October 27

Margery Jourdemayne, known as the 'Witch of Eye', served as a midwife and healer in 15th-century England. She was accused of practicing necromancy and concocting love potions for Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester. Charged with treasonable witchcraft, she was tried before the King's Council and convicted. On October 27, 1441, she was burned at Smithfield, becoming one of the earliest recorded witchcraft executions in England. Her trial reflects medieval fears of magic and the tensions within the royal court.

Born in France around 1640, Robert Hubert arrived in London shortly before the Great Fire of 1666. Amid public panic, he confessed under dubious circumstances to igniting the blaze and claimed to have thrown a fireball through a bakery window. His confession conflicted with known facts about the fire’s origin, but he was nonetheless tried, convicted, and hanged at Tyburn in 1667. Historians now view him as a scapegoat whose admission was obtained under coercion. Hubert’s case remains a cautionary example of miscarriage of justice in times of crisis.

Born Joseph Arthur Patrick Taylor in 1888, he earned the nickname 'Squizzy' for his distinctive squint. He rose to infamy in Melbourne's underworld through bank robberies, illegal gambling operations, and violent gang conflicts. His partnership with rival gangster John 'Snowy' Cutmore ended in a dramatic shootout in 1927, which also claimed Taylor's life. Squizzy Taylor's daring heists and flamboyant lifestyle captured public attention and inspired numerous books and films. His exploits became emblematic of the lawlessness and excitement of Australia's Roaring Twenties.

Born in Hamburg in 1925, Helmuth Hübener was the youngest person convicted by the Nazi People's Court for political resistance. Disturbed by Nazi propaganda, he wrote and circulated leaflets calling for peace and freedom of the press. At just 17 years old, he was arrested by the Gestapo and subjected to harsh interrogation before a show trial. On 27 October 1942, Hübener was executed by guillotine, becoming a symbol of youth courage against totalitarianism. His writings and defiance have inspired post-war generations and led to commemorations in schools and memorials across Germany. Despite his youth, Hübener's moral conviction left an enduring impact on the history of resistance.

Born in 1905, Judith Auer joined the Berlin-based resistance circle led by Heinrich and Libertas Schulze-Boysen. She assisted in gathering intelligence and distributing anti-Nazi leaflets to undermine the regime's propaganda. Arrested by the Gestapo in 1942, Auer endured torture and a trial at the Volksgerichtshof before being sentenced to death. On 27 October 1944, she was beheaded at Plötzensee Prison. Her bravery and unwavering commitment to justice have made her a revered figure among the martyrs of German resistance. Auer's story continues to be honored through documentaries, books, and memorial plaques.

Born in 1921 in Kyiv, Cooke emigrated to the United States in his youth and developed a passion for photography. He became renowned for his dynamic black-and-white images capturing baseball legends and boxing champions. Cooke's work appeared in magazines such as Life and Sports Illustrated, defining sports photojournalism in the mid-20th century. His keen eye for drama and motion brought athletic competition to life in every frame. He continued documenting major sporting events until his death in 2005, leaving behind a rich visual archive.

Born in 1970 in Brooklyn, Will co-founded the video collective Indymedia in 1999. He traveled extensively to cover social movements, including the Zapatista uprising in Mexico. Will's commitment to documenting underrepresented voices led him to Oaxaca in 2006 during a teachers' strike. He was tragically killed while filming the protests, becoming a symbol for press freedom and citizen journalism. His footage and writings continue to inspire activists and independent media practitioners worldwide.

Born in 1933, Philip French studied at Jesus College, Cambridge before beginning his journalism career. He joined The Observer in 1963 and served as its Chief Film Critic from 1978 to 2013, influencing generations of cinephiles with his incisive commentary. He was also a respected radio and television critic for the BBC, bringing his articulate voice to audiences nationwide. As a producer, he crafted acclaimed film documentaries that showcased his deep passion for cinema. An author of several books on film history and criticism, his eloquent writing style and unwavering advocacy for both mainstream and art-house releases left an enduring legacy in the world of film journalism.

Born in 1915 as Prince Mikasa, Takahito was the youngest of Emperor Taishō's four sons and the younger brother of Emperor Hirohito. He graduated from the Imperial Japanese Army Academy and later studied history at the University of Tokyo. After World War II, he dedicated himself to academic pursuits, particularly Middle Eastern archaeology, publishing numerous research papers and promoting cultural understanding. He served as the honorary president of the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission and chaired the Oriental Cultural Studies Institute. Celebrated for bridging East and West, he lived to the age of 100, becoming one of Japan's longest-living imperial family members and a revered cultural figure.