Born 1942

Your life in history

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

1. 1942

   You were born

2. 1947

   You turned 5

3. 1952

   You turned 10

4. 1955

   You turned 13

   "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.

5. 1958

   You turned 16

6. 1960

   You turned 18

7. 1963

   You turned 21

8. 1972

   You turned 30

9. 1982

   You turned 40

10. 1992

    You turned 50

11. 2002

    You turned 60

12. 2012

    You turned 70

13. 2022

    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 1942 — music, movies, technology and more.

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

  The year 1960, through fresh eyes.

• Things that are younger than you →

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

• Compare 1942 with 1998 →

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