This Day in History
Today: January 20, 2026
250
Pope Fabian is martyred during the Decian persecution.[1]
1156
Finnish peasant Lalli kills English clergyman Henry, the Bishop of Turku, on the ice of Lake Köyliö.[2][3]
1265
The first English parliament to include not only Lords but also representatives of the major towns holds its first meeting in the Palace of Westminster, now commonly known as the "Houses of Parliament".[4]
1320
Duke Wladyslaw Lokietek becomes king of Poland.
1356
Edward Balliol surrenders his claim to the Scottish throne to Edward III in exchange for an English pension.
1401
The Taula de canvi (Catalan: "Table of change"), described as Europe's first-ever public bank,[5] began operations inside Barcelona's Llotja de Mar.[6]
1523
Christian II is forced to abdicate as King of Denmark and Norway.
1567
Battle of Rio de Janeiro: Portuguese forces under the command of Estácio de Sá definitively drive the French out of Rio de Janeiro.
1576
The Mexican city of León is founded by order of the viceroy Don Martín Enríquez de Almanza.
1649
The High Court of Justice for the trial of Charles I begins its proceedings.
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