April 16

Planning begins for a major meeting between Henry VIII and Francis I. The event aimed to improve relations between England and France. It became famous for its scale and displays of wealth.

British forces defeat the Jacobite army in Scotland. It was the final battle of the 1745 uprising. The result ended attempts to restore the Stuart monarchy.

The first train runs between Bombay and Thane. The journey covered about 34 kilometres. It marked the start of India’s railway system.

Born in London. He became one of the most influential figures in silent film. His character “The Tramp” became globally recognised.

Harriet Quimby flies across the English Channel. She becomes the first woman to complete the journey. The flight marked a milestone in early aviation.

Lenin returns from exile to Petrograd. He soon leads the Bolsheviks in revolution. His return was a key moment in Russian history.

Born in Germany. He became head of the Catholic Church in 2005. He served as pope until 2013.

Martin Luther King Jr. writes from prison. He defends nonviolent protest. The letter became a key civil rights document.

NASA launches its fifth Moon mission. Astronauts explore the lunar highlands. Samples and data are collected for research.

Scientists complete the mapping of human DNA. The project took over a decade to finish. It transformed medicine and genetic research.

Countries around the world agree to limit global warming. The agreement aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It became a major step in global environmental cooperation.