January 14

George Dance the Younger was born in 1741 into a family of architects. He succeeded his father as City of London surveyor and designed iconic neoclassical structures such as the Guildhall’s façade and Newgate Prison. Dance’s work exemplified the Georgian style, blending classical proportions with urban practicality. He also lectured on architecture and influenced younger architects. His designs left a lasting imprint on London's 19th-century cityscape. He died in 1825 after a prolific career shaping the capital’s architectural identity.

Born in 1864 as the grandson of Queen Victoria, Albert Victor was styled Duke of Clarence and Avondale. He was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, and served in the British Army, earning respect for his disciplined approach. His engagement to Princess Mary of Teck captured public attention and positioned him as a promising future monarch. Despite high expectations, he never ascended to the throne, dying suddenly of influenza in 1892 at the age of 28. His untimely death shocked the nation and altered the line of succession, leading to his younger brother eventually becoming King George V. Speculation and rumors about his life have persisted, but his brief life remains a poignant chapter in British royal history.

Born in 1803 in New York City, Davis became one of America's first professional architects. He gained acclaim for his Gothic Revival designs, including Lyndhurst Mansion and the University of Michigan campus plan. His publications and pattern books, such as 'Rural Residences,' influenced generations of architects and promoted picturesque architectural styles. Davis collaborated with prominent figures like Ithiel Town and helped launch the career of architect Andrew Jackson Downing. Throughout his life, he advocated for architectural education and served as a visiting professor at New York University. He died in 1892, leaving a lasting legacy in American architectural history.

Born in 1923, Antonio Fontán founded the daily newspaper 'Madrid' in 1966, promoting liberal ideas under Franco's regime. He served as the first President of the Spanish Senate after Spain's transition to democracy. As a journalism professor, he mentored a generation of media professionals and championed freedom of expression. Fontán played a key role in drafting the 1978 Spanish Constitution, shaping modern Spanish democracy. He received numerous awards for his contributions to journalism and democratic reforms. He died on January 14, 2010, leaving a lasting legacy of press freedom and constitutional progress.