World Events Today
- The English Civil War, between the Parliamentarians, the “Roundheads”, and the Royalists, the “Cavaliers”, started today in 1642 and lasted 9 years
- The first Geneva Convention, where the first international treaty to cover sick and wounded soldiers on the battlefield was agreed, was held today in 1864
- Russia joined the World Trade Organization today in 2012
Entertainment Events Today
- The first America’s Cup, the international yacht competition, was held today in 1851
- Due to its racist policies, today in 1972 Rhodesia was expelled from taking part in the upcoming Olympic Games in Munich
- The South African rugby union team won the Tri Nations Series, for the first time, today in 1998
Family Events Today
- The Chinese politician Deng Xiaoping, who was the leader of China from 1978 until his retirement in 1992, was born today in 1904 in Sichuan
- The English actress Honor Blackman, who rose to fame as Cathy Cale in The Avengers and Bond girl Pussy Galore in Goldfinger, was born today in 1925 in Essex
- The American songwriter Jerry Leiber died today in 2011 aged 78, he and Mike Stoller wrote many hits together for Elvis Presley, including Hound Dog, Jailhouse Rock and King Creole
Main Event Today
- The Battle of Bosworth occurred today in 1485, it was the last significant battle of the Wars of the Roses, King Richard III was killed, he was the last English monarch to die in combat
National Day Today
- Today, it’s National Be An Angel Day