In 1865, the 13th amendment was made to the United States Constitution, ending slavery.

In 1911, four prisoners escaped from the cells in Bradford Town Hall.

In 1991, the World Bank granted Brazil $250 million to help save rainforests in the Amazon basin.

From the Telegraph & Argus of December 18th, 1977...

The Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band have danced their way to a gold disc after selling half a million copies of their hit The Floral Dance. The band received the award during a sell-out carol concert in Brighouse. Unfortunately the 28-piece band have been kept off the number one spot by Paul McCartney's Mull of Kintyre.

From the Telegraph & Argus of December 18th, 1952...

Shortage in Bradford of 8 to 12lb. turkeys, best suited to the small family and the modern oven, is the topic of the hour among traders and shoppers. Demand for this weight of bird has been brisker than expected. A retailer in the centre of Bradford commented: "Some of the newspapers have been telling the public to hang back in case prices dropped. Now we just can't cope with the demand."