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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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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23 February 1963: The case of the electrified Land Rover
Features On this day in 1963, an unsuspecting bobby gets a shock when he stumbles upon an electrified Land Rover.
By Chris Carter Last updated
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22 February 1974: riots break out at the “Patty Hearst ransom” food handouts
Features On this day in 1974, people rioted at food distribution centres in San Francisco, set up as part of a ransom payment for kidnapped heiress Patty Hearst.
By Ben Judge Last updated
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19 February 1861: Russia emancipates 23 million serfs
Features On this day in in 1861, Tsar Alexander II issued a declaration emancipating 23 million Russian serfs from their feudal overlords.
By Dr Matthew Partridge Last updated
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