British history
History of London
It happened today – 5th December
The following historical events all occurred on the 5th December…
- 1766: Christie’s first art sale
- John Chritie held his first art sale on this day in 1766. He later went on to open the world famous Christie’s auction house.
- 1958: Britain’s first motorway
- Britain’s first section of motorway was opened on this day in 1958 by Harold MacMillan – the Preston bypass in north-west England. It now goes by the catchy name of M6.
- 1967: Beatles’ Apple store opened
- The Beatles’ Apple store in Baker Street opened on this day in 1967. It closed shortly after due to spiralling costs.
- 2005: Civil Partnership Act
- The Civil Partnership Act came into force on this day in 2005, giving same-sex couples legal recognition.
Samuel Pepys’ Diary
Samuel Pepys kept his diary between January 1660 and May 1669; witnessing such momentous events as the Great Fire of London, Great Plague of 1665, and Coronation of King Charles II. Below you can read his thoughts for the 5th December 1668 – exactly 340 years ago to the day.
Up, after a little talk with my wife, which troubled me, she being ever since our late difference mighty watchful of sleep and dreams, and will not be persuaded but I do dream of Deb., and do tell me that I speak in my dreams and that this night I did cry, Huzzy, and it must be she, and now and then I start otherwise than I used to do, she says, which I know not, for I do not know that I dream of her more than usual, though I cannot deny that my thoughts waking do run now and then against my will and judgment upon her, for that only is wanting to undo me, being now in every other thing as to my mind most happy, and May still be so but for my own fault, if I be catched loving any body but my wife again. So up and to the office, and at noon to dinner, and thence to office, where late, mighty busy, and despatching much business, settling papers in my own office, and so home to supper, and to bed. No news stirring, but that my Lord of Ormond is likely to go to Ireland again, which do shew that the Duke of Buckingham do not rule all so absolutely; and that, however, we shall speedily have more changes in the Navy: and it is certain that the Nonconformists do now preach openly in houses, in many places, and among others the house that was heretofore Sir G. Carteret's, in Leadenhall Streete, and have ready access to the King. And now the great dispute is, whether this Parliament or another; and my great design, if I continue in the Navy, is to get myself to be a Parliament-man.
