The Challenger Disaster

On January 28, 1986, at about 73 seconds into it's ninth launch, the space shuttle Challenger exploded in full view of the people watching on the ground and on TV. The O-rings, a set of gaskets that sealed the joints between the rocket booster sections failed due to being exposed to cold weather. The twin booster rockets separated and flew off, the shuttle cabin separated and fell ten miles into the ocean. All seven members of the shuttle crew died.

Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer Marriage

Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer on 29 July 1981 in a ceremony which gripped the nation and launched the bride's transformation into an icon of the 20th century.

Some say it was the wedding of the century but over the years the relationship unravelled and ended in divorce.

Shell Suits

During the 80s a bizarre fashion hit the world in the form of nasty nylon waterproof trousers and matching jacket. Originally designed as outdoor sports wear, people (who obviously were not doing any sports) started wearing them out everywhere they went.

Mary Rose

The Mary Rose is the only 16th century warship on display anywhere in the world. Built between 1509 and 1511, she was one of the first ships able to fire a broadside, and was a firm favourite of King Henry VIII.

After a long and successful career, she sank accidentally during an engagement with the French fleet in 1545.

The remains of the ship was lifted from the sea-bed on 11th October 1982, and is now undergoing conservation, along with over 22,000 artefacts found on board, at Portsmouth.