Born 1909

Your life in history

Every milestone of your life happened in a historical year. Here they are, side by side.

1. 1909

   You were born

2. 1914

   You turned 5

3. 1919

   You turned 10

4. 1922

   You turned 13

5. 1925

   You turned 16

6. 1927

   You turned 18

7. 1930

   You turned 21

   Pluto was discovered — In February 1930, Clyde Tombaugh spotted a new planet from Lowell Observatory. It kept its status until 2006.

8. 1939

   You turned 30

9. 1949

   You turned 40

10. 1959

    You turned 50

11. 1969

    You turned 60

12. 1979

    You turned 70

13. 1989

    You turned 80

14. 1999

    You turned 90

Historical notes appear for years we've filled in so far — more are being added all the time.

Keep exploring

• See the world you were born into →

  The full picture for 1909 — music, movies, technology and more.

• What was the world like when you turned 18? →

  The year 1927, through fresh eyes.

• Things that are younger than you →

  From the NHS to the iPhone — how much arrived after you did?

• Compare 1909 with 1998 →

  Two birth years, side by side. Try it with family.