In 1642, astronomer Galileo Galilei died.

In 1940, Britain began food rationing for the first time since 1918.

In 1963, fire damaged seven floors of the Empire State Building, New York.

From the Telegraph & Argus of January 8th, 1977...

Rates increases of three pence in the pound would pay for a better staff/student ratio, said a headmaster last night. For the cost to each ratepayer of a weekly packet of cigarettes, the many teachers who are without jobs could be usefully employed. Mr Keith Thompson, head of Grange School, Bradford said at the annual dinner of the Grangers Association that pupil to teacher differentials was far too great.

From the Telegraph & Argus of January 8th, 1952...

A cable received in Bradford today brought news that the two Bradford men travelling overland to Capetown in a Hillman car had crossed the Sahara in under five days. Yesterday they were at Kano. The adventurers are Mr G. C. Hinchcliffe, managing director, and Mr James Bulman, sales manager of the ABC School of Motoring, Hallfield Road, Bradford.