THIS DAY

An attempt was made on the life of Queen Victoria as she drove down Constitution Hill in London with Prince Albert. The would-be assassin was John Francis.

Labour minister of food John Strachey announced that bread would be rationed, with the greatest allowance going to manual workers in heavy industry.

The first full-sized experimental hovercraft, built by Saunders-Roe, was launched at Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

Cliff Richard released his 100th pop single.

The relics of two Fatima child saints were reported stolen from a church in Verona while they were travelling on a pilgrimage tour in Italy.

Emily Maitlis