History Trivia - Big Ben chimes for the first time in London

May 31

1279 BC – Ramses II (The Great, 19th dynasty) became pharaoh of Ancient Egypt.

526 A devastating earthquake struck Antioch, Turkey, killing 250,000. 

1076 The execution of Waltheof of Northumbria ended the 'Revolt of the Earls' against William the Conqueror.

1443 Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII of England, was born.

1495 Cecily Neville, mother of Edward IV of England and Richard III of England, died.

1859 Big Ben, located atop St. Stephen's tower, went into operation in London, ringing out over the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London for the first time.