Historical Events May 27 Habeaus Corpus Act (strengthening person's right to challenge unlawful arrest & imprisonment) passes in England Famous Birthdays May 12 Giovanni Antonio Ricieri, Italian composer and castrato (d. 1746) May 14 Peder [Nielsen] Horrebow, Danish astronomer Famous Deaths May 1 Esaias Reusner, German lutenist and composer, dies at 43 May 3 James Sharp, English archbishop (assassinated) (b. 1613) May 26 Ferdinand Maria, Elector of Bavaria (1651-79), dies at 42 Share On Facebook Share On Twitter 1678 History by Year 1680