ON THIS DAY
1509:
Henry VIII married his sister-in-law, Spanish princess Catherine of Aragon, the first of his six wives.
Dramatist Ben Jonson was born in London. His plays include The Alchemist and Volpone.
Landscape painter John Constable was born in East Bergholt, Suffolk, son of a landowner and miller. He had seven children, four of whom became painters.
Denis Compton hit his
1572: 1776: 1952:
100th century.
Some 82 spectators were killed when a car skidded off the track during the Le Mans 24-hour race.
1955: 1975:
The first oil was pumped ashore from the North Sea Argyll oil fields.
Tough-guy actor John Wayne, real name Marion Michael Morrison but known as The Duke, died.
1979: 1990:
It was reported that divorce was costing Britain £4m a day in legal and welfare payments.
A 73-year old British sailor was rescued by the Queen Mary II liner after his yacht was damaged in a north Atlantic storm.
Jackie Stewart, racing driver, 79; Vince Earl, actor and comedian, 74; Joe Montana, former American footballer, 62; Hugh Laurie, actor, 59; Jean Alesi, racing driver, 54; Jane Goldman, screenwriter and author, 48; Joshua Jackson, actor, 40.
THIS DAY LAST YEAR: BIRTHDAYS: