On 2 September in poetry and history
Poets born or who died on this date, plus historical events that happened on this day across history.
610 poets with calendar dates · 6,535 events with calendar dates in the catalogue
3 birthdays · 1 death anniversary · 9 world events on 2 September
Birthdays
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Anne Whitney
2 September 1821 – 23 January 1915 (~94)
Born 2 September 1821 — would have been 205 in 2026
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Eugene Field
2 September 1850 – 4 November 1895 (~45)
Born 2 September 1850 — would have been 176 in 2026
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Joseph Seamon Cotter Jr.
2 September 1895 – 3 February 1919 (~24)
Born 2 September 1895 — would have been 131 in 2026
Death anniversaries
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Marsden Hartley
4 January 1877 – 2 September 1943 (~66)
Died 2 September 1943 — 83 years ago on this date
World events on this day
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The Great Fire of London
In 1666, the Great Fire of London swept through the central parts of the city, destroying over 13,000 houses, dozens of parish churches, and iconic structures like Old St. Paul's Cathedral. This massive conflagration highlighted the vulnerabilities of urban areas to fire and led to significant changes in building regulations and urban planning. The fire also had lasting social and economic impacts, reshaping London's landscape and its development in the years that followed.
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Battle of Actium
The Battle of Actium in 31 BC was a decisive naval confrontation that resulted in Octavian's victory over the forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. This battle marked the end of the Roman Republic's civil wars and paved the way for Octavian to become Augustus, the first Roman Emperor. The outcome significantly altered the political landscape of Rome, leading to a period of relative peace known as the Pax Romana and the establishment of imperial rule.
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The Great Fire of London Spares Shakespeare's Globe and Milton's Manuscripts
The Great Fire of London consumed over 13,000 houses and devastated the historic core of London, England. In an extraordinary series of atmospheric coincidences, a sudden shift in wind direction halted the wall of flames just short of the neighborhood where John Milton was finalizing his epic poem 'Paradise Lost'. Furthermore, the fire burned up to the edge of the theatrical district but failed to cross the river to destroy the records of the Globe Theatre, sparing invaluable literary history.
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First Automated Bank Teller Machine (ATM) Installed
The installation of the first automated bank teller machine (ATM) by Barclays Bank in 1967 marked a significant advancement in banking technology. This innovation allowed customers to access cash outside traditional banking hours, enhancing convenience and efficiency in financial transactions. The ATM revolutionized banking services, paving the way for a more automated and customer-centric banking experience.
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Establishment of the Abbey of Cluny
The Abbey of Cluny, located in Burgundy, France, was established in 1049 and became a center of monastic reform and spirituality. This abbey played a crucial role in the development of the Benedictine order and influenced religious practices across Europe. The Cluniac reforms emphasized liturgical music and the arts, which would later inspire poetic forms and themes in religious and secular literature.
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The Great Plague of London (1665) and the Scapegoating of the Poor
During the Great Plague of London in 1665, which killed an estimated 100,000 people, widespread fear led to the scapegoating of the poor, foreigners, and marginalized groups. The panic was fueled by rumors of poisoners and spreaders of the disease, leading to the persecution of innocent people. The event, while a public health crisis, also demonstrated how fear and ignorance can lead to social fragmentation and violence against vulnerable communities.
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Britain and its colonies adopt the Gregorian calendar
In 1752, Britain and its colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar. Eleven days were omitted in September to align the calendar with much of Europe. The reform also changed the legal start of the year from 25 March to 1 January.
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Mahdist War Peak and Battle of Omdurman
The peak of the Mahdist War culminated in the Battle of Omdurman on September 2, 1898, where British forces under General Kitchener decisively defeated the Mahdist army. This battle was significant as it secured British control over Sudan and showcased the effectiveness of modern military technology, including machine guns. The victory not only solidified British imperial interests in the region but also marked a turning point in the history of colonial warfare, influencing future military engagements in Africa.
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The 1985 Jianshui Earthquake
On September 2, 1985 CE, an earthquake, estimated at magnitude 5.3, struck the Jianshui region of Yunnan, China. This event is recorded in Chinese historical sources and is part of the country's seismic history. The earthquake caused damage and was a notable event for the region.