ST FRANCES DAY - the Patron Saint of housewives, motorists and bachelors.

1562 Kissing in public was banned in Naples, contravention being punishable by death.

1763 William Cobbett, political journalist and author of Rural Rides, was born in Farnham, Surrey.

1796 Napoleon married society beauty Josephine de Beauharnais.

1831 The French Foreign Legion was founded by King Louis Philippe, with headquarters at Sidi-bel-Abbes in Algeria.

1862 The Battle of Hampton Roads, the first battle between iron-clad ships, took place during the American Civil War.

1917 The Russian Revolution began.

1932 Eamon de Valera became president of the Irish Free State.

1937 George Orwell's examination of life during the Depression in the north of England, The Road To Wigan Pier, was published.

1956 Britain deported Archbishop Makarios from Cyprus for "actively fostering terrorism".

1961 Russia sent Laika, the first dog into space, in Sputnik 9.

1973 In a referendum boycotted by most Catholics, Northern Ireland voted in favour of staying in the UK by a majority of 90-1.

1981 John Lambe, the "M5 Rapist" who admitted 16 attacks, received 12 life sentences.

1990 Talks began on German reunification in Berlin.

ON THIS DAY LAST YEAR: A 200-strong unit of British commandos was on standby on an assault ship off Pakistan amid reports that they were poised to move to the Afghan frontline.

BIRTHDAYS: Bobby Fischer, former chess champion, 60; Neil Hamilton, former Conservative MP, 54; Bill Beaumont, broadcaster and former rugby player, 51; David Willetts, politician, 47; Martin Fry, singer (ABC), 45; Linda Fiorentino, actress, 43; Juliette Binoche, actress, 39; Martin Johnson, rugby union player, 33; Juan Sebastian Veron, footballer, 28.