January 31

Born in 1607, he inherited the earldom in 1632 and became a staunch supporter of King Charles I. As governor of Lancashire and Cheshire, he led Royalist forces in several key battles, including a brutal attack on Bolton. Captured after a failed campaign, he was executed in 1651 under controversial circumstances that sparked public outcry. Stanley's leadership exemplified loyalty and courage, even as England was torn by civil war. His death turned him into a Royalist martyr, remembered for his tenacity on the battlefield. The 7th Earl's legacy lives on in local folklore and commemorations.

Born in 1950, Alexander Korzhakov rose through the ranks of the Soviet and later Russian security services. He became the head of the Presidential Security Service and a close confidant of Boris Yeltsin in the early 1990s. Korzhakov played a key role during the 1991 Soviet coup attempt and in the turbulent politics of post-Soviet Russia. Known for his tough methods and loyalty to Yeltsin, he exerted significant influence within the Kremlin. After his dismissal in 1996, he remained a controversial figure in Russian politics and security circles. His career offers insight into the power struggles that shaped modern Russia.