March 29

Gwynllyw, also known as Saint Woolos, ruled the kingdom of Gwynllwg in the late 400s. He is celebrated for converting to Christianity and establishing monastic communities around Newport. Legendary accounts credit him with defending his lands and then dedicating himself to pious works in his later years. His dual legacy as a warlike ruler and a devoted saint made him a symbol of the transition from pagan kingship to Christian monarchy. Many churches and local traditions in Wales honor his memory.

Born around 1020, Stephen IX was elected pope in August 1057 after serving as Cardinal-Priest. During his short pontificate, he sought to enforce clerical celibacy and eliminate simony, aligning with early reform movements. His insistence on church discipline brought him into conflict with powerful Roman families, culminating in his deposition and exile in February 1058. Despite these challenges, he continued to advocate reforms until his death in March of the same year. His papacy is remembered for its fervent but turbulent push for ecclesiastical integrity.

Born in 1421, Henry Percy inherited the earldom of Northumberland and became a key supporter of King Henry VI. He played a significant role in the Wars of the Roses, leading Lancastrian forces at battles such as Wakefield. On March 29, 1461, he fought at the Battle of Towton, one of the bloodiest clashes of the era. Percy's armies were shattered by Edward IV's Yorkist troops, and he was killed on the field. His death marked the decline of Lancastrian power in northern England, and his lineage would later influence future conflicts.

A member of the English peerage, Lionel Welles held the title 6th Baron Welles and was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in the mid-15th century. He navigated complex Anglo-Irish politics and oversaw military and administrative affairs. With the outbreak of the Wars of the Roses, Welles remained loyal to the Lancastrian cause. He joined forces against the Yorkists and fought at the Battle of Towton on March 29, 1461. Welles was killed in the battle, and his death reflected the wider fall of Lancastrian leadership in England.

Born in 1546, Tobias Matthew rose through the ranks of the Church of England after studying at Cambridge. He served as Dean of Durham and Bishop of Durham, becoming Archbishop of York in 1606. A passionate academic, he supported learning and corresponded with leading scholars of his time. Matthew played a key role in the religious and political debates under James I, advocating for orthodox Anglicanism. He remained Archbishop of York until his death in 1628, leaving a reputation as a learned and authoritative churchman.

Born in 1565 in Antwerp, Jacob de Gheyn II established himself in Leiden as a master of painting and engraving. He produced detailed prints, including the famous 'Exercise of Arms' series depicting military drills. His still lifes and portrait engravings were admired for their technical accuracy and artistic composition. De Gheyn's work influenced Dutch art and printing in the early 17th century. He remained active until his death in 1629, leaving a lasting legacy in both painting and graphic art.

Born in 1665 near Hamburg, Nicolaus Bruhns studied under the renowned composer Dieterich Buxtehude. He served as organist at St. Mary's Church in Husum and performed as a virtuoso violinist. Bruhns's surviving works include chamber sonatas and organ pieces that showcase dramatic contrasts and deep emotional range. His music influenced later German Baroque composers and remains prized for its technical challenges. Bruhns died in 1697 at a young age, but his compositions continue to be celebrated by early music performers.

Born in 1678 into the House of Hohenzollern, George Frederick II succeeded his father as Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach in 1692. His reign was marked by regional building projects and the patronage of arts and education in Ansbach. Though his rule was brief, he endeavored to strengthen the local economy and administration. He maintained alliances within the Holy Roman Empire and supported military reforms. George Frederick died unexpectedly in 1703 at the age of 25, and his early passing shaped the succession of his principality.

Born in 1668, Thomas Coram spent years sailing to the Americas and the West Indies before retiring to London. Disturbed by the plight of orphaned and abandoned children, he campaigned tirelessly for a charitable institution. In 1739, he secured a Royal Charter to found the Foundling Hospital, the first children's home in Britain. Coram's initiative combined philanthropy with social reform, providing care, education, and housing for hundreds of children. He dedicated his later life to the institution's welfare, and upon his death in 1751, his work had transformed child care in Britain.

Born in 1688 in Stockholm, Emanuel Swedenborg was a brilliant mathematician and astronomer who undertook scientific explorations in Europe. He held a professorship at Uppsala University and designed one of the first envisioned submarines. In his middle years, Swedenborg experienced profound mystical visions and began publishing works on spiritual realms such as 'Heaven and Hell'. His theological writings proposed a unique interpretation of Christianity, influencing later movements like the New Church. Swedenborg's interdisciplinary work bridged science, philosophy, and spirituality until his death in London in 1772.

Johann Heinrich Pott (1692–1777) was a pioneering Prussian physician and chemist who made lasting contributions to mineralogy and analytical chemistry. He conducted extensive research on mineral springs and natural salts, exploring their composition and therapeutic properties. Pott served as a professor of physics and medicine at the University of Berlin and published influential treatises that advanced the scientific understanding of mineral substances. His systematic experimental methods and clear scientific writing set a new standard for chemical research in Europe. His work laid the groundwork for later chemists and helped establish analytical techniques still in use today.

Charles Wesley (1707–1788) was an English clergyman and poet who co-founded the Methodist movement with his brother John Wesley. He served as a missionary in America, although his time there was brief, and later became renowned for his hymn writing. Over the course of his life, he composed thousands of hymns that remain central to Christian worship traditions worldwide. Wesley’s poetry combined deep theological insight with lyrical beauty, reflecting his passionate faith and commitment to evangelical outreach. His leadership and literary talents played a key role in the spread of Methodism, influencing both religious practice and hymnody for generations.