Today in History

[Gemini]

I was surprised Oma.

[Gemini]

1987

The worst fire in the history of the London Underground killed 30 people. The blaze began in the machinery below a wooden escalator in King’s Cross Underground station and soon filled the tunnels with dense, choking smoke and intense heat.

My DDs's father was almost caught up in this. Visiting his terminally ill father in a London hospital he decided to walk to Kings Cross for the train home, to clear his head, rather than take the tube as he did every other time.

[Oma]

Oh I remember this it was horrible '

[Daisy]

Gem - it's frightening to think how random, spur of the moment choices can possibly save our lives. Someone was looking after you DDs' father that day.

[Gemini]

Yes Daisy, we were so shocked when the news broke.

[Daisy]

I'm sure you were horrified. That sort of lucky escape leaves you in shock. xx

[Gemini]

1911

Doom Bar (previously known as Dunbar sands or Dune-bar) in Cornwall claimed two ships in a single day, Island Maid and Angele, the latter killing the entire crew, except the captain. There have been over 600 beachings, wrecks and capsizings at Doom Bar since records began early in the 19th century, with about 300 ships being wrecked.

[Gemini]

1992

Fire severely damaged the 'Brunswick Tower', at Windsor Castle when a spotlight ignited a curtain. The castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and one of the official residences of Queen Elizabeth II. The question of how the funds required should be found raised important issues about the financing of the monarchy, and led to Buckingham Palace being opened to the public for the first time to help to pay for the restoration.

[Gemini]

2003

An acoustic guitar on which the late Beatle George Harrison learned to play, fetched £276,000 at a London auction.

[Gemini]

1977

The world's first supersonic airliner, Concorde, was given permission to fly into New York's Kennedy Airport following an agreement over noise levels.

[Oma]

Seems so long ago now doesn't it .

[Daisy]

I'd love to have flown on Concorde.

[Gemini]

1963

The BBC broadcast the first ever episode of Doctor Who, starring William Hartnell as the Doctor, and Ann Ford as his first female companion. It is the world's longest running science fiction drama.The producer, Sydney Newman, thought the Daleks, designed by Ray Cusick, were ‘bug-eyed monsters’ and totally wrong for the series.

The Daleks still appear from time to time!

[Daisy]

It's amazing it started so long ago. I think it used to be on at 5 pm on a Saturday - a sure way of getting youngsters home in time for tea.

I think one of the strokes of genius of Dr Who was the theme music - instantly sending shivers down the spine.

[Oma]

I agree the theme music was brilliant as a child I was afraid of the Daleks