The British government, by royal proclamation, announced the minting of a new generation of bronze coins valued at one penny, a halfpenny, and a quarter of a penny.  All three coins had for the first time their denomination marked, "penny" or "halfpenny" or "farthing," together with its minting date.  The new coinage bore the familiar "Britannia" symbol on one side and the Queen Victoria's image on the other.  These coins were minted for most of the rest of the century.  (By John Osborne)

The French government announced that by reciprocal agreement British subjects would no longer be required to hold and display passports while travelling in France. Seen as an attempt to both attract visitors and help heal poor relations between Britain and France, the new measure came into effect on the first day of the new year, 1861.  (By John Osborne) 

A disaster at the Black Vein Pit at Risca, near Newport, trapped and killed 142 Welsh coal miners.  Around 200 men were starting their day deep underground when a series of explosions rocked the three miles of galleries around nine in the morning.  Rescuers were able to descend several hours later bringing up survivors and the first of the bodies.  Recovery was difficult and victims were brought to the surface all through the following month.  (By John Osborne)

The 4th Earl of Aberdeen died at Argyll House, his London home, aged seventy-six.  Born in Edinburgh and educated at Cambridge University he had followed a successful career as a diplomat, serving twice as Foreign Secretary, notably negotiating differences with the United States over Oregon and the Canadian border in the 1840s.  He served as British prime minister between 1852 and 1855, at the head of a Whig-Peelite coalition.  (By John Osborne)