Born 1921

Your life in history

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

1. 1921

   You were born

2. 1926

   You turned 5

   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.

3. 1931

   You turned 10

4. 1934

   You turned 13

5. 1937

   You turned 16

6. 1939

   You turned 18

7. 1942

   You turned 21

8. 1951

   You turned 30

9. 1961

   You turned 40

10. 1971

    You turned 50

11. 1981

    You turned 60

12. 1991

    You turned 70

13. 2001

    You turned 80

14. 2011

    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 1921 — music, movies, technology and more.

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

  The year 1939, through fresh eyes.

• Things that are younger than you →

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

• Compare 1921 with 1998 →

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