Two of oldest surviving St Neots quads die at almost 90

Two of the world’s oldest surviving quadruplets have died just weeks before their 90th birthdays.

Ann, Ernest, Paul and Michael were born to parents Walter and Doris Miles on 28 November 1935 at the family home in St Neots in Cambridgeshire.

They became known as the St Neots Quads and gained global attention, much of which continued throughout their lives.

The family announced the “very sad” news that Michael and Paul had passed away within nine days of each other, last month.

They are survived by fellow quads Ann and Ernest, and their older brother Gordon Miles, who was just two when his four siblings were born.

At the time of their birth, their parents were expecting to have twins, but another baby was seen on an X-ray and then the fourth came as an added surprise.

Born seven weeks prematurely, three weighed less than 4lb (1.8kg) and Michael was less than 3lb (1.3kg).

They were delivered by the local GP, a Dr E H Harrisson, a district nurse and Mrs Miles’ mother and were initially cared for at the doctor’s house where they could be looked after in a warm and more spacious environment.

They were the first British multiple-birth babies to survive for more than a few days, and instantly became celebrities.

To ensure the babies had the care they needed, a team of four specialist nurses were sent from Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London, free of charge, to care for them.

Funds were raised for the Miles family by the local paper and well-wishers to help the with the extra costs of caring for four.

The Miles were able to visit their children under strict hygiene conditions and the baby milk company Cow & Gate contributed to costs to build a nursery for when the children were allowed to move into the family home in Ferrars Avenue, in Eynesbury.

A sponsorship deal and advertising campaigns with the company brought celebrity and media attention throughout their lives.

During World War Two, the Quads were featured in newsreels sitting on tanks and other military equipment to help the war effort.

Michael Miles initially worked at a motor company in St Neots after leaving school, then joined the Army.

He later worked in South Africa and spent his retirement with his family on his small-holding outside Cape Town.

Michael died on 20 September, and was survived by his wife Joy and their two children.

Paul Miles worked as a boat-building apprentice in Cambridge and during his National Service he worked on jet aircraft frames at RAF Bassingbourn in Cambridgeshire.

He later worked as a scientific instrument maker and after retiring he spent time on his woodworking hobby and painting.

Paul died on 29 September 2025 and was survived by his wife Pat and their three children.

St Neots Museum has documented the story of the quads and many photographs and items have been donated to it by the Miles family over the years.

In a statement released through the museum, older brother Gordon Miles said: “Our entire family is very sad to lose Michael and Paul.

“Their story is extraordinary. Back in 1935 I don’t think anyone could have imagined that premature quadruplets would live so long,” he said.

“We are grateful that, after such a precarious start, they were able to enjoy long and happy lives raising their own families. We will miss them.”

The museum has a permanent display of items and images relating to the quads, which has now been extended to include a christening gown and an old interview with their mother Doris Miles.