On this day...

[Futtocks]

On this day in 1999, Oliver Reed died while filming the Russell Crowe epic Gladiator. Reed had allegedly consumed 8 pints of beer, 12 shots of rum, half a bottle of whisky, and shots of cognac after challenging sailors from HMS Cumberland to a drinking contest in a pub.

He was arm-wrestling sailors when he collapsed.

[DavidM]

14 hours ago, Futtocks said:

On this day in 1999, Oliver Reed died while filming the Russell Crowe epic Gladiator. Reed had allegedly consumed 8 pints of beer, 12 shots of rum, half a bottle of whisky, and shots of cognac after challenging sailors from HMS Cumberland to a drinking contest in a pub.

He was arm-wrestling sailors when he collapsed.

It’s how he would have wanted to go 

[DavidM]

Today in history …

The tomb of King Herod is discovered 2007

Vladimir Putin is inaugurated Russian President 2000

The Scream is recovered after being stolen 1994

Khruschev announces they’ve got Gary Powers 1960

Jodl signs unconditional surrender 1945 ( repeated the next day for the Soviets )

Norway Debate begins 1940

Condor Legion arrives in Spain 1937

U-20 sinks The Lusitania 1915

Greek independence 1832

World premiere of Beethoven’s 9th 1824

Palace of Versailles opened by Louis XIV 1664

[The Hallucinating Goose]

On this day in 1765, HMS Victory is launched at Chatham Dockyards, however she is not commissioned until 1778.

[DavidM]

34 minutes ago, The Hallucinating Goose said:

On this day in 1765, HMS Victory is launched at Chatham Dockyards, however she is not commissioned until 1778.

Still commissioned as the fleets flagship 

[The Hallucinating Goose]

1 hour ago, DavidM said:

Still commissioned as the fleets flagship 

Yep, we could send her into battle if we wanted to. 

[Wiltshire Warrior Dragon]

Alan Bennett is 90 today.  Since the death of Jonathan Miller in 2019, he has been the sole remaining member of the great Beyond the Fringe quartet, the others being Peter Cook and Dudley Moore.

[The Hallucinating Goose]

On this day in 1386, England and Portugal confirm their alliance with the signing of the Treaty of Windsor. This is the longest continuous, unbroken political alliance that still continues to this day. 638 years to the day, we have been allied with Portugal. 

Edited May 9 by The Hallucinating Goose

[DavidM]

4 hours ago, The Hallucinating Goose said:

On this day in 1386, England and Portugal confirm their alliance with the signing of the Treaty of Windsor. This is the longest continuous, unbroken political alliance that still continues to this day. 638 years to the day, we have been allied with Portugal. 

Apart from when we play them in tournaments and they use underhand shenanigans to win 

[The Hallucinating Goose]

On this day in 1950, the first formula one grand prix took place at Silverstone, with Giuseppe Farina the winner. He would go on to be the inaugural World Champion as well. 

[DavidM]

On 09/05/2024 at 11:38, The Hallucinating Goose said:

On this day in 1386, England and Portugal confirm their alliance with the signing of the Treaty of Windsor. This is the longest continuous, unbroken political alliance that still continues to this day. 638 years to the day, we have been allied with Portugal. 

Can i just say Mike Loades does a good documentary on this on history hit

[DavidM]

Today in 1940 Churchill makes his ‘ blood toil tears and sweat ‘ speech as The Wehrmacht pours into France … 3 years later Axis forces surrender in North Africa . 

In 1917 the first apparition of Our Lady in Fatima reported 

1912 The Royal Flying Corps comes into being 

Jamestown colony settled 1607

[The Hallucinating Goose]

On this day in 2004, Arsenal became only the second team, after Preston, to go an entire league season unbeaten and claim the title of "The Invincibles". 

[Futtocks]

On this day, 23 years ago, John Prescott punched a man with a regrettable mullet in Rhyl for throwing an egg.

[Ullman]

On 16/05/2024 at 09:27, Futtocks said:

On this day, 23 years ago, John Prescott punched a man with a regrettable mullet in Rhyl for throwing an egg.

Picked the wrong bloke. Prezza was a handy boxer in his merchant seaman days.

[DavidM]

Dracula was published in 1897 , the battle of Monte Cassino ended in 1944 and Mount St Helens erupted in 1980 , John Bellingham is sentenced to death for killing Spencer Percival 1812 , Napoleon is proclaimed emperor 1804 … a year after Britain declares war on France 

[DavidM]

Anne Boleyn had her head chopped off today in 1536 

[The Hallucinating Goose]

On this day on 1649, an Act of Parliament is passed making England a commonwealth and a Republic for the following 11 years under the Long Parliament.