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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28 January 1958: the Lego brick is patented
Features Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, the son of the Danish founder of Lego, patents the famous eight-stud Lego brick, on this day in 1958.
By Chris Carter Last updated
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27 January 1606: the trial of Guy Fawkes begins
Features On this day in 1606, the trial of Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators began, accused of high treason by trying to blow up the king and parliament.
By Ben Judge Last updated
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25 January 1947: the world’s first video game is patented
Features On this day in 1947, Thomas T Goldsmith and Estle Ray Mann submitted a patent application for their “Cathode Ray Tube Amusement Device” – the world's first video game.
By Ben Judge Last updated
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23 January 1967: Milton Keynes founded
Features The most famous of Britain's garden cities, Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, was founded on this day in 1967.
By Dr Matthew Partridge Last updated
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22 January 1979: Public sector strike cripples Britain
Features On this day in 1979, thousands of public sector workers downed tools over the Labour government's unpopular policy to tackle inflation.
By Chris Carter Last updated
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22 January 1924: Ramsay MacDonald becomes prime minister
Features Ramsay MacDonald was one of the founder members of the Labour party, which he took to power on this day in 1924.
By Dr Matthew Partridge Last updated
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21 January 1976: Concorde’s first commercial flight
Features Almost seven years after its maiden flight, and at a total cost of £1.3bn, Concorde finally entered commercial service on this day in 1976.
By Ben Judge Last updated
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20 January 1841: Britain takes possession of Hong Kong
Features On this day in 1841, Hong Kong island was ceded to Britain following the Chuenpi Convention, along with a resumption of the opium trade.
By Chris Carter Last updated
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19 January 1986: the world’s first PC virus infection
Features On this day in 1986, the first IBM personal computer was infected with the “Brain” virus, spread on floppy disks.
By Ben Judge Last updated
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