On 8 April 1783 John Loudon, the Scottish architect, landscape gardener and journalist was born.

Loudon had a profound influence on the aspiring middle classes through his books on architecture and gardening. Co-author with his wife, Jane Webb, of The Suburban Gardener and Villa Companion, and author of An Encylopaedia of Gardening, British Trees and Shrubs, Encyclopaedia of Cottage, Farm, and Villa Architecture, he also founded Gardener's Magazine.

His designs can be seen at Scone Palace and Castle Kennedy, near Stranraer.

On this day in 1820 Radical prisoners were taken from Paisley to Greenock jail under escort. The citizens of Greenock fought their escort, the Port Glasgow Militia, until they reached the jail. Still coming under attack, the Militia opened fire on the stone-throwing crowd. Eight were killed, including an eight year old boy, and ten wounded, before the militia retreated from Greenock. In the evening, the angry Greenockians stormed the jail and freed the prisoners.

Today's recipe: baked then toasted this Simnel cake is a springtime favourite.