London is full of rich history and heritage. But what historical anniversaries are on May 1? We round up the events …
What happened in the capital on May 1?
1851: Queen Victoria opened the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park
The opening of the Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations was on May 1, 1851, in Hyde Park. Thousands of people lined up waiting in anticipation to be let through the gates. It featured folding pianos, semi-nude Greek statues and more, and ran for six months from May to October 1851.
1517: Evil May Day riots
Evil May Day is the name given to a xenophobic riot that took place in 1517 as a protest against foreigners living in London. The rioting reached from Newgate Prison in the west to Blanchappleton near Aldgate in the east.
Innocent immigrants had their homes attacked, lives threatened and possessions ruined by hundreds of people.
At least 15 of the rioters were hanged for treason.
1875: Alexandra Palace reopens after burning down in 1873
Alexandra Palace was first opened on May 24, 1873. But just 16 days later it was destroyed by fire. It was quickly rebuilt and reopened on May 1, 1875. The new venue featured a concert hall, theatre, circus and extensive dining areas.
1966: Last British concert by the Beatles at Empire Pool in Wembley
May 1, 1966 was the Beatles' last ever scheduled live appearance in Britain. It took place at the New Musical Express Annual Poll-Winners' All-Star Concert at the Empire Pool in Wembley in front of 10,000 fans. Although the show was filmed and televised, the cameras were turned off for the Beatles’ set.
2019: WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange jailed over bail breach
In May 2019, WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange was sentenced to 50 weeks in prison for breaching his bail by entering the Ecuadorian embassy.
Rejecting his claim for leniency, the judge told Assange: “It's difficult to envisage a more serious example of this offence.
“By hiding in the embassy you deliberately put yourself out of reach, while remaining in the UK.”
