Then and now: A look at life in 1958, when Wales last reached World Cup finals
Much has changed in the last 64 years.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Wales have ended what has at times seemed an interminable wait to reach the World Cup after defeating Ukraine in their final qualifying play-off in Cardiff.
Jimmy Murphy oversaw an unforgettable run to the quarter-finals in 1958 in Sweden in what has been their only appearance on football’s grandest stage – until now.
Much has changed in the last 64 years and, here, the PA news agency takes a look at how life then compares to now.
Average price of a pint
1958: Two shillings (24 pence)
2022: £3.96
Number One in the singles charts
June 1958: Connie Francis – Who’s Sorry Now
June 2022: Harry Styles – As It Was
Who was UK Prime Minister?
1958: Harold Macmillan
2022: Boris Johnson
Average house price
1958: £2,049
2022: £260,771
Average petrol price
1958: One shilling and six pence (18p, per gallon)
2022: £1.68 (per litre)
Most popular TV show
1958: Crackerjack (this was also the year that Blue Peter was launched)
2022: Bridgerton
Average price of milk (per pint)
1958: 3p
2022: 49p
Most popular car
1958: Ford Anglia
2022: Vauxhall Corsa
Highest grossing film
1958: South Pacific
2022: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Average price for a pack of 20 cigarettes
1958: One shilling and seven pence (19p)
2022: £13.60
Size of British Army
1958: 615,500 personnel
2022: 148,000 personnel
Average price of a loaf of bread
1958: 4p
2022: £1.15