Researcher seeks Norfolk memories of first cars and driving
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 08:02 · Archive
A University of East Anglia historian is collecting oral histories from Norfolk people who were young drivers between the 1950s and 1990s.
Jacob Harris, a historian and postgraduate researcher in the School of History at the University of East Anglia, is inviting Norfolk residents to share their memories of learning to drive and owning their first cars between the 1950s and 1990s. Harris will conduct oral history interviews with participants.
His research thesis, titled 'Youth, Emotions and Automobility in Post-War Britain, 1955-2000', explores how young people's relationships with cars shaped their lives during this period. The research reflects a significant historical shift: Britain's first motorway opened in 1957, and within a decade the country's total annual car mileage more than doubled. By 1963, 47 per cent of driving test passers were under 24 years old.
Harris notes that cities like Norwich were physically reconfigured to accommodate cars during this era. He describes the rise of the teenager and the rise of the car as 'two sides of the same coin' in post-war Britain, where being young increasingly meant being mobile. Anyone with relevant memories from Norfolk is encouraged to participate in the research project.
How it is being reported
- Researchers seek people's memories of first cars and learning to drive in NorfolkIn July 1957, Prime Minister Harold Macmillian declared that Britons had never had it so good.Eastern Daily Press · 20 Oct, 07:48
- Researchers seek people's memories of first cars and learning to drive in NorfolkIn July 1957, Prime Minister Harold Macmillian declared that Britons had never had it so good.Norwich Evening News · 20 Oct, 07:48
In this story: Jacob Harris · University of East Anglia · Norwich · Norfolk · Britain
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