1337: Edward, The Black Prince, was the first man to be created a Duke, and the Duchy of Cornwall was created.

1845: Elastic bands were patented by Stephen Perry at a firm of vulcanised rubber manufacturers of London.

1921: The first birth control clinic was set up in London by Dr Marie Stopes.

1983: Michael Dickinson set a record as trainer of the first five horses home in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

1989: Paul Channon, Transport Secretary, pushed the button to begin boring the Channel Tunnel.