1307 Scots king Robert the Bruce heavily defeats an English cavalry force at the battle of Loudoun Hill, Ayrshire. 1899 1900 1954 2000

The first wireless telegraph message in Australia is transmitted, by Overland Telegraph builder Charles Todd and his son-in-law, William Bragg, over 550m in Adelaide.

The iron-hulled sailing cargo ship Sierra Nevada sinks the morning after running aground at Portsea; 23 drown out of a crew of 28. Decca Records releases Rock Around The Clock, recorded by Bill Haley (pictured) and the Comets. It will top the US chart. 1978 Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowdon announce they will divorce after 18 years of marriage. 1996

The federal and state governments strike a historic agreement to introduce strict gun laws in the wake of the Port Arthur massacre.

The flame for the torch of Sydney’s Olympic Games is lit at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, Greece.