October 14 is the original feast date* and alleged martyrdom date of early Christian saints Gervasius and Protasius.

Reputedly the twin sons of two other martyrs, their iconographic devices are the scourge, the club, and the sword, all of which implements were rudely employed by Nero’s (or possibly Domitian’s) executioners
Although put to death in Ravenna, their relics repose in macabre magnificence at Milan’s Basilica of Saint’Ambrogio; for this reason, the Roman church considers them patron saints of that city, and keeps their feast date on June 19, the anniversary of their relics’ translation. The Orthodox still mark the October 14 feast, which, being the execution date, is of considerably more interest to these grim annals.

Remains of Gervasius and Protasius at Milan’s Basilica Sant’Ambrogio, along with the remains of the cathedral’s builder and namesake, Saint Ambrose. (cc) image from BáthoryPéter.
On this day..
- 1780: The Biggerstaff Hanging Tree earns its name
- 1928: Chen Jue
- 1998: Faisal Saleh bin Zuba'a, speedy trial
- 1881: A day in the death penalty around the U.S.
- 1638: Stepan Ostryanin, Cossack hetman
- 1854: Aslak Hetta and Mons Somby, Sami rebels
- 1757: The Tipplers Revolt leaders
- 1772: John Jones, John Sunderland, John Chapman, and John Creamer
- 1767: William Guest, coin shaver
- 1920: Frank Campione, "are they really going to hang me?"
- 39: Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus Gaetulicus, erotic poet
- 1959: Genzo Kurita, serial killer