You don't have Javascript enabled. To view this site requires Javascript to be enabled.
MjIxMi0tLTU1NC0tLTE=.jpg
If you can't access speech audio, click here to get Real Player
sponsored by peru

11th December

344---Image_large

1936: Edward VIII abdicates


After ruling for less than one year, Edward VIII becomes the first English monarch to voluntarily abdicate the throne. The eldest son of King George V, Edward ascended to the throne in January 1936. He enjoyed immense popularity with his subjects until he announced his intention to marry Wallis Warfield Simpson, an American divorcee. Many in Britain opposed the marriage, but the king refused to call off his engagement. With no compromise possible, Edward announced his abdication, saying, I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as king, as I would wish to do, without the help and support of the woman I love. That evening, Parliament passed a bill of abdication, and the next day Edward's younger brother was proclaimed King George VI. The former king was granted the title of Duke of Windsor, and in 1937 he married Wallis Warfield in France.

1994

Russia sends troops into the region of Chechnya to control the independence movement.

1990

Albania announces it will allow the formation of independent political parties.

1987

The cane and bowler hat, trademarks of silent film comedy actor Charlie Chaplin, are sold at auction for £82,500.

1975

End of the IRA Balcombe Street siege.

1972

USA astronauts aboard Apollo 17 land on the Moon and begin extensive exploration of the lunar surface.

1967

Unveiling of the prototype of Concorde, the world's first supersonic airliner.

1961

Two US helicopter companies arrive in Saigon, capital of South Vietnam - the first direct USA military support in the war against Communist guerillas.

1941

World War II: United States of America declares war on Germany and Italy.

1936

Abdication of Edward VIII after reigning as King of Britain for just 325 days.

1921

Several members of the Indian National Congress are arrested by the British authorities for advocating self-rule for India.

1914

Britain's Royal Flying Corps, which later becomes the RAF, first adopts the distinctive red, white and blue roundel to identify its aircraft more easily during World War I.

1907

Fire destroys the Parliament Buildings at Wellington in New Zealand.

1903

World's first wildlife preservation society is founded in Britain : the Society for the Preservation of the Wild Fauna of the Empire.

1894

There is a total of 9 exhibitors at the world's first Motor Show which is being held in Paris.

1844

First recorded use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) by a dentist.

1816

Britain restores Java, Indonesia to the Netherlands.

1816

Indiana officially becomes an American state.

1769

Venetian blinds are patented by Edward Beran in London.

1918

Russian writer Alexander Solzhenitsyn.

1908

American composer Elliott Carter. Apart from composing a variety of concertos for piano and orchestra and a 'Symphony For Three Orchestras ' (1976-77), he composes the ballet 'Pocahontas '(1936-39).

1803

French composer Hector Berlioz who famous works include 'Symphonie Fantastique'

1707

Religious leader Charles Wesley.

1964

American soul singer Sam Cooke is shot dead by the manageress of a motel in Los Angeles.