On This Day in History
The latest news, updates and opinions on On This Day in History from the expert team here at MoneyWeek
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13 October 1884: Greenwich adopted as the prime meridian
Features On this day in 1884, Greenwich was chosen as the prime meridian of longitude, settling the matter of time once and for all.
By Ben Judge Last updated
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12 October 1948: the first Morris Minor is produced
Features The first of 1.3 million Morris Minors, Britain’s cheap post-war runabout, rolled off the production lines on this day in 1948
By Ben Judge Last updated
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28 May 1937: the Volkswagen car company is formed
Features On this day in 1937, Volkswagen, now the world's second-biggest vehicle-maker, was founded as the 'Society to Prepare the German People’s Car'.
By Ben Judge Last updated
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1 April 1999: The minimum wage is introduced in Britain
Features On this day in 1999, the national minimum wage was introduced in Britain, bringing an instant pay rise to 1.9 million low-paid workers.
By Chris Carter Last updated
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20 March 1602: Dutch East India Company formed
Features The Dutch East India Company – considered by many to be the world’s first multinational company – was founded on his day in 1602.
By Dr Matthew Partridge Last updated
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27 February 1900: The launch of the Labour Party
Features Responding to the need for a single political party to represent the trade unions, the Labour Party was formed on this day in 1900.
By Dr Matthew Partridge Last updated
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24 February 1809: Drury Lane theatre burns down
Features On this day in 1809, celebrated playwright Richard Sheridan was effectively ruined when the Drury Lane theatre went up in smoke.
By Chris Carter Last updated
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24 February 1981: Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer announce their engagement
Features On this day in 1981, Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer made their engagement official in front of the world's press at Buckingham Palace.
By Ben Judge Last updated
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23 February 1820: the Cato Street Conspiracy unravels
Features The Bow Street Runners burst in on the Cato Street conspirators, frustrating their plans to massacre the entire Cabinet, on this day in 1820.
By Chris Carter Last updated
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