DATELINE
December 9
1608: John Milton, English poet who wrote Paradise Lost and Samson Agonistes, was born in London.
1783: The first executions took place at Newgate Prison.
1884: Roller skates were patented by a Mr L Richardson of Chicago. 1886: Clarence Birdseye, American pioneer of the frozen food company, was born.
1917: Jerusalem, held by the Turks, surrendered to General Allenby. 1960: The first episode of Coronation Street was televised – although it was not networked until spring 1961. It was originally called Florizel Street.
1990: Solidarity leader Lech Walesa was elected president of Poland.