Box-office #1
The Empire Strikes Back
1980 · dir. Irvin Kershner
Wide US release on May 23, 1980. Goes on to become the highest-grossing film of the year.
Sci-fiStar Wars $538M worldwide
On this day
November 3 Tuesday, November 3, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on November 3 across the years — history, birthdays, the songs that ruled the charts, the films that packed cinemas, and the science that nudged the world forward.
12
Events
7
Birthdays
8
Holidays
1848
Politics 178 years ago
A greatly revised Dutch constitution, which transfers much authority from the king to his parliament and ministers, is proclaimed.
The Dutch constitution is significantly revised, transferring substantial power from the monarchy to parliament and ministers.
History
What happened on November 3
12 verified entries Full timeline
- 361Religion
Emperor Constantius II dies of a fever at Mopsuestia in Cilicia; on his deathbed he is baptised and declares his cousin Julian rightful successor.
Constantius II dies from fever, is baptized, and names Julian as his successor.
- 1090UK history
The Rouen Riot, an attempt by English king William Rufus to take possession of Rouen, the capital city of his brother Robert, duke of Normandy, fails.
William Rufus's attempt to seize Rouen from his brother Robert fails, marking a significant setback for English ambitions in Normandy.
- 1333Disaster
The River Arno floods causing massive damage in Florence as recorded by the Florentine chronicler Giovanni Villani.
Florence suffers severe flooding along the Arno River, with damages documented by historian Giovanni Villani.
- 1468War
Liège is sacked by Charles I of Burgundy's troops.
Charles I of Burgundy's troops sack Liège, marking a significant event in the Burgundian Wars.
- 1493World history
Christopher Columbus first sights the island of Dominica in the Caribbean Sea.
Christopher Columbus spots the island of Dominica during his voyage through the Caribbean Sea.
- 1534UK history
English Parliament passes the first Act of Supremacy, making King Henry VIII head of the Anglican Church, supplanting the pope and the Roman Catholic Church.
King Henry VIII becomes the head of the Anglican Church with the passage of the Act of Supremacy.
- 1791Education
The University of Vermont, the oldest university in Vermont, and fifth-oldest in New England, is chartered.
The University of Vermont receives its charter, becoming the state's oldest institution of higher learning and the fifth-oldest in New England.
- 1793French revolution
French playwright, journalist and feminist Olympe de Gouges is guillotined.
Olympe de Gouges, a pioneering French playwright and journalist known for her feminist writings, is executed by guillotine.
- 1848Politics
A greatly revised Dutch constitution, which transfers much authority from the king to his parliament and ministers, is proclaimed.
The Dutch constitution is significantly revised, transferring substantial power from the monarchy to parliament and ministers.
- 1881World history
The Mapuche uprising of 1881 begins in Chile.
Mapuche forces launch an uprising against Chilean military expansion into their ancestral territories in Araucanía, sparking months of fierce resistance.
- 1988World history
Sri Lankan Tamil mercenaries attempt to overthrow the Maldivian government. At President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's request, the Indian military suppresses the rebellion within 24 hours.
Indian forces quickly quell a mercenary uprising aimed at toppling the Maldivian government, responding to President Gayoom's call for assistance.
- 2014US history
One World Trade Center officially opens in New York City, replacing the Twin Towers after they were destroyed during the September 11 attacks.
One World Trade Center officially opens in New York City, becoming the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and completing the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site.
Born today
Famous birthdays on November 3
7 this date All birthdays
Claire van Kampen
English director and composer
Claire van Kampen, founding director of music at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre from 1997 to 2015 and composer for numerous stage productions, turns 73 today.
Born
1953
Died
2025
Charles Bronson
American soldier and actor
1921 – 2003
John Barry
English-American composer and conductor
1933 – 2011
Roy Emerson
Australian-American tennis player and coach
b. 1936 · 90
Jim Cummings
American voice actor
b. 1952 · 74
Phil Simms
American football player and sportscaster
b. 1955 · 71
Christian Picciolini
American businessman and manager
b. 1973 · 53
Music
The number one songs on November 3
Across the years Full chart history
🇬🇧 #1 on November 3, 1981
"Stand and Deliver"
by Adam and the Ants
The dandy highwayman spent five weeks at the top — a brash, glam-pop coronation.
#1 for 5 weeks
Also #1 on this day
- 1965"Ticket To Ride"— The Beatles
- 1972"Metal Guru"— T. Rex
- 2003"Make Luv"— Room 5 ft. Oliver Cheatham
Film & TV
At the movies
Box office #1 and premieres All releases
🏆 Sport November 3, 1982
Aston Villa shock Bayern Munich for the European Cup
In Rotterdam, late substitute Peter Withe scores the winner as Villa lift the trophy on their first attempt.
Read the story
🔬 Science November 3, 1973
Mariner program: NASA launches the Mariner 10 toward Mercury. On March 29, 1974, it becomes the first space probe to reach that planet.
NASA launches Mariner 10 toward Mercury; it becomes the first space probe to reach the planet.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
8 celebrated today
Culture Day (Japan)
International
Culture Day is a public holiday in Japan held annually on November 3 to promote culture, the arts, and academic endeavour
Flag Day (United Arab Emirates)
International
The United Arab Emirates (U
Independence Day / Separation Day, celebrates the separation and independence of Panama from Colombia in 1903.
International
The Declaration of Independence of Panama is the document through which Panama declared its independence from the Spanish Empire on November 28, 1821
Independence Day, celebrates the independence of Dominica from the United Kingdom in 1978.
International
This is a list of public holidays in Dominica
Independence Day, celebrates the independence of the Federated States of Micronesia from the United States in 1986.
International
This is a list of public holidays in the Federated States of Micronesia
Independence Day of Cuenca (Ecuador)
International
The national public holidays in Ecuador include: