Events for February 01

February 1, 1177

John de Courcy invades Ulster and seizes Down

John de Courcy was an Anglo-Norman knight who, in 1177, invaded Ulster, a province in the north of Ireland, and seized control of Downpatrick (often referred to simply as “Dow” in historical texts). De Courcy’s invasion was part of the wider Anglo-Norman conquest of Ireland that began in 1169, under the authority of King Henry II of England. This conquest aimed to extend Norman influence and control over Ireland.

February 1, 1918

Muriel Spark, author, born

Dame Muriel Sarah Spark DBE FRSE FRSL (née Camberg; 1 February 1918 – 13 April 2006) was a Scottish novelist, short story writer, poet and essayist.

February 1, 1865

Highland Railway formed from the Inverness-Perth Junction & Inverness-Aberdeen-Junction Railways

The Highland Railway (HR) was one of the smaller British railways before the Railways Act 1921, operating north of Perth railway station in Scotland and serving the farthest north of Britain. Based in Inverness, the company was formed by merger in 1865, absorbing over 249 miles (401 km) of line. It continued to expand, reaching Wick and Thurso in the north and Kyle of Lochalsh in the west, eventually serving the counties of Caithness, Sutherland, Ross & Cromarty, Inverness, Perth, Nairn, Moray and Banff. Southward it connected with the Caledonian Railway at Stanley Junction, north of Perth, and eastward with the Great North of Scotland Railway at Boat of Garten, Elgin, Keith and Portessie.

February 1, 2000

Feast of goddess Brigit, also known as Imbolc, Candlemasm, Groundhogs Day, Celtic fertility day

Imbolc, also known as Candlemas and Groundhogs Day. Imbolc was one of the cornerstones of the Celtic calendar. For them the success of the new farming season was of great importance. It marks the middle of Winter and holds the promise of Spring.