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This week at The Archive we are delving into the history of nursing with the addition of brand new title the Nursing Times, as we mark both the anniversary of Florence Nightgale’s birth on 12 May 1820, and the anniversary of Mary Seacole’s death on 14 May 1881. We’re also exploring an important part of the UK’s religious history this week, with the addition of what is thought to be the country’s first Muslim newspaper. In what is a bumper week, we’ve added a…

Today, we’re highlighting one of many events that have occurred over the years on 31 May.On 31 May 1837, the Clown Laureate of the Regency era, Joseph ‘Joey’ Grimaldi, died.Read the entire obituaryGrimaldi was considered the best clown of the nineteenth century. His work was influential in the role and appearance of clowns — he expanded the clown’s role in pantomimes and the harlequinade. He worked on several famous stages, including Drury Lane, Sadler’s Wells, and Covent Garden. Over the years,…