1296Edward I captured Berwick-upon-Tweed, during armed conflict between Scotland and England. As many as 10,000 men, women and children were killed. Even a woman giving birth was hacked to pieces during her labour. When the garrison commander Lord of Douglas surrendered, his life and those of his garrison were spared. A picture of Berwick-upon-Tweed.

1406On his way to France, (for his safety after his elder brother, David, Duke of Rothesay, was murdered), James I of Scotland was captured at Flamborough Head (see picture) and imprisoned by King Henry IV.

1750The birth of John Stafford Smith, English composer. He is best known for writing the music for the American patriotic song The Star-Spangled Banner following the War of 1812. In 1931 it was adopted as the national anthem of the United States of America.

1775The British parliament passed an act forbidding its North American colonies from trading with anyone other than Britain.

1889In the Football League's first season, Preston North End won the FA Cup, defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 3–0 at Kennington Oval, in London. Preston was the first club to win the FA Cup and The Football League (known as The Double) and they acquired the name The Invincibles. Six of their team were "Scotch Professors" - as the professional Scottish players of the time were known. Of the seven teams to have completed The Double in England, Preston remain the only one to have done so unbeaten.

1936Britain announced the construction of 38 warships, the largest construction programme for 15 years.

1944saw the allied bombing raid on Nuremberg. 795 aircraft were despatched from along England's east coast , including 572 Lancasters, 214 Halifaxes and 9 Mosquitos. The bombers met German fighter resistance at the coasts of Belgium and the Netherlands. In total, 95 bombers were lost, making it the largest Bomber Command loss of World War II.

1945The birth of Eric Patrick Clapton, English guitarist and singer-songwriter. He has been referred to as one of the most important and influential guitarists of all time.

1950The birth of Robbie Coltrane, Scottish actor, comedian and author; known both for his role in the TV series Cracker and as Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter films.

1964The seaside holiday resort of Clacton was the scene of pitched battles by rival gangs of 'mods' and 'rockers'.

1972Britain assumed direct rule over Northern Ireland, with William Whitelaw as Secretary of State.

1974Red Rum won the Grand National at Aintree for the second year running.

1978Tory leader Margaret Thatcher recruited advertisers Saatchi & Saatchi to revamp her Party's image ahead of the General Election.

1979Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Airey Neave was killed by a car bomb as he left the House of Commons car park. The Irish National Liberation Army claimed responsibility.

1987The picture 'Sunflowers', painted by Vincent van Gogh was sold at auction by Christie's for £24,750,000.

1994The West Indies cricket team dismissed England for 46, the lowest total reached by an English side since 1887.

1997Pop group The Spice Girls helped launch Britain's newest terrestrial TV channel - Channel 5.

2002Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, (born August 4th 1900), died peacefully in her sleep, aged 101.

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