Monday, 16th April 1979 in London
Welcome to your daily snapshot of London! Explore 54 historical events, birthdays, deaths, and milestones that shaped this day in London. From remarkable moments in local and world history to the people who left their mark — find out what makes today special. Today's weather in London brings cloudy with temperatures between 5°C and 13°C. Tonight's moon is in its waxing crescent phase, and the zodiac sign of the day is Aries. If you're curious about the history of a day — this page brings together everything worth knowing about this Monday, 16th April in London, GB.

On 16 April 1979, London experienced cloudy conditions whilst residents of the British capital went about their Monday routines. The city, situated on the River Thames in south-eastern England, has served as the nation's capital and principal economic centre for nearly two millennia. Today's weather reflected the typical spring conditions common to London during mid-April, with overcast skies dominating the day.
Several significant historical events are associated with this calendar date. In 1948, the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation was established in Paris, laying groundwork for post-war European reconstruction and cooperation. More than a century earlier, in 1912, American pilot Harriet Quimby achieved a notable aviation milestone by becoming the first woman to fly across the English Channel, a feat that advanced both aviation history and women's participation in the field.
For those born on this date, the zodiac sign is Aries, characterised by assertive and pioneering traits. The moon was in its waxing crescent phase, a period traditionally associated with new beginnings and growth. Individuals interested in historical data for any date and location can use DayAtlas, which provides comprehensive information including weather conditions, significant events, and notable births and deaths across centuries and continents.
Find out what's happening today in London.
What the Weather Had in Store for London on 16th April 1979
Two hands build better than one, if they refuse hesitation.
Fortune of the Day
16th April in the Stars – Star Sign Pisces
Personality Profile
Personality Those born on April 16th blend Aries directness with radiant solar vitality. They appear charismatic and vibrant, leading the way while inspiring others through genuine self-expression. Their natural presence makes them compelling in any room.
Strengths & Weaknesses Their strengths include courage, boundless energy, and pioneering spirit. Impatience and snap decisions can create friction and complications. Learning to temper impulses with reflection becomes their central growth area.
Love These individuals love with passion and seek similarly intense partners. They value honesty and swift emotional connections, though can seem restless. Their enthusiasm makes relationships dynamic, alive, and deeply engaging.
Caree & Finance Leadership roles, entrepreneurship, and creative fields suit them perfectly. Quick financial decisions come naturally, yet strategic planning prevents costly mistakes. Their drive opens doors, though impulsivity requires careful management.
Health Abundant energy demands regular physical outlets for true balance. Downtime proves essential, as constant activity risks exhaustion and burnout. Patience with healing and mindful body awareness support their long-term wellbeing.
That night, the moon was in its waxing crescent phase.
Chinese year of the Goat (Earth).
Fun Facts About 16th April
Name Days in Your Language: Kareem, Magnus, Malvin, Malvina, Melva, Melvin, Melvina
Someone born on this day in 1979 would be 46 years old today — just 17,157 days into life, which is roughly 411,787 hours, 24,707,272 minutes, or 1,482,436,340 seconds spent on Earth so far.
It's the 106. day of the year.
There are 259 days still to come.
We’re currently in Week 16 — the year marches on.
Famous Birthdays on 16th April
- Gina Carano, American mixed martial artist and actress (1982)
- Boris Diaw, French basketball player (1982)
- Jonathan Vilma, American football player (1982)
- Anestis Agritis, Greek footballer (1981)
- Maya Dunietz, Israeli singer-songwriter and pianist (1981)
- Matthieu Proulx, Canadian football player (1981)
- Christijan Albers, Dutch racing driver (1979)
- Lars Börgeling, German pole vaulter (1979)
- Daniel Browne, New Zealand rugby player (1979)
- Freddie Ljungberg, Swedish footballer (1977)
Lives Remembered on 16th April
- Morris Stoloff, American composer (born 1898) (1980)
- Lucius D. Clay, American officer and military governor in occupied Germany (born 1898) (1978)
- István Kertész, Hungarian conductor and educator (born 1929) (1973)
- Yasunari Kawabata, Japanese novelist and short story writer, Nobel Prize laureate (born 1899) (1972)
- Frank O'Connor, Australian public servant (born 1894) (1972)
Celebrations & Special Days Worldwide on 16th April
- Christian feast day: Benedict Joseph Labre
- Christian feast day: Bernadette Soubirous
- Christian feast day: Drogo
- Christian feast day: Engratia
- Christian feast day: Fructuosus of Braga
- Christian feast day: Isabella Gilmore (Church of England)
- Christian feast day: Martyrs of Zaragoza
- Christian feast day: Molly Brant (Konwatsijayenni) (Anglican Church of Canada, Episcopal Church)
- Christian feast day: Turibius of Astorga
- Christian feast day: April 16 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
- Birthday of José de Diego (Puerto Rico, United States)
- Birthday of Queen Margrethe II (Denmark)
- Emancipation Day (Washington, D.C., United States)
- Memorial Day for the Victims of the Holocaust (Hungary)
- National Healthcare Decisions Day (United States)
- Remembrance of Chemical Attack on Balisan and Sheikh Wasan (Iraqi Kurdistan)
- World Voice Day
What Happened on 16th April?
- The historic Børsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, is severely damaged by a fire. (2024)
- The New York Times and the New Yorker win the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for breaking news of the Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse scandal. (2018)
- Ecuador's worst earthquake in nearly 40 years kills 676 and injures more than 230,000. (2016)
- The South Korean ferry MV Sewol capsizes and sinks near Jindo Island, killing 304 passengers and crew and leading to widespread criticism of the South Korean government, media, and shipping authorities. (2014)
- A 7.8-magnitude earthquake strikes Sistan and Balochistan province, Iran, killing at least 35 people and injuring 117 others. (2013)
- The 2013 Baga massacre is started when Boko Haram militants engage government soldiers in Baga. (2013)
- The trial for Anders Behring Breivik, the perpetrator of the 2011 Norway attacks, begins in Oslo, Norway. (2012)
- The Pulitzer Prize winners were announced, it was the first time since 1977 that no book won the Fiction Prize. (2012)
- The U.S. Supreme Court rules in the Baze v. Rees decision that execution by lethal injection does not violate the Eighth Amendment ban against cruel and unusual punishment. (2008)
- Virginia Tech shooting: Seung-Hui Cho murders 32 people and injures 17 before committing suicide. (2007)