The Cold War continues to chill, and for a short time the world is on the brink of nuclear war and self destruction when the Russians place Ballistic Missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from the coast of Florida. President Kennedy calls their bluff by threatening war unless they are removed. President Kennedy then sets a goal of landing a man on the moon before the end of the decade.

Folk music was evolving into protest music thanks to young artists like Bob Dylan and the birth of Surfing music by the beach boys grew in popularity. Marilyn Monroe is found dead on August 5th after apparently overdosing on sleeping pills. Meanwhile in England the Beatles record the single “Love Me Do”. The first James Bond film “Dr No” is an instant success. Telstar relays the first live trans-Atlantic television signal, and Britain and France agree to jointly develop the Concorde.

British Prime Minister: Harold Macmillan

UK Annual Inflation Rate (RPI): 4.3%

UK Average House Price (UK average): £2,673 / £60,143 adjusted for inflation (2020)

UK Litre of Petrol: 5.4 New Pence / £1.22 adjusted for inflation (2020)