On this day 42 years ago, on December 17, 1983 (November 14, 1983 lunar calendar), there was a serious explosion in the largest store in London. On the afternoon of December 17, 1983, a serious explosion occurred in the largest Harrods general merchandise store in the business district of London, killing at least one person and injuring about 80 people, most of them customers who were shopping for Christmas goods. According to the police, the explosion was carried out by the IRA, the group's worst attack on British residents in 9 years. The IRA has always opposed British rule over Northern Ireland. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher expressed outrage at this "barbaric" action.