IT HAPPENED TODAY

1452:

Richard III, the last Plantagenet king, was born at Fotheringhay, Northants.

The first telescope was demonstrated by Dutch lens-maker Hans Lippershey.

The first rugby match at Twickenham was played between Harlequins and Richmond.

London’s first red buses with roofed-in upper decks went into service. Police restrictions had previously prevented them being used in the capital, although they had been in operation in Widnes since 1909.

Italian forces invaded Abyssinia after bombers sent by Mussolini (above) pounded border towns.

The Empress of Britain, en route to Canada with child evacuees, was sunk by a German submarine. British warships rescued most of the 634 crew and passengers.

1953:

The photograph of William Pettit, wanted for murder, was shown on BBC TV by request from the police, the first time television was used in Britain to help find a wanted man.

Hollywood heartthrob Rock Hudson died of Aids, aged 59.

Cyclist Lance Armstrong (above) was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He commemorated the date with a range of ‘10/2’ branded Nike sportswear.

ON THIS DAY LAST YEAR:

Benedict Cumberbatch hit back after he was criticised for making speeches on stage attacking the government over the refugee crisis.

BIRTHDAYS:

Anna Ford, broadcaster, 74; Don McLean, folk singer, 72; Sir Trevor Brooking, football pundit, 69; Donna Karan, fashion designer, 69; Richard Hell, rock singer/writer, 68; Mike Rutherford, rock musician, 67; Sting (Gordon Sumner, below), singer, 66; Philip Oakey, pop singer (The Human League), 62; Jana Novotna, former tennis player, 49; Simon Gregson, actor, 43.