ON THIS DAY
1776:
The American Declaration of Independence was adopted in Philadelphia. It was not fully written or signed until August.
The first regular scheduled bus service was introduced in London. It was horse-drawn and ran between Marylebone Road and Bank.
1829: 1840:
The Cunard Line began its first Atlantic crossing when the paddle steamer Britannia sailed from Liverpool to Halifax.
Thomas John Barnardo, Dublin-born philanthropist, was born. In 1867 he started homes for
1845:
some of London’s many destitute children. They became known as Dr Barnardo’s Homes though he never qualified as a medical doctor.
James Keir Hardie, standing in the general election at Holytown, Lanarkshire, became the first Socialist to win a seat in the British Parliament.
Marie Curie, Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovered radium, fell foul of her own discovery when she died as a result of over-exposure to radioactivity.
Alec Rose – later Sir –
1892: 1934: 1968:
landed at Portsmouth after sailing single-handed around the world in Lively Lady.
Israeli commandos ended the Entebbe hostage crisis in a daring raid in which seven Palestinian terrorists were killed. Three of the 98 hostages – mainly Israeli – also died.
Gina Lollobrigida, actress, 90; Bill Withers, singersongwriter, 80; Prince Michael of Kent, 76; Jenny Seagrove, actress, 61; Neil Morrissey, actor, 56; Henri Leconte, former tennis player, 55; Jo Whiley, DJ, 53.
1976: BIRTHDAYS: