1993: The names of the five youths accused of being involved in the murder of Stephen Lawrence, the black 18-year-old A-level student, were named following information from a police informant and an identity parade.

The murder outside a bus stop in Well Court Road, Eltham in April 1993, was racially motivated and unprovoked.

1953: The wife and three children of the missing spy Donald McLean disappeared from their home in Tatsfield near Biggin Hill two years after her diplomat husband had defected to Moscow with Guy Burgess. It was believed at the time they were tipped off by a third man, later confirmed as Kim Philby.

1913: The great Crystal Palace on Sydenham Hill, for many years starved of proper care and attention, became the property of the nation. A restoration plan was then established.