Deaths on September 8

Francis Quarles, English poet and author (b. 1592)

Francis Quarles (about 8 May 1592 – 8 September 1644) was an English poet most notable for his emblem book aptly entitled Emblems.

18 Mar

Colony of Virginia
The Third Anglo-Powhatan War begins in the Colony of Virginia.
25 May

Wu Sangui
Ming general Wu Sangui forms an alliance with the invading Manchus and opens the gates of the Great Wall of China at Shanhaiguan pass, letting the Manchus through towards the capital Beijing.
27 May

Battle of Shanhai Pass
Manchu regent Dorgon defeats rebel leader Li Zicheng of the Shun dynasty at the Battle of Shanhai Pass, allowing the Manchus to enter and conquer the capital city of Beijing.
6 Jun

Shunzhi Emperor
The Qing dynasty Manchu forces led by the Shunzhi Emperor capture Beijing during the collapse of the Ming dynasty.
23 Nov

Areopagitica
John Milton publishes Areopagitica, a pamphlet decrying censorship.