1859: The storm over evolution broke when Charles Darwin published his Origin of the Species. Though he did not see why it should shock the religious feelings of anyone, people nevertheless raced to abuse him, led by Bishop "Soapy Sam" Wilberforce and the Church in full cry.

1929: The French Tiger, Clemenceau, died more than a decade after he had led his country to victory in World War One. He had often slept fully clothed, after first changing into an unstarched shirt and replacing his shoes with slippers.

1928: Noel Coward's biggest flop was booed off stage on its opening night in London. It was called Sirocco and Ivor Novello and Frances Dobie acted the star parts so badly that the audience fell about laughing. When the curtain came down, Coward lived up to his name by fleeing across the stage instead of making a speech.

1978: The first public flush toilets for dogs were installed at specially selected sites in the streets of Paris. As if this was not luxury enough, the concrete bowls were fitted with tall posts for dogs who preferred more traditional methods.

1749: The resurrection of a rapist occurred when William Duell (17) was hanged on The Tyburn Tree, London. He was cut down after 20 minutes and the body removed for dissection.

A lackey was washing him when he became back to life and after two hours was completely recovered. Despite attempts by the authorities to hang him again, a huge crowd kept sheriff's officers at bay and Duell was saved.