Today in History

[Gemini]

1947

Princess Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth II) married Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten (Duke of Edinburgh) at Westminster Abbey. The BBC made the first tele-recording of the event, which was broadcast in the US 32 hours later

[Daisy]

I read somewhere that the wedding took place then as a morale booster for the country and because everyone was worn out and depressed after the War. Also the first 3 months of the year had experienced one of the worst periods of weather ever, and of course there were still shortages of essentials like coal. I was only 4 but I can remember going with my mum to pick bits of coal off slag heaps so we could have a fire in the living room - no central heating of course.

[Gemini]

1936

The world's first gardening programme, 'In Your Garden, with Mr. Middleton', was broadcast by the BBC.

[Daisy]

Was that a tv programme, Gem? There wouldn't have been a very large audience back in 1936 and the makers obviously hadn't thought that by November most gardens were in winter mode! I'd love to see it though - just for interest!

[Gemini]

I don't know if it was TV or radio Daisy! I would guess radio as not many people had TV as you say.

* I found this, it was TV, but he had done radio first. Popular guy!

https://wartimegardening.wordpress.com/mr-middleton/

[Daisy]

Gem - that's really interesting. He certainly started a trend both on the radio and on TV.

[Gemini]

1774

Robert Clive, English soldier often referred to as 'Clive of India', died, possibly from an overdose of opium. It may have been suicide, but suicide was regarded as a sin, and if this had been admitted by his family he would not have been allowed a church burial. As it is, his grave was unmarked and remains so.

[Daisy]

He was a controversial figure, but I didn't realise his grave was unmarked.

[Gemini]

1978

A Birmingham nightclub was ordered to open its doors to black and Chinese people.


I'm shocked that this was even in question

[Daisy]

Gem - I'm shocked, too!

[Oma]

You just cant imagine it can you not in the 70's

[Gemini]

1988

Mrs. Rita Lockett of Torquay, Devon, spent £10,000 to repeat her daughter’s wedding two months after the event, because she did not like the video. The couple went through the reception with all 200 wedding guests wearing the same outfits and having to listen to the same speeches, this time with a professional video crew on hand

[Daisy]

Oh, Gem, this is the stuff of nightmares! Honestly, wedding and video photography can cause more dramas than you could possible dream up for a work of fiction! Mind you alongside unrealistic expectations (usually from the bride or bride's mother) the photography industry has its fair share of charlatans as well as well-meaning lambs to the slaughter. People think it's easy - you've got a good camera what else could you possibly need!! I could write a book!!!

[Gemini]

1582

William Shakespeare, aged 18, married Anne Hathaway. They had a daughter in 1583 and a twin boy and girl in 1585. The boy died aged 11.

[Daisy]

They got married young in those days!