September 14 has been a date of pivotal moments in British history, encompassing international diplomacy, wartime strategies, educational milestones, cultural achievements, and royal commemorations. From treaties with the Dutch to the opening of modern landmarks, these events reflect the nation’s evolving global influence, military engagements, and cultural legacy. In this article, we explore key historical events that took place on September 14.
What Happened on September 14 in British History?
Netherlands and England Sign Peace Treaty (1662)
On September 14, 1662, the Netherlands and England signed a peace treaty aimed at resolving ongoing disputes between the two maritime powers. The relationship between the Dutch Republic and England had been fraught with tension due to competition over trade routes and colonial expansion. This treaty sought to de-escalate hostilities following the First Anglo-Dutch War (1652–1654), during which both nations vied for control of lucrative global markets.
Although the treaty of September 14 momentarily restored peace, the rivalry between the two nations continued, leading to further conflicts in subsequent decades. The treaty is significant as part of the broader narrative of 17th-century European geopolitics, where maritime nations struggled for dominance in overseas trade. The Anglo-Dutch Wars profoundly shaped Britain’s approach to naval power and trade, helping to pave the way for the later rise of the British Empire.
See Also: What Happened on September 14 in History?
Bishop Gore School Founded (1682)
On September 14, 1682, Bishop Gore School, one of the oldest educational institutions in Wales, was founded. Located in Swansea, the school was originally established as a grammar school to provide education to boys. It was named after Bishop Hugh Gore, who played a significant role in founding the institution, envisioning it as a place to nurture young minds and instill a strong Christian education.
Throughout its long history, Bishop Gore School has undergone significant changes, including evolving into a co-educational institution and expanding its curriculum. The school’s founding on September 14 highlights the long tradition of formal education in Britain, contributing to the development of intellectual and civic leaders who have shaped Welsh and British society.
Handel Completes “Messiah” (1741)
On September 14, 1741, George Frideric Handel completed his monumental oratorio Messiah, one of the most famous works in Western classical music. Handel reportedly worked non-stop for 23 days to finish the composition, which was designed to tell the story of Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection. Although initially written for Easter performances, Messiah has become a staple of the Christmas season in Britain and around the world.
Handel’s completion of Messiah on September 14 marked the beginning of a journey that would see the oratorio gain immense popularity, first in London and later internationally. Its inclusion in British cultural heritage cannot be overstated; performances of Messiah have been a part of British life for centuries, influencing the nation’s musical traditions and cultural identity.
British Forces Land at Calamita Bay (1854)
On September 14, 1854, British and French forces landed at Calamita Bay on the Crimean Peninsula as part of the Crimean War (1853–1856). The war, which saw the British Empire, France, and the Ottoman Empire join forces against the Russian Empire, was sparked by disputes over influence in the Middle East and protection of Christian minorities in the Ottoman Empire. The Crimean War is widely remembered for its brutal conditions and the pioneering work of figures such as Florence Nightingale.
The landing on September 14 marked a critical stage in the Crimean campaign, as British and French troops aimed to besiege the Russian stronghold of Sevastopol. The Crimean War holds an important place in British military history, not only for its strategic significance but also for the way it reshaped public perceptions of war, with the advent of war reporting and significant reforms in military healthcare.
“Your Country Needs You” Poster (1914)
On September 14, 1914, the now-iconic “Your Country Needs You” poster featuring Lord Kitchener appeared on the front cover of the London Opinion magazine. This poster, which depicts the stern face of Kitchener pointing directly at the viewer, became a powerful recruitment tool during the early stages of World War I. It called on British men to enlist in the army and serve their country in the fight against the Central Powers.
The use of Kitchener’s image on September 14 had a profound impact on the British public. The poster is remembered as one of the most effective pieces of wartime propaganda, successfully encouraging thousands of men to join the war effort. Today, it remains a symbol of British patriotism and the sacrifices made by those who fought in the Great War.
Churchill Visits Scapa Flow (1939)
On September 14, 1939, Winston Churchill, then First Lord of the Admiralty, visited the British naval base at Scapa Flow in the Orkney Islands. The visit came just weeks after the outbreak of World War II, as Britain prepared for what would become a long and grueling conflict. Scapa Flow, with its strategic location and natural harbor, served as a key base for the Royal Navy during both World Wars, protecting Britain from naval threats, particularly from German U-boats.
Churchill’s visit on September 14 emphasized the critical importance of Scapa Flow to Britain’s war strategy. His presence at the naval base signaled the government’s commitment to securing British waters and maintaining naval dominance. The visit also foreshadowed Churchill’s rise to Prime Minister in 1940, a role in which he would guide Britain through its darkest and most victorious hours of World War II.
British Soldiers Killed in Northern Ireland (1971)
On September 14, 1971, two British soldiers were killed in separate shooting incidents in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. This marked yet another tragic day in the ongoing conflict known as “The Troubles,” a violent period of sectarian strife that lasted from the late 1960s to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. The soldiers’ deaths on September 14 were part of a larger pattern of violence involving paramilitary groups, such as the Irish Republican Army (IRA), and British forces.
The incidents on September 14 highlighted the dangers faced by British soldiers and civilians alike during The Troubles. The period remains one of the darkest chapters in modern British history, with over 3,500 people killed in the conflict. Efforts to bring about peace and reconciliation continue to this day, with September 14 serving as a reminder of the toll that political and sectarian violence took on the United Kingdom.
Provisional IRA Bombing Campaign (1978)
Beginning on September 14, 1978, the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) launched a five-day bombing campaign across Northern Ireland, detonating more than 50 bombs in towns across the region. The attacks injured 37 people and caused widespread fear and panic. The bombings were part of the IRA’s broader campaign to end British rule in Northern Ireland and bring about the unification of Ireland.
The bombing campaign starting on September 14 was just one of many violent actions taken by the IRA during The Troubles. The attacks underscored the ongoing tensions in Northern Ireland and the challenges faced by the British government in maintaining order and security. The legacy of these attacks remains a painful chapter in Northern Ireland’s history, though the peace process has made significant strides in the decades since.
Darwin Centre Opens at the Natural History Museum (2009)
On September 14, 2009, the Darwin Centre at the Natural History Museum in London was officially opened by Sir David Attenborough and Prince William. This marked the most significant expansion of the museum since 1881, and the centre was designed to house the museum’s vast collections of insects and plants, as well as provide state-of-the-art research facilities for scientists.
The opening of the Darwin Centre on September 14 represented a major milestone in British scientific research and education. Named after Charles Darwin, the centre reinforces Britain’s long-standing commitment to biological research and the natural sciences. It also underscores the Natural History Museum’s role as a global leader in scientific discovery, attracting millions of visitors and fostering greater understanding of biodiversity and conservation.
Procession of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coffin (2022)
On September 14, 2022, a solemn procession took place in London as Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin was moved from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster to lie in state. Thousands of mourners lined the streets to pay their respects, and a queue of people waiting to see the Queen stretched for 2.4 miles. The procession marked a poignant moment in British history as the nation prepared to bid farewell to its longest-reigning monarch.
The events of September 14 during the Queen’s funeral proceedings were a reflection of the deep respect and affection held by the British public for Queen Elizabeth II. Her reign, which spanned over seven decades, had an immense impact on both Britain and the wider world. The procession and subsequent lying-in-state symbolized the end of an era and the continuity of the British monarchy.
Conclusion
September 14 in British history encompasses a wide array of events, from cultural achievements like Handel’s Messiah to significant military actions during the Crimean War and World War II. This date has also seen moments of political and social upheaval, such as the violence during The Troubles and the leadership of Winston Churchill during wartime. As these events demonstrate, September 14 is a date that has left its mark on Britain’s history, shaping the nation’s cultural, political, and military legacy.