This Day In History

What's happened before on this date? Courtesy of BBC.

11 March 2010

2004: Many die as bombs destroy Madrid trains

At least 170 people are killed after powerful explosions tear through three Madrid train stations during the morning rush-hour. read more

1985: Gorbachev becomes Soviet leader

There is a new man in charge at the Kremlin - Mikhail Gorbachev takes over following the death of Konstantin Chernenko. read more

1955: Farewell to scientist who discovered penicillin

Sir Alexander Fleming - the man who first discovered the life-saving drug penicillin - dies of a heart attack. read more

1977: Roman Polanski charged with rape

French film director Roman Polanski is charged with raping a 13-year- old girl in Hollywood. read more

1974: 'Anti-IRA spies' break out of jail

Two self-proclaimed British Government spies have escaped from a top-security prison in Ireland where they were serving sentences for armed robbery. read more

2001: Big rise in new cases of foot-and-mouth

It is the worst day for new foot-and-mouth cases since the disease was first diagnosed two weeks ago read more