ON THIS DAY
1621: The first greenhouse in Britain was erected in Oxford in preparation for a predicted severe winter.
1844: Charles Goodyear patented his vulcanised rubber process in the US, making possible the commercial use of rubber.
1846: The 49th parallel was established as the border between Canada and the USA.
1860: Florence Nightingale started her School for Nurses at St Thomas’ Hospital.
1934: Dictators Hitler and Mussolini met for the first time, in Venice.
1945: Family Allowance payments were introduced in Britain – five shillings (25p) a week for the second child and subsequent children, but no payment for the first-born.
1996: The IRA exploded a 3,300lb bomb in Manchester city centre, causing massive damage and more than 200 injuries, but no fatalities.
ON THIS DAY LAST YEAR: Footballer Marcus Rashford restated his bid to make the Government extend its free school meal voucher scheme through the summer.