1743: The earliest prize-ring code of boxing rules was formulated by Jack Broughton. The rules, which have been forgotten by Mike Tyson, outlawed head-butting, gouging and kicking.

1898: The roller coaster was patented by Edwin Prescott.

1930: The first British Empire Games was held in Canada.

1960: British rule came to an end in Cyprus when it was declared a republic.

1962: A Starr was born when the original Beatles drummer, Pete Best, was officially sacked from the band. His replacement, Ringo, had been playing in a Butlins Holiday Camp in Skegness.

1972: Alice Cooper's School's Out was in a class of its own at the top of the British charts.

1973: Moscow authorities gave Sesami Street the bird when they denounced it as imperialistic.

1980: Oops Upside Your Head hit the British charts. The accompanying rowing dance became a national craze.

1992: Nigel Mansell nearly got excited when he became Formula One champion.