Mar 27 Dike at Hardinxveld breaks (Alblasserwaard flooded)

Aug 08 First known ascent in hot-air balloon, Bartolomeu de Gusmao (indoors)

Sep 11 English, Dutch & Austrians defeat French in Battle of Malplaquet

Feb 02 British sailor Alexander Selkirk is rescued after being marooned on a desert island for 5 years, his story inspires "Robinson Crusoe"

Feb 01 Alexander Selkirk [Robinson Crusoe] rescued from Juan Fernandez

Feb 12 Alexander Selkirk, Scottish seaman is rescued after 4+ years from Fernandez Island (inspiration for Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe")

May 11 Large numbers of Germans begin emigrating to North America

Jul 08 Battle of Poltava; Russians defeat Swedes

Jan 05 Sudden extreme cold kills 1000s of Europeans

Jan 11 Colley Cibber's "Rival Fools," premieres in London

Jan 05 Sudden extreme cold kills 1000s of Europeans