Wikipedia article of the day for February 10, 2026
The St Scholastica Day riot took place in Oxford, England, on 10 February 1355. The disturbance began when two students from the University of Oxford complained about the quality of wine served to them in a tavern; the argument quickly escalated to a fight and the resulting mêlée turned into a riot. The violence continued over three days, with armed gangs entering the town from the countryside to assist the townspeople. University halls and students' accommodation were raided and the inhabitants murdered. Around 20 townsfolk were killed, as were up to 63 members of the university. King Edward III sent judges to the town to determine culpability. He came down on the side of the university, who were given additional powers to the disadvantage of the town's authorities. In an act of conciliation in 1955—the riot's 600th anniversary—the mayor of Oxford was given an honorary degree, while the university's vice-chancellor was made an honorary freeman of the city.
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