ON THIS DAY

1554:

Lady Jane Grey is executed for treason in England.

Edward Hargraves discovers gold at Summerhill Creek in NSW, triggering the Australian gold rush.

Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, abdicates, ending more than 2000 years of imperial rule.

George Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue premieres in New York.

The radio play The Adventures Of Superman debuts in the US, with Bud Collyer as the Man of Steel.

Carmen Lawrence becomes premier of Western Australia, the first female premier of an Australian state.

Peanuts creator Charles Schulz dies at 77.

Charles Darwin, English scientist (1809-1882); Sigrid Thornton, Australian actress (1959-); Chynna Phillips, US singer (1968-)

1851: 1912: 1924: 1940: 1990: 2000: Birthdays: