Two of St Neots’ Famous Quadruplets Die Ahead of 90th Birthday

Two of St Neots’ famous quadruplets, Michael and Paul Miles, have died. They would have celebrated their 90th birthday this November.

The St Neots quads – Ann, Ernest, Michael and Paul – were born on 28th November 1935 to Doris and Walter Miles of Ferrars Avenue, Eynesbury. They were the first British quadruplets to survive more than a few days, making their birth a milestone in medical history.

Originally told she was expecting twins, Doris Miles later learned that she was carrying triplets – though in fact four babies were born. The quads arrived seven weeks premature and underweight, with fingernails and toenails yet to form. The fourth baby required artificial respiration for 50 minutes before breathing independently.

At the time, medical care for premature infants was limited, but advances in neonatal care allowed the quads to survive. They were moved from the family home to the care of Dr Ernest Harrisson at the Shrubbery in Church Street, St Neots. A dedicated nursery was set up in a south-facing bedroom, maintaining a germ-free, humid environment. A team of nurses from Great Ormond Street Hospital helped care for the infants.

Their father, Walter Miles, a lorry driver, was thrust into the national spotlight, reportedly saying: “I am no longer Walter Miles, lorry driver: I am the father of the St Neots quads.”

As adults, Paul became a boatbuilder and later an animal breeder near his Cambridgeshire home, while Michael emigrated to South Africa and worked for Kodak.

St Neots Museum said it was “deeply saddened” by the deaths of Michael and Paul, describing the quadruplets as “a remarkable milestone in medical history and an enduring local story of resilience and family love.”

A special museum display dedicated to the Miles family features a christening gown and a recorded interview with their mother, Doris Miles. The exhibit runs until 23 December 2025.

The museum added: “We are grateful to the Miles family for generously sharing their memories and personal items over many decades. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time.”

Michael and Paul died within nine days of each - Michael on September 20, and Paul on September 29. They are survived by their siblings Ann and Ernest, and their older brother Gordon.