The History of England - On this Day - 30th March

1296 -Edward I captured Berwick-upon-Tweed, during armed conflict between Scotland and England. As many as 10,000 men, women and children were killed. Even a woman giving birth was hacked to pieces during her labour. When the garrison commander Lord of Douglas surrendered, his life and those of his garrison were spared.

1750 -The birth of English composer John Stafford Smith. He is best known for writing the music for the American patriotic song The Star-Spangled Banner following the War of 1812.

1936 - England announced the construction of 38 warships, the largest construction programme for 15 years.

1944 -Allied bombing raid on Nuremberg. 795 aircraft were despatched from along England's east coast , including 572 Lancasters, 214 Halifaxes and 9 Mosquitos. The bombers met German fighter resistance at the coasts of Belgium and the Netherlands. In total, 95 bombers were lost, making it the largest Bomber Command loss of World War II.

1979 -Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Airey Neave was killed by a car bomb as he left the House of Commons car park. The Irish National Liberation Army claimed responsibility.

1994 -The West Indies cricket team dismissed England for 46, the lowest total reached by an English side since 1887.

2002 -Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, (born August 4th 1900), died peacefully in her sleep, aged 101.