April 24

Published by John Campbell, postmaster of Boston, the News-Letter marked the beginning of regular news circulation in British America. Released weekly, it provided colonists with shipping news, official announcements, and commentary. The newspaper laid the groundwork for a print culture that would fuel revolutionary ideas. Its format and business model influenced numerous publications across the colonies. By connecting distant communities, it became an essential medium for public discourse.

In April 1932, Benny Rothman organized a mass trespass on Kinder Scout to challenge private land restrictions. Over 400 walkers defied local gamekeepers and risked arrest in a bold claim for the right to roam. Their actions sparked national debate and inspired subsequent countryside access campaigns. The protest ultimately contributed to the creation of national parks and the 2000 Countryside and Rights of Way Act. Today, the Kinder Scout trespass is seen as a foundational moment for public access to nature and grassroots activism.

On April 24, 1963, Princess Alexandra of Kent, first cousin to Queen Elizabeth II, wed Angus Ogilvy in a splendid ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Thousands of spectators lined the streets of London to catch a glimpse of the royal procession, while millions watched the event on early television broadcasts. The bride wore a lace and tulle gown designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, adorned with myrtle from Queen Victoria’s wedding bouquet. Distinguished guests, including foreign dignitaries and members of the British aristocracy, attended the ceremony. The wedding represented a blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting the evolving public role of the monarchy. Alexandra and Ogilvy went on to become patrons of numerous charities, cementing their legacy of public service.

On April 24, 1979, Blair Peach, a New Zealand-born teacher, lost his life amidst violent confrontations in Southall, London. He was participating in a protest organized by the Anti-Nazi League opposing a National Front rally. During the demonstration, clashes erupted between demonstrators and the Metropolitan Police's Special Patrol Group. Peach was struck and rendered unconscious; he later died in hospital, sparking public outrage and calls for police accountability. An official inquiry into his death exposed failures in crowd control tactics and the use of excessive force. The incident became a symbol of the broader struggle against far-right extremism and police misconduct in the UK.

On April 24, 2011, WikiLeaks published a large cache of classified documents related to detainees held at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. The leaked files included assessments by the US military, revealing allegations of prisoner abuse, interrogation tactics, and security risks. The releases sparked global debate over human rights, government transparency, and the ethics of whistleblowing. Critics argued the disclosures endangered ongoing operations and put sources at risk, while supporters hailed the leak as a victory for open government. The publication intensified scrutiny of US detention policies and prompted calls for reform and greater oversight of intelligence agencies. Media outlets around the world covered the story extensively, reflecting the growing impact of digital activism on international affairs.