World Cup Winner
Norman Hunter is called into England’s defensive unit for the 1966 World Cup after excelling at Leeds United. He does not take the field, but shares the achievement of the 22-man championship squad.
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1966 in Great Britain — Page 4
Explore 355 historical events and records for Great Britain in 1966.
Historical records for Great Britain in 1966
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 40 of 355 unique records.
355Unique records
4 of 9Page
28Named events on this page
25Named people on this page
3Places on this page
July
World Cup Winner
Geoff Hurst becomes the first man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final as England beat West Germany after extra time.
World Cup Winner
Geoff Hurst scores three times against West Germany in the 1966 final, including two extra-time goals. His striking performance completes England’s 4-2 Wembley victory and secures the world title.
World Cup Winner
Bobby Moore leads England onto the Wembley pitch and subsequently receives the Jules Rimet Trophy. His incisive distribution includes the pass for Geoff Hurst’s final goal in the 4-2 championship victory.
World Cup Winner
Bobby Moore lifts the World Cup at Wembley after captaining England through a 4-2 extra-time victory over West Germany.
World Cup Winner
Terry Paine appears in England’s opening group match against Uruguay during the 1966 tournament. The Southampton winger remains with Alf Ramsey’s squad as the hosts proceed to win the final.
World Cup Winner
Martin Peters puts England ahead in the second half of the 1966 final before West Germany equalises to force extra time.
World Cup Winner
Martin Peters scores England’s second goal against West Germany in the Wembley final. His composed finish gives the hosts a second-half lead before the match reaches extra time and England prevails.
World Cup Winner
Alf Ramsey manages England to its first World Cup title, completing an unbeaten home tournament with victory over West Germany.
World Cup Winner
Ron Springett travels to the 1966 World Cup as one of England’s three selected goalkeepers. He does not appear in a match, but shares in the championship as part of Alf Ramsey’s official squad.
World Cup Winner
Nobby Stiles operates as England’s combative holding midfielder throughout the championship. He helps screen the defence against West Germany and celebrates the hosts’ historic success at Wembley.
World Cup Winner
Ray Wilson completes the 1966 final at left-back for England as the team defeats West Germany after extra time. The Everton defender adds valuable experience to the back line throughout the tournament.
World Cup Winning Team
Member of England World Cup winning team.
Beatles, The
John Lennons comments on the state of Christianity - made in March, but only lately picked up in the US spark protests and record burnings on the eve of the Beatles 1966 American tour
Cabinet
Brown is moved to the Foreign Office & Stewart takes over at the DEA
Crisis
Sterling crisis followed by a period of deflation
Haiphong Bombing Criticism
Criticizes aspects of US bombing policy while keeping Britain aligned with Washington
Minister of Technology
Appointed Minister of Technology
Resignation of Frank Cousins
Resigns against the Governments incomes policy. Believes the Government should control prices & not wages
August
Revolver
Produces Revolver, supporting tape experiments, orchestral ideas and more ambitious studio construction.
Department of Economic Affairs (DEA)
Appointed Secretary of State for Economic Affairs at the Department of Economic Affairs
Foreign Secretary of Great Britain
Appointed Foreign Minister
Leader of House of Commons
Appointed Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons.
Lord President of Council
Becomes Lord President of the Council alongside his leadership of the Commons.
Secretary of State for Economic Affairs
Appointed Secretary of State for Economic Affairs at the Department of Economic Affairs
Prices and Incomes Act
The Act provides statutory powers to restrain wage and price increases.
The Kids Are Alright
Release The Kids Are Alright as a single.
Circumnavigation
Embarks on lone circumnavigation of the World
September
Beatles, The
John Lennon makes his first appearance away from the Beatles in the role of Private Gripweed in Richard Lesters film How I Won the War, he writes "Strawberry Fields Forever" during the filming
Commonwealth
The Commonwealth Conference at Lagos attacks Wilson's handling of Rhodesia's UDI
Conference of Commonwealth
The Commonwealth Conference at Lagos attacks Wilson's handling of Rhodesia's UDI
Independence of Great Britain
Wilson agrees to recognise Ian Smith & negotiate with him. OAU countries will break off relations if Smith's regime is not broken by December
Independence of Rhodesia
Wilson agrees to recognise Ian Smith & negotiate with him. OAU countries will break off relations if Smith's regime is not broken by December
OAU will sever relations with Britain if Smith's regime is not broken
OAU will sever relations with Britain if Smith's regime is not broken by December
Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI)
The Commonwealth Conference at Lagos attacks Wilson's handling of Rhodesia's UDI
October
Mason Transfer Adds Defensive Competition
Stuart Mason joined Liverpool from Wrexham in October 1966, strengthening the pool of available defenders during Shankly’s tenure.
Wall Signs from Wrexham
Liverpool brought in Peter Wall from Wrexham in October 1966, offering the young player a chance to develop at a First Division club.
Birth of David William Donald Cameron
Birth of David William Donald Cameron.
Mellow Yellow
Epic releases the single "Mellow Yellow", arranged by John Paul Jones and purportedly featuring Paul McCartney on backing vocals
Face to Face
The Kinks release Face to Face.
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.