Born 1939

Your life in history

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

1. 1939

   You were born

2. 1944

   You turned 5

3. 1949

   You turned 10

4. 1952

   You turned 13

5. 1955

   You turned 16

   "Rock Around the Clock" hit the top — Bill Haley and His Comets took rock ’n’ roll to number one, announcing a new era to British teenagers.

6. 1957

   You turned 18

7. 1960

   You turned 21

8. 1969

   You turned 30

9. 1979

   You turned 40

10. 1989

    You turned 50

11. 1999

    You turned 60

12. 2009

    You turned 70

13. 2019

    You turned 80

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 1939 — music, movies, technology and more.

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

  The year 1957, through fresh eyes.

• Things that are younger than you →

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

• Compare 1939 with 1998 →

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