Today in History

[Gemini]

1814

The Times newspaper was, for the first time, printed by automatic, steam powered presses built by the German inventors Friedrich Koenig and Andreas Friedrich Bauer. It signalled the beginning of the availability of newspapers to a mass audience.

[Oma]

We all took papers for granted, we didn't think of the technology of the past to produce them did we,
Now is all online etc I wonder what future generations make of paper presses 😁

[Daisy]

It's an interesting area. So many highly skilled trades were lost when we switched from traditional printing presses.

[Gemini]

1963

The Beatles record I Want To Hold Your Hand was released, with advance orders of one million in the UK alone.

[Daisy]

I remember the excitement and Beatle mania surrounding this!

[Gemini]

1968

The Trade Descriptions Act came into force making it a crime for a trader to knowingly sell an item with a misleading label or description.

[Gemini]

1966

Britain issued its first special edition Christmas stamps. In 2006 the stamps were heavily criticized as they depicted no Christian images on any of the Christmas stamps.

[Gemini]

1929

Britain’s first 22 public telephone boxes came into service. They were designed by Giles Gilbert Scott and installed as part of a new scheme for policing and were made available for general use in the Barnes, Kew and Richmond Districts. The red K6 phone boxes have become a British icon and many can be found in tourist cities.
Note:- The 100,000 BT phone box was installed at Dunsop Bridge in the "exact centre of Great Britain and 401 associated islands"

[Daisy]

A bit sad to think so many have now been removed, or are neglected/vandalised. I always feel pleased to see when they've been put to other uses though.

[Gemini]

1977

Wings started a nine week run at No.1 with Mull of Kintyre. It was the first single to sell over 2 million in the UK.

[Daisy]

Just thinking back to 1977 - how the world has changed!

[Gemini]

1975

The Balcombe Street siege in Central London was watched by millions on television. It ended when the four IRA gunmen, who had taken a couple hostage following a gun battle and chase, finally gave themselves up without a shot being fired.

[Daisy]

They were scary days.

[Gemini]

I lived in London and was pregnant. I think my mum and dad found it all very scary!

[Daisy]

Gem, they must have been very worried about you.