July 15

John Ball, a radical preacher and key figure in the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt, was captured after the uprising’s collapse. On July 15, 1381, he was brought before King Richard II and subjected to the grisly sentence of hanging, drawing, and quartering. Ball’s impassioned sermons had fueled demands for economic justice and the end of serfdom, rallying thousands of peasants. His brutal execution served as a warning to other dissidents and marked the violent end of the revolt. Despite his death, Ball’s calls for social reform resonated in later movements and contributed to ongoing debates about equality. He became a martyr figure in English history, symbolizing early challenges to feudal authority.

Founded by decree of Queen Christina of Sweden, the Royal Academy of Turku opened its doors on July 15, 1640. It was modelled on Uppsala University and quickly became the center of scholarly life in Finland. The new institution offered studies in theology, law, medicine, and philosophy. It played a crucial role in developing Finnish language and culture during the Swedish rule. For over a century, it remained the sole university in Finland. In 1827, following the Great Fire of Turku, the academy was relocated and reestablished as the Imperial Alexander University in Helsinki.

On July 15, 1927, tensions in the Austrian First Republic culminated in a deadly confrontation between protesters and police in Vienna. Workers and socialists organized a demonstration against rising authoritarianism and the banning of socialist organizations. Austrian police opened fire on the crowd near the Schottentor, killing eighty-nine individuals and wounding hundreds more. The massacre shocked the nation and intensified political polarization. It is often seen as a prelude to the rise of fascist movements in Austria. The incident deepened the divide between left-wing and right-wing factions. It remains a somber reminder of the dangers of unchecked state violence and political extremism. Annual commemorations honor the memory of those who perished.