1808 ….. U.K ..... the FIRST legal use of the term ' trial separation' occurred in the divorce proceedings of James Gregory Dyas, a battered husband, and his ill-tempered and violent wife, Moragh. After three days of peace she went to his sister's house where he had taken refuge and broke his legs with a plough- share. He got his divorce

1887 ….. FRANCE ..... the world's FIRST motor race took place along the banks of the River Seine from the centre of Paris to Nevilly

1929 ….. ITALY ..... the FIRST Italian parliament made up exclusively of Fascists led by Benito Mussolini, was opened by Victor Emmanuel 111

1964 ….. U.K ..... BBC2 FIRST went on the air

1974 ..... U.K ..... Michael O'Brien became the FIRST sporting streaker in Britain when, at half-time in the rugby match between England and France at Twickenham, he stripped off and ran naked across the pitch. He was later fined £10.00

2002 ..... U.K ..... the FIRST gay wedding-style ceremony was held in a British register office when Carl Howard and Steve Brayshaw tied the knot in a ceremony at the marriage suite at Heron House in Manchester. Although Manchester was the second city to set up a register for gay and lesbian couples        ( London was the first) it was the FIRST to carry out a ceremony through the official auspices of the register service

Back to top of page ** Next page ** Previous page