Anniversaries

Births: William Heinemann, publisher, 1863; Bertrand Arthur William Russell, third Earl, philosopher, 1872; Walter Adolph Gropius, architect, 1883; Frank Capra, writer and film director, 1897.

Deaths: John Bellingham, murderer of Spencer Perceval, prime minister, executed 1812; Samuel Amsler, engraver, 1849; Gustav Mahler, composer, 1911; William Saroyan, author, 1981.

On this day: Napoleon was proclaimed Emperor of France, 1804; the first Mount Everest reconnaisance party started, led by Col Howard Bury, 1921; the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) was founded, 1943; the European Convention of Human Rights came into force, 1954; the first London production of the musical show The Sound of Music was presented, 1961.

Today is the Feast Day of St Elgiva, St Eric, king of Sweden, St Felix of Cantalicio, St John I, pope, St Potamon and Saints Theodotus and Thecusa.