Other things have changed too - we had decimalisation on 15 February 1971 - where 1/- was replaced by 5p. Many mourned the loss of the half crown (2/6) now worth 12.5p and the florin (2/-) now 10p. There were many complaints about having to call the new coinage "pee". There were many claims that shops were putting prices up - similar to those now being heard in Europe. And now 30 years later we face the possibility that things may change again if we decide to join the euro.

Other changes in the way that we buy things has come with metrication - we now buy our fruit and vegetables in kg and petrol in litres not gallons - despite the protestations of the metric martyrs. And supermarkets now ensure a range of exotic fruits and vegetables all year round.

You can also check out how travel and holiday prices have changed. Or discover how savings and some household name shares have fared.