August 06

Born around 1575, Lionel Cranfield began his career as a successful merchant in London’s cloth trade. His financial acumen caught the attention of King James I, who appointed him Master of the Posts and later Lord Treasurer. Elevated to the peerage as Baron and then Earl of Middlesex, he managed royal finances and advocated for fiscal reform. Under Charles I, Cranfield’s opposition to extravagant court spending led to his impeachment and removal from office. He spent his later years in relative obscurity but maintained influence through family connections and landholdings. He died on August 6, 1645, remembered both for his rise from commerce to high political office and his fall from royal favor.

Jerry Wolman (1927–2013) was an American businessman and real estate developer known for his ambitious projects in Philadelphia. He purchased the Philadelphia Eagles NFL team in 1963 and served as team owner for a year before financial constraints led to its sale. Wolman undertook a series of large-scale commercial and residential developments that helped shape the city’s skyline. His vision contributed to urban renewal efforts and inspired subsequent redevelopment projects. Although his tenure as an NFL owner was brief, his influence as a developer left a lasting mark on Philadelphia.