Calendar: February 2019
-
Monday 28
Challenger
On this day in 1986, the American space shuttle, Challenger, exploded just over a minute into its flight. Its crew included teacher Christa McAuliffe.
-
Tuesday 29
Foggy weather in 1959
Thick fog – the worst for seven years – brought road, rail and air transport in many parts of England and Wales to a standstill.
-
Wednesday 30
Charles I beheaded
On this day in 1649, King Charles I was beheaded in Whitehall, in front of the Banqueting House.
-
Thursday 31
Seat belt legislation introduced
On this day in 1983, all drivers and front seat passengers were, by law, required to wear seat belts. Later, in 1991, it became compulsory for back seat passengers to also wear seat belts.
-
Friday 01
Oxford English Dictionary
On this day in 1884, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), considered the most comprehensive and accurate dictionary of the English language, was first published.
-
Saturday 02
-
Sunday 03
-
Monday 04
Rosa Parks' Birthday
American civil rights activist who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger, born in Tuskegee, Alabama 1913.
-
Tuesday 05
Royal Greenwich Observatory
In 1924 The Royal Greenwich Observatory began broadcasting the hourly time signals known as the Greenwich Time Signal or the “BBC pips”.
-
Wednesday 06
Queen Elizabeth II takes the throne
On this day in 1952, Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne.
-
Thursday 07
Charles Dickens's Birthday
The famous author of many works including ‘Oliver Twist’ was born on this day in 1812.
-
Friday 08
Jules Verne - writer of 'Around the World in 80 Days' - was born
In 1828 Jules Verne, the writer of ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, was born in Nantes, France.
-
Saturday 09
-
Sunday 10
-
Monday 11
Nelson Mandela released from prison
Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990 after 27 years.
-
Tuesday 12
Charles Darwin Birthday
Charles Darwin – the naturalist who first described the process of evolution was born on this day in 1809. ‘On the Origin of Species’ was published in 1859.
-
Wednesday 13
Galileo Galilei put on trial
In 1633 Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei was put on trial for professing his belief that Earth revolves around the Sun.
-
Thursday 14
St Valentine's Day
A day to celebrate love and friendship.
-
Friday 15
English Decimal Currency
On this day in 1971, decimal currency was introduced to Britain.
-
Saturday 16
-
Sunday 17
-
Monday 18
Terry Pratchett received a knighthood
On this day in 2009, English fantasy author Terry Pratchett receives a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.
-
Tuesday 19
Thomas Edison patented the phonograph
Thomas Edison patented the phonograph on this day in 1878. It was the first device for recording and playing back sounds.
-
Wednesday 20
Edward VI crowned the King of England
On this day, in 1547, Edward VI was crowned the King of England at the age of nine in Westminster Abbey.
-
Thursday 21
First self-propelling steam locomotive
The first self-propelling steam locomotive had its premier outing at the Pen-y-Darren ironworks in Wales.
-
Friday 22
World Thinking Day
Today is Thinking Day for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. World Thinking Day has taken place on every 22 February since 1926.
-
Saturday 23
-
Sunday 24
-
Monday 25
Sir Christopher Wren
Sir Christopher Wren, British architect, astronomer, and geometrician died this day in 1723.
-
Tuesday 26
Charlie Chaplin becomes highest paid entertainer
In 1916 The Mutual Film Company signed Chaplin for a film contract – making him the highest-paid entertainer in the world at this time.
-
Wednesday 27
Tiger Woods becomes youngest PGA golfer in 35 years
In 1992 Tiger Woods, aged 16, became the youngest PGA golfer in 35 years.
-
Thursday 28
Discovery of the chemical structure of DNA
In 1953 Francis Crick and James Watson discovered the chemical structure of DNA – the instructions that control the cells that make up all living things.
-
Friday 01
St David's Day
Today is St David’s Day. The Patron Saint of Wales’ symbols include daffodils and leeks.
-
Saturday 02
-
Sunday 03