October 10

Born in AD 19, Tiberius Gemellus was the son of Drusus Julius Caesar and Livilla. He was the grandson of Emperor Tiberius and became the adopted heir of his great-uncle, Emperor Caligula. Although proclaimed as a potential successor, he never reigned in his own right. Caligula later revoked his adoption, and Gemellus was caught in imperial intrigues. He died at age 19 under mysterious circumstances during Caligula's rule, ending the line of Tiberius descendants. His short life reflects the perils of dynastic politics in ancient Rome.

Born in 1344 as the eldest daughter of King Edward III of England and Queen Philippa of Hainault, Mary was named after her grandmother, Queen Mary of Brabant. In 1361, she married John IV, Duke of Brittany, in a high-profile dynastic alliance between England and Brittany. Tragically, she died shortly after the wedding at the age of 17, leaving no heirs. Her untimely death dashed hopes of a strengthened Anglo-Breton alliance and altered the political landscape in Brittany. Despite her short life, she is remembered as a symbol of medieval dynastic politics and the fragility of royal marriages.

Born in 1355 as the first son of Zhu Yuanzhang before he founded the Ming dynasty, Zhu Biao was named Crown Prince and received a classical Confucian education. Known for his scholarship and moral integrity, he was widely regarded as his father’s destined successor. His untimely death in 1392 at the age of 37 created a power vacuum and led to political instability. This opened the path for his younger brother, Zhu Di, to seize the throne as the Yongle Emperor. Zhu Biao’s life remains a poignant example of how mortality could reshape dynastic history. Historians often speculate how the early Ming state might have evolved had he lived.

Françoise-Marguerite de Sévigné was a French noblewoman born in 1646, best known as the daughter of the celebrated letter-writer Madame de Sévigné. In 1669 she married François Adhémar de Monteil, Comte de Grignan, moving to Provence and inspiring a famous series of maternal letters. Although she did not write her own published works, her life and character are immortalized in her mother's correspondence, which offers vivid insights into 17th-century aristocratic society. Françoise-Marguerite managed her husband’s household and took on responsibilities in the provincial aristocracy while remaining devoted to her family. She maintained close contact with her mother, whose letters reveal their affectionate and witty relationship. Françoise-Marguerite died in 1705, remembered through the enduring legacy of her mother's epistolary portraits.

Emily Dobson devoted her life to philanthropy in Australia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She contributed to the establishment and funding of hospitals, orphanages, and educational programs. Her work helped advance opportunities for women and children in her community. Though details of her personal life remain limited, her impact is remembered through the institutions she supported. Dobson’s legacy reflects the significant role of private philanthropy in shaping Australian social services.

Born in Yorkshire in 1923, Walker began covering motorsport in the 1940s. He became the voice of Formula One for BBC and ITV broadcasts. His passionate delivery and memorable catchphrases endeared him to racing fans worldwide. Walker covered over 500 Grands Prix before retiring in 2001. Beyond commentary, he authored several books on motorsport history. He remains an icon in the world of motor racing broadcasting.

Born in Liverpool in 1929, Bernard Mayes moved to the United States to pursue his passion for broadcasting and education. He founded one of San Francisco's first public radio stations, breaking new ground in listener-supported media. Mayes later joined academia, teaching communications and influencing generations of students. As a pioneer in public broadcasting, he authored articles on media ethics and policy. His innovative work earned him respect across journalism and academic circles until his death in 2014.

Oleg Gordievsky is a former KGB colonel who served as a double agent for the British Secret Intelligence Service during the Cold War. Born in Moscow in 1938, he rose through the ranks of Soviet intelligence, eventually serving as station chief in Copenhagen. From 1974 to 1985, Gordievsky passed critical information to British agents, exposing Soviet tactics and intentions. After being compromised in 1985, he was exfiltrated by MI6 in a covert operation and resettled in the UK. Following his defection, he authored several books and memoirs detailing his experiences and insider perspective on espionage. Gordievsky's revelations significantly influenced Western understanding of the KGB and Cold War strategy. His life story has inspired documentaries, films, and continued interest in intelligence history.

Winston Churchill, born in 1940, is an English journalist and former Conservative Member of Parliament. A grandson of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, he studied at Harrow and pursued journalism early in his career. He wrote columns and articles for national newspapers, gaining recognition for his insights on political affairs. Churchill served as MP for Stretford (1970–1974) and Davyhulme (1974–1997), focusing on social and economic policy. After leaving Parliament, he returned to writing, authoring books and contributing to political commentary. His life bridges media and politics, carrying forward a family legacy of public service and leadership.

Wang Wanxing became a prominent symbol of political dissent in China when he began a daily protest outside Beijing’s media headquarters in 1978, demanding greater freedoms. He was arrested for his role in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and spent several years in prison. After his release in the late 1990s, he resumed his solitary vigil, continuing to call for justice for the crackdown’s victims. Wang’s unwavering commitment to peaceful protest has made him an enduring figure in the struggle for democracy in China. His activism drew international attention and inspired human rights advocates worldwide to press for reform.

Dela Smith has dedicated her career to advancing education for students with special needs in the United Kingdom. As headteacher of a specialist school in Birmingham, she developed innovative programs to support children with emotional and behavioral challenges. Her approaches emphasized personalised learning, therapeutic support, and community engagement, leading to significant improvements in student outcomes. Smith has advised government committees on special education policy and contributed to teacher training initiatives nationwide. Through her advocacy and leadership, she has become a respected voice in the field of inclusive education.

Paul Thiebaud (1960–2010) was a prominent California-based art dealer born on October 10, 1960. He founded the Paul Thiebaud Gallery in San Francisco, showcasing emerging and mid-career artists. The gallery became known for championing innovative painters, sculptors, and photographers. As the son of renowned painter Wayne Thiebaud, Paul built his own reputation by curating dynamic exhibitions. His passion for modern and contemporary art influenced collectors and critics alike. Thiebaud's contributions helped shape the West Coast art scene before his untimely death in 2010.