Today in History

1146 Bernard of Clairvaux preaches his famous sermon in a field at Vézelay, urging the necessity of a Second Crusade. Louis VII is present, and joins the Crusade.
1492 Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon issue the Alhambra Decree which expels Jews from their kingdoms
1657 English Parliament makes the Humble Petition to Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell offering him the crown: he declines
1920 British parliament accepts Irish Home Rule law

Today in Movies

1930 The Motion Pictures Production Code is instituted, imposing strict guidelines on the treatment of sex, crime, religion and violence in film for the next 38 years
1981 1st Golden Raspberry Awards: “Can’t Stop the Music” wins

Today in Sports

1877 Test Cricket debut of feared Australian fast bowler Fred “The Demon” Spofforth; Australia loses 2nd Test by 4 wickets vs England at Melbourne Cricket Ground