ON THIS DAY
1503:
French astrologer and prophet Nostradamus was born.
George VI was born. He succeeded his brother Edward VIII when he abdicated, and led the British through the war years.
The first table tennis tournament was held at the Royal Aquarium, London.
Roald Amundsen, Norwegian explorer, became the first man to reach the South Pole - 35 days ahead of Captain Scott.
Women over 30 voted in a
1895: 1901: 1911: 1918:
British general election for the first time.
1922:
John Reith was appointed general manager of the fledgling BBC.
1962:
Mariner II sent back the first close-up pictures of the planet Venus.
2012:
Twenty-seven people, including 18 children, were killed in a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, US.
Actor Peter O’Toole died. He received eight Oscar
2014:
nominations for films including Lawrence Of Arabia, without ever winning.
BIRTHDAYS:
Barbara Leigh-Hunt, actress, 83; Janette Scott, actress, 80; Mike Scott, singer (The Waterboys), 60; Chris Waddle, commentator and former footballer, 58; Miranda Hart, comedienne, 46; Tammy Blanchard, actress, 42; Michael Owen, footballer, 39; Vanessa Hudgens, actress, 30.