- 1587 8 Feb Mary, Queen of Scots is executed for treason against Elizabeth I at Fotheringhay Castle, Northamptonshire.
- 1904 8 Feb The Russo-Japanese war begins with a surprise Japanese attack on the Russian fleet at Port Arthur, China.
- 1983 8 Feb Record-breaking Derby winner Shergar is kidnapped by the IRA and ransomed for £2m. He is never seen again.

