1861: London's first tram cars began operating, designed by a Mr Train from New York.

1891: Goal nets, the invention of JA Brodie of Liverpool, were used for the first time in an FA Cup Final.

1919: Italy's Fascist Party was founded by Benito Mussolini.

1921: Donald Campbell, who emulated his father, Sir Malcolm, by breaking land and water-speed records, was born in Horley, Surrey.

1923: The BBC began broadcasting SOS messages to people who were away from home and needed to be contacted urgently.

1971: Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan, proclaimed its independence.

1991: In a speech to Conservatives at Southport, John Major outlined plans for his Citizen's Charter.