1746: The army of Charles Stuart, the Young Pretender,' Bonnie Prince Charlie', was routed by Cumberland at the Battle of Culloden.

1850: Death of Marie Tussaud, Swiss-born modeller who established the world-famous waxworks near Baker Street, London, in 1835.

1889: Charlie Chaplin, (later Sir Charles), English comedian, was born in London.

1900: The world's first book of stamps was issued in the United States.

1912: American Harriet Quimby became the first woman to fly the English Channel.

1942: The island of Malta was awarded the George Cross for its heroism during German and Italian bombardment.

1951: The British submarine Affray sank in the English Channel with the loss of 75 lives.

1953: The royal yacht Britannia was launched by the Queen.

1964: Twelve members of the Great Train Robbery gang were sentenced to a total of 307 years in jail.

1969: Desmond Dekker became the first Jamaican artist to top the UK singles charts, with The Israelites.

On this day last year: A mother was jailed for life for murdering her two infant sons. Angela Cannings was convicted at Winchester Crown Court of murdering her sons Jason and Matthew.

BIRTHDAYS: Sir Peter Ustinov, actor 82; Vince Hill, singer 71; Joan Bakewell, TV presenter, 70; Ruth Madoc, actress, 60; Gerry Rafferty, singer, 56; Ellen Barkin, actress, 49; Nick Berry, actor, 40; Jimmy Osmond, pop singer, 40; Martin Lawrence, actor, 38.