1786: Commercial ice-cream was manufactured for the first time in New York.

1929: The Vatican became an independent sovereign state.

1931: Britain's most violent earthquake on record was felt along the length of the country.

1946: The BBC re-opened its television service. It had been closed since 1939.

1954: Bill Haley and the Comets recorded See You Later Alligator, Shake, Rattle and Roll and ABC Boogie in four hours.

1957: Benidorm was hailed as the new unspoilt holiday destination.

1960: The first NHS hearing aids were introduced.

1962: Steptoe and Son was shown for the first time.

1982: The Graceland mansion opened to the public.

1993: Prince changes his name to The Artist Formerly Known as Prince.

1996: Baddiel and Skinner and the Lightening Seeds were at number one with Three Lions.