IT HAPPENED TODAY
1571:
The Battle of Lepanto was fought, with Christian allied naval forces defeating the Ottoman Turks.
1920:
Oxford University admitted its first 100 women for degrees.
1922:
The first royal broadcast was made by the Prince of Wales, on 2LO, 11 days before it changed its name to the British Broadcasting Company.
1922:
Marie Lloyd, English music hall entertainer, died aged 52 after defying doctor’s orders not to go on stage when unwell.
1932:
The London Philharmonic Orchestra gave its first concert in the now demolished Queen’s Hall in London, with Sir Thomas Beecham (above) conducting.
1946:
Woman’s Hour, a daily programme of music, advice and entertainment for the home, was first broadcast. Joan Griffiths was the first regular presenter. The thriller serial Dick Barton, Special Agent, also featured.
Lunik III took the first pictures of the far side of the moon.
1986:
A new British newspaper, The Independent, was published.
ON THIS DAY LAST YEAR:
Tony Blair (above) hinted at a return to frontline politics as he suggested Britain risked becoming a “one-party state”.
BIRTHDAYS:
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, 86; Thomas Keneally, author, 82; Christopher Booker, author, 80; Kevin Godley, rock musician with 10cc, 72; John Mellencamp, singer, 66; Jayne Torvill (below), ice skater, 60; Simon Cowell, music guru/television producer, 58; Thom Yorke, musician, 49; Sami Hyypia, former footballer, 44.