ON THIS DAY

1394:

Prince Henry the Navigator, who sponsored Portugal’s voyages of discovery, was born in Oporto.

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.

1946:

Housewives’ Choice, presented by Robert Mcdermott, began on BBC radio.

1967:

North Sea gas was first piped ashore near Durham.

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:

The sacred oil that would later be used to anoint

King Charles III at his coronation, was consecrated at a Christian holy site in Jerusalem, Buckingham Palace announced.

BIRTHDAYS:

Adrian Lyne, film director, 83; Shakin’ Stevens, singer, 76; James Ellroy, novelist, 76; Kenny Dalglish, former football manager, 73; Chris Rea, rock musician, 73; Tim Vine, comedian, 57; Evan Dando, rock singer, 57; Patsy Kensit, actress, 56; Brooklyn Beckham, son of David and Victoria, 25.

Edward Heath