This Week in History - March 16th to March 22nd

Fascinating, surprising and eye-opening stories from the past, brought to life.

March 21st In 1556 - the first Protestant Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, was burnt at the stake in Oxford during the reign of Queen Mary.
March 17th 1921 - the first family planning clinic opened in Holloway, North London, by Marie Stopes.
March 20th 1966 - the World Cup trophy was stolen from its display in Central Hall, Westminster - only to be discovered by a dog, Pickles, a week after.

Published on Monday, 16th March 2026.

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