1861

Events

 * The American Civil War began. The War Lords kidnapped several soldiers from this conflict for use in their War Games. (DW: The War Games)
 * The Malicious Damage Act, which covered lighthouses, was passed. (DW: Horror of Fang Rock)
 * The Cemar came to Earth to try to discover some minerals. (NSA: The Good, The Bad and The Alien)

Behind the scenes
According to REF: Doctor Who: The Encyclopedia, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, husband of Queen Victoria of Britain, died in 1861.