Today’s WOTD – 14 October 2012

fiducial

[fi-doo-shuhl, -dyoo-]
adjective
1. accepted as a fixed basis of reference or comparison: a fiducial point; a fiducial temperature.
2. based on or having trust. For example: ‘They had a fiducial dependence upon God.’

Today’s aphorism

‘Until the great mass of the people shall be filled with the sense of responsibility for each other’s welfare, social justice can never be attained’.

Helen Keller

On this day

14 October 1066 – Battle of Hastings. When King Edward of England died, William the Duke of Normandy felt the throne should go to him. Meanwhile, Earl Harold Godwinson (cousin of King Edward) felt the throne was his. The two went to battle with William decisively defeating Harold. The battle changed history as William brought England under Norman rule and stripped the Saxons of their rights. King William introduced three major changes, firstly, he made himself the principal authority, having executive, judicial and legislative power. (This was replaced centuries later by the Westminster System, which separates these three powers). Secondly, William  introduced a new language and culture, by replacing 300 years of Anglo-Saxon culture with a French dialect. Thirdly, he introduced the feudal system in which a plot of land (called a fief) would be given to loyal followers.

14 October 1322 – Scotland forces led by Robert the Bruce defeat England at Byland, forcing King Edward II to grant Scotland’s independence.

14 October 1959 – death of Errol Flynn, Australian-born American actor. Born 20 June 1909.