Jun 152024
 
Magna Carta

Magna Carta

Magna Carta was signed in 1215. King John I was forced to sign the document in Runnymede, England. Written in haste and in Latin, the Magna Carta was the first English document to outline human rights. Only four originals of the document still exist, and one copy resides in the National Archives in Washington, DC. Older children can read a translation at: Magna Carta.

Jul 252024
 
Louis Bleriot before take-off

Louis Bleriot before take-off

Louis Bleriot became the first person to fly a plane across the English Channel. He left Les Baraques, France, in 1909 and landed in Dover, England. The trip took 36 minutes 30 seconds. The Daily Mail, a British newspaper, had offered a reward of £1000 to the first successful aviator. Bleriot received the reward, and he instantly became famous. Children could read the 1984 Caldecott Medal book The Glorious Flight: Across the Channel with Louis Bleriot, July 25, 1909 by Alice Provensen and Martin Provensen.

Aug 062024
 
Gertrude Ederle

Gertrude Ederle

Gertrude Ederle in 1926 became the first woman to swim the English Channel. She swam for 14 hours 31 minutes from England to France. She returned to a ticker tape parade in New York City. Younger children could read America’s Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle, by David A. Adler. At least 45 other people have successfully swum the English Channel.

Nov 052024
 

Guy Fawkes Day is remembered in England. In 1605 at least eleven people plotted to blow up Parliament and kill political leaders, including King James I. They hid twenty barrels of gunpowder in the cellar of the Parliament building. However, the explosives were discovered the night before the intended detonation. The conspirators were tried, convicted, and beheaded. Guy Fawkes is the name most remembered among the guilty. During the evening of November 5, bonfires and fireworks light up the skies. Children can check out the BBC site and play a Guy Fawkes game at: Guy Fawkes Day.