This Day in History - 16th June

1779Spain declared war on Britain, and the Great Siege of Gibraltar began. In February 1783 the siege was lifted and the French and Spanish troops retired, disheartened and defeated, after three years and seven months' conflict. The final peace treaty left Gibraltar with the British, but the victorious British garrison sustained a loss of 1,231 men, and expended 8,000 barrels of gunpowder.

1824The RSPCA Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was founded.

1880The distinctive Salvation Army ladies' bonnets were worn for the first time when they marched in procession in London.

1883The Victoria Hall theatre panic in Sunderland killed 183 children. At the end of the show an announcement was made that children with certain numbered tickets would be presented with a prize upon exit. Worried about missing out on the treats, many of the estimated 1,100 children in the gallery stampeded toward the staircase leading downstairs. Those at the front became trapped, and were crushed by the weight of the crowd behind them.

1890Stan Laurel, (Arthur Jefferson) English born comedy actor of Laurel and Hardy fame, was born, at Ulverston.

1912Enoch Powell, British politician was born.

1915The foundation of the Women's Institute, regularly referred to as simply the WI. Its two aims were to revitalise rural communities and to encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War. It is now the largest women’s voluntary organisation in the UK.

1930Mixed bathing was permitted for the first time in Hyde Park, London.

1958Yellow ‘No Waiting’ lines were introduced to British streets.

1971Death of the broadcaster and former Director General of the BBC, John Reith.

1982South Wales Coalfield came to a standstill as miners went on strike in support of health workers who were demanding a 12% pay rise.

1982England international Bryan Robson scored a goal against France in Bilbao after just 27 seconds of the game. It was the quickest World Cup goal in history.

1992An explosive new book about the Princess of Wales, including claims that she attempted suicide, was published by author Andrew Morton.