1564: Galileo Galilei, Italian astronomer and mathematician was born in Pisa.

1842: The first adhesive stamp was used in the USA by the city Despatch Post, a private concern later acquired by the government for 1,200 dollars.

1874: The antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton was born in Kilkee, Co Clare.

1882: The first shipment of frozen meat left New Zealand for England.

1901: The first British Parliament of the 20th century opened with a new member for Oldham. His name was Winston Churchill.

1913: Sir Barry Jackson opened the first repertory theatre at Brimingham with Twelfth Night.

1942: Singapore surrendered to Japan. "A heavy and far-reaching military defeat," said Mr Churchill of the loss of the fortress.

1965: Jazz pianist and singer Nat 'King' Cole died of cancer.

1971: Britain changed over the decimal currency.

1981: Football League games were played on a Sunday for the first time.

On this day last year: Members of the Royal Family gathered at St George's Chapel, Windsor, for the funeral of Princess Margaret.