this is the week that was
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.11 September:
1895: The original FA Cup is stolen from a Birmingham shop.
1905: The government blames an increase in rural lunacy on the tedium of country life.
1947: The government declares that vegetarians will receive extra potato rations.
1952: The first video recorder is demonstrated by John Mullin and Wayne Johnson.
1978: Georgi Markov is stabbed by a Bulgarian agent with a poisoned umbrella.
12 September:
1379: Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, pardons two herds of swine that had been condemned to death as accomplices to infanticide committed by a sow.
1908: Wedding day of Winston Churchill.
1914: Mary Phelps Jacob patents the brassiere.
1953: Wedding day of John F Kennedy.
1974: A salmon is caught in the Thames, the first since the 1840s.
13 September:
1987: The BBC transmits its first condom commercial.
1988: Festo Kazarwa, a Ugandan rainmaker, is lynched after crops and homes are destroyed by hailstones. He had threatened to summon hail if the villagers did not show him more respect.
14 September:
1687: Death of Nell Gwynn, mistress of Charles II.
1743: Death of Louise de Keroualle, mistress of Charles II.
1896: The speed limit is raised from 4mph to 14mph. Drivers may now proceed without a man walking in front of their car.
1968: Edward Heath appoints Margaret Thatcher to the post of shadow transport minister.
15 September:
1901: The non-portable electric hearing aid is patented by Miller Reese of New York.
1969: Britain's first colour TV advert - for Birds Eye frozen peas.
16 September:
1913: Leonard Woods of Missouri patents the watch-pistol, allowing its owner to shoot a highwayman while apparently handing over his watch.
1959: The Sound of Music is first performed on Broadway.
17 September:
1842: The Illustrated London News reports the death of a cow that had drunk 20 quarts of ale left to cool at a Welsh beer-house.
1944: The town of Freiburg, Germany, is alerted to an impending air raid by the quacking of a duck, which subsequently has a statue erected in its honour.
1970: The first Page Three Girl appears in The Sun.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments