January 31st

1606 - Guy Fawkes and his associates are hung, drawn and quartered in London.

1867 - The lion sculptures around the base of Nelsons Column are unveiled. They had been designed by Sir Edwin Landseer.

1905 - A. G. MacDonald becomes the first person to drive a car at more than 100mph.

1970 - The Jackson Five debut on the UK chart with I Want You Back'.

2000 - GP Harold Shipman is convicted of the murder of 15 patients - although police had prepared files on 23 more possible cases. The jury took 6 days to reach their unanimous decision.

2001 - 1000,000 tonnes of the White Cliffs of Dover fall into the Channel after heavy rain.