17 July
What happened today in history?
- 1429 – Following a successful military campaign led by Joan of Arc, Charles VII of France is crowned in Reims.
- 1717 – The premier of George Frideric Handel’s Water Music features King George I sailing down the River Thames with an orchestra.
- 1918 – Russian Emperor Nicholas II and his family are murdered by Bolshevik Chekists.
- 1955 – Walt Disney opens Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
- 1981 – The Humber Bridge is opened by Queen Elizabeth II.
Who was born today?
- 1899 – James Cagney – American actor.
- 1952 – David Hasselhoff – American singer and actor.
Who died today?
- 1790 – Adam Smith – Scottish economist and philosopher.
- 1959 – Billie Holiday – American singer.
- 2005 – Edward Heath – Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
