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
Born
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General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1958
Britain opened its first motorway, the Preston bypass, in 1958.
What people wore
Sparking boots and mandatory school wear
Children's footwear included hobnail boots with metal studs that created sparks on pavements, later replaced by rubber-soled Tuf or Commando boots. For school, boys were required to wear short trousers with knee-length socks held up by elastic garters.
Daily life
National school system and gendered subjects
The 1944 Education Act created a national school system, including the Eleven Plus exam which determined secondary school placement. In secondary schools, boys often learned woodwork and metalwork, while girls were taught home economics and needlework.
In the news1954
Food rationing, which began during World War II, finally ended in 1954.
Music
DIY Skiffle Craze of the 1950s
In the late 1950s, an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 amateur skiffle groups performed in youth clubs, church halls, pubs, and school halls using cheap or homemade instruments like washboards and tea chest basses. This democratic, do-it-yourself music movement made performing accessible to young people who lacked the resources for traditional instruments.
In Europe1957
Six countries signed the Treaty of Rome, the start of what became the European Union.
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.