Monday, 5th May 1980 in London
Welcome to your daily snapshot of London! It's World Hand Hygiene Day and Children's Day (Japan/Korea). Explore 49 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 11°C. Tonight's moon is in its waxing crescent 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 Monday, 5th May in London, GB.
On this day in 1980, the British Special Air Service recaptured the Iranian embassy in London following a six-day siege after Iranian Arab separatists had seized the building. This dramatic operation marked a significant moment in the history of counter-terrorism operations in the United Kingdom. Earlier in the same year, another pivotal event unfolded when Irish republican Bobby Sands died on 5 May 1981 after a 66-day hunger strike in HM Prison Maze, an act of protest that would become a defining moment in Irish republican history. These events, separated by just one year, demonstrated the volatile political landscape of early 1980s Britain and Ireland.
London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is situated on the River Thames in south-east England and serves as the country's political, cultural and economic centre. The city has played a central role in numerous historical events that have shaped both national and international affairs. On 5 May 1980, the weather in London was cloudy, whilst those born under the zodiac sign of Taurus during this period are known to display characteristic determination and practicality. The moon was in its waxing crescent phase, a time traditionally associated with new beginnings and growth.
These historical events underscore how a single date can encompass moments of international significance and human consequence. The recapture of the Iranian embassy demonstrated modern military precision and tactical planning, whilst the broader context of political unrest during this era reflected deeper tensions within British and Irish society. DayAtlas provides comprehensive information about weather conditions, significant historical events, and notable births and deaths for any date and location, allowing users to explore the historical context of any day throughout recorded history.
Find out what's happening today in London.
What the Weather Had in Store for London on 5th May 1980
True mastery begins when ambition leaves the stage.
Fortune of the Day
5th May in the Stars – Star Sign Pisces
Personality Profile
Personality People born on May 5th blend Taurus stability with numerological leadership in intriguing ways. Outwardly calm and grounded, they carry a pioneering spirit that sets them apart from typical Taureans. These individuals pursue harmony while possessing courage to forge new directions.
Strengths & Weaknesses Their greatest strengths are reliability, patience, and strong practical sense. However, their stubbornness can become limiting, and they risk becoming entrenched in fixed patterns. The challenge lies in balancing flexibility with their natural desire for consistency and security.
Love In romantic matters, these natives display remarkable loyalty and sensuality guided by Venus. They seek deep emotional connection and physical intimacy but move cautiously into new relationships. Partners receive steadfast devotion and enduring affection.
Caree & Finance Professionally, those born this day thrive in positions combining responsibility with creative control. They possess natural aptitude for finance, craftsmanship, and artistic pursuits. Their entrepreneurial spirit, tempered by caution, often leads to sustainable material success.
Health These individuals benefit from consistent physical activity and enjoy sensual self-care practices like massage or yoga. Their balanced approach to health is advantageous, though they must guard against overindulgence. A life balancing pleasure and moderation ensures lasting vitality.
That night, the moon was in its waxing crescent phase.
Chinese year of the Monkey (Metal).
Fun Facts About 5th May
Name Days in Your Language: Jodi, Jodie, Jody, Judie, Judith, Judy, Terrell, Tyrell, Tyrese, Tyron, Tyrone, Tyrrell, Tyson
Someone born on this day in 1980 would be 45 years old today — just 16,774 days into life, which is roughly 402,586 hours, 24,155,189 minutes, or 1,449,311,391 seconds spent on Earth so far.
It's the 126. day of the year.
As this is a leap year, there are 240 days still to come.
We’re currently in Week 19 — the year marches on.
Famous Birthdays on 5th May
- Henry Cavill, English actor (1983)
- Vanessa Bryant, American philanthropist and model (1982)
- Corey Parker, Australian rugby league footballer (1982)
- Craig David, English singer-songwriter, musician and producer (1981)
- Danielle Fishel, American actress (1981)
- Yossi Benayoun, Israeli footballer (1980)
- Hank Green, American entrepreneur, educator, and vlogger (1980)
- Vincent Kartheiser, American actor (1979)
- Tiffany Roberts, American footballer (1977)
Lives Remembered on 5th May
- Horst Schumann, German physician (born 1901) (1983)
- John Williams, English-American actor (born 1903) (1983)
- Bobby Sands, PIRA volunteer and hunger striker (born 1954) (1981)
- Ludwig Erhard, German economist and politician, Chancellor of Germany (born 1897) (1977)
- Zekai Özger, Turkish poet and academic (born 1948) (1973)
Celebrations & Special Days Worldwide on 5th May
- Children's Day (Japan, South Korea)
- Christian feast day: Angelus of Jerusalem
- Christian feast day: Aventinus of Tours
- Christian feast day: Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice
- Christian feast day: Frederick the Wise (Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod)
- Christian feast day: Gotthard of Hildesheim
- Christian feast day: Hilary of Arles
- Christian feast day: Jutta of Kulmsee
- Christian feast day: Stanisław Kazimierczyk
- Christian feast day: May 5 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
- Cinco de Mayo (Mexico, United States)
- Constitution Day (Kyrgyzstan)
- Europe Day (Council of Europe)
- Feast of al-Khadr or Saint George (Palestinian)
- Indian Arrival Day (Guyana)
- International Midwives' Day (International)
- Liberation Day (Denmark, Netherlands)
- Lusophone Culture Day (Community of Portuguese Language Countries)
- World Portuguese Language Day (International)
- Martyrs' Day (Albania)
- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Awareness Day (Canada and United States)
- National Cartoonist Day
- Patriots' Victory Day (Ethiopia)
- Revenge of the Fifth (see Star Wars Day)
- Senior Citizens Day (Palau)
- Soviet Press Day (Soviet Union)
- Tango no sekku (Japan)
- Uyghur Doppa Cultural Festival (Doppa Day): 1–2
What Happened on 5th May?
- The World Health Organization declares the end of the COVID-19 pandemic as a global health emergency. (2023)
- Mass protests in Greece erupt in response to austerity measures imposed by the government as a result of the Greek government-debt crisis. (2010)
- Kenya Airways Flight 507 crashes after takeoff from Douala International Airport in Douala, Cameroon, killing all 114 aboard, making it the deadliest aircraft disaster in Cameroon. (2007)
- The government of Sudan signs an accord with the Sudan Liberation Army. (2006)
- The signing of the Bishkek Protocol between Armenia and Azerbaijan effectively freezes the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. (1994)
- American teenager Michael P. Fay is caned in Singapore for theft and vandalism. (1994)
- A riot breaks out in the Mt. Pleasant section of Washington, D.C. after police shoot a Salvadoran man. (1991)
- Iran–Contra affair: Start of Congressional televised hearings in the United States. (1987)
- Ronald Reagan visits the military cemetery at Bitburg and the site of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where he makes a speech. (1985)
- Bobby Sands dies in the Long Kesh prison hospital after 66 days of hunger-striking, aged 27. (1981)