April 17

1172

Last day King Henry II holds his court in Dublin

Ireland

The last day King Henry II of England held his court in Dublin was on April 17, 1172. Henry’s involvement in Ireland marked a significant moment in both English and Irish …

1341

Edinburgh Castle taken from English, reversing English encroachments against independent Scotland

Ireland

Edinburgh Castle started to develop into a royal fortress during the reign of David I from 1124 to 1153. In 1296 Edward I of England invaded Scotland. He besieged and captured …

1656

William Molyneux, statesman, philosopher and scientist, is born in Dublin

Ireland

William Molyneux FRS (17 April 1656 – 11 October 1698) was an Anglo-Irish writer on science, politics and natural philosophy. He is noted as a close friend of fellow philosopher …

1766

James Craigs winning entry for development of Edinburgh New Town was approved.

Scotland

James Craig (31 October 1739 – 23 June 1795) was a Scottish architect who worked mostly in lowlands of the country and especially his native city of Edinburgh. He is remembered …

1783

The British Renunciation Act

Ireland

The Irish Appeals Act 1783 (23 Geo. 3. c. 28), commonly known as the Renunciation Act, was an Act of the Parliament of Great Britain. By it the British Parliament renounced all …

1847

The Educational Institute of Scotland was founded

Scotland

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) is the oldest teachers’ trade union in the world, having been founded in 1847 when dominies became concerned about the effect of …

1895

Scotlands first cremation at Glasgow's Western Necropolis.

Scotland

Western Necropolis is a cemetery complex in Glasgow, Scotland located to the north of the city centre. As well as the actual Western Necropolis cemetery established in 1882, it is …

1909

Riot by fans after replay of Scottish Cup Final between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park.

Scotland

The 1909 Scottish Cup final was the final of the 36th season of the Scottish Cup. The match was an Old Firm affair contested by Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park, with the trophy …

1937

A British record attendance at a football match was set when 149,547 watched Scotland vs England at Hampden Park, Glasgow

Scotland

A stadium on the present site opened on 31 October 1903, with a capacity in excess of 100,000. This was increased between 1927 and 1937, reaching a peak of 150,000. The record …

1969

Everyone in Britain over the age of 18 was allowed to vote in parliamentary elections

England

The Representation of the People Act 1969 lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, the first major country to do so. The Representation of the People Act 1985 gave British citizens …