The First WH Smith Railway Bookstall
Seeing the potential of the new technology, William Henry Smith opened his first railway bookstall on 1 November 1848.
Months Past
The Treaty of Westphalia
On 24 October 1648, the Treaty of Westphalia was signed, marking the end of the Thirty Years' War.
Empress Tzu-Hsi's Coup
The 'dragon lady' seized control on September 21st, 1898.
Death of Emily Bronte
The author of Wuthering Heights died on 19 December, 1848, aged 30.
Opening of the London Olympics
Richard Cavendish remembers the opening of the ‘Austerity Olympics’ on 29 July 1948.
The Discovery of the Holy Lance
On June 15th, 1098, the army of the First Crusade discovered the Holy Lance – the very spear that had pierced Christ’s side on the cross - in the city of Antioch.
Arrival of SS Empire Windrush
The Empire Windrush, carrying some 500 passengers from Jamaica, arrived at Tilbury Dock on 22 June 1948.
Execution of Girolamo Savonarola
Having made many powerful enemies, the Dominican friar and puritan fanatic Girolamo Savonarola was executed on 23 May 1498.
Foundation of the State of Israel
Richard Cavendish describes the formation of the state of Israel, proclaimed by David Ben-Gurion, on May 14th, 1948.
Birth of Paul Robeson
Richard Cavendish remembers the events of April 9th, 1898.