Step back in time: to 1969
Take a trip down memory lane with a nostalgic look back at 1969.
Welcome back to the end of a decade of growth and progress; the first humans landed on the moon, the Troubles were brewing in Northern Ireland and tension and change were present all over the country.
1969 was a time of rock and roll, new technology and colour television. There were new opportunities for men and women as Britain began moving in a new direction.
So grab a cuppa and step back in time with us to 1969…
Pop Culture
Popular Culture offers a glimpse into the lives of people and the big and little things that made up the everyday. Here’s a snapshot of life and pop culture in 1969.
30 January – The Beatles give their last public performance, on the roof of Apple Records in London. They release their final album, Abbey Road, in September the same year.
The Space hopper toy was introduced in Britain.
7 April – Oliver! wins the award for best picture at the 49th annual Academy Awards. Cliff Robertson wins Best Actor, while Katherine Hepburn and Barbara Streisand tie for Best Actress.
25 March – John Lennon and Yoko Ono are married in Gibraltar.
The UK share first place in the Eurovision Song Contest with France, Spain and the Netherlands. The song is Boom bang-a-bang by Lulu.
The ocean liner Queen Elizabeth II leaves Southampton on its maiden voyage to New York.
The pre-decimal halfpenny ceases to be legal tender. A new seven-sided 50p coin was introduced to replace the 10-shilling note.
Monty Python’s Flying Circus airs its first episode on the BBC.
At the cinema: The Italian Job, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie all debut in cinemas.
World Events
1969 wasn’t just an important year in Britain. Here’s a look at some of the most significant events that took place in 1969 around the globe.
The Troubles begin in Northern Ireland. By August British troops are deployed in Northern Ireland to restore law and order. Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, Jack Lynch, makes a speech requesting a UN peacekeeping force for Northern Ireland.
4 March – The Kray twins are found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison for a minimum of 30 years.
7 March – The London Underground Victoria line was opened by the Queen.
20 July – Men land on the moon for the first time in history. American Astronaut Neil Armstrong was the first person to step onto the lunar surface, followed shortly after by his crewmate Buzz Aldrin. Footage from the landing is broadcast on all three British television channels – Armstrong stepped on to the surface of the moon at 3:56 a.m British Time.
The Woodstock Festival is held in upstate New York and would go on to be one of the most legendary festivals of a generation.
Sporting Moments
From big upsets to big wins, here are some of the most significant moments to take place in sport in 1969.
12 July – Tony Jacklin wins The Open Championship
Ann Jones wins Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles titles at Wimbledon and is voted the BBC Sports Personality of the Year
Famous Births
Some big personalities came into the world in 1969. Here’s a few of the famous faces born this year.
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- 12 January – David Mitchell
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- 4 April – Karren Brady
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- 27 April – Tess Daly
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- 25 September – Catherine Zeta-Jones
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- 9 October – Steve McQueen
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- 24 December – Ed Miliband
Music
Nothing takes us back like music; these were some of the best-selling artists and most popular songs on the radio in 1969.
Best selling single of the year: Sugar Sugar by The Archies
Other popular songs
Honky Tonk Women by The Rolling Stones
Get Back by The Beatles
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Where Do You Go To My Lovely by Peter Sarstedt
Heard It Through The Grapevine by Marvin Gaye
How old were you in 1969? Does our timeline bring back any memories?
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