Step back in time: to 1991
Take a trip down memory lane with a nostalgic look back at 1991.
Life in 1991 was the same in many ways but also very different; the country was in the grips of a recession while technological innovations were rapidly improving the way we worked and lived.
The 90s would prove to be a decade of transformative change and many of the things that happened in this time period still influence the way we live nearly years later.
So grab a cuppa and step back in time with us to 1991…
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 1991.
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- 24 November – Queen frontman Freddie Mercury dies at his home in London, just 24 hours after going public with the news that he was suffering from AIDS.
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- The final breakthrough in the Channel Tunnel is achieved when the last section of clay in the South rail tunnel is bored away
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- Amidst a recession, thousands of British shops, including retail giants Asda and Tesco, defy trading laws, and open their doors on a Sunday in a bid to boost trade that has been badly hit.
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- The cost of things: in 1991 the average car cost £9260, a pint of milk was £1.28, a loaf of bread was .70p and the average house price was £46,776
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- Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Dances with Wolves, The Addams Family and Sleeping with the Enemy are released at cinemas
World Events
1991 wasn’t just an important year in Britain. Here’s a look at some of the most significant events that took place in 1991 around the globe.
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- British scientist Tim Berners-Lee introduces the WorldWideWeb and the first website goes online on 6 August
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- An inquest into the Hillsborough disaster records a verdict of accidental death on the 95 people who died as a result of the tragedy in 1989. Many of the victims’ families criticise the verdict, with many hoping for a verdict of unlawful killing, or an open verdict so that criminal charges could be brought against the police officers on patrol during the game.
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- The Gulf War begins, as the Royal Air Force joins Allied aircraft in bombing raids on Iraq
Sporting Moments
From big upsets to big wins, here are some of the most significant moments to take place in sport in 1991.
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- Tottenham Hotspur win the FA Cup for a record eighth time thanks to a 2–1 win over Nottingham Forest
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- Manchester United win the European Cup Winners’ Cup, beating FC Barcelona of Spain 2-1.
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- Boris Becker wins the Australian Open
Famous Births
Some big personalities came into the world in 1991. Here’s a few of the famous faces born this year.
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- 7 January – Eden Hazard
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- 12 January – Pixie Lott
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- 17 February – Ed Sheeran
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- 2 October – Roberto Firmino
Music
Nothing takes us back like music; these were some of the best-selling artists and most popular songs on the radio in 1991.
Best selling single of the year: Bryan Adams – (Everything I Do) I Do It For You
Christmas number 1: Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody / These Are The Days Of Our Lives
Other popular songs
Michael Jackson – Black or White
Cher – The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s In His Kiss)
Chesney Hawkes – The One And Only
What were you doing in 1991? Does our timeline bring back any memories?
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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