1853

Good condition set of three. This is the only year I have sat down and read yet, or at least the May-Aug volume and I have only read about the first 20% of it. Its a matter of time but its incredibly interesting. Events 1853 20 January ? The United Kingdom annexes Lower Burma ending the Second Anglo-Burmese War. 4 February ? Halifax Permanent Benefit Building Society takes its first deposits. 15 February ? PS Queen Victoria sinks in a snowstorm at night entering Dublin Bay with the loss of more than 80 lives. 18 February ? A treaty is signed with the United States concerning international copyright. May ? The world?s first public aquarium is opened in London Zoo. 6 June ? Naval fleet travels to Besika Bay to fend off Russian threats to the Ottoman Empire. 25 June ? Hochster v De La Tour, a landmark case on anticipatory breach of contract in English contract law, is decided in the Court of Queen?s Bench. 1 July ? First constitution of the Cape Colony provides for a legislative council. 12 August ? Licensing (Scotland) Act (known after its sponsor as the ?Forbes Mackenzie Act?) regulates the supply of intoxicating beverages in Scotland. September (approx.) ? First pillar box on the British mainland erected in Carlisle. 28 September ? Emigrant ship Annie Jane sinks in heavy seas off the Scottish island of Vatersay with the loss of 350 lives. 31 October?15 May 1854 ? Lockout of Preston cotton mill workers seeking reinstatement of ten per cent of their pay; this will be Britain?s longest industrial dispute up to this date. 3 December ? Crimean War: a protocol is signed with France, Austria, and Prussia for restoring peace between Russia and Turkey. 14 December ? Palmerston resigns as Home Secretary over demands for parliamentary reform, but changes his mind on 23 December. …