News
1865 - American President Abraham Lincoln was shot whilst at the theatre by John Wilkes Booth. He died of his injuries the following day.
1912 - The Titanic struck an iceberg and started to sink. More than 1,500 people died. According to eyewitness accounts, the lights were still blazing and the band was still playing.
1942 - The George Cross was awarded to the island of Malta, for bravery under enemy attack during World War II.
1949 - Eire proclaimed itself the Republic of Ireland.
1989 - A crush at Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield resulted in the deaths of 96 football fans.
1995 - A 1,000lb car bomb exploded outside a federal government building in Oklahoma City.
2004 - One day after being elected Prime Minister of Spain, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero ordered all Spanish troops home from Iraq.
2005 - Joseph Ratzinger was elected as the new Pope, Benedict XVI.
Sport
1929 - The first Monaco Grand Prix was held in Monte Carlo.
2002 - The London Marathon took place. Paula Radcliffe clocked the second-fastest women's time ever, with a record two hours, 18 minutes and 56 seconds.
Entertainment
1927 - Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford became the first celebrities to leave their footprints in the cement at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
1950 - Dan Dare made his first public appearance in 'The Eagle'.
1956 - The first video was demonstrated.
Music
1976 - Eric Faulkner of The Bay City Rollers came close to death after a drug overdose at his manager's house.
1989 - Tone Loc's 'Loc-ed After Dark' became the first-ever black rap album to reach number one in the US album charts.
Number Ones
2007 The Proclaimers featuring Brian Potter and Andy Pipkin: 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)'.
2006 Gnarls Barkley: 'Crazy'.
2000 Fragma: 'Toca's Miracle'.
1999 Martine McCutcheon: 'Perfect Moment'.
1988 The Pet Shop: 'Boys Heart'.
1983 David Bowie: 'Let's Dance'
1978 Kate Bush: 'Wuthering Heights'.
