Happy Birthday November 21

John Bale was born on November 21, 1495. A one-time Carmelite monk, he became a playwright, who in 1538 wrote a drama, King Johan, which is considered the first English historical play. Of his mysteries and miracle plays only five have been preserved.

John Bale

The French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher Voltaire was born François-Marie Arouet in Paris on November 21, 1694 to Parisian attorney François Arouet and Marie-Marguerite Daumart or D'Aumard. He became known for his wit and his satirization of intolerance and religious dogma. Voltaire was a nom de plume. an anagram of Arovet L(e) I(eune), the Latinized spelling of his surname. He adopted the name  after his first spell in prison in 1718.

Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Prince Albert's first child, named Victoria, was born on November 21, 1840. Eight more children would be born during the exceptionally happy marriage between the royal couple (four sons and five daughters).

For more November 21st anniversaries, including the first manned balloon flight, the opening of the USA's first bowl-shaped stadium, and the swearing in of the first female US Senator, check out OnThatDay.