London, United Kingdom. Several notable events have occurred on July 7 across different years, including political developments, disasters, cultural milestones and acts of violence. The date is marked by events ranging from the death of Arthur Conan Doyle in 1930 to deadly floods in southern Russia in 2012.
Deaths, appointments and political developments
In 1930, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author and creator of the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, died.
In 1981, U.S. President Ronald Reagan nominated Sandra Day O’Connor to the Supreme Court. She became its first woman member in September that year.
In 1994, Northern Yemeni forces gained total control of Aden, the last bastion of their southern foes, crushing a bid to recreate an independent state.
In 1998, Moshood Abiola, Nigeria’s most famous political detainee and the presumed winner of the 1993 election, died suddenly. His death sparked days of rioting.
Legal, sporting and cultural events
In 1999, in a major defeat for the U.S. tobacco industry, a Florida jury found that smoking causes a number of diseases and that the industry hid the dangers from the public.
In 2004, swimmer Michael Phelps broke his own world record in the 400m long course individual medley.
In 2007, Live Earth benefit concerts were held simultaneously on seven continents to raise environmental awareness.
Attacks and disasters
In 2005, four suicide bombers killed 52 people on London’s transport system during the morning rush hour.
In 2012, dozens of people were killed in floods in southern Russia.
