All About History

Tokens of affection

Some of history’s best and worst Valentine’s presents

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Monument of love

Mughal emperor Shah Jahan was devastated when his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, passed away in 1631 while giving birth to their fourteenth child. Determined to symbolise his undying love for her, the Shah had the Taj Mahal built for her as her final resting place.

Roses for Marilyn

Although their marriage lasted for just nine months in 1954 and 1955, baseball player Joe Dimaggio remained in love with Marilyn Monroe for the rest of his life. Distraught at her early death in 1962, he allegedly had half a dozen roses sent to Marilyn’s grave three times a week for two decades.

The Taylorburt­on Diamond

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were known for their turbulent relationsh­ip, which saw the film stars marry and divorce twice. In 1969, Burton presented Taylor with a 68-carat diamond, worth more than $15 million today.

Symphony of love

Richard Wagner created a symphony, the Siegfried Idyll, for his wife Cosima’s birthday. He organised an orchestra on their stairs and she awoke to the music. Originally supposed to be a private piece, Wagner eventually sold the song to clear some of his debts, upsetting Cosima.

Fabergé eggs

Tsar Alexander III had the first Fabergé egg created in 1885 for his wife, Maria Feodorovna, as an Easter gift. The intricate egg was inspired by her childhood and Maria was deeply touched by the gesture, sparking a new tradition for the imperial family.

Off with his head!

Peter the Great was left furious after he heard rumours of an affair between his wife, Catherine, and her secretary, Willem Mons. He had Mons executed and allegedly had his head pickled in a jar, which the Russian tsar forced Catherine to keep on her bedside.

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