In 1220, Henry II laid the foundation stone of a new Lady Chapel at Westminster Abbey.

In 1804, Napoleon was declared Emperor.

In 1999, Phil Dunnington and David Hempleman-Adams became the first Britons to fly over the North Pole in a hot air balloon.

25 years ago

Taken from the Telegraph & Argus of May 16, 1982

A legal battle by villagers to win freehold rights over moorland near Skipton is to be fought at the Court of Appeal.

50 years ago

Taken from the Telegraph & Argus of May 16, 1957

Demobilised from the RAF, 22-year-old Trevor Bowers, of Wilton Street, Low Moor, Bradford, declined the transport services for his return home, and instead he wheeled out his bike and set off under his own steam from Marseilles.