On this day July 19

• In 1966, Frank Sinatra married Mia Farrow, the 21-year-old star of “Peyton Place” and daughter of actress Maureen O` Sullivan. She was 30 years Sinatra`s junior, and one year younger than his son. After their accidental meeting on a studio lot, the couple had spent numerous weekends “discussing a film” – but so well screened from public view was the liaison that the press had no idea about the wedding. Sinatra`s Wife Number Two, Ava Gardner, said, “I always knew Frank would end up sleeping with a boy,” and the bride`s mother added, “At his age, he should marry me!”

• In 1821, the unfortunate coronation of George IV was celebrated in England`s Westminster Abbey. George so despised his queen, Caroline of Brunswick, that he not only didn’t invite her, but had the doors barred when she tried to get in. The fat king, covered in costly robes, was so overcome by the heat that he had to be supported by eight peers’ sons, and was only stopped from fainting at the altar by a whiff of smelling salts. At the banquet afterwards, the earl marshal hit Lord Gwydor with his staff of office, and the king so overindulged that he had to be bled.

— from Today’s the Day! by Jeremy Beadle (Signet)