1883: The Orient Express began its first journey.

1895: Horace Rawlins won the first ever US Open Golf Championship held at Newport, Rhode Island.

1911: Britain's first public escalator was switched on at London's Earls Court underground station.

1931: The Dick Tracy cartoon strip appeared for the first time.

1957: The world's first space satellite, the Soviet Sputnik 1, was launched.

1969: The Beatles' Abbey Road album went to number one on the album chart. It was the last time they recorded as a group.

1965: Pope Paul VI became the first Pope to visit America.

1973: Top of the Pops celebrated its 500th show with Slade, Gary Glitter and the Osmonds performing.

1983: A world land speed record of 663.5 mph was set by Britain's Richard Noble in his jet-powered car, Thrust II, in Nevada.

1992: The musical Anna Karenina closed after 46 performances.