November 26

Rudesind was born in 907 into a noble family in Galicia, present-day Spain. He was appointed bishop of Iria Flavia at a young age and dedicated himself to religious life. In 937 he founded the Monastery of Celanova, which became a major center of learning and piety. He undertook pilgrimages to the Holy Land and supported monastic reform throughout his diocese. Rudesind was known for his charitable works, helping the poor and sick in his community. After his death in 977, he was venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.

Go-Daigo was born in 1288 and ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne in 1318. He launched the Kenmu Restoration in 1333 to reassert imperial authority over the samurai-led bakufu. With support from samurai like Ashikaga Takauji, he overthrew the Kamakura shogunate. His reforms faced opposition, leading to the rise of the Ashikaga shogunate and a divided court. He was later exiled but maintained a rival Southern Court until his death. Go-Daigo died in 1339, leaving a legacy as a persistent advocate for imperial power.

Henry Beaufort was born in 1401 to John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset, and Margaret Holland. He inherited the earldom of Somerset as a young man and took part in the English campaigns in France. He fought alongside King Henry V at Harfleur and in Normandy, demonstrating leadership on the battlefield. Despite his noble birth, his career was cut short when he died without heirs in 1418. His brief tenure as earl illustrated the ongoing struggle of the Beaufort family for favor and influence. He is remembered for his dedication to royal service during a pivotal phase of the Hundred Years' War.

Catherine of Portugal was born in 1436, the eldest daughter of King Edward of Portugal and Eleanor of Aragon. In 1455 she married King Henry IV of Castile, strengthening ties between the Iberian kingdoms. As queen consort, she navigated court intrigues and succession disputes amid a turbulent political climate. Known for her devout faith, she supported monasteries and charitable foundations across Castile. Her gentle nature and piety earned her respect despite ongoing challenges to her husband’s rule. Catherine’s early death in 1463 left a legacy of devotion to both faith and family.

Edward Hastings was born in 1466, the eldest son of William Hastings, 1st Baron Hastings. After his father’s execution, he regained family favor under King Henry VII and inherited the barony. He served as Lord Chamberlain to Queen Elizabeth of York and undertook diplomatic missions in Europe. His investiture as a Knight of the Garter marked his prominence at the Tudor court. He managed extensive estates in Leicestershire, reinforcing his family’s regional influence. Edward’s diplomatic skill and courtly service helped stabilize relations during the dynasty’s early years. He died in 1506, leaving a reputation for loyalty and statesmanship.

Guido Ascanio Sforza di Santa Fiora was born in 1518 into the noble Sforza family of Santa Fiora. Nephew of Pope Paul III, he was elevated to cardinal deacon at just 16 years old in 1534. He held key roles in the Roman Curia, including papal legate to several Italian states. A skilled diplomat, he negotiated alliances and managed complex Church politics. He patronized artists and scholars, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the Renaissance Vatican. His career exemplified the intertwining of dynastic power and ecclesiastical authority in 16th-century Italy. Guido died in 1564 after three decades of service at the highest levels of the Catholic Church.

Henry Berkeley was born in 1534 to Thomas Berkeley, 6th Baron Berkeley, and his wife Anne Savage. He succeeded to the barony in 1601 and managed the Berkeley estates in Gloucestershire for decades. Appointed Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, he oversaw the county militia and defense preparations. He served as Admiral of the Fleet against the threat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. He held court positions under Queen Elizabeth I and later King James I, reflecting his sustained royal favor. His leadership maintained the Berkeley family’s influence in West Country politics during a transformative era. Berkeley died peacefully in 1613 after a long life of public and military service.

Seonjo of Joseon was born in 1552 and ascended the throne as the 14th king in 1567. His reign witnessed both cultural achievements and the devastation of the Imjin War (1592–1598). He supported Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s naval campaigns, which were crucial in resisting Japanese forces. Despite initial setbacks, Korean defenders preserved sovereignty until the withdrawal of invaders in 1598. Seonjo promoted Confucian scholarship and implemented administrative reforms in the aftermath of war. His leadership during crisis and recovery left a lasting impact on the stability of Joseon Korea. He died in 1608, remembered for his resilience and commitment to his kingdom.

James Ware was born in Dublin in 1594 and educated in law before turning to historical research. As a cleric in the Church of Ireland, he gained access to ecclesiastical records and archives. He systematically collected medieval Irish manuscripts, annals, and genealogical tracts. In 1633 he published the seminal work ‘The Antiquities and History of Ireland,’ shaping future scholarship. During the political upheavals of the 1640s, he safeguarded national records from destruction. His meticulous documentation laid the foundation for modern Irish historiography and genealogy. Ware died in 1666, honored as one of Ireland’s foremost early historians.

Johannes Bach was born in Erfurt in 1604 into a family with a rich musical tradition. He served as organist at St. George’s Church in Eisenach before moving to Arnstadt. His compositions included chorales, organ preludes, and motets in the early Baroque style. He established the musical foundation that would flourish under his descendants, including Johann Sebastian Bach. Respected for his virtuosity, he influenced Thuringia’s musical circles and court ensembles. He mentored musicians and ensured the Bach name became synonymous with musical excellence. Johannes died in 1673, leaving a lasting legacy as the patriarch of one of history’s greatest musical families.

John Harvard was an English clergyman who emigrated from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1637. He served as the minister of Charlestown before leaving his estate to a new college in Cambridge. His donation of his library and half his estate in 1638 provided the foundation for Harvard College and secured its future. Although he died at the age of 30, the college was later named in his honor. His legacy endures in one of the world’s leading universities.

Henry Dunster was an English Puritan minister who became the first president of Harvard College in 1640. Under his leadership, the college adopted a more rigorous curriculum and governance structure that shaped its academic traditions. He introduced a curriculum modeled after Cambridge University and emphasized classical studies and moral instruction. Dunster’s tenure lasted until 1654, when disagreements over infant baptism led to his resignation. He then returned to England and continued to write on religious and educational topics until his death in 1659.