Wednesday, 30th December 1959 in London
Welcome to your daily snapshot of London! Explore 48 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 7°C and 11°C. Tonight's moon is in its waxing gibbous phase, and the zodiac sign of the day is Capricorn. If you're curious about the history of a day — this page brings together everything worth knowing about this Wednesday, 30th December in London, GB.
On 30th December throughout history, significant events have shaped political and geographical landscapes. In 2006, Saddam Hussein, the former president of Iraq, was executed following his conviction for crimes against humanity by the Iraqi High Tribunal, marking a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern politics. Decades earlier, in 1460, the Battle of Wakefield saw Lancastrian forces defeat the Yorkist army at Sandal Magna in West Yorkshire, England, an engagement that would influence the trajectory of the Wars of the Roses and English dynastic struggle. Another notable event occurred in 1954 when the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation was established, consolidating criminal investigation and intelligence operations into a single governmental agency that would shape Nordic law enforcement for generations to come.
London, the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom, sits on the River Thames in the south-east of England. The metropolis serves as a global centre for finance, culture and politics, hosting some of the world's most significant institutions and attracting millions of visitors annually. On 30th December 1959, London experienced cloudy weather conditions as the year drew to a close. The date fell under the zodiac sign of Capricorn, and the moon was in its waxing gibbous phase, having passed the half-moon stage and moving towards fullness.
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Find out what's happening today in London.
What the Weather Had in Store for London on 30th December 1959
Stone layers hold what others forget: time leaves marks.
Fortune of the Day
30th December in the Stars – Star Sign Pisces
Personality Profile
Personality Those born on December 30th blend Capricorn's steadiness with Mercury's intellectual curiosity. They appear thoughtful and measured, yet approachable compared to typical Capricorns. Their minds weave between practical solutions and deeper meaning.
Strengths & Weaknesses Strengths include intellectual clarity, strategic thinking, and reliable execution of plans. Weaknesses emerge when they become overly critical or rationalize away emotions, which can distance them from others emotionally.
Love In relationships, these natives crave genuine communication and intellectual stimulation. They build trust slowly but remain loyal and supportive partners. A companion valuing depth and authenticity finds steadfast devotion.
Caree & Finance Careers in analysis, education, management consulting, or skilled trades align with their abilities. Financial security matters deeply; they plan long-term and avoid unnecessary risk. Entrepreneurial drive balances well with pragmatism.
Health These individuals thrive with structured movement like yoga or strength training. They risk overextension through perfectionism. Regular mental breaks and authentic connections support psychological wellbeing.
That night, the moon was in its waxing gibbous phase.
Chinese year of the Pig (Earth).
Fun Facts About 30th December
Name Days in Your Language: Ainsley, Kelsa, Kelsey, Kelsi, Kelsie, Mason
Someone born on this day in 1959 would be 66 years old today — just 24,208 days into life, which is roughly 581,002 hours, 34,860,138 minutes, or 2,091,608,282 seconds spent on Earth so far.
It's the 364. day of the year.
There are 1 days still to come.
We’re currently in Week 53 — the year marches on.
Famous Birthdays on 30th December
- Douglas Coupland, German-Canadian author and playwright (1961)
- Bill English, New Zealand farmer and politician, 39th Prime Minister of New Zealand (1961)
- Sean Hannity, American radio and television host (1961)
- Ben Johnson, Jamaican-Canadian sprinter (1961)
- Charlie Nicholas, Scottish footballer and sportscaster (1961)
- Richard M. Durbin, English biologist and academic (1960)
- Antonio Pappano, English pianist and conductor (1959)
- Kåre Thomsen, Norwegian guitarist and graphic designer (1959)
- Tracey Ullman, English-American actress, singer, director, and screenwriter (1959)
- Josée Verner, Canadian politician, 8th Canadian Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs (1959)
Lives Remembered on 30th December
- Khaleda Zia, Bangladeshi Politician, Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh (2025)
- Bryan Ansell, British role-playing and wargame designer (born 1955) (2023)
- Tom Wilkinson, English actor (born 1948) (2023)
- Aki Yashiro, Japanese singer (born 1950) (2023)
- Barbara Walters, American journalist, producer, and author (born 1929) (2022)
- Dawn Wells, American actress, (born 1938) (2020)
- Erica Garner, American civil rights activist (born 1990) (2017)
- Doug Atkins, American football player (born 1930) (2015)
- Howard Davis, Jr., American boxer and trainer (born 1956) (2015)
- Mangesh Padgaonkar, Indian poet, playwright, and translator (born 1929) (2015)
Celebrations & Special Days Worldwide on 30th December
- Christian feast day: Abraham the Writer
- Christian feast day: Anysia of Salonika
- Christian feast day: Egwin of Evesham
- Christian feast day: Frances Joseph-Gaudet (Episcopal Church)
- Christian feast day: Liberius of Ravenna
- Christian feast day: Pope Felix I
- Christian feast day: Ralph of Vaucelles
- Christian feast day: Roger of Cannae
- Christian feast day: December 30 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
- Day of the Declaration of Slovakia as an Independent Ecclesiastic Province (Slovakia)
- Rizal Day (Philippines)
- The fifth day of Kwanzaa (United States)
- The sixth of the Twelve Days of Christmas (Western Christianity)
What Happened on 30th December?
- A large explosion at the airport in the southern Yemeni city of Aden kills at least 22 people and wounds 50. (2020)
- More than 100 people are killed when anti-government forces attack key buildings in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. (2013)
- A segment of the Lanzhou–Zhengzhou–Changsha pipeline ruptures in Shaanxi, China, and approximately 150,000 L (40,000 US gal) of diesel oil flows down the Wei River before finally reaching the Yellow River. (2009)
- A suicide bomber kills nine people at Forward Operating Base Chapman, a key facility of the Central Intelligence Agency in Afghanistan. (2009)
- Madrid–Barajas Airport is bombed. (2006)
- The Indonesian passenger ferry MV Senopati Nusantara sinks in a storm, resulting in at least 400 deaths. (2006)
- Former President of Iraq Saddam Hussein is executed. (2006)
- Tropical Storm Zeta forms in the open Atlantic Ocean, tying the record for the latest tropical cyclone ever to form in the North Atlantic basin. (2005)
- A fire in the República Cromagnon nightclub in Buenos Aires, Argentina, kills 194. (2004)
- Rizal Day bombings: A series of bombs explode in various places in Metro Manila, Philippines within a period of a few hours, killing 22 and injuring about a hundred. (2000)