Born 1916

Your life in history

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

1. 1916

   You were born

2. 1921

   You turned 5

3. 1926

   You turned 10

   The first public demonstration of television — In a London room in January 1926, John Logie Baird showed moving images to the public for the first time.

4. 1929

   You turned 13

5. 1932

   You turned 16

6. 1934

   You turned 18

7. 1937

   You turned 21

8. 1946

   You turned 30

9. 1956

   You turned 40

10. 1966

    You turned 50

11. 1976

    You turned 60

12. 1986

    You turned 70

13. 1996

    You turned 80

14. 2006

    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 1916 — music, movies, technology and more.

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

  The year 1934, through fresh eyes.

• Things that are younger than you →

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

• Compare 1916 with 1998 →

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