Sunday, 11th February 1940 in London
Welcome to your daily snapshot of London! It's International Day of Women and Girls in Science and World Day of the Sick. Explore 56 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 drizzly with temperatures between -3°C and 1°C. Tonight's moon is in its waning gibbous phase, and the zodiac sign of the day is Aquarius. If you're curious about the history of a day — this page brings together everything worth knowing about this Sunday, 11th February in London, GB.
On 11 February 1940, London experienced drizzly conditions typical of winter weather in the capital. London is England's largest city and has served as the nation's political and cultural centre for nearly two millennia, with its influence extending across the world through trade and imperial reach. The city's position on the Thames has long made it a hub for commerce and governance.
The date falls under the zodiac sign of Aquarius, with the moon in its waning gibbous phase. This astronomical configuration occurs during the final quarter of the lunar cycle, when the moon appears more than half illuminated but decreasing in brightness each night.
Several significant historical moments have marked this date across the decades. In 1990, anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela was released from Victor Verster Prison near Paarl after spending 27 years in captivity, marking a pivotal moment in the struggle against South Africa's apartheid regime. More than a century earlier, in 1826, London University was established as England's first secular university, fundamentally changing higher education by removing religious requirements for admission and study. The computer worm Anna Kournikova emerged in 2001, created by a 20-year-old Dutch student, and would eventually affect millions of users worldwide, demonstrating the growing vulnerability of interconnected computer systems to malicious code distribution.
These historical events show how 11 February has witnessed transformative moments across different continents and centuries. DayAtlas provides comprehensive information about weather conditions, significant events, and notable births and deaths for any date and location, allowing users to explore historical patterns and contexts with precision.
Find out what's happening today in London.
What the Weather Had in Store for London on 11th February 1940
Notes resonate only because silence makes them possible.
Fortune of the Day
11th February in the Stars – Star Sign Pisces
Personality Profile
Personality People born on February 11th embody Aquarius innovation with added intellectual sharpness from Mercury's influence. They think originally, communicate precisely, and question social norms with thoughtful detachment. Their minds are future-oriented and brimming with unconventional ideas.
Strengths & Weaknesses Their strengths lie in analytical intelligence, creative problem-solving, and genuine independence. However, they can seem emotionally distant and struggle with commitment. Over-intellectualizing often overshadows spontaneous feelings.
Love In relationships, these individuals seek partners who respect their independence and value intellectual debate. They need space for personal freedom and deep, honest communication. Emotional expression doesn't come naturally, yet their loyalty runs profound.
Caree & Finance People born on this day thrive in technology, science, education, or social innovation fields. Their ability to recognize patterns and think creatively makes them valuable problem-solvers. They build financial stability through continuous self-development and strategic thinking.
Health Mental stimulation and intellectual activities support their psychological well-being. Regular movement and social engagement prevent emotional stagnation. Adequate rest and mindfulness help calm their bustling minds.
That night, the moon was in its waning gibbous phase.
Chinese year of the Dragon (Metal).
Fun Facts About 11th February
Name Days in Your Language: Adolfo, Adolph, Adolpha, Alva, Alvarita, Alvaro, Lourdes
Someone born on this day in 1940 would be 86 years old today — just 31,466 days into life, which is roughly 755,186 hours, 45,311,208 minutes, or 2,718,672,507 seconds spent on Earth so far.
It's the 42. day of the year.
As this is a leap year, there are 324 days still to come.
We’re currently in Week 6 — the year marches on.
Famous Birthdays on 11th February
- Joselito, Spanish singer and actor (1943)
- Alan Rubin, American trumpet player (died 2011) (1943)
- Otis Clay, American singer-songwriter (died 2016) (1942)
- Sérgio Mendes, Brazilian pianist and composer (died 2024) (1941)
- Calvin Fowler, American basketball player (died 2013) (1940)
- Gerry Goffin, American songwriter (died 2014) (1939)
- Bevan Congdon, New Zealand cricketer (died 2018) (1938)
- Ian Gow, British politician (died 1990) (1937)
- Bill Lawry, Australian cricketer and sportscaster (1937)
- Eddie Shack, Canadian ice hockey player (died 2020) (1937)
Lives Remembered on 11th February
- James Van Der Beek, American actor (born 1977) (2026)
- Betsy Arakawa, American classical pianist (born 1959) (2025)
- Moses Lim, Singaporean actor (born 1949) (2025)
- Allen J. Bard, American chemist (born 1933) (2024)
- Donald Spoto, American biographer (born 1941) (2023)
- Vic Damone, American singer, songwriter and actor (born 1928) (2018)
- Asma Jahangir, Pakistani human-rights lawyer and social activist (born 1952) (2018)
- Jan Maxwell, American stage and television actress (born 1956) (2018)
- Qazi Wajid, Pakistani drama actor, writer and artist (born 1930) (2018)
- Fab Melo, Brazilian basketball player (born 1990) (2017)
Celebrations & Special Days Worldwide on 11th February
- Christian feast day: Blaise Eastern Orthodox liturgics
- Christian feast day: Cædmon, first recorded Christian poet in England, c. 680 CE (Anglicanism)
- Christian feast day: Gobnait
- Christian feast day: Gregory II
- Christian feast day: Lazarus of Milan
- Christian feast day: Peter of Jesus Maldonado
- Christian feast day: Soteris
- Christian feast day: February 11 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
- European 112 Day (European Union)
- Armed Forces Day (Liberia)
- Evelio Javier Day (Panay Island, the Philippines)
- Feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes (Catholic Church), and its related observance World Day of the Sick (Roman Catholic Church)
- Inventors' Day (United States)
- National Foundation Day (Japan)
- Youth Day (Cameroon)
- International Day of Women and Girls in Science (UN Women)
What Happened on 11th February?
- 2024 Finnish presidential election: Alexander Stubb is elected as the 13th president of Finland. (2024)
- COVID-19 pandemic: The World Health Organization officially names the coronavirus outbreak as COVID-19, with the virus being designated SARS-CoV-2. (2020)
- Saratov Airlines Flight 703 crashes near Moscow, Russia with 71 deaths and no survivors. (2018)
- North Korea test fires a ballistic missile across the Sea of Japan. (2017)
- A man shoots seven people dead at an education center in Jizan Province, Saudi Arabia. (2016)
- A university student is murdered as she resists an attempted rape in Turkey, sparking nationwide protests and public outcry against harassment and violence against women. (2015)
- The European Space Agency's Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle is launched on a Vega rocket. (2015)
- A military transport plane crashes in a mountainous area of Oum El Bouaghi Province in eastern Algeria, killing 77 people. (2014)
- The Vatican confirms that Pope Benedict XVI will resign the papacy as a result of his advanced age. (2013)
- Militants claiming to be from the Sultanate of Sulu invade Lahad Datu District, Sabah, Malaysia, beginning the Lahad Datu standoff. (2013)