1483/1530: Painter Raphael was born in 1483 and died on the same day 37 years later.

1874: Master escapologist Harry Houdini made his first escape on this day, from his mother's womb.

1580: An earthquake in London killed two people. It was Easter Wednesday, the churches were full and while the faithful were at prayer a violent earth tremor shook the city. The unlucky pair were killed by falling masonry when they rushed out of church to see why all the church bells were ringing.

1896: The first Olympic gold medal was won by American James Connolly in the triple jump.

1944: PAYE was introduced in Britain.

1893: The longest-ever recorded boxing match with gloves was fought between lightweights Jack Burke and Andrew Bowen. The fight which ended in a draw lasted seven hours and 19 minutes and covered 110 rounds.