This Week In London’s History
- Monday – 7 April 1779: The Reverend James Hackman follows Martha Ray, a singer and the mistress of the 4th Earl of Sandwich, to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. When she leaves the theatre after the performance, Hackman shoots her dead, seemingly out of jealousy.
- Tuesday – 8 April 1908: Edward VII appoints Herbert Asquith as Prime Minister, following the resignation of his predecessor, Henry Cambell-Bannerman, due to ill health.
- Wednesday – 9 April 2005: Prince Charles marries Camilla Parker Bowles in a civil ceremony in Windsor.
- Thursday – 10 April 1606: The London Company (a.k.a. the ‘Charter of the Virginia Company of London’) is established by James I and given a remit to colonise North America.
- Friday – 11 April 1981: Following the arrest of a youth on the previous evening, a huge riot breaks out in Brixton. More than 300 police officers and 65 civilians are injured; over 100 vehicles and 150 buildings are seriously damaged.
London Quote Of The Week
London society is full of women of the very highest birth who have, of their own free choice, remained thirty-five for years.
Oscar Wilde, 'The Importance of Being Earnest'
Photo by Dave Pearce via the Londonist Flickr Pool.