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TIL that David II, King of the Scots was four years old when he married Joan of the Tower, King Edward II of England’s daughter, who was seven

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8avOX TIL that when the Brooklyn Bridge opened in 1883, the public doubted the stability of the bridge. Six days later, a pedestrian fell, causing a woman to scream, which led to a stampede that killed 12. Public concern was only dispelled a year later when P.T. Barnum marched 21 elephants across it.
YW8Z TIL George R.R. Martin objected to Vietnam War and was fairly quickly granted conscientious objector status, with the draft board reasoning that being branded a coward for life would be enough punishment for not serving.
AnDd TIL that in medieval times “Cat-burning” was an accepted practice thought to bring good luck. It was custom to burn a barrel full of live cats over a bonfire as people shrieked with laughter while they were singed and roasted. French Kings often witnessed it and even ceremoniously started the fire.
Dp5V TIL that ‘JREF’ has a standing $1mil (US) reward for anyone who can prove supernatural or paranormal powers under mutually agreed upon testing conditions. Since 1964, it has gone unclaimed and every applicant has either failed or not agreed to the testing conditions.
1agLP TIL James Longstreet, one of the most skilled confederate generals in the civil war, later felt so guilty that he became a civil rights advocate and led a militia of black soldiers. Today he is remembered as a traitor in the South