ON JANUARY 10 . . .

IN 1840, the ‘Penny Post’ was introduced, with every half- ounce letter costing 1d. Before that, the cost had been calculated based on distance.

IN 1946, the first General Assembly of the UN — some 51 nations, four-fifths of the world’s population — convened in London.

IN 1957, Harold Macmillan became Prime Minister after the sudden resignation of sir Anthony Eden.