On This Day: January 20th

The High Court of Justice for the trial of Charles I begins its proceedings.

The Mexican city of León is founded by order of the viceroy Don Martín Enríquez de Almanza.

Battle of Rio de Janeiro: Portuguese forces under the command of Estácio de Sá definitively drive the French out of Rio de Janeiro.

Christian II is forced to abdicate as King of Denmark and Norway.

The Taula de canvi (Catalan: "Table of change"), described as Europe's first-ever public bank, began operations inside Barcelona's Llotja de Mar.

Edward Balliol surrenders his claim to the Scottish throne to Edward III in exchange for an English pension.

Duke Wladyslaw Lokietek becomes king of Poland.

The first English parliament to include not only Lords but also representatives of the major towns holds its first meeting in the Palace of Westminster, now commonly known as the "Houses of Parliament".

Finnish peasant Lalli kills English clergyman Henry, the Bishop of Turku, on the ice of Lake Köyliö.

Pope Fabian is martyred during the Decian persecution.