July 22

Wu Chengsi (died 698) was a nephew of Empress Wu Zetian and a member of the Tang imperial family. He was granted princely titles and held high-ranking positions within the Zhou dynasty, which his aunt established. Known for his political skill, he played a key role in court intrigues and succession debates. His influence illustrated the shifting power dynamics between the Tang and Zhou dynasties. Despite his prominence, he faced rival factions and did not leave direct heirs, leading to his posthumous decline.

Meinhard I (died 1258) was Count of Gorizia and later co-ruler of Tyrol. He expanded his family's territories through marriage alliances and military campaigns. Under his leadership, the County of Tyrol gained strategic importance within the Holy Roman Empire. His dynastic policies laid the groundwork for the rise of the Meinhardiner dynasty. Meinhard's patronage of monasteries and towns contributed to regional stability and economic growth.

Henry I (died 1274) inherited the counties of Champagne and Brie before ascending to the throne of Navarre. His reign saw the consolidation of Navarrese independence amid pressures from France and Castile. He fostered trade and strengthened royal authority by issuing charters to towns. Henry balanced regional diplomacy with occasional conflicts to defend his borders. His legacy included the continued prosperity and autonomy of the Navarrese kingdom.

Sir John de Graham (died 1298) was a Scottish nobleman and knight who fought for Scottish independence. As a close companion of William Wallace, he distinguished himself in guerrilla actions against English forces. At the Battle of Falkirk, he led a valiant charge before falling in combat, becoming a symbol of Scottish resistance. His bravery and sacrifice inspired subsequent generations in the struggle for Scotland's freedom.

Louis of Gravina (1324–1362) was a member of the Angevin dynasty and Count of Gravina in southern Italy. He inherited his title as a scion of the Neapolitan royal family and held estates across Apulia. His tenure was marked by local conflicts and his attempts to assert Angevin influence in the region. Louis supported ecclesiastical institutions and sponsored artistic commissions in his domains. He died young without leaving a lasting heir, and his territories were absorbed by neighboring nobles.

Simon Langham (1310–1376) was an English churchman and statesman who rose to become Archbishop of Canterbury. He played a crucial role in mediating disputes between church and crown during the reign of Edward III. In 1368, Langham was created cardinal by Pope Urban V and served as papal legate. He sponsored the founding of monastic houses and was a patron of scholastic scholars at Oxford. Langham's ecclesiastical career reflected the complex interplay of politics and religion in medieval England.

Frans Ackerman (1330–1387) was a key figure in the Flemish urban uprising against French rule. As a leader in Ghent, he orchestrated military and political strategies to defend civic liberties. Ackerman negotiated with rival powers and briefly held the title of mayor of Ghent. He championed the rights of burghers and played a central role in the Revolt of Ghent. His efforts left a lasting legacy in the struggle for Flemish self-governance.

Charles VII of France (1403–1461) ascended to the throne during the heights of the Hundred Years' War. Initially known as the ‘Dauphin of Bourges,’ he saw his fortunes restored by the intervention of Joan of Arc. He successfully expelled English forces from most of French territory and reestablished royal authority. Charles instituted military reforms, founding the first permanent royal army. His reign marked the revival of the French monarchy and set the stage for the eventual French Renaissance.

Richard Wingfield (c.1426–1525) served as a diplomat and trusted advisor in the courts of Henry VII and Henry VIII. He was appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, overseeing the management of key estates. Wingfield negotiated important treaties with European powers, including those involving Brittany and Burgundy. He held several high offices, demonstrating loyalty and administrative skill over decades. His long career bridged the transition between the Wars of the Roses and the Tudor consolidation of power.

John Zápolya (1487–1540) was Voivode of Transylvania before being elected King of Hungary. He ruled during a period of Ottoman expansion and contested the throne with the Habsburgs. After defeat at the Battle of Mohács, Zápolya secured Ottoman support to maintain his kingship. His alliance with the Ottoman Empire shaped the political landscape of Central Europe. Zápolya's contested reign highlighted the complex interplay of regional and imperial powers.

Jorge de Lencastre (1481–1550) was a prominent Portuguese nobleman, the natural son of King John II of Portugal. He was granted the titles Duke of Coimbra and Constable of Portugal, becoming one of the most powerful aristocrats of his era. He played a pivotal role in the court of King Manuel I, advising on military and political affairs. As a patron of the arts and the church, he fostered cultural and religious development in Coimbra. His leadership and stewardship of royal estates solidified his influence in early 16th-century Portugal. He passed away on July 22, 1550, leaving a lasting mark on Portuguese nobility and governance.

Richard Cox (c.1500–1581) was an English churchman who played a leading role in the English Reformation. Educated at Cambridge, he served as chaplain and tutor to Princess Elizabeth and later to King Edward VI. Appointed Bishop of Ely by Elizabeth I in 1559, he implemented key liturgical reforms in his diocese. His writings defended the reforms of the Church of England and influenced the development of the Book of Common Prayer. Cox retired from episcopal duties in 1580 and died the following year. His legacy remains in his contributions to shaping Elizabethan religious policy.