Tuesday, 20th May 1947 in London
Welcome to your daily snapshot of London! It's World Bee Day and World Metrology Day. Explore 61 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 7°C and 16°C. Tonight's moon is in its waxing gibbous phase, and the zodiac sign of the day is Taurus. If you're curious about the history of a day — this page brings together everything worth knowing about this Tuesday, 20th May in London, GB.
On 20th May, significant historical events across centuries have marked this date in ways that continue to influence modern society. In 1947, the same year as the opening of the first session of Japan's National Diet in Tokyo, Europe was experiencing the aftermath of global conflict and the beginning of reconstruction. The earthquake that struck Northern Italy in 2012, resulting in seven deaths, serves as a reminder of the region's geological vulnerability and the importance of modern building standards. Historical records also document the Battle of Dun Nechtain in 685, when the Picts defeated the Northumbrians, a conflict that fundamentally altered the power dynamics in northern Great Britain and shaped the political landscape of the British Isles for centuries to come.
London, the capital of the United Kingdom, has served as a major centre of political, economic and cultural influence for over two millennia. The city's position on the River Thames made it a crucial trading hub throughout history, and it remains one of the world's leading financial and diplomatic centres. On this particular date, London experienced drizzly weather, typical of the British climate during late spring.
For those observing celestial and astrological markers, 20th May 2024 falls under the zodiac sign of Taurus, a sign associated with stability and practicality. The moon was in its waxing gibbous phase, approaching fullness and traditionally considered a time of culmination and gathering energy. These astronomical conditions have long held significance in various cultural traditions and continue to interest observers worldwide.
DayAtlas provides comprehensive information for any date and location, displaying historical events, weather conditions, notable births and deaths. The platform enables users to explore how specific dates have shaped history whilst understanding the environmental conditions that prevailed at those moments in time.
Find out what's happening today in London.
What the Weather Had in Store for London on 20th May 1947
Resistance shapes character as wind shapes cliffs.
Fortune of the Day
20th May in the Stars – Star Sign Pisces
Personality Profile
Personality Those born on 20 May blend Taurus steadiness with Mercurial intellect, creating thoughtful communicators grounded in practicality. They navigate life with deliberation, appreciating both sensory pleasures and mental stimulation. This combination generates quiet confidence and genuine interest in others.
Strengths & Weaknesses Strengths include patience, clear thinking, and natural charm from Venus influence. Weaknesses involve occasional stubbornness, overthinking through Mercury, and resistance to change. Finding balance between analytical mind and intuitive body requires awareness.
Love These natives seek sensual, lasting partnerships with genuine conversation. They value both physical intimacy and intellectual engagement equally. Loyalty is non-negotiable—they expect commitment and offer unwavering dedication in return.
Caree & Finance Professionally, they excel where communication meets patience: teaching, negotiation, craftsmanship, writing. Financially shrewd and methodical, they steadily build security. Analytical nature prevents impulsive decisions but may cause missed opportunities.
Health Moderate, consistent movement suits their bodies best. Mental peace matters as much as physical exercise—overthinking disrupts nervous system balance. Enjoying food mindfully, combined with gentle routine, sustains long-term wellbeing.
That night, the moon was in its waxing gibbous phase.
Chinese year of the Pig (Fire).
Fun Facts About 20th May
Name Days in Your Language: Bernadette, Bernardina, Bernardine, Bernetta, Bernita
Someone born on this day in 1947 would be 78 years old today — just 28,814 days into life, which is roughly 691,557 hours, 41,493,453 minutes, or 2,489,607,230 seconds spent on Earth so far.
It's the 140. day of the year.
There are 225 days still to come.
We’re currently in Week 21 — the year marches on.
Famous Birthdays on 20th May
- Andy Johns, English-American engineer and producer (died 2013) (1950)
- Reinaldo Merlo, Argentinian footballer and coach (1950)
- Jane Parker-Smith, English organist (died 2020) (1950)
- Robert Morin, Canadian director, cinematographer, and screenwriter (1949)
- Michèle Roberts, English author and poet (1949)
- Dave Thomas, Canadian actor, director, producer, and screenwriter (1949)
- Steve Currie, English bass player (died 1981) (1947)
- Greg Dyke, English journalist and academic (1947)
- Cher, American singer-songwriter, producer, and actress (1946)
- Bobby Murcer, American baseball player, coach, manager, and sportscaster (died 2008) (1946)
Lives Remembered on 20th May
- Damaskinos of Athens, Greek archbishop and politician, 137th Prime Minister of Greece (born 1891) (1949)
- Philipp Lenard, Slovak-German physicist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate (born 1862) (1947)
- Georgios Siantos, Greek sergeant and politician (born 1890) (1947)
- Jacob Ellehammer, Danish pilot and engineer (born 1871) (1946)
- Hector Guimard, French Architect (born 1867) (1942)
- Verner von Heidenstam, Swedish author and poet, Nobel Prize laureate (born 1859) (1940)
Celebrations & Special Days Worldwide on 20th May
- Christian feast day: Abercius and Helena
- Christian feast day: Alcuin of York
- Christian feast day: Aurea of Ostia
- Christian feast day: Austregisilus
- Christian feast day: Baudilus
- Christian feast day: Bernardino of Siena
- Christian feast day: Ivo of Chartres
- Christian feast day: Lucifer of Cagliari
- Christian feast day: Sanctan
- Christian feast day: May 20 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
- Day of Remembrance (Cambodia)
- Emancipation Day (Florida)
- European Maritime Day (European Council)
- Independence Restoration Day, celebrates the independence of East Timor from Indonesia in 2002.
- Josephine Baker Day (NAACP)
- National Awakening Day (Indonesia), and its related observances: Indonesian Doctor Day (Indonesia)
- National Day (Cameroon)
- World Bee Day
- World Metrology Day
- Doug the Pug Day (Nashville, Tennessee)
What Happened on 20th May?
- In the United States, the Armed Forces Security Agency, the predecessor to the National Security Agency, is established. (1949)
- Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek wins the 1948 Republic of China presidential election and is sworn in as the first President of the Republic of China at Nanjing. (1948)
- The Luttra Woman, a bog body from the Early Neolithic period (radiocarbon-dated c. 3928–3651 BC), was discovered near Luttra, Sweden. (1943)
- World War II: Battle of Crete: German paratroops invade Crete. (1941)
- The Holocaust: The first prisoners arrive at a new concentration camp at Auschwitz. (1940)