January 31

Born in York in 1570, Guy Fawkes served as a soldier in the Spanish army before returning to England. Motivated by religious persecution of Catholics, he joined Robert Catesby in plotting to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. Tasked with igniting barrels of gunpowder beneath the House of Lords, Fawkes was discovered and arrested on November 5. His subsequent torture and confession revealed the full scope of the conspiracy. Tried and convicted of high treason, he was sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered, though he died by suicide in the Tower of London. Guy Fawkes's legacy endures in Britain through annual Bonfire Night celebrations featuring bonfires and fireworks.

Born into a recusant Catholic family in Suffolk in 1578, Ambrose Rookwood became involved with Robert Catesby and other conspirators in the Gunpowder Plot. A skilled horseman, he was responsible for securing mounts and supplies for the group. After the plot was uncovered, he fled to Holbeche House where he was captured following a violent exchange of gunfire. Rookwood was tried for high treason and executed in January 1606. His calm demeanor during interrogation and trial was noted in contemporary accounts. Rookwood's life and death illustrate the intense religious conflicts of early 17th-century England.

Thomas Wintour was born in 1571 into a prominent Catholic family and educated at the English College in Rome. Deeply committed to securing Catholic rights, he partnered with Robert Catesby in planning the 1605 Gunpowder Plot against King James I. Wintour traveled to Spain seeking support but returned with no assistance. In the plot, he coordinated arms and communication among the conspirators. After the failed attempt, he was wounded and captured at Holbeche House. Tried and found guilty of high treason, Thomas Wintour was executed in January 1606. His detailed letters provide insight into the religious and political motivations of the era.

Thomas Lewis emigrated from Ireland to North America and established himself as a skilled surveyor in colonial Virginia. Born in 1718, he partnered with his brother on numerous land surveys, contributing to the mapping of the Shenandoah Valley and other frontier regions. As a lawyer, he handled boundary disputes and helped shape early American land policy. His meticulous surveying techniques influenced the expansion and settlement patterns of the young United States. Lewis's work laid the groundwork for future American cartographers and surveyors. He died in 1790, leaving a lasting legacy in early American frontier history.

John Sholto Douglas, 9th Marquess of Queensberry (1844-1900), was a Scottish aristocrat and sportsman. In 1867, he endorsed and lent his title to the 'Marquess of Queensberry rules', which introduced standardized gloves and round-based fighting to boxing. Beyond sports, he was known for his strict moral views and a notorious feud with Oscar Wilde, which led to Wilde's imprisonment. Although controversial in his personal life, his impact on the sport endured. The Queensberry rules remain the cornerstone of boxing regulations worldwide. Douglas's legacy lives on through the global popularity of the sport he helped formalize.

Ernesto Miranda (1941-1976) was an American criminal whose case led to the landmark 1966 Supreme Court decision establishing Miranda rights. Arrested and convicted of kidnapping and rape in Phoenix, his confession was ruled inadmissible without proper counsel warning. The Miranda v. Arizona ruling requires law enforcement to inform suspects of their rights before interrogation. Although his conviction was later reinstated, the decision transformed police procedures nationwide. Miranda's name remains synonymous with constitutional criminal protections.

Molly Ivins was an American newspaper columnist, author, and political commentator known for her sharp wit and progressive viewpoints. She wrote for major publications such as the Texas Observer and The New York Times, skewering political figures with humor. Ivins authored several books including 'What the Hell's the Matter with Texas?' and 'Bushwhacked'. She received the National Press Foundation award for her fearless journalism. Her legacy continues to influence political discourse in the United States.

Mani Ram Bagri was an Indian lawyer and politician who served multiple terms as a Member of Parliament representing the Indian National Congress. He championed land reforms, labor rights, and social justice initiatives in post-independence India. Known for his oratory skills and legal expertise, Bagri played a key role in drafting legislation on rural development. He also served as President of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee. His commitment to the underprivileged earned him widespread respect.