ON THIS DAY

1740: The Marquis de Sade, French aristocrat whose lifestyle gave rise to the word sadism, was born in Paris. 1840: Thomas Hardy, English novelist and poet, was born in Higher Bockhampton, Dorset, where his father was a stonemason. Most of his stories are based in Dorset (Wessex) and his dog was called Wessex. 1857: Composer Sir Edward Elgar was born in Broadheath, Worcs. 1868: The first Trades Union Congress was held in Manchester. 1896: Marconi patented his broadcasting system using electromagnetic waves. 1938: Robert and Edward Kennedy, youngest sons of the American Ambassador to London, opened the children’s zoo in Regent’s Park. Children were charged sixpence to watch chimpanzees have a tea party. 1941: Clothes rationing was introduced in Britain and not lifted until 1949. Some 60 clothes coupons were allowed each year for all except baby clothes. One dress used 11 coupons, and a man’s suit took 26. 1946: Italy abolished its monarchy and became a republic. 1954: Lester Piggott, at 18, became the youngest jockey to win the Derby when he rode Never Say Die to victory at Epsom. The colt, a 33-1 outsider, won by two lengths. 1997: Timothy McVeigh was convicted on 15 counts of murder and conspiracy for his role in the 1995 Oklahoma bombing. BIRTHDAYS: Sally Kellerman, actress, 78; Stacy Keach, actor, 74; Charlie Watts, Rolling Stones drummer, 74; Joanna Gleason, actress, 65; Tony Hadley, singer (Spandau Ballet), 55; Mark and Steve Waugh, former cricketers, 50; Jon Culshaw, comedian, 47. QUOTES OF THE DAY: “I am a big believer in the idea that you can’t try to look younger, you just have to try to look the best you can at the age you are and not worry about it” - George Clooney. “I am not actively looking but if there was a person I would leave open the age, the colour, the gender even - I’m open. Well, it increases your chances, doesn’t it?” - Actress Susan Sarandon, saying she would be prepared to date another woman. “God clearly isn’t a She as a She can’t be a father. This is plain silly, unbiblical, and ridiculous. I think it is the work of a few lunatics” - Former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe hits out at a group of Church of England women who want to refer to God as a female. “Someone once said to me, to be bored is a very good thing, because it makes you very creative. I think it is a shame that children aren’t bored more” - Actress Celia Imrie. “This profession attracts the worst people. They are like viruses - you just have to avoid them” - Actor Brian Cox on his occupation.