Births on January 26

William Hayes, English organist, composer, and conductor (d. 1777)

William Hayes (26 January 1708 (baptised) – 27 July 1777) was an English composer, organist, singer and conductor.

11 Mar

Scottish Militia Bill
Queen Anne withholds Royal Assent from the Scottish Militia Bill, the last time a British monarch vetoes legislation.
11 Sep

Battle of Poltava
Charles XII of Sweden stops his march to conquer Moscow outside Smolensk, marking the turning point in the Great Northern War. The army is defeated nine months later in the Battle of Poltava, and the Swedish Empire ceases to be a major power.
9 Oct

Battle of Lesnaya
Peter the Great defeats the Swedes at the Battle of Lesnaya.