A disease, which was a swelling of the lymph nodes often caused by tuberculosis, that was also called the 'King's Evil'. It was believed that a monarch could cure it by touching the afflicted person. The belief was common throughout the Middle Ages and lasted until the Enlightenment.
Scrofula
Fact of the Day
When Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins came to Lavenham, he forced a woman to confess to keeping imps in the form of blue kittens.
Quote of the Day
"The English piously believe themselves to be a peaceful people; nobody else is of the same belief.
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~ Gladstone
On This Day
1787 The 'First Fleet' of 11 ships carrying convicts to Australia left England.
1888 Slavery was abolished in Brazil.