On this day in 1650, Cromwell defeated the Scots at the Battle of Dunbar.

In 1650, the Covenanter forces sided with Charles ll against Oliver Cromwell. After a defeat at Leith, Cromwell retreated to Dunbar. The English troups were attacked by the Scottish army, led by David Leslie, but on the muddy slopes of the Lammermuirs, Cromwell emerged victorious. The site had been the scene of an earlier battle in 1296, and the Battle of Dunbar marked the first time campaign medals were used.

This day in 1797 saw rioting on the streets of Glasgow, as weavers expressed their anger at wage cuts.

Workers burned their looms in the streets, and bricks were thrown at magistrates and soldiers, in protest at the city manufacturers' proposal to reduce the scale of wages. The disorder resulted in soldiers opening fire on the insurgents and six people were killed.

Today's recipe: with pears, apples, plums and blackberries in season this fruit packed autumn pudding is bursting with flavour.