1 August It Happened Today

1774  English chemist Joseph Priestley announces his discovery of oxygen.

1798 Nelson’s fleet defeats the French at the Battle of Aboukir Bay.

1831 London Bridge is officially opened by King William IV and Queen Adelaide.

1965  Birth of English film director Sam Mendes.

1976  Austrian Formula 1 racing driver Niki Lauda crashes at the German Grand Prix and his car explodes in flames.

2007  Thirteen are killed when a road bridge collapses in Mississippi.