ON THIS DAY
June 1, 2016
IT’S DAY 153 OF 2016
IN 1937, 153 days after he became King, George VI was crowned. The coronation took place on the date originally set for his brother, Edward VIII, to be crowned, before he abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson. THERE are 153 roads named after Queen Victoria in Britain. Our current monarch, Elizabeth II, trumps that with 237 roads. THE busiest day ever in the London Underground’s 153-year history took place on December 4 last year, when 4.821 million people used it in one day.
THERE ARE 213 DAYS LEFT
THE first law making abortion illegal in Britain came into force 213 years ago in the Malicious Shooting or Stabbing Act 1803. WHEN Kathryn Sargent opened her tailors in April, it was the first time in 213 years that London’s Savile Row had a female name above one of its master tailor shops. IT IS 213 years since the British Army began using an anti-personnel weapon which exploded in the air, spewing out lead shot. The inventor was called Henry Shrapnel, whose surname is now synonymous with fragmentation from, or caused by, artillery.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
MORGAN FREEMAN, 79. The Oscar-winning actor stars in films including Driving Miss Daisy, The Shawshank Redemption and Bruce Almighty. A keen beekeeper, he says he never wears a protective outfit because he ‘resonates’ with his hive. NORMAN FOSTER, 81. The Manchesterborn architect has designed some of the world’s greatest structures, including the new Wembley Stadium, the Gherkin and City Hall in the City, and the rebuilt Reichstag in Berlin. In 2010, he resigned his seat in the House of Lords to maintain his non- domiciled tax status in Switzerland, but can still keep the title of ‘Lord’. HEIDI KLUM, 43. The German-born supermodel and businesswoman, formerly married to British singer Seal. When the 5ft 9in model had her legs insured for $2 million (£ 1,375,000) each leg was insured for different amounts. Her left leg is less pricey because of a scar from falling on to glass.
BORN ON THIS DAY
MARILYN MONROE (1926-1962). The Fifties icon starred in films including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Some Like It Hot. After her death from an overdose of barbiturates, baseball player Joe DiMaggio, the second of her three husbands, sent fresh flowers twice every week to her crypt for more than two decades. BOB MONKHOUSE ( 1928- 2003). The beloved Kent-born comedian and ‘King of the one-liners’, best known for hosting TV gameshows such as Celebrity Squares and Family Fortunes, plus a well-received chat show. He grew up in a family whose business was making custard powder and jelly.
ON JUNE 1st . . .
IN 1896, the first car theft took place in Paris, when a Peugeot belonging to Baron de Zuylen was stolen by his mechanic.
IN 1915, during the First World War, a new terror was brought to the capital as the first Zeppelin raid on London took place.
IN 1935, L-plates became compulsory for learner drivers in Britain.
IN 1957, the last edition of the weekly photojournalistic magazine, Picture Post, was printed. In its heyday during World War II, it sold almost two million copies a week.
QUOTE FOR TODAY
THINK of all the beauty still left around you and be happy. Anne Frank (1929-1945)
JOKE OF THE DAY
HOW do you make an octopus giggle ten times. Give him ten-tickles.