Elizabeth Lyon (fl. c. 1722–1726) was an English thief and prostitute. By 1723, she was working in London as a prostitute at the Black Lyon alehouse, where she began a relationship with Jack Sheppard. At Lyon's instigation, Sheppard stole from places where he worked, then moved to housebreaking; Lyon became an accomplice to his crimes. Sheppard was arrested on several occasions and broke out soon after incarceration, often assisted by Lyon. In May 1724, she was arrested when visiting him in prison, and the pair broke out of New Prison (pictured). After Sheppard's execution in November 1724, Lyon entered into relationships with other men who were, or became, involved in housebreaking, and she sometimes assisted them. She was arrested in March 1726 and was transported to Maryland. Lyon's notoriety is based on her connection to Sheppard; in the years following his execution, novels were published and plays performed that retold their story. ( Full article... )
March 5 : Learn from Lei Feng Day in China; St Piran's Day in Cornwall, England
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The toco toucan (Ramphastos toco) is a species of bird in the family Ramphastidae, the toucans. It is the largest species of toucan and has a distinctive appearance, with a black body, a white throat, chest and uppertail coverts, and red undertail coverts. Its most conspicuous feature is its huge beak, which is yellow-orange with a black base and a large spot on the tip. It is endemic to South America, where it has a wide distribution from the Guianas south to northern Argentina and Uruguay, and its range has recently been expanding southwards. Unlike other toucans, which inhabit continuous forests, the toco toucan inhabits a variety of semi-open habitats at altitudes of up to 1,750 metres (5,740 ft). It feeds mainly on fleshy fruits, but can also supplement its diet with insects, eggs, and the nestlings of other birds. This toco toucan was photographed near Poconé in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. Photograph credit: Bernard Dupont Recently featured: |