Old British currency, before it went decimal. There were 20 shillings in a pound (£), and 12 pennies (d) in a shilling.
Shilling
Fact of the Day
The earliest book of English table manners was written by Daniel of Beccles in the time of Henry II. It prohibited elbows on tables, talking with full mouths and scratching armpits. It also gave guidance on what to do if the wife of the host were to make a pass at a guest: he should feign illness.
Quote of the Day
"Grant that we may from henceforth show ourselves neither bastards nor dastards.
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~ Peter Wentworth on the House of Commons' freedom of speech, 1576
On This Day
1787 The 'First Fleet' of 11 ships carrying convicts to Australia left England.
1888 Slavery was abolished in Brazil.