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17 October
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1989: Earthquake hits San Francisco
A powerful earthquake rocks San Francisco killing nine people and injuring hundreds.
2000: Four dead in Hatfield rail crash
Four people are killed when a high speed passenger train derails in Hatfield, just north of London.
1980: Pope welcomes Queen to the Vatican
The Queen makes the first state visit to the Vatican by a British monarch and is received by the Pope.
1968: Black athletes make silent protest
Two black Americans make history at the Mexico Olympics with a silent protest against racial discrimination.
1978: Grey seal cull dramatically reduced
Public pressure leads ministers to reduce the number of grey seals to be culled in Scotland.
Around this Day
14 October
Top Story
1994: Israelis and Arafat share peace prize
15 October
Top Story
1969: Millions march in US Vietnam Moratorium
16 October
Top Story
1996: Handguns to be banned in the UK
18 October
Top Story
1989: East Germany leader ousted
19 October
Top Story
1989: Guildford Four released after 15 years
20 October
Top Story
1967: Thousands join anti-war movement
Also on this day
1956: Queen switches on nuclear power
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World War II - 1939 to 1945
A compilation of key stories as they broke throughout the war
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1956: Queen switches on nuclear power
A compilation of key stories as they broke throughout the war
Headlines delivered to your desktop - find out about RSS 
Articles, biographies and multimedia on historical events
Find out what Radio 4 has to offer history lovers