August 9th in History
August 9th – On this Day in History
1173 – Construction of the Tower of Pisa begins
On August 9, 1173, the foundations were laid for the Tower of Pisa, now famously known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The tower was intended as a freestanding bell tower for the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa. Its construction took place over 199 years in three stages.
The tower began to lean during the construction of the second floor in 1178 due to a shallow three-meter foundation, set in weak, unstable subsoil—a flaw that was only exacerbated over time.
Despite numerous attempts to correct the tilt, the tower continued to lean, leading to its distinctive and iconic appearance today. The Leaning Tower of Pisa has since become a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains one of Italy’s most recognizable landmarks.
On 9th August 1211, Marcher lord, William de Braose, 4th Lord of Bramber, a major landholder in Wales, died in France after fleeing there from Wales the previous year disguised as a beggar.
William de Braose was a favourite of King John, who gave him the titles of Lord of Gower, Glamorgan, Brecknock, Abergavenny, Builth, Radnor and Kington. His wife Maud was put in charge of Hay Castle and is often referred to as the 'Lady of Hay'
1803 Robert Fulton tests his steamboat on the River Seine in France, but it sinks.
The first stone of Holyhead Pier on Ynys Mon (Anglesey) was laid on 9th August 1810.
1870 The Elementary Education Act was passed. It gave compulsory, free education to every child in England and Wales between the age of five and 13.
1902 – Edward VII and Alexandra of Denmark are crowned King and Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
9 Aug 1963
The first ever edition of 'Ready Steady Go! was shown on UK TV. Introduced by Keith Fordyce and 19 year-old Cathy McGowan. The first show featured The Searchers, Jet Harris, Pat Boone, Billy Fury and Brian Poole and The Tremeloes. The final show was in Dec 1966 after 175 episodes. Originally 30 minutes long, it expanded to 50 minutes the following year, and soon attracted the most popular artists, including The Beatles, The Lovin' Spoonful, The Rolling Stones, The Four Tops, The Kinks and many others.
9 Aug 1958
Britain's answer to Elvis, 17 year old Cliff Richard, signed a record deal with EMI records. Also on this day Cliff Richard started a four-week residency at Butlins Holiday Camp in Clacton-On-Sea, Essex as Cliff Richard and the Drifters.
1173 – Construction of the Tower of Pisa begins
On August 9, 1173, the foundations were laid for the Tower of Pisa, now famously known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The tower was intended as a freestanding bell tower for the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa. Its construction took place over 199 years in three stages.
The tower began to lean during the construction of the second floor in 1178 due to a shallow three-meter foundation, set in weak, unstable subsoil—a flaw that was only exacerbated over time.
Despite numerous attempts to correct the tilt, the tower continued to lean, leading to its distinctive and iconic appearance today. The Leaning Tower of Pisa has since become a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains one of Italy’s most recognizable landmarks.
On 9th August 1211, Marcher lord, William de Braose, 4th Lord of Bramber, a major landholder in Wales, died in France after fleeing there from Wales the previous year disguised as a beggar.
William de Braose was a favourite of King John, who gave him the titles of Lord of Gower, Glamorgan, Brecknock, Abergavenny, Builth, Radnor and Kington. His wife Maud was put in charge of Hay Castle and is often referred to as the 'Lady of Hay'
1803 Robert Fulton tests his steamboat on the River Seine in France, but it sinks.
The first stone of Holyhead Pier on Ynys Mon (Anglesey) was laid on 9th August 1810.
1870 The Elementary Education Act was passed. It gave compulsory, free education to every child in England and Wales between the age of five and 13.
1902 – Edward VII and Alexandra of Denmark are crowned King and Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
9 Aug 1963
The first ever edition of 'Ready Steady Go! was shown on UK TV. Introduced by Keith Fordyce and 19 year-old Cathy McGowan. The first show featured The Searchers, Jet Harris, Pat Boone, Billy Fury and Brian Poole and The Tremeloes. The final show was in Dec 1966 after 175 episodes. Originally 30 minutes long, it expanded to 50 minutes the following year, and soon attracted the most popular artists, including The Beatles, The Lovin' Spoonful, The Rolling Stones, The Four Tops, The Kinks and many others.
9 Aug 1958
Britain's answer to Elvis, 17 year old Cliff Richard, signed a record deal with EMI records. Also on this day Cliff Richard started a four-week residency at Butlins Holiday Camp in Clacton-On-Sea, Essex as Cliff Richard and the Drifters.
61-69, M
