On This Day

What Happened in August 1612

Historical Events

  • Aug 18 Pendle Witch trial begins with 10 people accused of witchcraft in Lancaster, England, key witness 9 year-old boy
  • Aug 20 9 Pendle witches hanged at Gallows Hill in Lancaster, England
  • Aug 29 Battle of Surat, India: English fleet beats Portuguese

Famous Birthdays

  • Aug 28 Marcus Zuerius van Boxhorn, Dutch scholar, born in Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands (d. 1653)

Famous Deaths

  • Aug 4 Hugh Broughton, English scholar (b. 1549)
  • Aug 12 Giovanni Gabrieli, Italian composer (Madrigali), dies at about 60