While there was nothing unusual in that, what made the headlines was the fact that during her entire life she only once ventured more than 10 miles from Shrewton. In the age of motorways, intercontinental air travel and the Channel Tunnel, it seems amazing for someone today to live such a homebound life.
Mobility is liberating and empowering.
Indeed, nowadays the average Briton travels 28 miles a day and this is forecast to double by 2025. They will become second class citizens dependent for their mobility on the withered remains of public transport or the good-will of car owners. Streets are so dangerous that children are not allowed out any more. As traffic increases, fewer people try to cross the street. We will have less exercise built into daily routines.