Ten days after Ayatollah Khomeini declared a fatwa on the author for blasphemy against Islam, an Iranian businessman placed a £1.6m bounty on his head.
Concorde's first flight, the euro arrives and Britain wakes up to breakfast TV - notable January events and anniversaries
Nelson Mandela is free, Torvill and Dean win Olympic gold and Buddy Holly dies - historic happenings from February
The Queen Mother dies, the Miners' Strike ends and the Spitfire takes to the skies - memorable moments from March
Gagarin is the first man in space, Kurt Cobain commits suicide and Martin Luther King is shot - April's notable anniversaries
Everest is conquered, Ayrton Senna is killed and Margaret Thatcher is Britain's first female PM - May days from history
Jaws fever bites, the nation celebrates the Silver Jubilee and Wimbledon serves up its longest match - on this day in June
England beat West Germany to win the World Cup, Live Aid raises millions and rationing ends - July's historic days
Record summer temperatures, the start of the Berlin Wall and Pluto is demoted - August anniversaries to note
9/11 attacks shock the world, Ben Johnson is stripped of gold and Bobby's back in Dallas - September's days to remember
The Great Storm hits, the BT Tower opens and Concorde makes its final flight - memorable moments in October
BBC One goes colour, the National Lottery begins and Margaret Thatcher quits - notable November goings-on
Edwina sparks outrage, Edward VIII abdicates and Santa is tracked - December dates to remember
Theresa May insists Brexit must not be blocked
Harry and Meghan arrive in Morocco for whirlwind tour
Police chase collision leaves elderly couple dead
Corbyn criticises MPs who quit Labour to sit alongside former Tories
UK basks in above-average temperatures as mild weather continues
Tommy Robinson urges supporters to cancel TV licences in protest against BBC
In Pictures: Flowers bloom early as UK enjoys unseasonably warm weather
In pictures: Britain’s changing landscape from the air
In Pictures: Father-to-be Harry serves up meals at children’s project
In Pictures: Early-bird anglers gather for Europe’s largest beach contest
In Pictures: Pupils skip school to stage climate change protests
In Pictures: Spectacular sunrise greets Valentine’s Day
In Pictures: Royally busy! Kate, Harry, William and Charles’ full day of events
