Articles on Events in History (Apr - Jun)
Giant Achievements of King Kong Creator
Edgar Wallace, born on this day in history, was one of the world’s most prolific authors. His theme was usually crime and mystery but he also created King Kong.
April 1, 1875
Flash! Bang! It's the Human Cannonball!
An excited crowd looked up in astonishment and wonder when, in 1877, the first human cannonball flew above their heads.
April 2, 1877
The Computer That Came By Truck
It didn't have the sleek lines that Steve Jobs would admire and it needed to be carried on a truck, but the computer age had finally arrived in rural England.
April 3, 1957
Martin Luther King Shot Dead
Martin Luther King Jr, the celebrated (‘I have a dream’) civil rights campaigner, was shot dead on this day as he stood on a motel balcony in Memphis Tennessee.
April 4, 1968
‘I Do’ Says Pocahontas
Pocahontas, the native American princess regarded by many as the mother of modern America, was married on this day, aged about nineteen, to an English settler
April 5, 1614
Lionheart Richard, The Stranger King
Richard the Lionheart, Robin Hood’s king is considered one of the great English monarchs. Yet he cost his country a fortune and barely lived there.
April 6, 1199
The Man Who Sold His Wife
Most modern readers believe Thomas Hardy was plunging into deep fiction when he wrote about a man selling his wife in, The Mayor of Casterbridge. He wasn't.
April 7, 1832
Step Aboard the Titanic – Las Vegas Style
Even by Las Vegas standards it was controversial, a $1.2 billion recreation of the doomed Titanic, along with the iceberg that caused its destruction.
April 8, 1999
America’s Civil War Comes Home To Roost
On this day a surrender agreement ending the American Civil War was signed in the house of a man who had been driven out of his first home by the hostilities.
April 9, 1865
Yes, We Have Some Bananas
A strange fruit went on sale in London on this day, the like of which nobody had seen before. Known to scientists as the Plantaine fruit, it is now unremarkable.
April 10, 1633
From Hate And Horror To Worldwide Acclaim
Elie Wiesel, who went on to become a Nobel Peace Prize winner, was among the thousands freed from Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany on this day.
April 11, 1945
‘Guinea Pigs’ Befriend Super Surgeon
Sir Archibald McIndoe was a New Zealand-born surgeon whose pioneering treatment of burns victims during the Second World War revolutionised plastic surgery.
April 12, 1960
Hallelujah! Music That Moved a King
Few can fail to be moved by Handel's Messiah oratorio, culminating in the Hallelujah Chorus. It was even said to have brought a king to his feet.
April 13, 1742
Tragedy Writ Large for Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens was struck with grief on this day when his tiny daughter, Dora, died after suffering convulsions. She was less than eight months old.
April 14, 1851
Iceberg Sinks 'Unsinkable' Titanic
The Titanic hit an iceberg on her maiden voyage and sank on this day in history. She took with her to the bottom of the sea some of the world’s richest people.
April 15, 1912
Madame Tussaud's Bloody Background
Madame Tussaud, famous for her waxworks, perfected her art in the grimmest of 'schools' – the French Revolution - where she made models of guillotined heads.
April 16, 1850
Police Halt Boxing Match
The first "world championship" boxing match was a brutal affair, lasting nearly two and a half hours and stretching over 42 rounds.
April 17, 1860
Wicked or Sinless? The Life of Lucrezia Borgia
Hardly a week went by when Lucrezia Borgia, born on this day, was not accused of some foul deed. But was she just a pawn in the hands of her evil family?
April 18, 1480
Millions Come Up to See Mae West
Mae West, jailed on this day for obscenity, became one of the most successful sex symbols. Fans could not resist the offer: ‘Come up and see me some time.’
April 19, 1927
World's First Motor Race
It was hardly the stuff of today's adrenalin-pumping Formula 1 match ups, but on this day two men climbed aboard their machine for "the world’s first motor race”.
April 20, 1887
A Son, A Son – My Wife For A Son!
Henry VIII, who became King of England on this day in history, disposed of two wives in his quest for a son and heir – and was to marry four others.
April 21, 1509
Richard Nixon, The Only US President to Resign
Richard Nixon became the only US President ever to resign from office, brought down by scandal over the Watergate office break-in and its attempted cover-up.
April 22, 1994
Who Wrote Shakespeare?
Could the son of a provincial glove-maker, born on this day in history, be the author of the world's greatest plays? The argument rages on.
April 23, 1564
Spain Declares War Against the United States
Spain declared war on the United States on this day as tensions rose over Cuba and a US warship was destroyed. A future American president led a major battle.
April 24, 1898
Hitler's Diaries Fail Forensic Tests
German Magazine revealed the scoop of the century on this day but it's “Hitler’s Diaries” sensation failed a forensic test and was quickly proved a hoax.
April 25, 1983
Oscar Wilde Presses Self-Destruct Button
When Oscar Wilde sued the Marquess of Queensberry for libel over a sodomite slur, he opened the door to social and financial ruin that would lead to his death.
April 26, 1895
Record-Breaking Sheila, the High-Flying Aviator
The Sky's was the limit for Sheila Scott who made three solo flights around the world and was the first pilot, male or female, to fly over the North Pole.
April 27, 1922
Great Sacrifice of a Plague-Ridden Village
William Mompesson, a clergyman born on this day, created a legend when he persuaded the people in a plague-ridden village to sacrifice their lives to save others.
April 28, 1639
WR Hearst – The Master of Fake News
Newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst was a towering figure of his age. Immensely wealthy, he believed he had unlimited influence, even on matters of war.
April 29, 1863
What Happened to the Body of Adolf Hitler?
There is no doubt that Adolf Hitler shot himself on this day and that his body was burned by loyal staff. But what happened to his remains is still a mystery.
April 30, 1945
Strike A Light! I've Created Flames
John Walker liked to experiment with the chemicals in his pharmacy. To his surprise, one mixture he scraped up burst into flames – and the match was born.
May 1, 1859
The 100-year Football Curse that Appears to be Working
S.L. Benfica has failed to win a European Championship since 1962, when former coach Béla Guttmann placed a 100 year curse on the club. Is the curse working?
May 2, 1962
Volunteers Help Defeat General Strike
Britain's first and only General Strike occurred in May 1926 and was quickly defeated by volunteers and a cunning plan by Winston Churchill.
May 3, 1926
The Loudest Noise in a Rolls-Royce is the Electric Clock
One was from an impoverished background; the other was a member of the aristocracy. They came together to form Rolls-Royce, the iconic car manufacturer.
May 4, 1904
Around The World With Nellie Bly
Only a man could do it, Nellie Bly was told about her plan to go round the world in less than 80 days. It was a red rag to a bull and she soon achieved the feat
May 5, 1867
Latest Wonder of the World
Often referred to as "the Chunnel", the 31-mile undersea tunnel linking England to France has been hailed as one of the "seven wonders of the modern world".
May 6, 1994
Hero Millionaire Saves Lusitania Children
American millionaire Alfred Vanderbilt died a hero on this day trying to save women and children aboard the liner Lusitania, which was sunk by a German U-boat.
May 7, 1915
Suicide Woman Floats To Safety
Nobody could expect to survive a fall from the 100-metre high Clifton Suspension Bridge. But one woman was saved on this day by her billowing skirt.
May 8, 1885
Botched Crown Jewels Theft Pays Off
Thomas Blood, who tried to steal England's Crown Jewels from the Tower of London on this day was not only forgiven by the King, but given a reward.
May 9, 1671
Gardener Grows Into Architectural Legend
Starting a new job at 4.30am, organising the workforce at 6am and meeting his future wife over breakfast: all in a day's work for Joseph Paxton.
May 9, 1826
One-Man Mission of Rudolf Hess
Rudolf Hess parachuted into Scotland on this day planning to negotiate peace with the British – without the knowledge or approval of his boss, Adolf Hitler.
May 10, 1941
Assassination of a British Prime Minister
Only one British Prime Minister has ever been assassinated, a fact that brought the only claim to fame for Spencer Perceval.
May 11, 1812
The Queen Who Never Saw Her Realm
Born in Spain, married in Cyprus, died in France, this wife of a warrior king was never to set foot in the land where she was hailed as Queen.
May 12, 1191
How Australia Was Born
Captain Arthur Phillip commanded a fleet of British ships carrying convicts to New South Wales on this day, effectively founding the British colony of Australia.
May 13, 1787
Pope 'Turned Vatican Into Whorehouse'
Pope John XII who died – some say he was murdered – on this day lived a life of sin, corruption and murder. But is his reputation as the worst pope deserved?
May 14, 964 AD
Taxman Delivers Cruel Blow to Miss Whiplash
If I agreed to your demand for cash payment it means that you would be living off immoral earnings, celebrated Madam tells the tax authority.
May 15, 1990
Silence is Golden At The First Oscars
The first Academy Awards ceremony took place on this day before just 250 guests. All the movies nominated for what would become known as an Oscar were silent
May 16, 1929
Theodore Roosevelt, the Cowboy President
President Theodore Roosevelt began a camping trip on this day with naturalist, writer and conservationist John Muir. The trip had a profound effect on Roosevelt
May 17, 1903
The Quiet Passing of Halley’s Comet
Halley’s Comet has been skirting Earth over and over again for centuries and did so again on this day. Happily, the disasters predicted by some failed to happen
May 18, 1910
Ogden Nash, The Perceptive Poet
Ogden Nash, the American poet famous for his short, whimsical verse, died on this day. He was noted for his wit and understanding of the human condition.
May 19, 1971
My Fair Lady's Special Day
This was a day to remember for Eliza Doolittle, the 'My Fair Lady' of the stage and film musical that won and broke hearts.
May 20, 1956
Memories of Elvis
Only one actor has appeared on film with both the Beatles and Elvis Presley: the little-known Norman Rossington.
May 21, 1999
Sorry, Son, But You Have To Die
Constantine the Great, who died on this day, was the first Roman Emperor to become a Christian. But there was nothing forgiving about his dealings with sinners.
May 22, 337 AD
President Falls From Grace
Paul Deschanel had the makings of a fine President of France – until a series of bizarre incidents culminated in him falling out the window of a moving train.
May 23, 1920
Westminster Bridge Defies a King and the Church
London's present Westminster Bridge was opened on this day, bringing to an end years of conflict which even involved the payment of a big bribe to the King.
May 24, 1862
Ali Floors The Bear in Just Two Minutes
It was the Muhammad Ali punch that few people saw, but on this day ex-champion Sonny Liston, known as The Bear, certainly felt it in a first-round sensation
May 25, 1965
Louis Mandrin, The French Robin Hood
Louis Mandrin, an outlaw known as the French Robin Hood or the Prince of Smugglers, was executed on this day after his band of men waged war on tax collectors.
May 26, 1755
Ship that Changed the Face of Britain
Britain was on its knees after the Second World War, its economy and infrastructure in tatters. For help the Mother Country turned to the Commonwealth.
May 27, 1948
All-Female Crew Triumphs in Whitbread
After New Zealand’s Peter Blake crushed all opposition in the 1989-90 Whitbread round the world race an all-female crew came home on this day, stealing the show
May 28, 1990
A Modern Major-General of Light Entertainment
William Gilbert, celebrated as the unique lyricist behind the highly popular Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas, met his death in highly unexpected circumstances.
May 29, 1911
Voltaire: Writer, Wit, Philosopher and Rebel
They burned his books, sent him to the Bastille and into exile, but Voltaire, who died on this day, remained rich, successful – and defiant.
May 30, 1778
Cloak And Dagger World of Walter Raleigh
Sir Walter Raleigh's secret marriage to a lady-in-waiting was uncovered on this day. It ruined his career, but things were to get much worse.
May 31, 1592
Testing Time for Drivers
Deaths caused by accidents on UK roads fell by 1,000 within a year of the official driving test being introduced. But was the half-hour test enough?
June 1, 1935
The King is Dead; Long Live the Queen
Princess Elizabeth was in Africa when her father died and she became Queen. Her coronation, on this day in history, could be described as a magnificent washout.
June 2, 1953
The Fire and Fury of Jonathan Martin
Jonathan Martin was a religious extremist who described the clergy as 'vipers from hell' and tried to burn down one of England’s most treasured cathedrals.
June 3, 1838
Dunkirk: Military Retreat They Called a Miracle
Trapped on beaches and a sitting target for German fighter planes and bombers, 330,000 Allied troops looked doomed. Then came the "miracle" of Dunkirk.
June 4, 1940
Tiananmen Square Massacre
The Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1989 was a savage crackdown on student protesters in Beijing. Many were shot dead by soldiers or crushed to death by tanks.
June 4, 1989
Bobby Kennedy Gunned Down on Campaign Trail
Less than five years after President Kennedy was assassinated, his younger brother Bobby, hoping to win the White House, was felled by a gunman on this day.
June 5, 1968
D-Day Fake News Fools Hitler
The D-Day Allied invasion of France triggered the end of the Second World War. But it could not have worked without a massive subterfuge operation in England.
June 6, 1944
Why an American Bought London Bridge
An iconic piece of Olde England was just what an American oil tycoon wanted for his new township in the Arizona desert. Did he get what he was after?
June 7, 1761
France's Biggest-Ever Bank Robbery
Its vault was thought to be impregnable, but the bank had not reckoned on the ingenuity of a determined thief who died on this day, with the loot still missing.
June 8, 1989
The Lost Love of Cheating Henry
The mistress of French king Henry IV was beautiful, intelligent – and pregnant. He wanted her by his side in place of his childless Queen. But fate stepped in.
June 9, 1572
Please Don’t Drink To My Success
Surgeon “Doctor Bob” could not perform an operation without alcoholic assistance. But he took his last drink on this day – and Alcoholics Anonymous was born.
June 10, 1935
England Cricket’s Class Divide Hit For Six
The game of cricket in England long reflected the class divisions of society. All would begin to change on this day with a new England captain taking the field.
June 11, 1952
A Beautiful Day in Moscow
Often depicted as grey and formal, the comrades of Soviet Russia let their hair down and held their first beauty pageant, changing the life of one schoolgirl.
June 12, 1988
Anne Frank – A Light of Inspiration in the Nazi Darkness
Anne Frank received her famous diary on this day – a beacon of hope and love from a young girl in a world beset by cruelty, horror and death.
June 12, 1942
Nelson Mandela Begins 27 Years in Jail
Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment on this day and sent to Robben Island, seven miles off Cape Town. It caused international outrage.
June 12, 1964
Cricket's T20 is Born. Howzat!?
Cricketing enthusiasts are fearful for the future of Test matches. The seeds of doubt were sewn on this day when the furiously fast T20 format was introduced.
June 13, 2003
War Breaks Out Behind Uncle Tom's Cabin
Uncle Tom's Cabin sounds like a sentimental children's book. In fact, it is a hard-hitting exposé of the slavery trade and part cause of the American Civil War.
June 14, 1811
Poll Tax Triggers the Peasants' Revolt
Wat Tyler, leader of the Peasants' Revolt that rocked England, was stabbed and later beheaded on this day.
June 15, 1381
A Salute To The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army began when a Methodist preacher took to the streets of London to help the poor. Today, with 1.5 million members, it operates in 130 countries
June 16, 1880
Taj Mahal: A Monument To Love
An emperor’s beloved wife died on this day. Heartbroken, he began a 22-year project to build a unique monument on her burial site – the magnificent Taj Mahal.
June 17, 1631
Fort Knox-style Security for Folger Library
In 2020 a First Folio of William Shakespeare’s works was sold at auction in New York for nearly ten million dollars. And the Folger Library has 82 of them.
June 18, 1857
'Ship in Distress' Sails Into History Books
What was claimed to be the first trans-Atlantic crossing by a steam ship – even if sails helped – was completed on this day and is still celebrated
June 19, 1819
'Gorgeous Gussie' Shocks Wimbledon
There is a strict dress code at Wimbledon and, as Gussie Moran discovered on this day in tennis history, tennis players break it at their peril.
June 20, 1949
Misery of The King's Executioner
He may have caused civil war but the execution of King Charles I shocked many Englishmen and caused untold anguish for the man who took the royal life.
June 20, 1649
St Paul's Defies Bombing Conflagration
There had been a church on this London spot for well over 1,000 years but it seemed only a miracle could save it from the inferno caused by 100,000 bombs.
June 21, 1675
Deadly Quest For The Northern Passage
For centuries mankind had sought the fabled Northern Passage - a new route for shipping from Europe to Asia. Explorer Henry Hudson's attempt did not go well.
June 22, 1611
The Painter Who Died For His Art
Painter Benjamin Haydon, who died on this day, spent his life beating on the door of London’s exclusive art ‘club’, the Royal Academy. They never let him in.
June 22, 1846
How the Qwerty Keyboard was Born
A typewriter patent was granted on this day to the man who would go on to produce and inflict on us all the ubiquitous Qwerty keyboard.
June 23, 1868
The Fatal Dance Manias of Medieval Europe
The strange social phenomena of Medieval Europe where people began dancing and simply couldn't stop
June 24, 1374
Custer's Last Stand
George Armstrong Custer was a fun-loving rebel who developed into one of America’s national heroes. He will always be remembered for Custer’s Last Stand.
June 25, 1876
Kennedy's Clarion Call for Freedom
Former US President John F. Kennedy was renowned for his oratory – typified by his electrifying "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech delivered on this day.
June 26, 1963
Around The World Alone In A Fishing Boat
They said it couldn’t be done, so Joshua Slocum set out alone and sailed 46,000 miles around the world in an old fishing boat that he had rebuilt.
June 27, 1898
Scrabble Creator Stuck for Words
The inventor of a new word game just could not think what to call it. Then a bright friend came up with the name – no points for guessing – Scrabble.
June 28, 1971
Globe Theatre Burns Down
Special effects got out of hand on this day when the theatre where William Shakespeare acted was burnt to the ground after cannons were fired on stage.
June 29, 1613
Was Mystery Blast Caused by Aliens?
A massive mysterious explosion in eastern Siberia that destroyed wildlife and felled a vast number of trees remains a mystery to this day.
June 30, 1908