On this day

1566: James VI of Scotland, later James I – and first Stuart king – of England, was born in Edinburgh Castle.

1623: Blaise Pascal, French mathematician and philosopher who invented the first calculating machines, was born.

1829: The London Metropolitan Police was founded by Sir Robert Peel.

1896: Bessie Wallis Warfield (Mrs Simpson) was born in Baltimore. She later became the Duchess of Windsor, after Edward VIII abdicated the throne because of his love for her.

1903: Wally Hammond, England and Gloucester cricketer, was born.

1905: The world’s first all-motion picture theatre opened in Pittsburgh.

1967: The Monterey Pop Festival attracted thousands of hippies.