In the news1958
First motorway opens in 1958
Britain opened its first motorway, the Preston bypass, in 1958.
Born 15 Jun 1958
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15 Jun 1958
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In the news1958
Britain opened its first motorway, the Preston bypass, in 1958.
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.
In Europe · 1956The Hungarian uprising. Hungarians rose against Soviet rule; Soviet tanks crushed them within weeks and 200,000 fled abroad.
In the news1954
Food rationing, which began during World War II, finally ended in 1954.
Music
Popularity of Dance Halls and Instruction
In the 1950s, dance halls like the Palais were popular venues where people learned the foxtrot and waltz to the music of dance bands. These halls were essential social spaces for meeting others, supported by numerous local dance schools and instructors.
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.