Monday, 17th December 1973 in London
Welcome to your daily snapshot of London! Explore 64 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 partly cloudy with temperatures between 0°C and 4°C. Tonight's moon is in its waxing crescent phase, and the zodiac sign of the day is Sagittarius. If you're curious about the history of a day — this page brings together everything worth knowing about this Monday, 17th December in London, GB.
On 17th December 1973, London experienced partly cloudy conditions under a waxing crescent moon, with the sun positioned in Sagittarius. The British capital, situated on the Thames in south-eastern England, serves as the country's political and economic centre, housing Parliament, major financial institutions and historic landmarks spanning from medieval times to the modern era.
The date marks significant moments in modern European history. In 1970, Polish soldiers opened fire on workers emerging from trains in Gdynia, initiating a government crackdown on widespread anti-communist protests that would reshape the nation's political landscape. Meanwhile, the year 1983 witnessed the Provisional Irish Republican Army detonating a car bomb outside the Harrods department store in London, an attack that killed six people and injured approximately ninety others during the height of the Troubles conflict.
These historical events represent pivotal moments of social and political upheaval across Europe. Both incidents reflected broader struggles against authoritarian control and sectarian violence that defined their respective periods. The contrast between Poland's anti-communist resistance and Ireland's armed struggle illustrates the diverse forms of civil unrest that characterised late twentieth-century European politics.
DayAtlas provides comprehensive historical context for any date and location, displaying weather conditions, significant events, notable births and deaths alongside astronomical information such as moon phases and zodiac positions. The platform enables users to explore how particular days have shaped history across different regions and time periods.
Find out what's happening today in London.
What the Weather Had in Store for London on 17th December 1973
Winter teaches: cold sharpens what heat blurs.
Fortune of the Day
17th December in the Stars – Star Sign Pisces
Personality Profile
Personality Those born on December 17th blend Sagittarian optimism with Martian drive and courage. They're curious, straightforward, and perpetually in motion—rare philosophers who act decisively. Master Number 11 grants them spiritual intuition and visionary depth beneath their adventurous exterior.
Strengths & Weaknesses Their strengths shine through boldness, resilience, and inspiring communication. They galvanize others with authentic passion and conviction. Weaknesses include impatience, overconfidence, and overlooking fine details. They can seem blunt or impulsive to sensitive souls.
Love In relationships, they seek intellectually stimulating, sincere partners who honor their need for freedom. Their love is generous and loyal, though emotionally restless. They thrive with adventurous companions who match their philosophical curiosity.
Caree & Finance Ideal careers harness their risk-taking: entrepreneurship, sales, coaching, or journalism. Financial gain flows from bold decisions and calculated risks. They should temper impulsiveness with strategic planning and patience.
Health Regular physical activity—running, martial arts, high-intensity training—channelizes their Martian intensity productively. Meditation and magnesium supplements calm their restless nervous system. Sleep routines stabilize their typically active minds.
That night, the moon was in its waxing crescent phase.
Chinese year of the Ox (Water).
Fun Facts About 17th December
Name Days in Your Language: Eleazar, Lazar, Lazaro, Lazarus, Olympia, Orval, Orville, Storm, Stormie, Stormy, Wilbert, Wilberta, Wilbur
Someone born on this day in 1973 would be 52 years old today — just 19,108 days into life, which is roughly 458,605 hours, 27,516,324 minutes, or 1,650,979,449 seconds spent on Earth so far.
It's the 351. day of the year.
There are 14 days still to come.
We’re currently in Week 51 — the year marches on.
Famous Birthdays on 17th December
- Éric Bédard, Canadian speed skater and coach (1976)
- Nir Davidovich, Israeli footballer and manager (1976)
- Patrick Müller, Swiss footballer (1976)
- Andrew Simpson, English sailor (died 2013) (1976)
- Takeo Spikes, American football player and sportscaster (1976)
- Nick Dinsmore, American wrestler and trainer (1975)
- Susanthika Jayasinghe, Sri Lankan sprinter (1975)
- Milla Jovovich, Ukrainian-American actress (1975)
- Charl Langeveldt, South African cricketer (1974)
- Sarah Paulson, American actress (1974)
Lives Remembered on 17th December
- Igor Kirillov, Russian general (born 1970) (2024)
- Marisa Paredes, Spanish film actress (born 1946) (2024)
- Ronaldo Valdez, Filipino actor (born 1947) (2023)
- James McCaffrey, American actor (born 1958) (2023)
- Jeremy Bulloch, English actor (born 1945) (2020)
- Allen Dines, American politician (born 1921) (2020)
- Benjamin A. Gilman, American soldier and politician (born 1922) (2016)
- Henry Heimlich, American doctor (born 1920) (2016)
- Gordon Hunt, American voice director (born 1929) (2016)
- Hal Brown, American baseball player and manager (born 1924) (2015)
Celebrations & Special Days Worldwide on 17th December
- Christian feast day: Daniel the Prophet
- Christian feast day: Josep Manyanet i Vives
- Christian feast day: Lazarus of Bethany (local commemoration in Cuba)
- Christian feast day: O Sapientia
- Christian feast day: Olympias the Deaconess
- Christian feast day: Wivina
- Christian feast day: Sturm
- Christian feast day: December 17 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
- Accession Day (Bahrain)
- International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
- Kurdish Flag Day (Global Kurdish population)
- National Day (Bhutan)
- Pan American Aviation Day (United States)
- Wright Brothers Day, a United States federal observance by Presidential proclamation
What Happened on 17th December?
- The United States and Cuba re-establish diplomatic relations after severing them in 1961. (2014)
- Mohamed Bouazizi sets himself on fire. This act became the catalyst for the Tunisian Revolution and the wider Arab Spring. (2010)
- MV Danny F II sinks off the coast of Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of 44 people and over 28,000 animals. (2009)
- Anti-World Trade Organization protesters riot in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. (2005)
- Jigme Singye Wangchuck abdicates the throne as King of Bhutan. (2005)
- The Soham murder trial ends at the Old Bailey in London, with Ian Huntley found guilty of two counts of murder. His girlfriend, Maxine Carr, is found guilty of perverting the course of justice. (2003)
- SpaceShipOne, piloted by Brian Binnie, makes its first powered and first supersonic flight. (2003)
- Sex work rights activists establish December 17 (or "D17") as International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers to memorialize victims of a serial killer who targeted prostitutes, and highlight State violence against sex workers by police and others. (2003)
- Second Congo War: The Congolese parties of the Inter Congolese Dialogue sign a peace accord which makes provision for transitional governance and legislative and presidential elections within two years. (2002)
- Peruvian internal conflict: Fourteen members of the Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement provoke a hostage crisis by taking over the Japanese embassy in Lima. (1997)