31 May

Contemporary era

1911

Launch of the Titanic's hull

On 31 May 1911, the hull of the Titanic was launched at Belfast.

Contemporary era

1859

Big Ben starts keeping time

On 31 May 1859, the great Westminster clock, Big Ben, began keeping time in London.

From the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment

1669

Last entry of Pepys's diary

On 31 May 1669, Samuel Pepys wrote the final entry of his famous diary.