ON THIS DAY
1701:
Captain Kidd went on trial at the Old Bailey for piracy. He was hanged on May 23.
Jean Henri Dunant, philanthropist and founder of the International Red Cross, was born in Geneva.
Mount Pelee erupted on the island of Martinique, destroying the town of St Pierre and killing more than 30,000 people in just three minutes.
VE Day. The Second World War in Europe officially ended at one minute past midnight.
George Blake, a former British diplomat, was jailed for 42 years for spying for Russia. He escaped from Wormwood Scrubs in 1966.
The Beatles’ final album, Let It Be, was released.
The World Health Organization announced that smallpox had been eradicated.
The Thames Barrier at Woolwich was officially opened.
Paul McCartney released a remake of “Ferry Cross the Mersey” in aid of those affected by the Hillsborough disaster, which claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool football fans.
Vladimir Putin was appointed Russian Prime Minister.
1828: 1902: 1945: 1961: 1970: 1980: 1984: 1989: 2008: 2013:
Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement as Manchester United’s manager at the end of the season.
ON THIS DAY LAST YEAR:
A 3.8 magnitude earthquake hit the central part of Alaska – the fourth to rock the state over the weekend.
Sir David Attenborough, naturalist, 92; Jack
BIRTHDAYS:
Charlton, former footballer and manager, 83; Norman Lamont, former Chancellor of the Exchequer, 76; Melissa Gilbert, actress, 54; Enrique Iglesias, singer, 43; Ian ‘H’ Watkins, actor and singer (Steps), 42; Michelle McManus, former Pop Idol winner/ singer, 38; Matt Willis, singer (Busted)/TV presenter, 35.