In the news1919–1939
Council Housing Construction Began in 1919
Following the 1919 Housing Act, local authorities began building council houses to replace slums, with over 1 million built by 1939.
Sandringham House, 20 Apr 1936 – Seil, 3 Jun 2004
8 facts3 sources
20 Apr 1936
Born in Sandringham House
1 Jul 1961
A daughter is born
3 Jun 2004
Dies in Seil, aged 68
She lived through 8 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Sandringham House.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1919–1939
Following the 1919 Housing Act, local authorities began building council houses to replace slums, with over 1 million built by 1939.
Getting around
Walking was the primary mode of commuting
In the 1930s, walking was the most common way for people to commute to work, remaining the primary method for one-third of the population.
What it cost
Cost of bread and bacon in 1938
In 1938, bread typically cost about 8.5 pence for a 4-pound loaf, while bacon cost roughly 1 shilling 3.5 pence per pound.
Around the world · 1939–1945The Second World War. The deadliest war in history, from 1939 to 1945: some 70 million people died. Brazil sent 25,000 soldiers to fight in Italy.
What people wore
Wartime siren suits for air raids
The siren suit was an all-enveloping, zip-up boiler suit that people wore over pajamas for quick dashes to air raid shelters during the war.
Music
Popular wartime dance routines
The Hokey Cokey became a hit song and dance routine in 1942, featuring simple actions that allowed for mass participation by anyone. Other popular wartime dances included the conga, which was easily mastered with a simple one, two, three kick format.
Daily life
Limited Home Amenities and Rationing
Many homes lacked bathrooms and indoor toilets; families often used a portable tin bath in the kitchen and an outside toilet. To save fuel, authorities advised limiting bath water to a depth of five inches, a rule famously adopted even at Buckingham Palace.