Spacecraft Gaia is launched by the European Space Agency.
Spacecraft Gaia is launched by the European Space Agency.
ON THIS DAY
The past leaves a trace.
Choose a date and follow its stories through time. Browse the calendar
A date. A doorway to the past.
Choose a day and discover what happened.
2013
1981
Sixteen lives are lost when the Penlee lifeboat goes to the aid of the stricken coaster Union Star in…
Sixteen lives are lost when the Penlee lifeboat goes to the aid of the stricken coaster Union Star in heavy seas.
1941
World War II: Adolf Hitler appoints himself as head of the Oberkommando des Heeres.
World War II: Adolf Hitler appoints himself as head of the Oberkommando des Heeres.
1932
BBC World Service begins broadcasting as the BBC Empire Service.
BBC World Service begins broadcasting as the BBC Empire Service.
1796
French Revolutionary Wars: Two British frigates under Commodore Horatio Nelson and two Spanish frigates…
French Revolutionary Wars: Two British frigates under Commodore Horatio Nelson and two Spanish frigates under Commodore Don Jacobo Stuart engage in battle off the coast of Murcia.
1683
Birth of Philip V of Spain
Born: Philip V of Spain (died 1746).
653
Pope Martin I, having been abducted by Byzantine authorities from Rome for his opposition to…
Pope Martin I, having been abducted by Byzantine authorities from Rome for his opposition to Monothelitism, is tried in Constantinople.
401
Death of Pope Anastasius I
Died: Pope Anastasius I.
Dates follow the source calendar pages; older dates may use different calendars. About the sources