This article explores significant historical events that occurred on June 24th, tracing pivotal moments from medieval battles to modern achievements.
Starting with the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, which shaped Scottish independence, the narrative moves through milestones in exploration, arts, and technology, concluding with a record-breaking Wimbledon match in 2010.
Each entry examines the impact of these events, showcasing how this date has been marked by diverse and lasting contributions to global history.
June 24th – On this Day in History
1314 – The Battle of Bannockburn, a significant Scottish victory in the First War of Scottish Independence, begins
The Battle of Bannockburn, fought on June 24, 1314, was a pivotal confrontation in the First War of Scottish Independence. Under the leadership of King Robert the Bruce, the Scottish forces achieved a significant victory against a much larger English army led by King Edward II.
The battle unfolded near Stirling, within sight of the Stirling Castle, a strategic point necessary for controlling Scotland.
Over the two-day conflict, the Scots deployed superior tactics and exploited the boggy terrain to neutralize the English cavalry, eventually forcing Edward II to retreat. This decisive triumph secured Scotland’s de facto independence, which was later recognized formally with the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton in 1328.
1340 – The English fleet defeats the French fleet at the Battle of Sluys during the Hundred Years’ War
The naval Battle of Sluys took place on June 24, 1340, marking one of the early and significant engagements of the Hundred Years’ War. King Edward III of England sailed to the Flemish coast, where he encountered the French fleet anchored in a congested line along the shore near Sluys.
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The English were able to exploit the tactical disadvantage of the French, launching a fierce and direct attack. The battle resulted in a crushing defeat for the French, with a large portion of their fleet destroyed.
This victory granted England dominance over the English Channel, thereby protecting English lands from French invasions and bolstering Edward’s claims over French territories.
1497 – John Cabot lands in North America on what is believed to be Newfoundland, claiming it for England
On June 24, 1497, John Cabot, an Italian navigator and explorer under the commission of Henry VII of England, made landfall in what is believed to be Newfoundland. This was one of the earliest European explorations of the North American mainland, post-Columbus.
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Cabot’s journey was aimed at finding a western route to Asia, but instead, he stumbled upon the rich fishing waters off the Canadian coast, claiming the land for England. This discovery laid the groundwork for future English claims in the Americas and was a significant milestone in the age of exploration.
1509 – Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon are crowned King and Queen of England
On June 24, 1509, Henry VIII and his wife Catherine of Aragon were crowned King and Queen of England at a lavish ceremony in Westminster Abbey. This event marked the beginning of Henry’s nearly 38-year reign, which would eventually lead to significant religious, political, and social transformations in England.
The coronation was celebrated with great pomp and pageantry, reflecting the prosperity of the Tudor monarchy at the time. However, their marriage, initially solid and strong, later became famously troubled, leading to the English Reformation and the establishment of the Church of England.
1535 – The Anabaptist state of Münster is conquered and disbanded
The Anabaptist state of Münster, a radical Protestant sect that took control of the city in 1534, was conquered and disbanded on June 24, 1535. The Anabaptists, led by Jan Matthys and later by John of Leiden, implemented communal ownership and other radical reforms, creating significant tension and attracting fierce opposition from Catholic and Protestant powers alike.
After a lengthy siege by the Bishop of Münster’s forces, the city fell. The leaders were captured, tortured, and executed, and their bodies were displayed in cages as a warning against similar religious radicalism. This event marked a significant but tragic episode in the Protestant Reformation, highlighting the intense religious conflicts of the period.
1571 – Miguel Lopez de Legazpi founded Manila, the capital of the Philippines
On June 24, 1571, Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established Manila as the capital of the Spanish East Indies. This marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Philippines, transitioning from a collection of independent polities into a significant center under Spanish colonial rule.
Legazpi’s declaration of Manila as the capital facilitated the consolidation of Spanish power in the region, enabling them to control the local trade networks and establish a strategic base for the expansion of their empire in Asia.
Manila’s deep natural harbor and strategic location made it an essential gateway for trade between the Americas and Asia, notably influencing the historic Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade.
1597 – The first Dutch voyage to the East Indies reaches Banten, West Java
The first Dutch voyage to the East Indies set out in 1595 and reached its destination at Banten, West Java, on June 24, 1597. This expedition was led by Cornelis de Houtman and was motivated by the Dutch desire to break the Portuguese monopoly on the spice trade.
Although the voyage itself was fraught with conflict, disease, and loss, it opened up new routes for the Dutch and eventually led to the establishment of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in 1602. The success of this and subsequent voyages established the Dutch as a major power in the spice trade and led to their long-term colonial presence in what is now Indonesia.
1664 – The colony of New Jersey is founded
The English colony of New Jersey was founded on June 24, 1664, when the land was granted to Sir George Carteret and Lord Berkeley of Stratton by James, Duke of York, who had received the rights to the region from his brother, King Charles II of England.
This grant was part of the larger territorial reassignment following the capture of New Amsterdam (present-day New York) from the Dutch. The colony was named after the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel, where Carteret had defended against Royalist forces during the English Civil War.
New Jersey’s strategic location between the Delaware River and the Atlantic Ocean made it a valuable addition to the English colonies in North America.
1717 – The Premier Grand Lodge of England, the first Freemason Grand Lodge, is founded in London
The formation of the Premier Grand Lodge of England on June 24, 1717, in London marked the beginning of formalized Freemasonry in the modern era.
Four London lodges met at the Goose and Gridiron Alehouse in St. Paul’s Churchyard and agreed to create a grand lodge as the governing body of Freemasonry in England.
This new organization standardized rituals and practices, fostering a sense of unity and identity among Masons. The establishment of the Grand Lodge played a critical role in the spread of Freemasonry throughout the world, influencing societal leaders and the development of Masonic thought and practice.
1793 – The first Republican constitution in France is adopted
On June 24, 1793, during the height of the French Revolution, the National Convention adopted France’s first Republican constitution. Known as the Constitution of 1793 or the Montagnard Constitution, it was the most radical of the revolutionary constitutions.
It declared France a republic and established universal male suffrage, asserting sovereignty among the people and emphasizing rights such as equality before the law, direct democracy, and economic welfare (including the right to work and public assistance).
However, the political turmoil of the period prevented it from being fully implemented, as it was suspended by the Committee of Public Safety and never took effect, making it more of a symbol of democratic aspirations than a functioning legal framework.
1812 – Napoleon’s Grande Armée invades Russia
On June 24, 1812, Napoleon Bonaparte embarked on one of his most ambitious military campaigns—the invasion of Russia. Leading a massive army, which some estimates place at over 400,000 soldiers, Napoleon aimed to enforce his Continental System against the United Kingdom by compelling Tsar Alexander I to cease trade with British goods.
However, the campaign quickly deteriorated due to the vast distances, the harsh Russian winter, and scorched earth tactics employed by the retreating Russian forces. The devastating losses suffered during this invasion marked a significant turning point in the Napoleonic Wars, leading to a severe weakening of French power in Europe.
1813 – Battle of Beaver Dams: A British and native joint force defeats the United States
The Battle of Beaver Dams took place on June 24, 1813, during the War of 1812, primarily involving a confrontation between American forces and a combination of British, Canadian, and Native American fighters. The battle occurred near present-day Thorold, Ontario.
The British and their allies were forewarned of the American attack by Laura Secord, a Canadian heroine who made a perilous journey to inform British forces of the impending American plan.
This intelligence allowed the British-led forces to prepare an effective ambush, resulting in a decisive victory that contributed to maintaining British control over Upper Canada.
1859 – The first installment of Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities” is published in a literary magazine
On June 24, 1859, Charles Dickens released the first installment of his novel “A Tale of Two Cities” in the literary periodical ‘All the Year Round’. The novel, set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, explores themes of resurrection, social justice, and the impact of historical events on individual lives.
It begins with the famous line, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” The serialized release captured the attention of readers with its vivid characters and dramatic plot, eventually becoming one of Dickens’ most famous works and a staple of English literature.
1894 – The International Olympic Committee is founded at the Sorbonne in Paris, at the initiative of Baron Pierre de Coubertin
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was founded on June 23, 1894, in Paris at the Sorbonne during the International Athletic Congress convened by Baron Pierre de Coubertin.
The establishment of the IOC marked the revival of the ancient Olympic Games in the form of the modern Olympic Games, with the primary goal of promoting peace and cooperation through sports. The first of these modern games was held in Athens in 1896.
The IOC has since grown into a crucial governing body in the world of international sports, overseeing the regular celebration of both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
1901 – The first exhibition by Pablo Picasso, aged 19, opens in Paris
Pablo Picasso, only 19 years old at the time, held his first art exhibition on June 24, 1901, at the Galerie Vollard in Paris. This exhibition marked the beginning of his Blue Period, characterized by works reflecting themes of poverty, isolation, and anguish, often painted in shades of blue and blue-green.
Picasso’s early exposure in Paris set the stage for his subsequent evolution as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, significantly impacting modern art with his innovative approaches to form and color, particularly through his pioneering development of Cubism.
1916 – Mary Pickford becomes the first female film star to sign a million-dollar contract
On June 24, 1916, Mary Pickford, one of the silent film era’s most beloved actresses, made history by signing a million-dollar contract with Adolph Zukor’s Famous Players Film Company (later Paramount).
This contract not only reflected her immense popularity and box office draw but also marked a significant moment in the film industry, showcasing the rising power and financial recognition of film stars.
The deal, which guaranteed her an unprecedented $10,000 per week, solidified Pickford’s status as a key figure in early Hollywood and paved the way for actors to receive considerable control over their careers and creative projects.
1948 – Start of the Berlin Blockade: The Soviet Union makes overland travel between West Germany and West Berlin impossible
The Berlin Blockade began on June 24, 1948, when the Soviet Union blocked all ground and rail access to West Berlin, which was deep within Soviet-controlled East Germany.
This action was in response to the introduction of a new Deutsche Mark in West Berlin, which the Soviets perceived as a threat to their control over the occupied German territories.
The blockade was one of the first major crises of the Cold War, leading to the Allied response of the Berlin Airlift, where for nearly a year, supplies were flown into West Berlin by American, British, and French aircraft. This event dramatically highlighted the ideological and physical divisions between East and West in post-war Europe.
1982 – “The Man of La Mancha” opens at the Palace Theatre in London
“The Man of La Mancha,” a musical inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote,” opened at the Palace Theatre in London on June 24, 1982. The play, known for its powerful music and poignant narrative, explores themes of idealism and belief in the face of despair and disillusionment.
Its most famous song, “The Impossible Dream,” has become an anthem of hope and perseverance. The London production helped cement the musical’s reputation as a beloved classic in the world of theater, inspiring numerous other productions worldwide.
1985 – STS-51-G Space Shuttle Discovery completes its mission, best known for deploying several communications satellites
The STS-51-G mission of the Space Shuttle Discovery concluded successfully on June 24, 1985. During this mission, the crew deployed several communications satellites for different countries, including Mexico, the Arab Satellite Communications Organization, and the United States.
This mission was notable for its international cooperation and marked the first time a Mexican satellite was sent into space. The mission demonstrated the growing global reliance on space-based technologies for communications and the increasingly international character of space exploration.
2010 – John Isner of the United States wins the longest match in professional tennis history, defeating Nicolas Mahut of France at Wimbledon in a match that lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes over three days
John Isner, an American tennis player, won the longest match in professional tennis history on June 24, 2010, at Wimbledon. His opponent was Nicolas Mahut of France. The match, held over three days, lasted a total of 11 hours and 5 minutes of playtime, concluding with a final score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(7), 7-6(3), 70-68 in favor of Isner.
The match broke multiple tennis records, including the most games played in a single match (183) and the highest number of aces served in a match by a single player (Isner with 113). This extraordinary event highlighted not only the physical endurance and skill of the players but also the mental fortitude required at the highest levels of competitive sports.