Today in News History

On July 1, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1553, Peter Street, English carpenter and builder (died 1609) was born. In 1782, Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham, English politician, Prime Minister of Great Britain (born 1730) passed away. In 1916, World War I: First day on the Somme: On the first day of the Battle of the Somme 19,000 soldiers of the British Army are killed and 40,000 wounded. In 1946, Mick Aston, English archaeologist and academic (died 2013) was born. In 1947, Malcolm Wicks, English academic and politician (died 2012) was born. In 1959, Specific values for the international yard, avoirdupois pound and derived units (e.g. inch, mile and ounce) are adopted after agreement between the US, the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries. In 1961, Malcolm Elliott, English cyclist was born. In 1961, Diana, Princess of Wales (died 1997) was born. In 1997, China resumes sovereignty over the city-state of Hong Kong, ending 156 years of British colonial rule. The handover ceremony is attended by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Charles, Prince of Wales, Chinese President Jiang Zemin and U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. In 2007, Smoking in England is banned in all public indoor spaces. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.