28 January in history
7 events that happened on 28 January, from 814 to 1986.
✦ Anniversary of the day
814 CE 1,212 years ago
Charlemagne dies at Aachen
The Frankish king, crowned emperor in 800, died after ruling much of western Europe. His empire was divided among his grandsons within thirty years, but its memory shaped the Holy Roman Empire.
1547 CE 479 years ago
Henry VIII dies at Whitehall
Henry VIII died aged 55 after a reign that broke with Rome, dissolved the monasteries and saw six marriages. His nine-year-old son succeeded him as Edward VI.
1807 CE 219 years ago
Gas lamps light Pall Mall in London
Frederick Albert Winsor's demonstration lit part of Pall Mall with gas lamps, the first public street lighting by gas. Gas lighting spread rapidly through British cities over the next decades.
1932 CE 94 years ago
Japanese forces attack Shanghai
Japanese marines clashed with China's 19th Route Army in Shanghai, and Japanese aircraft bombed the Zhabei district. The fighting lasted over a month before a ceasefire was brokered.
1986 CE 40 years ago
Space Shuttle Challenger breaks apart after launch
Challenger broke apart 73 seconds after lift-off, killing its seven crew, including teacher Christa McAuliffe. A faulty seal in a booster rocket was to blame, and shuttle flights stopped for 32 months.
