Browse Historical Events by Month:
Tragic deaths, ravaged cities, and great acts of heroism. Discover what happened this month in history and the defining moments that shaped the world. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
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Fire destroys most of the Palace of Whitehall in London. The fire was caused by a maidservant drying linen over a charcoal brazier.
It destroyed most of the royal complex leaving only the Banqueting House standing This event marked the end of Whitehall as the primary royal residence, with subsequent royal residences moving to St. James's Palace and Kensington Palace.
Russia's Peter the Great imposes a tax on beards as part of his efforts to modernize the country.
Sweden introduces the Julian calendar, shifting from the old-style calendar to the Gregorian calendar.
Frederick I of Prussia crowns himself as King in Prussia.
The Palace of Versailles in France catches fire, causing substantial damage to the building.
The Battle of Ayubale establishes Russian dominance in the Caucasus, securing territories.
The Act of Union, uniting the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland into a single political state, is ratified is by the Scottish Parliament on January 16, 1707. The act received Royal assent on March 6, 1707 and became effective on May 1, 1707 when Scotland and England formally became the single Kingdom of Great Britain.
James Francis Edward Stuart, known as the Old Pretender, declares himself King of England and Scotland.
The Great Northern War sees Swedish forces defeat a Russian army at the Battle of Poltava.
The first copyright legislation is enacted in Great Britain, known as the Statute of Anne.
The Duke of Marlborough is dismissed from his command by Queen Anne during the War of the Spanish Succession.
A peace conference begins in Utrecht, aiming to end the War of the Spanish Succession.
The German mathematician and physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit invents the mercury thermometer.
The first Freemasons' Grand Lodge is founded in London, establishing modern Freemasonry.
France declares war on Spain, escalating the War of the Quadruple Alliance.
The Principality of Liechtenstein is created within the Holy Roman Empire.
The South Sea Bubble bursts, leading to a financial crisis in England and affecting the stock market.
Peter the Great of Russia establishes the city of Saint Petersburg as the new capital.
Czar Peter the Great begins a military campaign in Persia, capturing the Persian capital of Isfahan.
Christopher Wren, the English architect who designed St. Paul's Cathedral in London, dies at the age of 90.
