed frustrations with Becket were interpreted by some of the Kings supporters as a mandate to eliminate him, prompting four knights to travel to Canterbury where they murdered Becket in the cathedral on December 29, 1170.
The Battle of Wakefield, takes place on December 30, 1460 during the Wars of the Roses in England, with a Lancastrian victory (loyal to Henry VI) and a major setback for the Yorkists.
The battle, claimed the lives of Richard, Duke of York, his son Edmund, Earl of Rutland, and Richard Neville, Earl of Salisbury, ending York's direct claim to the throne, though the conflict continued.
Texas is admitted into the United States Union becoming the 28th State.
The Wounded Knee Massacre, also known as the Battle of Wounded Knee takes place. Nearly three hundred Lakota people are massacred by soldiers of the United States Army. More
French army officer Alfred Dreyfus is convicted of treason in a highly controversial trial, sparking the Dreyfus Affair.
The Irish Free State repeal of the 1922 Constitution and adoption of a new Constitution comes into effect following a statewide plebiscite held on July 1,1937 and the Irish Free State becomes known as Ireland. More
The Germans sent 136 bombers to the city of London dropping approximately 100,000 (mostly small incendiary) bombs. Fewer incendiaries were dropped than in the raids of 15 November or 8 December.