What happened in 1808

5 entries recorded for 1808, listed by date. That was 218 years ago.

1808 at a glance

Years ago
218 (as of 2026)
Century
19th century
Decade
1800s
Generation born
Before the named generations
Entries here
5
Breakdown
5 historical events

January

  • January 12

    John Rennie the Elder

    Historical event

    John Rennie's scheme to defend St Mary's Church (pictured) in Reculver from coastal erosion was abandoned in favour of demolition, despite the church being an exemplar of Anglo-Saxon architecture.

  • January 26

    William Bligh

    Historical event

    William Bligh, the governor of New South Wales, was deposed in the only military coup in Australian history.

March

  • March 19

    Charles IV of Spain

    Historical event

    King Charles IV of Spain was forced to abdicate in favour of his son Ferdinand VII as a result of the Tumult of Aranjuez.

April

  • April 6

    John Jacob Astor

    Historical event

    John Jacob Astor founded the American Fur Company, the profits from which made him the first multi-millionaire in the United States.

August

  • August 21

    Peninsular War

    Historical event

    Peninsular War: British and Portuguese forces put an end to the first French invasion of Portugal at the Battle of Vimeiro.

Questions about 1808

What happened in 1808?

This site records 5 entries for 1808, including John Rennie the Elder on January 12. They are listed below by date.

How long ago was 1808?

218 years ago, counting from 2026. Anyone born in 1808 turns 218 this year.

Which century is 1808 in?

1808 falls in the 19th century, in the 1800s.

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