Born 1955

Your life in history

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

1. 1955

   You were born

   "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.

2. 1960

   You turned 5

3. 1965

   You turned 10

4. 1968

   You turned 13

5. 1971

   You turned 16

6. 1973

   You turned 18

7. 1976

   You turned 21

8. 1985

   You turned 30

   Live Aid united the world — On 13 July 1985, concerts in London and Philadelphia raised millions for famine relief — and Queen stole the show.

9. 1995

   You turned 40

10. 2005

    You turned 50

    YouTube was founded — Three former PayPal employees registered the domain in February 2005. The first video was 19 seconds long.

11. 2015

    You turned 60

12. 2025

    You turned 70

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 1955 — music, movies, technology and more.

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

  The year 1973, through fresh eyes.

• Things that are younger than you →

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

• Compare 1955 with 1998 →

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