Born 1985

Your life in history

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

1. 1985

   You were born

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

2. 1990

   You turned 5

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

3. 1995

   You turned 10

4. 1998

   You turned 13

   Google was founded — Larry Page and Sergey Brin registered their company in September 1998. The internet changed forever.

5. 2001

   You turned 16

6. 2003

   You turned 18

7. 2006

   You turned 21

8. 2015

   You turned 30

9. 2025

   You turned 40

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 1985 — music, movies, technology and more.

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

  The year 2003, through fresh eyes.

• Things that are younger than you →

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

• Compare 1985 with 1998 →

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