She took it out only on bowling nights

October 29, 1618 -- Sir Walter Raleigh was executed by beheading.

Before his execution, Raleigh refused to be blindfolded, touched the ax and said words to the effect: "This is that that will cure all sorrows." He then placed his head on the block and told the headsman: "What dost thou fear? Strike, man, strike!" It took two blows to sever his head, which his wife embalmed and kept in a red leather bag until her death 29 years later.