Wild-West Lawman Bill Tilghman

Legendary figure of the American Wild West, Bill Tilghman died 100 years ago on 1st November 1924.

Known as a lawman, scout, and soldier, Tilghman is best remembered as a frontier marshall in Oklahoma, where he was a deputy U.S. Marshal and sheriff. His reputation for a sense of justice and restraint in an era defined by gross violence was greatly respected, especially his preference for arrest over gunfighting.

He was born in 1854 in Fort Dodge, Iowa and worked as a scout in the 1870s. His expert knowledge of the plains was invaluable to both law enforcement and military operations and his sharp shooting and tracking capability earned respect amongst his peers.

Bat Masterson

Tilghman initially became a lawman in 1878 when he signed on as a deputy in Dodge City under Bat Masterson, though it is claimed he also served under Sheriff Charlie Bassett of Ford County, Kansas two years before (there is no documentary proof however).

He soon became well-known for his pursuit and capture of outlaws, apprehending many notorious characters such as Wild Bunch leader Bill Doolin in 1896, without the need for deadly force. This was possibly the high point of a distinguished career. He gained a reputation as one of the most honourable figures of the old-west era.

In a scene from his movie

Tilghman died at the age of 70, a hundred years ago, while he was serving as the Police chief of Cromwell, Oklahoma. He was shot several times and killed by Wiley Lynn, a corrupt prohibition agent. Lynn was actually acquitted at trial for the murder, claiming he shot Tilghman in self-defence.

Tilghman never quite reached the legendary status of lawmen Wyatt Earp or Bat Masterson but still remains a well-known figure of the American old-west. His memoirs were made into a 1915 film that he directed and starred in himself

The Rumble in the Jungle - 30th October 1974

October 30th will be the 50th anniversary of the Rumble in the Jungle.

Held in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), it featured the reigning heavyweight champion of the world George Foreman up against the challenge of the legendary Muhammad Ali.

Foreman came into the contest undefeated with a reputation as a big hitter with overwhelming punching power. He was considered unbeatable, especially after his decisive victories against Joe Frazier and Ken Norton, both of which could boast previous victories over Ali.

Ali however, was renowned for his charisma, quick wit and his tremendous boxing skill. He was very much the underdog but was determined to reclaim what he considered his title.

When the fight got going, Ali leaned against the ropes, absorbing Foreman’s punches, waiting for the champion to wear himself out. This allowed “the greatest” to conserve energy and await the later rounds.

In the jungle heat, by the 8th round with Foreman exhausted, Ali unleashed a flurry of punches enabling him to knock Foreman out and take back the title.

The Rumble in the Jungle was broadcast to a global audience of a billion viewers (estimated) and is widely considered to be one of the greatest sporting events in history.

The Execution of Sir Walter Raleigh

English explorer, soldier, writer, and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh was executed on 29th October 1618 under charges of treason.

Raleigh, a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, is best remembered for his expeditions to the Americas and for playing a leading part in the English colonisation of North America.

However after Elizabeth died in 1603, James I ascended the throne. Raleigh’s ambitious nature and Protestant stance were viewed as threats to James and he quickly fell out of favour with the court.

Indeed he was accused of participating in the "Main Plot" to depose King James and was imprisoned in the Tower of London, where he spent nearly 13 years. 

Tower of London

The Main Plot was an alleged conspiracy in July 1603 by English courtiers to remove King James I from the English throne and replace him with his cousin, Lady Arbella Stuart. The plot was supposedly led by Lord Cobham and funded by the Spanish government.

However, in 1616/17 Raleigh was pardoned by the King and released from prison to lead a final expedition to Venezuela to search for El Dorado - the fabled city of gold.

The mission failed and in the process, Raleigh’s men clashed with Spanish forces which violated a peace treaty with Spain. Upon his return to England, Spain demanded action against him and James felt pressured to appease them.

Raleigh was consequently re-arrested and ordered to be executed. He was beheaded at Westminster on 29th October 1618, meeting his death with great composure, addressing the crowd and showing defiance, as befits the great man.

Sir Walter Raleigh's tomb is at the Church of St Margaret at Westminster Abbey. In 2002 Sir Walter Raleigh was featured in the BBC’s poll of 100 Greatest Britons.

National Black Cat Day

National Black Cat Day is celebrated on October 27 each year in the UK. 

It is a day to celebrate black cats, who have historically faced both superstitions and stigmas. They are often associated with Halloween, but they're sometimes unfairly overlooked for adoption due to myths linking them to bad luck. 

Black Cat Roundabout

Witches are often pictured alongside their black cats and indeed there is a roundabout on the A1 named after the little devils.

However this day aims to change that perception and highlight their beauty, personality, and charm.

So whether you're a black cat owner or just a fan of the moggy de noir, it’s a great day to show some extra love to these often-misunderstood felines!

Shaw Taylor - Police 5

Shaw Taylor, best remembered as the presenter of long-running UK TV crime series Police 5, would have been 100 years old this week.

Born on 26th October 1924, Eric Stanley Taylor, known professionally as Shaw, was a British actor and TV presenter who presented Police 5 on TV for 30 years (between 1962 and 1992).

Police 5 encouraged viewers to participate in solving crimes by sharing information, making Taylor one of the first to combine television with community-based crime prevention. His catchphrase, "Keep 'em peeled," became iconic, urging viewers to stay alert to potential crimes.

Born in London’s East End, he served in the RAF and upon leaving the services he trained as an actor at RADA. He went on to act on stage in London’s West End and on tour across the UK. He became an announcer on ATV, going on to present TV game shows and acting in 1950s TV series.

He initially started presenting Police 5 in the London TV area, going on to take the show to other regions such as Central in the Midlands and TVS in the South. The series ended its 30 year run in December 1992.

Shaw Taylor died in March 2015 in the Isle of Wight at the age of 90. His legacy in TV crime and safety awareness broadcasting remains significant.

The Arsenal Invincibles

On 24th October 2004, Arsenal FC’s most famous unbeaten record came to an end with a 2-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Arsene Wenger

The run started on May 7, 2003, i.e. the previous season and continued for 49 Premier League matches. Throughout the 2002-03 season they went the whole 38 league game campaign unbeaten. 

This feat earned them the nickname “The Invincibles” and under the stewardship of manager Arsène Wenger, they won 26 matches and drew 12, ending the season as Champions amassing 90 points.

Thierry Henry

During the 2002-03 season, French striker Thierry Henry, who only missed one match in the whole season, found the net 30 times for the North London outfit. 

They became the first top-flight English club to go unbeaten since Preston North End who achieved the feat in 1888-89 (Preston played far fewer matches, winning 18 of 22).

This unbeaten run remains one of Arsenal’s greatest achievements and still remains as a historic milestone in English football.

#TattyHistory

Alvin Stardust - died 23rd October 2014

This week it will be the 10th anniverary of the death of pop-star Alvin Stardust.

Alvin Stardust was a British glam rock singer and musician, best known for his distinctive stage persona and black leather outfit.

Born Bernard William Jewry in London’s Muswell Hill on September 27, 1942, he originally performed as Shane Fenton in the early 1960s. However, he found major fame in the 1970s glam rock explosion after rebranding himself as Alvin Stardust.

His career skyrocketed in 1973 with the hit single “My Coo Ca Choo," which featured his leather-clad, menacing image along with an unmistakable rockabilly quiff and leather gloves. 

However he did not sing on the recording which was made by Peter Shelley who held no interest in public appearances nor performing live. Jewry’s manager suggested his client would make an ideal substitute and Bernard took over in time to lip sync the song on its first “Top of the Pops” appearance.

In addition to "My Coo Ca Choo," he had several other hits during the 1970s, such as “Jealous Mind" (which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1974), "Red Dress," and "You You You." These were all performed by the re-born Alvin Stardust.

In later years he appeared on stage in musicals and also made acting appearances on TV. He was once described by Rolling Stone Keith Richards as “the Godfather of British Rock’n’Roll.”

He died on October 23, 2014, at the age of 72, just days before the release of what would become his final album, “Alvin,” He had been diagnosed with prostate cancer 18 months earlier which later matastasised.

He cultured a bad-boy image which was nothing like the real man who was genuine, likeable and a committed Christian.

Alvin Stardust - Jealous Mind

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#TattyHistory

The Blantyre Mine Disaster - 22 October 1877

Scotland’s worst ever mining disaster took place 147 years ago at the Blantyre Colliery, South Lanarkshire on 22 October 1877. 

207 miners (possibly more) lost their lives and the disaster left 92 widows and 250 fatherless children. It devastated the local community and remains as Scotland’s worst ever mining accident.

The colliery at Blantyre was located close to the town of the same name, approx. 8 miles south-east from Glasgow and was operated by William Dixon Ltd.

The Blantyre Colliery was made up from 5 shafts. Pits nos. 2 and 3 were the sites of an explosion which was caused by firedamp (methane gas) that ignited, causing a devastating blast. It is highly likely the flame came from a faulty Davy lamp being used. 

Inadequate ventilation and a distinct lack of safety measures being utilised by the Dixon company had obviously contributed to the build up of the firedamp.

The majority of the victims were young men and boys, some being as young as 11 years old with the majority living locally to the mine. Many were trapped deep underground, but because of the scale of the explosion and the resulting fires, sadly none of those trapped were able to be rescued.

The tragedy led to calls for better regulation and an improvement of safety standards in mines throughout the UK. Sadly change happened very slowly with many more tragedies having to take place before significant improvement was seen (indeed there were 2 more incidents occurring at the Blantyre Colliery soon after, including a lift crash in 1878 and a further explosion a year later).

What happened at Blantyre gives a poignant reminder of the conditions faced by miners during the Industrial Revolution era and the crucial role they played in pushing for greater safety in what was a very dangerous occupation.

In August 1957 the Dixon’s Colliery was closed down as the shaft was damaged beyond repair. The remaining miners at the time were given just a week’s notice to terminate their employment. The site of the mine now lies underneath the East Kilbride expressway.

#TattyHistory

Chaplin’s Leading Lady - Edna Purviance

Silent movie star Edna Purviance was born on this day (October 21st), 129 years ago.

Edna Purviance was an American actress best known for being Charlie Chaplin's leading lady in many of his early silent films. 

Although she was born in Paradise Valley, Nevada, we British can claim a slice of her as her mother was an English immigrant (it does have to be considered that Edna was possibly more qualified to play for England than many of our cricketers are!).

Growing up it is believed she was a talented pianist, but she was spotted while working as a stenographer and recommended to Charlie Chaplin as a leading lady for his upcoming movie. She had no previous acting experience and Chaplin initially considered her too serious for a comedic role, but soon changed his mind.

Chaplin and Edna
(The Idle Class 1921)

Indeed, they were actually romantically involved during 1915-17, which came to an abrupt ending when Edna read a newspaper report that Chaplin had married 16 year old Mildred Harris.

Purviance worked extensively with Chaplin during the 1910s and 1920s, appearing in over 30 of his films.

After their collaboration came to a close, she continued to make a few more movies before she retired from acting in 1927. She and Chaplin remained as close friends for the rest of her life.

For more than 30 years after retiring she lived just outside of Hollywood, marrying an airline pilot. She continued to receive a small monthly salary from Chaplin’s film company until her marriage, which then continued upon the death of her husband in 1945.

She passed away from throat cancer in January 1958, leaving a legacy of being one of the prominent early silent movie stars and integral in the rise of Charlie Chaplin’s career. 

“How could I forget Edna,” Chaplin said in an interview after her death. “She was with me when it all began.”

Olga Edna Purviance - 21 October 1895 to 13 January 1958 (age 62)

Howard Unruh - the Walk of Death Murderer

October 19th sees the 15th anniversary of the death of Howard Barton Unruh (January 21, 1921 to October 19, 2009).

Unruh was an American mass murderer who shot and killed 13 people and left numerous others wounded, during a 20 minute walk through his neighbourhood in Camden, New Jersey, USA on September 6, 1949. The incident became known as the Walk of Death and remains the deadliest mass shooting in New Jersey history.

The massacre aftermath

He saw active service in the US Army across Europe in the latter part of WWII and was remembered by his section chief as a first class soldier who never drank, swore or chased women, and spent much of his free time reading the Bible and writing letters to his mother.

He was honourably discharged having been greatly decorated, however when returning home to the USA, his father and brother both indicated his wartime experiences had left him moody, nervous and detached.

At 9.20am on September 6, 1949, armed with a Luger P08 pistol. he left his apartment and set off down River Road in Camden where he started shooting at people, seemingly at random. It is believed that he thought many of his neighbours were mocking him which consequently fuelled a greater sense of paranoia and rage.

Trenton Psychiatric Hospital

Unruh was declared criminally insane after the incident and spent the rest of his life at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital where he died at the age of 88 after 60+ years of confinement.

#TattyHistory

The Fall of Liz Truss - Resigned as UK PM (20th October 2022)

Liz Truss is a British politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for a brief period in 2022. 

Member of Parliament for south-west Norfolk, she was a member of the Conservative Party and held various cabinet positions before becoming Prime Minister, including Secretary of State for International Trade and Foreign Secretary. 

She was the fifteenth and final PM to serve under Elizabeth II who died just two days after appointing Truss.

Her tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant economic challenges and political turmoil, leading to her resignation after just 49 days in office, making her the shortest-serving Prime Minister in UK history. 

Truss's gung-ho economic policies, particularly her proposed tax cuts and energy plans, sparked controversy and criticism during her time in office.

The 2024 General Election resulted in Truss losing her seat when defending a majority of over 26,000.