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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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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18 February 1911: First official airmail flight
Features On this day in 1911, the first official airmail flight took off from Allahabad in India, with Frenchman Henri Pequet flying a Humber Sommer biplane.
By Chris Carter Last updated
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17 February 1958: CND – the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament – is launched
Features On this day in 1958, as the nuclear arms race hotted up, 5,000 people crammed in to Westminster’s Central Hall to witness the launch of CND, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.
By Ben Judge Last updated
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16 February 1957: The “Toddlers’ Truce” comes to an end
Features On Saturday, 16 February, 1957, the “Toddlers’ Truce” – a programme-free hour on TV between 6pm and 7pm – was finally broken.
By Chris Carter Last updated
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16 February 1659: Britain’s first cheque is issued
Features Merchant Nicholas Vanacker made out the first British cheque payable to Mr Delboe for the grand sum of £400, dated 16 February 1659.
By Chris Carter Last updated
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