July, 2013 | The British Newspaper Archive Blog - Part 5

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‘The Mallard’ Sets a New UK Speed Record for Steam Locomotives – 3 July 1938

‘The locomotive was drawing a streamlined train to which was attached to a dynamometer car, in which were charts and instruments which confirmed the records.’ On 3 July 1938, ‘The Mallard’ locomotive (engine number 6648) achieved a new UK record for steam trains, travelling at 125.88 MPH on the UK’s East Coast Main Line. To celebrate the 75th anniversary of that historic day, here is a newspaper story from 1938 reporting on the setting of this famous world record, which remains

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Captain Joshua Slocum: the First Person to Sail Solo Around the World – Left Halifax in Nova Scotia on 3 July 1895

On 3 July 1895, Captain Joshua Slocum set sail in his boat ‘Spray’ from Sambro Island Lighthouse, near Halifax in Nova Scotia, to start his solo voyage around the world. The 55-year-old’s voyage lasted for three years and he travelled a distance of 46,000 miles to complete the journey. He sailed into Newport, Rhode Island, on 27 June 1898,  thus becoming the first person to sail solo around the world. To mark his amazing feat, here’s a newspaper story from

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The Shooting of President Garfield – Washington, 2 July 1881

On 2 July 1881 at the railway station in Washington, President Garfield was shot in the back and arm by Charles J. Guiteau, a frustrated job seeker who had been rejected for a post in the Federal office. Sadly, President Garfield never recovered from the wounds he received, dying in New Jersey in September 1881, aged only 49. To mark the day, here are two newspaper reports about the shooting, and also a drawing of President Garfield. Derby Daily Telegraph

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