Ethel Caterham, the world’s oldest living person and the last surviving person born in the Edwardian era, celebrated her 116th birthday on Thursday. She was born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, during a time when Herbert Asquith was prime minister, Beatrix Potter had just published The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies, and the song “Shine on Harvest Moon” was a major hit.
Caterham is the last living subject of King Edward VII, who died in May 1910. Born five years before the start of World War I, she was the second youngest of eight siblings. The Edwardian era has been described by American writer Samuel Hynes as a “leisurely time when women wore picture hats and did not vote, when the rich were not ashamed to live conspicuously, and the sun never set on the British flag.”
She became the world’s oldest person in April, following the death of 116-year-old Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas. In a 2020 interview with the BBC, Caterham said she takes “everything in stride, the highs and lows,” adding, “I listen and I do what I like.”
She celebrated her birthday at her care home in Lightwater, Surrey, spending the day “at her own pace” with her family. Caterham has been a widow for nearly 50 years since her husband Norman, a British army major, passed away in 1976. They met at a dinner party in 1931, were stationed in Hong Kong and Gibraltar, and had two children.
A spokesperson for her care home said, “Ethel and her family are grateful for all the kind messages and interest as she celebrates her 116th birthday. She has again chosen not to give interviews, preferring to spend the day quietly with her family. The king may be her one exception, understandably. Thank you for your kind wishes on this special day.”
Last year, King Charles sent her a birthday card for her 115th. The record for the oldest person ever is held by Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment, who lived to 122 years and 164 days.
What was happening in August 1909?
– Herbert Asquith was the UK’s Liberal prime minister, and Edward VII was king.
– William Howard Taft was US president, and Alfred Deakin was serving his third term as Australia’s prime minister.
– The UK had just begun paying state pensions under the Old Age Pensions Act.
– Claude Monet’s Water Lilies series debuted at an exhibition in Paris.
– General Electric patented the electric toaster, invented by Frank Shailor.
– Bulgaria was on the verge of declaring independence from the Ottoman Empire.
– Manchester United won their first FA Cup by defeating Bristol City.
– Arthur Gore, aged 41, was the men’s Wimbledon champion and remains the oldest winner of the men’s singles title.
– The future actor Errol Flynn was two months old.
– The first international air show took place in Reims, France.
– Selfridges department store had just opened on London’s Oxford Street.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Ethel Caterham celebrating her 116th birthday designed to be clear and conversational
General Beginner Questions
Q Who is Ethel Caterham
A Ethel Caterham is a British woman who is currently verified as the oldest living person in the world
Q How old is she exactly
A She recently celebrated her 116th birthday
Q When was she born
A She was born on August 21 1909
Q Where does she live
A She lives in Surrey England
Q Why is this a big deal
A Reaching 116 is an incredibly rare achievement She is one of fewer than 20 people in recorded history to have ever lived this long
Advanced Detailed Questions
Q What is her secret to a long life
A According to her family she has always had a positive attitude a sense of humor and enjoyed simple pleasures like gardening She also never smoked
Q Who was the oldest person ever
A The oldest person ever verified was Jeanne Calment from France who lived to be 122 years old
Q How do we know shes really the oldest
A Her age is rigorously verified by gerontology research groups like the Gerontology Research Group which uses official birth records and documents to confirm claims
Q What was the world like when she was born
A She was born during the reign of King Edward VII before World War I and has lived through two world wars the invention of television the internet and humans landing on the moon
Q Does she have any living children or family
A Yes she has a large family including children grandchildren greatgrandchildren and even greatgreatgrandchildren
Common Curiosities Practical Tips
Q What did she do for her birthday
A She celebrated with a party surrounded by her loving family
Q Is she still in good health
A While specific medical details are private reaching such an advanced age naturally comes with health challenges Her longevity is a testament to her resilience
Q What can we learn from her long life
A While genetics play a role her story highlights the potential
