• On May 30, 1593, playwright Christopher Marlowe, 29, is killed. Marlowe had been arrested when “heretical” papers were found in his room. While out on bail, Marlowe became involved in a fight over a tavern bill and was stabbed to death.

• On May 31, 1859, in London the famous tower clock known as Big Ben rings out for the first time. Many claim the clock was named after the famously long-winded commissioner of works Sir Benjamin Hall. Another story argues that the bell was named for the popular heavyweight boxer Benjamin Caunt.

• On May 26, 1897, the first copies of the classic vampire novel “Dracula,” by Irish writer Bram Stoker, appear in London bookshops. Dracula is the story of a vampire who makes his way from Transylvania to England, and preys on innocents there to get the blood he needs to live.

• On May 29, 1903, film, TV, and radio star Bob Hope is born Leslie Townes Hope in Eltham, England. After careers in vaudeville and radio, Hope’s career as a film actor made him one of the most highly paid entertainers in Hollywood.

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