ON THIS DAY
1762:
George IV, King of England, eldest son of the insane George III, was born. But he did little to enhance the crown, being too fond of wine and women.
1881:
Cecil B De Mille, producer and director of epic films such as The Ten Commandments, was born in Ashfield, Mass.
1887:
Thomas Edison made the first sound recording when he recited Mary Had A Little Lamb which was recorded on to a foil-wrapped cylinder on the Edisonphone.
1908:
The first Model T Ford, affectionately known as the “Tin Lizzie”, came off the production line, replacing the Model A.
1925:
Norris and Ross McWhirter, British twins who founded the Guinness Book Of Records, were born. After the bible, it is the best-selling book in the world. Ross McWhirter was murdered by the IRA.
1944:
PLUTO, the “pipeline under the ocean”, began operating, transporting fuel from England to Allied troops in France.
1964:
Ian Fleming, bestselling author and creator of James Bond, died.
1990:
The largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton was discovered by Sue Hendrickson in South Dakota.
2012:
The Summer Olympics closing ceremony took place in London, which completed the games.
2014:
Hollywood actress Lauren Bacall
died in her home at the age of 89 following a stroke.
ON THIS DAY LAST YEAR:
Stormzy hailed “one of my proudest moments” after he unveiled his Glastonbury-inspired waxwork at Madame Tussauds.
BIRTHDAYS:
George Soros, financier, 92; Michael Brunson, political broadcaster, 82; Mark Knopfler, Dire Straits singer/guitarist, 73; Tanita Tikaram, singer/ songwriter, 53; Pete Sampras, tennis legend, 51; Casey Affleck, actor, 47; Djibril Cisse, footballer, 41; Mario Balotelli, footballer, 32.