Not every week in history delivers headline-shaking drama, but that’s part of the fascination. Some weeks give us quieter yet pivotal moments — a king’s birth, a famous voyage, or even the first tragedy on the railways. This week’s Time Machine mixes milestones from Britain, Spain, and the wider world with a pop-culture twist that will make you realise just how long ago some favourites really were.
- Ten Historical Anchors
- 15 September 1830 – Britain’s First Rail Fatality
- 16 September 1387 – Birth of Henry V
- 16 September 1620 – The Mayflower Departs England
- 16 September – Owain Glyndŵr Day
- 18 September 1851 – First Edition of The New York Times
- 18 September 1970 – Jimi Hendrix Dies
- 19 September 1356 – Battle of Poitiers
- 19 September 1893 – New Zealand Grants Women the Vote
- 20 September 1519 – Magellan’s Expedition Sets Sail
- 21 September 1937 – The Hobbit Published
- The Funky Five: Pop Culture Memories for 15–21 September
- Video of the Week
Ten Historical Anchors
15 September 1830 – Britain’s First Rail Fatality
At the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, MP William Huskisson was struck and killed by George Stephenson’s Rocket. It was the first widely reported railway death, underscoring both the risks and promise of the new age of steam.
16 September 1387 – Birth of Henry V
Born at Monmouth Castle, Henry V would grow into one of England’s most celebrated monarchs. His victory at Agincourt in 1415 became legendary, immortalised by Shakespeare two centuries later.
16 September 1620 – The Mayflower Departs England
The Mayflower left Plymouth carrying the Pilgrims to North America. Their voyage marked the start of a story that would profoundly shape American history.
16 September – Owain Glyndŵr Day
Every year, Wales honours its last native Prince of Wales, who launched a rebellion against English rule in 1400. His legacy still resonates in Welsh identity and politics.
18 September 1851 – First Edition of The New York Times
Published as the New-York Daily Times, the newspaper grew into one of the world’s most influential titles. Its first edition hit the streets on this day.
18 September 1970 – Jimi Hendrix Dies
The guitar icon was found dead in London at just 27 years old. His brief career redefined rock music and left a legacy of extraordinary influence.
19 September 1356 – Battle of Poitiers
During the Hundred Years’ War, the English army under Edward, the Black Prince, captured the French king John II. The victory cemented English dominance for a generation.
19 September 1893 – New Zealand Grants Women the Vote
New Zealand became the first self-governing nation to grant women suffrage. A landmark in global democracy, it placed the country decades ahead of much of the world.
20 September 1519 – Magellan’s Expedition Sets Sail
Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan began his circumnavigation of the globe from Spain, the first voyage to prove that the Earth could be circumnavigated by sea.
21 September 1937 – The Hobbit Published
J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit was released in London. The tale of Bilbo Baggins captivated children and adults alike, and paved the way for The Lord of the Rings.
The Funky Five: Pop Culture Memories for 15–21 September
From music charts to cinema screens, this week also had its fair share of pop-culture moments. And with the years counted out, you may be surprised at just how far back some of them go.
1. Number One Single – “Dancing Queen” by ABBA (1976)
Released in mid-September, ABBA’s disco anthem topped the UK charts. That was 49 years ago, yet it still fills dancefloors today.
2. Number One Album – What’s the Story (Morning Glory)? by Oasis (1995)
At the top of the UK albums chart in September ’95, it became one of the fastest-selling records in British history. That was 30 years ago, and its tracks still echo through Britpop nostalgia.
3. At the Cinema – Ghostbusters (1984)
Released in the UK in September, the supernatural comedy became a cult hit. That was 41 years ago, and the proton packs and theme tune remain instantly recognisable.
4. Top of the TV Ratings – Coronation Street (1976)
Britain’s long-running soap regularly pulled in audiences of over 15 million viewers in the mid-1970s. That was 49 years ago, a reminder of television’s power to unite households.
5. Famous Birthday – Sophia Loren (20 September 1934)
The Italian screen legend celebrates her birthday this week, turning 91 years old and reminding us of her unmatched place in cinematic history.
Video of the Week
Relive the sparkle of ABBA – “Dancing Queen” (1976), the timeless disco anthem that topped the charts 49 years ago this week.
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The Week Ahead: 15 to 21 September 2025
