Lady Sarah Chatto

What people wore

Everyday wear and voluminous party skirts

Women wore floral pinafores as everyday house wear and favoured full-skirted dresses with stiffened petticoats for special occasions. These skirts were sometimes so voluminous that they made it difficult for women to pass through doorways.

Getting around

Walking remained common for everyday travel

Walking remained a primary mode of transport throughout this period, serving as the main way to commute for one-third to one-fifth of people in smaller towns and cities as late as the 1970s.

At the table

Limited crisp flavors for many years

Until 1962, potato crisps were available in only three flavors: potato, plain, or salted, before cheese and onion was introduced.

Music

Concertina revival among young people

In the late 1960s and 1970s, young people began reclaiming concertinas from junk shops and attics, making them a key instrument for accompanying traditional song in the folk revival.

Daily life

Manual housework and outdoor facilities

Many homes lacked modern appliances, so housework was manual and time-consuming, and people often stored food in larders instead of fridges. Outdoor toilets and washing in tin baths in front of the fire were common for some families during this time.

Getting around

Work commute times remained stable

The average time for a work commute in Britain remained remarkably stable, averaging roughly 33 to 34 minutes during the 1950s and 1960s.