- On this day in 1902 William Topaz McGonagall, died. McGonagall has earned the title of ‘World’s Worst Poet’. During the Dundee holiday week of 1877, he ‘discovered’ himself to be a poet and published his first book of verse in 1878, a collection which included his poem ‘The Railway Bridge of the Silvery Tay’. He became well known in Scotland, giving readings and recitations, but he was often booked simply to amuse the audience at his expense. He was frequently the butt of jokes of students at the University of Edinburgh who encouraged him to take himself seriously. He remained convinced that he was a poetic genius and tried to seek success in both London and, in 1887, New York. He was unable to find work and eventually had to ask a friend to send him the return fare.
- 1853 Emigrant ship "Annie Jane" sinks off Scotland, drowning 348
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