As the war in Vietnam intensifies, increasing numbers of American servicemen are dying.

The Beatles take the world and America by storm and Beatlemania goes into overdrive as they released a series of number one hits including “I want to hold your hand” and “All my Loving”. Other British groups also find success including The Rolling Stones and The Animals and together with the American Talent of The Supremes and Bob Dylan many say this was one of the greatest years for music in the last century.

The Summer Olympics are held in Tokyo, Japan, and the worlds first high speed rail network opens in Japan, and Sony introduces the first VCR Home Video Recorder. In Britain the Death Penalty is abolished, and the British and French Governments announce a commitment to build a tunnel under the English Channel. Easter and Whitsun see the outbreak of fighting between Mods and Rockers at several British seaside resorts. The first driverless train runs on London Underground.

British Prime Minister: Sir Alec Douglas-Home (up to 16 October)

British Prime Minister: Harold Wilson (16 October onwards)

UK Annual Inflation Rate (RPI): 3.3%

UK Average House Price (UK average): £3,185 / £67,203 adjusted for inflation (2020)

UK Litre of Petrol: 5.5 New Pence / £1.16 adjusted for inflation (2020)