This Day in History - 8th May

1450Jack Cade's rebellion occurred 'On This Day' when Kentishmen, led by Jack Cade, revolted against King Henry VI with his 'Complaint of the Poor Commons of Kent' manifesto. His army of as many as 5,000 marched on London, causing the King to flee to Warwickshire. After taking and looting London, the rebels were defeated in a battle at London Bridge and scattered. They were promised pardons and reforms, but many of the rebels were instead declared traitors, and Cade was killed in a small skirmish on 12th July 1450.

1559The Act of Supremacy was passed by which the new Queen Elizabeth I became "Supreme Governor" of the Church of England and a Common Prayer book was introduced.

1660Charles II was proclaimed King of England. This was the restoration of the monarchy after the English Civil War and the reign of Oliver Cromwell as Lord Protector.

1701English pirate Captain Kidd went on trial at the Old Bailey in London. After being found guilty of piracy he was hanged on 23rd May, 1701.

1896The highest county cricket championship innings score, 887, was achieved by Yorkshire against Warwickshire at Edgbaston.

1923Jack Hobbs, the Surrey and England opening batsman, made his 100th century in first-class cricket.

1926David Attenborough, English naturalist and broadcaster was born.

1941The German Luftwaffe launched a bombing raid on Nottingham and Derby.

1945VE Day in Europe. After five years, eight months, and five days of massive devastation, the end of the European phase of World War II was celebrated. Victory in Europe was commemorated with celebrations all around the world in recognition of the unconditional surrender of all German forces, which was signed in Reims, France, the previous day.

1961Former British diplomat George Blake, was jailed for 42 years after being found guilty of spying for Russia. In 1966 he successfully escaped from London's Wormwood Scrubs.

1968Gangster twins Reginald and Ronnie Kray and their brother Charlie were arrested after dawn raids by police in London.

1984The official opening of the Thames Barrier in London. The barrier is designed to be raised when exceptionally high tides on the River Thames threaten to flood parts of London.

1986English climber Alison Hargreaves became the first climber to conquer a Himalayan peak by its toughest route when she reached the 11,500 foot summit of Kantega in 5 days without oxygen, porters or a fixed camp.