1977 - More than one million people lined the streets of London to watch the Royal Family on their way to St. Paul’s at the start of the Queen’s silver jubilee celebrations.

1944 - Normandy landings started in France during WWII. This day was the largest seaborne invasion ever in history. 156,000 soldiers and 195,700 naval personnel came together to battle against the Nazis.

1993 - The Holbeck Hall Hotel in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, fell into the sea following a landslide, making news around the world. The event was captured on camera and broadcast worldwide, with the collapse even occurring during a live broadcast by ITV Calendar's Richard Whiteley.

1977 - Scottish football fans caused at least £15,000 damage by breaking the goals and digging up the pitch at Wembley after Scotland beat England 2-1.

1978 - The Guiness Book of Records entered the record books as the most-stolen book from British libraries. This is due to its popularity and high demand, leading to frequent "borrowing" that often doesn't result in the books being returned.

1953 - The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II aged 27 took place in Westminster Abbey, London. Her Majesty was the thirty-ninth Sovereign to be crowned at Westminster Abbey and this was the first British coronation to be televised.

1935 - Britain introduced the compulsory use of 'L' plates for learner drivers. Legislation for compulsory testing was introduced for all new drivers with the Road Traffic Act 1934 but the test was initially voluntary to avoid a rush of candidates.

1859 - The clock in the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament was started, with the bell (Big Ben) sounding for the first time on 11th July. The clock tower was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in recognition of HM The Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

1914 - The new, and at that time the largest Cunard ocean liner, RMS Aquitania weighing 45,647 tons, set sails on her maiden voyage from Liverpool to New York City.