In 1831, Charles Darwin set sail in The Beagle' on his voyage of scientific discovery.

In 1871, the world's first cat show took place at Crystal Palace.

In 2002, Clonaid, a company formed by the Raelian sect, claimed that the first cloned child had been born. Experts were sceptical.

25 years ago

Taken from the Telegraph & Argus of December 27, 1982...

People wanting to start new businesses are being offered a £40 weekly "wage" for a year by Bradford Council. About £60,000 has been set aside to fund a three-month experiment called the Enterprise Allowance Scheme.

50 years ago

Taken from the Telegraph & Argus of December 27, 1957...

The best news for the coming year is that for the first time in its 101-year history, Bradford Festival Choral Society looks forward to balancing its accounts on the right side.