1847HMS Driver completed the first circumnavigation of the world by a steamship when it arrived back at Spithead on the Hampshire coast.
1856The trial of William Palmer, doctor and poisoner, began at the Old Bailey. Palmer's victims were poisoned with strychnine. They included creditors, at least four of his 14 illegitimate children, his mother-in-law, his wife who had brought him a large dowry, and other relations. Palmer was found guilty and executed in his native Staffordshire.
1894Blackpool Tower first opened to the public who paid a 6d (six pence) entrance fee, six pence more for a ride in the lifts to the top, and a further six pence for the circus.
On 14th May 1896, Garth Pier, Bangor was opened by Lord Penrhyn.
At 1550 feet long it is the second longest pier in Wales after Llandudno pier and stretches just over half way across Afon Menai. Until 1914 a railway ran the length of the pier connecting with the landing stage which handled steamers from Blackpool, Liverpool and Douglas, Isle of Man. After years of neglect and consequent deterioration the pier was finally closed to the public in 1971, and, in 1974 was taken into the ownership of the county council, who proposed to demolish it. However, Bangor City Council bought the pier for one penny in 1982 and organised its restoration, which was completed with the pier's official reopening in 1988.
On 14th May 1951 the narrow gauge Talyllyn Railway was reopened between Tywyn on the Mid-Wales coast and Nant Gwernol near the village of Abergynolwyn, by the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society. It is the world's first railway to be preserved as a heritage railway by volunteers. The line was first used from 1866 to transport slate from the Bryn Eglwys quarry to Towyn.
2000 May 14 Tom Jones album "Reload" was at the top of the British chart, making him the oldest artist (60) to ever score a UK #1 album with new material. The LP went on to become the highest selling album of his career, with sales of over four million worldwide. Oddly, it was not released in America.
