SHE was born less than two months after the death of Queen Victoria, when atoms were still thought to be the smallest particle and two terrifying world wars were yet to come.

As Ella Redmond, one of the oldest people in Britain, has turned 110, it was a time to reflect on all that she has seen.

Born in London, she is said to have caught the attention of a talent agent at the age of 15, but her family forbade her from following a life on the stage.

She still likes a good singalong, according to staff at the Riseborough Care Home, in Branksome.

Healthcare assistant Emma Miller said: “It’s a Long, Long Way to Tipperary and Pack Up Your Troubles are her favourites, and she bursts into song when the mood takes her. Until a couple of years ago, she would still be up and walking around, bossing people about.”

Among those joining the celebrations for a slice of birthday cake and a spot of brandy, Ella’s favourite tipple, were grandson William Knight and great-grand daughter Roberta Knight, 36.

Ella’s first husband died young. She has outlived Daphne, her daughter from this marriage, and moved to Dorset nearly 40 years ago.

William, 65, said: “Ella was left a young widow and life was very tough.

“She was from a humble background and they had to make their own way in the world.

“Eventually she became a manager at a restaurant and met her second husband Bill, a wealthy man.

“They had a yacht and were always socialising. She enjoyed that, they moved in some very special circles.”

What Ella has seen in 11 decades

• August 1914 – the start of the First World War. Ella was just 13 as the Prime Minister declared war on Germany.

• By Victory Day in November 1918, Ella was 18 and old enough to appreciate the jubilation. Soon after, women voted for the first time.

• Scientists came up with the Big Bang theory in 1929, as Ella turned 28.

• Aged 39 in August 1940, it is back to blackouts as the Luftwaffe rain bombs on London.

• The true horrors of the Nazi regime start to emerge as the Allies liberate the concentration camps in April 1945, and Ella is 44.

• In July 1957, Ella is 56 when Elvis Presley shimmies to the top of the UK charts with All Shook Up.

• She’s 68 years old on July 20, 1969, as Neil Armstrong becomes the first man to walk on the moon.

• Ella turns 78, and the first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, moves into Downing Street in May 1979. • July 1985: Ella is 84 years old when the Live Aid concerts raise millions to relieve famine in Ethiopia.

• Nelson Mandela becomes the first black President of South Africa in May 1994, and Ella is 93.

• On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama is elected as the 44th President of the United States. Ella is 107.