Born 1940

Your life in history

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

1. 1940

   You were born

2. 1945

   You turned 5

3. 1950

   You turned 10

4. 1953

   You turned 13

5. 1956

   You turned 16

6. 1958

   You turned 18

7. 1961

   You turned 21

8. 1970

   You turned 30

9. 1980

   You turned 40

10. 1990

    You turned 50

    Margaret Thatcher resigned — After eleven years in power, the Prime Minister stood down on 22 November 1990.

11. 2000

    You turned 60

12. 2010

    You turned 70

    The iPad was announced — Apple’s tablet arrived in April 2010 and created a category overnight.

13. 2020

    You turned 80

    The COVID-19 pandemic — In March 2020, the WHO declared a pandemic and life changed across the globe within weeks.

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 1940 — music, movies, technology and more.

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

  The year 1958, through fresh eyes.

• Things that are younger than you →

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

• Compare 1940 with 1998 →

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