Browse our archive of 1961 newspapers to find the perfect gift for a history buff, or someone born in this special year in history. Our collection is the largest in the world, featuring over 4 million genuine originals of newspapers such as The Times, The Guardian, and The Daily Mail. Understand all the excitement and change that took place in the 1960’s through the eyes of those who experienced it.
Our collection of 1961 newspaper headlines feature reports about some of the year’s most jaw-dropping moments, and tragic disasters. Some of the most memorable 1961 news stories include The Beatles’ first show at the Cavern Club in their hometown Liverpool, the Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space, and John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the 35th President of the United States. 1961 newspaper articles are a wonderful way to remember this year in history, and an original newspapers make the ideal gift for a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion.
1st January 1961
The farthing, used since the 13th century, ceases to be legal tender in the United Kingdom.
20th January 1961
John F. Kennedy becomes the 35th President of the United States.
9th February 1961
The Beatles perform for the first time at the Cavern Club in their hometown, Liverpool.
8th March 1961
Max Conrad sets a new world record by circumnavigating the earth on the ‘New Frontiers’ aeroplane in eight days, eighteen hours and forty-nine minutes.
12th April 1961
Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human in space.
6th May 1961
Tottenham Hotspur FC becomes the first team in the 20th century to win the league and FA Cup double.
28th May 1961
Peter Benenson’s article “The Forgotten Prisoners” is published in several internationally read newspapers. This is later considered the founding of the human rights organisation, Amnesty International.
4th July 1961
The Soviet submarine ‘K-19’ suffers a reactor leak in the North Atlantic.
10th August 1961
Britain applies for membership in the European Economic Community.
13th August 1961
Construction of the Berlin Wall begins, restricting movement between East Berlin and West Berlin and forming a clear boundary between East Germany and West Germany.
10th September 1961
German driver Wolfgang Von Trips crashes his Ferrari into the stand during the Formula One Italian Grand Prix on the circuit of Monza. Fourteen spectators are killed and Von Trips also dies in the accident.
25th October 1961
The first edition of the satirical magazine “Private Eye“ is published in Britain.
27th October 1961
A stand-off between Soviet and American tanks in Berlin heightens Cold War tensions.
9th November 1961
Neil Armstrong records a world record speed of 6,587 km/hr in a ‘X-15’ rocket plane.
11th December 1961
The Vietnam War officially begins, as the first American helicopters arrive in Saigon along with 400 United States personnel.
19th December 1961
Goa is officially ceded to India after 400 years of Portuguese rule.