Events for April 17

April 17, 1656

William Molyneux, statesman, philosopher and scientist, is born in Dublin

William Molyneux FRS (17 April 1656 – 11 October 1698) was an Anglo-Irish writer on science, politics and natural philosophy.

April 17, 1937

A British record attendance at a football match was set when 149,547 watched Scotland vs England at Hampden Park, Glasgow

A stadium on the present site opened on 31 October 1903, with a capacity in excess of 100,000. This was increased between 1927 and 1937, reaching a peak of 150,000. The record attendance of 149,415, for Scotland v England in 1937, is the European record for an international football match.

April 17, 1172

Last day King Henry II holds his court in Dublin

The last day King Henry II of England held his court in Dublin was on April 17, 1172. Henry’s involvement in Ireland marked a significant moment in both English and Irish history, initiating the Anglo-Norman presence in Ireland that would have profound and lasting effects on the island’s political, social, and cultural landscapes.

April 17, 1766

James Craigs winning entry for development of Edinburgh New Town was approved.

James Craig (31 October 1739 – 23 June 1795) was a Scottish architect who worked mostly in lowlands of the country and especially his native city of Edinburgh. He is remembered primarily for his layout of the first Edinburgh New Town.