ON THIS DAY
1687:
The first Huguenots set sail from France for South Africa to escape religious persecution.
1695:
A window tax was imposed in Britain which resulted in many being bricked up.
1720:
Charles Edward Stuart – Bonnie Prince Charlie, the “Young Pretender” – was born in Rome. As leader of the Scottish Jacobites, he attempted to depose George II, but was finally defeated at Culloden. 1911:
Marie Curie received her second Nobel prize, unprecedented in the history of the award. 1923:
The chimes of Big Ben were broadcast by the BBC for the first time. 1935:
Charles Darrow patented his board game Monopoly. 1938:
Dr R N Harger’s “Drunkometer” was officially used to breathalyse drivers by the Indianapolis Police Department.
1940:
Firewatching became compulsory in wartime Britain. 1960:
The farthing ceased to be legal tender.
1981:
Former flight lieutenant Jerry Rawlings overthrew the government of President Hilla Limann to seize power in Ghana.
1999:
First President of Russia, Boris Yeltsin, resigns from office, leaving Prime Minister Vladimir Putin as his successor. 2014:
John Fortune, the comedian made famous on Bremner, Bird and Fortune, died at the age of 74.
ON THIS DAY LAST YEAR:
Two newborn kittens were saved by “eagle-eyed” workers at a recycling centre, as they were moments from being crushed in the machinery.
BIRTHDAYS:
Sir Anthony Hopkins, actor, 84; Sir Alex Ferguson, former football manager, 80; Sarah Miles, actress, 80; Andy Summers, rock guitarist, 79; Sir Ben Kingsley, actor, 78; Alex Salmond, former Scottish First Minister, 67; Val Kilmer, actor, 62; Steve Bruce, former Newcastle United football manager, 61.