20 April –
Jonathan Balls commits suicide in the Norfolk village of
Happisburgh, aged around 76. Subsequent investigations suggest that he murdered at least 22 people, almost all family members, by
arsenic poisoning over 20 years, making him one of Britain's most prolific
serial killers.[4]
29 June – Peel resigns, and is succeeded as Prime Minister by
Lord John Russell (
Whig). The Conservatives split into
Peelite and
Young England factions, the latter led by Disraeli.
The Public Baths and Wash Houses Act (An Act to encourage the Establishment of public Baths and Wash-houses) is passed by Parliament permitting local authorities to establish
baths and wash houses in Britain.[15]
21 December – surgeon
Robert Liston carries out the first operation under anaesthesia in Britain.[2]
Undated
Great Famine (Ireland) – the first deaths from hunger take place early in the year.[18]Phytophthora infestans almost totally destroys the summer potato crop and the Famine worsens considerably.[19] By December a third of a million destitute people are employed on public works.[19]
20 April –
Jonathan Balls commits suicide in the Norfolk village of
Happisburgh, aged around 76. Subsequent investigations suggest that he murdered at least 22 people, almost all family members, by
arsenic poisoning over 20 years, making him one of Britain's most prolific
serial killers.[4]
29 June – Peel resigns, and is succeeded as Prime Minister by
Lord John Russell (
Whig). The Conservatives split into
Peelite and
Young England factions, the latter led by Disraeli.
The Public Baths and Wash Houses Act (An Act to encourage the Establishment of public Baths and Wash-houses) is passed by Parliament permitting local authorities to establish
baths and wash houses in Britain.[15]
21 December – surgeon
Robert Liston carries out the first operation under anaesthesia in Britain.[2]
Undated
Great Famine (Ireland) – the first deaths from hunger take place early in the year.[18]Phytophthora infestans almost totally destroys the summer potato crop and the Famine worsens considerably.[19] By December a third of a million destitute people are employed on public works.[19]