On May 30

19-year–old Joan of Arc burned at the stake in 1431. The technical reason for her execution was a biblical clothing law forbidding cross-dressing. She was tried by John of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Bedford who is also remembered for commissioning illuminated manuscripts. A later trial reversed the conviction, vindicating those who felt that the initial verdict seemed a bit harsh.

King Henry VIII married a lady in waiting to his first two wives, Jane Seymour. Seymour was betrothed to King Henry VIII the day after Anne Boleyn was beheaded and married 10 days later - so, no more waiting.

Voltaire who died on this day in 1788 would have gotten on fine with many present day luvvies thanks to being a jew hatin' athiest. It turns out he never actually said "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it," - the only thing of note he is remembered for.

Wolfgang Mozart wrote to his father the year of Voltaire's death, "The arch-scoundrel Voltaire has finally kicked the bucket...." Couldn’t have put it better myself, Wolfie.