Diana, Princess of Wales

Diana, Princess of Wales, was a member of the British royal family. She was the first wife of Charles III and mother of Princes William and Harry. Her activism and glamour made her an international icon and earned her enduring popularity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Olive oil was for ears, not cooking

In the 1950s, families often used olive oil in tiny quantities purchased from chemists, not for cooking, but to warm and put in the ear to loosen earwax.

1970 earnings and car prices

By 1970, the average weekly wage had risen to approximately £28 to £32, and a new Mini car cost around £600.

Rising cost of first-class postage

In 1977, a first-class letter cost 12p, which was nearly six times the 1970 price of 2.08p.