ON THIS DAY
1707:
The Acts of Union became law, making England and Scotland one country.
Sir John Vanbrugh, playwright and architect of Blenheim Palace, Castle Howard and many castles and houses, died.
The British Gazette And Sunday Monitor, Britain’s first Sunday newspaper, was published.
Famously deaf composer Ludwig van Beethoven died in Vienna, aged 57. His last words were reputedly: “I shall hear in Heaven.”
The first cremation in Britain took place at Woking in Surrey.
Popeye the sailor-man became the first cartoon character to have his statue erected – by spinach growers in Crystal City, Texas.
David Lloyd George, who laid the foundations of the Welfare State and led Britain through the First World War, died aged 82.
East Pakistan, under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, declared independence to become the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
The first woman stockbroker set foot on the floor of the London Stock Exchange.
Israel and Egypt ended 30
1726: 1780: 1827: 1885: 1937: 1945: 1971: 1973: 1979:
years of war after a peace deal brokered by the United States.
The so-called Gang of Four (Roy Jenkins, David Owen, William Rodgers and Shirley Williams) launched the Social Democratic Party.
Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson was jailed after being found guilty of one count of rape and two counts of criminal deviate conduct.
The bodies of 39 members
1981: 1992: 1997:
of the Heaven’s Gate cult were found after a mass suicide.
BIRTHDAYS:
Erica Jong, writer, 78; Bob Woodward, Watergate journalist, 77; Diana Ross, singer, 76; Steve Tyler, rock musician (Aerosmith), 72; Martin Short, actor, 70; Jennifer Grey, actress, 60; William Hague, Conservative politician, 59; Amy Smart, actress, 44; Keira Knightley, actress, 35.