SWINDON...

1947: Giving the dispatch box a resounding thump, Winston Churchill, figured in a midnight clash in the House of Commons over changes in constitution of the Commitee of Privileges. As a result two MPs were dismissed from the committee and Mr Thomas Reid, Labour MP for Swindon was added, but no explanation was given.

1957: Those interested in underwater exploration will welcome the news that a branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club has been formed in Swindon. The club will hold a beginners’ course based on a nationally-approved training programme.

1977: Four Swindon dancers, Stefanie Newman, Jane Bolan, Cindy Burrell and Sharon Turner, due to appear in a show in riot-torn Pakistani city of Karachi may have found themselves performing in the Bahamas instead. It was because of the violent street fighting and martial law in the city.

2013: A public consultation was held over Swindon’s planned £10m university technical college – including the latest building designs. UTC Swindon, which was to specialise in engineering, business, enterprise and entrepreneurship, will cater for 14- to 19-year-olds from September 2014.

THE WORLD...

1661: Charles II of England, Scotland and Ireland was crowned king at Westminster Abbey.

1968: The first decimal coins appeared in Britain.

1983: Cliff Thorburn scored the first televised maximum break of 147 in the World Snooker championships.

1984: The United States announced the discovery of the Aids virus.

BORN...

1564: William Shakespeare, English playwright, poet and actor (d.1616)

1775: Joseph Mallord William Turner, English landscape painter (d.1851)

1939: Lee Majors, actor

1953: James Russo, actor

1955: Judy Davis, actress

1962: John Hannah, actor

1977: John Cena, actor/professional wrestler

1981: Lady Gabriella Windsor

1990: Dev Patel, actor, 24

DIED...

1616: William Shakespeare, English playwright, poet and actor (b.1564)

1915: Rupert Brooke, English poet (b.1887)