On 27 March 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
2 birthdays · 1 death anniversary · 8 world events on 27 March
Birthdays
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Charles Mackay
27 March 1814 – 24 December 1889 (~75)
Born 27 March 1814 — would have been 212 in 2026
Death anniversaries
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Sir Henry Taylor
18 October 1800 – 27 March 1886 (~86)
Died 27 March 1886 — 140 years ago on this date
World events on this day
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Charles I Becomes King
Charles I ascended to the English throne on March 27, 1625, following the death of his father James I. His reign would be marked by increasing conflicts with Parliament over taxation, religious policy, and royal prerogative, ultimately leading to civil war.
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The Great Earthquake of 1964 in Alaska
On March 27, 1964 CE, the Great Alaska earthquake, estimated at magnitude 9.2, struck the Prince William Sound region. This was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in North America and caused widespread destruction, including a tsunami that affected the west coast of the United States. The event revolutionized the study of plate tectonics and seismic safety.
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Tenerife airport disaster changes aviation safety culture
In 1977 two Boeing 747s collided on the runway at Tenerife, killing 583 people. It remains the deadliest accident in aviation history. Investigations led to major changes in crew resource management, radio phraseology, and runway safety procedures.
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Monro marries Alida Klemantaski
On 27 March 1920, Easter Saturday, Monro married Alida Klemantaski at Holborn register office in London, with strangers as witnesses and no festive congregation. He failed to provide a ring and did not treat the day as a conventional wedding. The couple remained literary partners more than a settled cohabiting household, often still addressing one another as Friend.
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The Silver Thursday Panic of 1980
On March 27, 1980, known as Silver Thursday, the price of silver collapsed after the Hunt brothers' attempt to corner the silver market failed. The price of silver had soared to nearly $50 per ounce, but when the exchange raised margin requirements and the Hunt brothers could not meet their obligations, the price crashed to around $11 per ounce. The panic threatened major financial institutions and required a $1 billion bailout, revealing the dangers of excessive speculation.
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Execution of Margaret Clitherow
In 1586, Margaret Clitherow, an English Catholic, was executed by pressing for the crime of harboring priests. Her martyrdom became a symbol of resistance against religious persecution during a time when Catholics faced severe oppression in England. Clitherow's story highlights the struggles of individuals who defied the state in pursuit of their faith, contributing to the broader narrative of religious conflict in the period.
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PET Bottle Patent by Nathaniel Wyeth
In 1973, Nathaniel Wyeth patented the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle, a significant innovation in packaging technology for carbonated beverages. This lightweight and durable material revolutionized the beverage industry by providing a cost-effective and recyclable option for packaging. The introduction of PET bottles has had lasting impacts on consumer habits and environmental considerations, shaping the future of packaging design.
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The 1638 Calabria Earthquake
On March 27, 1638 CE, a devastating earthquake struck the Calabria region in the Kingdom of Sicily (modern-day Italy). The quake caused widespread destruction and loss of life, though the exact number of casualties is uncertain. This event was one of the most destructive earthquakes to hit southern Italy in the 17th century.