Events for April 21

April 21, 1816

Charlotte Bronte, author of Jane Eyre, is born

Charlotte Brontë (21 April 1816 – 31 March 1855) was an English novelist and poet, the eldest of the three Brontë sisters who survived into adulthood and whose novels became classics of English literature. She is best known for her novel Jane Eyre, which she published under the gender neutral pen name Currer Bell. Jane Eyre went on to become a success in publication, and is widely held in high regard in the gothic fiction genre of literature.

April 21, 1703

Edinburgh Fire Brigade, one of the first in Scotland, formed.

In the early 18th century, urban fire was a constant and devastating threat due to the construction materials used (primarily wood) and the close proximity of buildings. Edinburgh’s “Company of Quenching of Fire” was formed against this backdrop as a necessary institution to protect the city and its inhabitants from frequent and destructive fires. This company functioned as an early fire brigade, likely composed of local volunteers who were organized to act in case of fires.

April 21, 1912

The Aud arrives at Banna Strand, Co. Kerry, from Germany with 20,000 rifles for use of the Volunteers in the Easter Uprising

Banna Strand is associated with Roger Casement who was captured on April 21, 1916, while attempting to land arms for Irish Republicans from the German vessel the Aud. Banana Strand is an Atlanic ocean beach extending from Ballyheigue in the North to Barrow Harbour at its southern edge, located in County Kerry.

April 21, 1926

The future Queen Elizabeth II born

Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; 21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022. She was queen regnant of 32 sovereign states over the course of her lifetime and remained the monarch of 15 realms by the time of her death. Her reign of over 70 years is the longest of any British monarch, the longest of any female monarch, and the second longest verified reign of any monarch of a sovereign state in history.