August 10

Anne of York was the daughter of Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, and sister to Kings Edward IV and Richard III. She first married Henry Holland, Duke of Exeter, aligning with Lancastrian interests before divorcing him. Later, she wed Thomas St. Leger, but received the title Duchess of York through family ties. During the turbulence of the Wars of the Roses, Anne navigated shifting political alliances to protect her estates and titles. She was known for her diplomatic skills and patronage of religious institutions. She died in 1476, leaving a legacy as a resilient figure in a time of dynastic conflict.

Bona of Savoy was born into the powerful ducal family of Savoy and married Galeazzo Maria Sforza to become Duchess of Savoy. During her tenure, she managed court affairs and negotiated key alliances with neighboring states. Known for her piety and patronage of monastic communities, she sponsored the construction of churches and convents. Despite the turbulence of Italian politics, she maintained stability in her duchy. She died in 1503, remembered for her diplomatic acumen and cultural contributions.

Madeleine of Valois was the eldest daughter of King Francis I of France and Claude of France. At age sixteen, she married James V of Scotland as part of a Franco-Scottish alliance. She travelled to Scotland in late 1537 but fell ill shortly after arriving at St Andrews. Stricken by tuberculosis, she died less than a month later, never fulfilling her queenly duties. Her untimely death plunged the Auld Alliance into uncertainty and deeply grieved her father Francis I. She is remembered as a symbol of diplomatic promise cut short by tragedy.

Born in 1744, Alexandrine was the only child of Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, better known as Madame de Pompadour, and her husband Charles-Guillaume Le Normant d’Étiolles. Patrons of the arts and members of King Louis XV’s court, the family enjoyed privileged status at Versailles. Alexandrine’s early death from illness at age ten deeply affected her mother and became a poignant event within the royal circle. Contemporary memoirs record the queen’s profound grief and the court’s collective mourning. Although her life was brief, Alexandrine’s story highlights the personal side of one of France’s most influential women of the 18th century.

William Willett (1856–1915) was an English builder and inventor best known for advocating daylight saving time. After observing early morning sunlight during summer horse rides, he published 'The Waste of Daylight' in 1907, proposing clocks be advanced to extend evening daylight. He lobbied Parliament tirelessly, facing initial opposition but laying the groundwork for British Summer Time. Although he died in 1915, his proposal was adopted in 1916 and has since been used by numerous countries worldwide. Willett's idea reshaped daily life patterns and contributed to energy conservation efforts. He is remembered as the visionary behind modern daylight saving practices.

Frank Marshall was the U.S. Chess Champion from 1909 to 1936 and one of the world’s strongest players in the early 20th century. He is best known for the Marshall Attack in the Ruy Lopez, an opening still popular at all levels today. Marshall competed in numerous international tournaments and defeated many top grandmasters of his era. Beyond his competitive play, he authored several influential chess books and contributed to chess journalism. His legacy endures through opening theory and the annual Marshall Chess Club tournaments named in his honor.

Prince Christopher was a member of the Greek royal family who served as a naval officer and diplomat. He studied in the United Kingdom and held naval attaché positions in Europe, promoting Greek interests abroad. During World War I, his family’s contested allegiances led to political turmoil in Greece. Christopher married twice, first to Nancy Stewart Worthington Leeds and later to Princess Françoise of Orléans, engaging in various philanthropic activities. Known for his cosmopolitan upbringing, he split his life between Greece and Western Europe. His legacy reflects the complexities of European royalty in the early 20th century.

Charles Darrow developed Monopoly during the Great Depression, drawing inspiration from earlier property trading games. He sold the game to Parker Brothers, which turned it into one of the best-selling board games of all time. Darrow’s success turned him into America’s first millionaire game designer, and his story inspired countless others in the toy and game industry. Although later research highlighted earlier versions of the game by Lizzie Magie, Darrow’s role in its commercial triumph remains central. His entrepreneurial spirit helped shape modern board gaming culture.

Dolores Alexander was an American journalist and activist prominent in the second-wave feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s. She served as a founding member and later president of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in New York. Alexander also edited feminist publications and wrote extensively on women's liberation and gay rights. She co-chaired the New York chapter of the Gay Liberation Front, advocating for LGBT visibility and equality. Her journalism career included contributions to major newspapers, where she highlighted social justice issues. Alexander's work helped shape early feminist discourse before her passing in 2008. Her activism left a lasting impact on both feminist and LGBT communities.

Elizabeth Butler-Sloss is a pioneering English jurist who began her legal career at the Bar in the 1950s. In 1979 she became the first female High Court judge, and in 1988 she was elevated to the Court of Appeal as its first female Lord Justice. From 1999 to 2005 she served as President of the Family Division, leading reforms in family law and child welfare. She also chaired major public inquiries into child protection issues. In 2006 she was created a life peer, sitting in the House of Lords where she continued to influence legal and social policy.

Sid Waddell was an English sports commentator celebrated for his vibrant and lyrical broadcasting style in darts competitions. Born in Alnwick, Northumberland, he started his career as a teacher and playwright before joining BBC Radio in 1972. He brought theatrical flair to sports commentary, coining memorable catchphrases and infusing darts with unprecedented drama. Waddell covered the World Darts Championship for over three decades, becoming the defining voice of the sport. He also wrote plays, novels, and had a passion for football, serving as a commentator for several sports. His unique blend of wit, passion, and storytelling made him a beloved figure until his death in 2012.

Anita Lonsbrough is an English former competitive swimmer who captured the gold medal in the 200m breaststroke at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Born in Hull, she set world records and dominated breaststroke events in national and international competitions. Lonsbrough also won gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and was honored as BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1962. After retiring from competitive swimming, she transitioned into journalism, writing and reporting on sports for major outlets. Her pioneering achievements helped raise the profile of women's swimming in Britain and inspired future generations. She continues to be celebrated for her athletic prowess and contributions to sports media.