ON THIS DAY

1678: Antonio Lucio Vivaldi, composer and violinist, best known for The Four Seasons (1725), was born in Venice.

1789: The first Congress of the United States was held in New York.

1824: The Royal National Lifeboat Institution was founded.

1890: The 1,710-foot Forth Bridge was officially opened by the Prince of Wales.

1924: Happy Birthday To You was published by Clayton F Summy.

1941:

British forces, assisted by local Norwegians, raided the Germanoccupied Lofoten Islands, destroying 11 ships.

1946: Housewives’ Choice, presented by Robert McDermott, began on BBC radio.

1967: North Sea gas was first piped ashore near Durham. Ronnie and Reggie Kray

1969: At the Old Bailey, gangland twins Ronald and Reginald Kray were found guilty of murder and given life sentences.

1974: After the General Election, Edward Heath failed to persuade the Liberals to join a coalition and resigned. Harold Wilson became Prime Minister of a minority administration, which lasted for eight months until fresh elections secured a Labour majority.

1980: Robert Mugabe became the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, winning 57 of the 80 black seats in the 100-member Assembly.

1989: Six people were killed in a rail crash in Purley, Surrey.

ON THIS DAY LAST YEAR:

An analysis report found that climate change made the weather conditions that fuelled Australia’s devastating wildfires more likely.

BIRTHDAYS:

Adrian Lyne, film director, 80; Shakin’ Stevens, singer/ songwriter, 73; James Ellroy, novelist, 73; Kenny Dalglish, former football manager, 70; Chris Rea, rock musician, 70; Tim Vine, comedian, 54; Evan Dando, rock singer, 54; Patsy Kensit, actress, 53; Brooklyn Beckham, son of David and Victoria, 22.