December 21, 1118: Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury who clashed with England's King Henry II, is born in London.
December 21, 1511: In Hispaniola, preacher Antonio des Montesinos counters the conquistador sentiment "Gunpowder against Indians is incense to the Lord" with a fiery sermon denouncing Spain's atrocities in the new world (see issue 35: Columbus Christianity).
December 21, 1620: English separatists known as the Pilgrims land at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts (see issue 41: American Puritans).
December 21, 1807: Anglican clergyman and hymnwriter John Newton, author of "Amazing Grace," dies (see 31: The Golden Age of Hymns).
