June 01

Pope John Paul II in Glasgow.

First Premium Bond prizes were drawn by the computer Ernie (Electronic random number indicator equipment).

First TV license issued in Britain, costing £2.

Eamon DeValera begins his tour of the USA to raise money and support for the IRAs war against England

First Tay rail bridge opens. It was to collapse, 18 months later in the Tay Bridge Disaster.

American Fenians led by General John ONeill invade Canada and capture Fort Erie.

The Fenian raids were attacks by members of the Fenian Brotherhood based in the United States, on British army forts, customs posts and other targets in Canada in order to bring pressure on Britain to withdraw from Ireland, between 1866 and 1871. The raids were successfully repelled by British forces and local militias. They divided many Irish-Canadians, many of whom were torn between loyalty to their new home and sympathy for the aims of the Fenians. A lot of the Irish, particularly the Protestants, were fiercely loyal to Britain and fought the Fenians. While the U.S. authorities arrested the men and confiscated their arms afterwards, many in government had turned a blind eye to the preparations for the invasion, angered at British support for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. There were five Fenian raids to note.

Renegade Irish Fenians invade Ft. Erie Ontario from the US

Birth of Hugh Thomson, illustrator, in Coleraine, Co. Derry-Londonderry

The Magnetc Telegraph Company links Britain and Ireland via submarine telegraph cable

The British and Irish Magnetic Telegraph Company (also called the Magnetic Telegraph Company or the Magnetic) was founded by John Brett in 1850. The Magnetic was the principal competitor to the largest telegraph company in the United Kingdom, the Electric Telegraph Company (the Electric). The Magnetic was the leading company in Ireland, while the Electric was the leading company in mainland Britain. Between them, they dominated the market until the telegraph was nationalised in 1870.

Dr Henry Faulds, who established the uniqueness of fingerprints, born in Beith, Ayrshire.