A punishment for religious crimes, where the guilty person is not allowed to participate in any Church activities.
Excommunication
Fact of the Day
The name 'Plantagenet' probably comes from the sprig of broom (planta genista) Henry II's father Geoffrey used to keep in his helmet.
Quote of the Day
"What recreation tooke I? How lawfull was it? ... Was it not affected with too much delight?
"
~ Questions from the seventeenth-century puritan guidebook for women, 'A Fountaine of Tears'
On This Day
1787 The 'First Fleet' of 11 ships carrying convicts to Australia left England.
1888 Slavery was abolished in Brazil.