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59 Images of Old London That Will Blow Your Mind and Wish You Had a Time Machine

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One of my favorite past times is to look at old pictures of London and over the years we’ve amassed quite a collection here at Londontopia. So, we thought it would be fun to put together a massive gallery of old pictures of London to enjoy looking at.

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Amazing Rare London Street Scenes from 1910 – Video
Amazing Rare London Street Scenes from 1910

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George Washington Wilson, A view of the Strand looking west, c.1890. © Museum of London
George Washington Wilson, A view of the Strand looking west, c.1890. © Museum of London

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The Grand Royal Opening of Tower Bridge
The Grand Royal Opening of Tower Bridge

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The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are proudly lit for the first time since the war started.
The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are proudly lit for the first time since the war started.

 

People jam London's Piccadilly Circus during celebration of V-E Day May 8, 1945. Some perch atop Eros Statue and one person has climbed a post.
People jam London’s Piccadilly Circus during celebration of V-E Day May 8, 1945. Some perch atop Eros Statue and one person has climbed a post.

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The King, Queen, Princess Elizabeth and Churchill Appear on the Buckingham Palace Balcony.
The King, Queen, Princess Elizabeth and Churchill Appear on the Buckingham Palace Balcony.
Celebrations in Piccadilly Circus.
Celebrations in Piccadilly Circus.

VE Day In London

St Paul's is proudly lit for the first time since the beginning of the war.
St Paul’s is proudly lit for the first time since the beginning of the war.

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Winston Churchill waves to crowds in Whitehall, London on the day he broadcast the news that the war with Germany was over.
Winston Churchill waves to crowds in Whitehall, London on the day he broadcast the news that the war with Germany was over.
Crowds gathered in celebration at Piccadilly Circus, London during VE Day in 1945.
Crowds gathered in celebration at Piccadilly Circus, London during VE Day in 1945.
Civilians and soldiers celebrating in London.
Civilians and soldiers celebrating in London.

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People gathered in Trafalgar Sqaure on VE Day to celebrate the end of WWII in Europe

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Original caption: 2/2/1942-London, England: With historic St. Paul's Cathedral- virtually unscathed -rising like a monument to the indomitable spirit of the city, the heart of London is still being tidied up after ceaseless German Air Raids, preparing for the new city that will rise when the war is over. Photo shows Cannon Street, looking toward the cathedral, as demolition squads still labored. London, England
Original caption: 2/2/1942-London, England: With historic St. Paul’s Cathedral- virtually unscathed -rising like a monument to the indomitable spirit of the city, the heart of London is still being tidied up after ceaseless German Air Raids, preparing for the new city that will rise when the war is over. Photo shows Cannon Street, looking toward the cathedral, as demolition squads still labored. London, England

 

1859: St Paul's Cathedral as seen from Southwark, across the River Thames. (Photo by William England/London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images)
1859: St Paul’s Cathedral as seen from Southwark, across the River Thames. (Photo by William England/London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images)

 

The Royal Festival Hall, South Bank, during the Festival of Britain, 1951.
The Royal Festival Hall, South Bank, during the Festival of Britain, 1951.

 

Four women have lunch in the roof garden on Adelaide House, overlooking the River Thames and Tower Bridge, c. 1934.
Four women have lunch in the roof garden on Adelaide House, overlooking the River Thames and Tower Bridge, c. 1934.

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London Burns After a German Bombing Raid
London Burns After a German Bombing Raid

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These pictures take you on an unforgettable trip down foggy memory lane. Sadly, these precious old photos more often than not can succumb to old age. They crack and rips, fade and waste out. If your old London photos are no longer in perfect condition, there is a way to preserve them. Just scan them, then use handy photo restoration software.

You can go with PhotoGlory, an AI-powered old photo editor. This program combines exceptional ease of use and intuitive interface with pro-level tools that can help you heal up any cracks, rips, and stains that plague your photos. In just a click, you can restore faded colors and even colorize black and white pictures. So if you want to introduce your photo archive to the digital age, PhotoGlory will be the perfect tool for it.

About jonathan

Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sheia Fox says

    I was among the crowds on VE day in piccadilly circus, such memories, so great to look at the pictures thanks

  2. Josie Gilpin says

    Wonderful photos of my dear London. I was among the crowds on VE-Day –never to be forgotten. Thak you so much

  4. Jennifer gibney says

    Loved looking at London grew up in battersea, during the festival of Britain. Thanx.

  5. Jo says

    Really enjoyed these photographs, thank you! I even got a lump in my throat looking at the VE Day ones. There’s just something so other-worldly looking at old photos like these. A country very different from the England I’ve grown up in since being born in the mid-80s – yet somehow so familiar too.
    I just love old pictures! When I saw the one of the person sitting on a bench in the station and the one of the man at the bus stop with the double decker pulling up I felt my imagination going into overdrive. Making up scenarios for a wonderful murder mystery story revolving around those images.
    Thanks again.

  6. Julian Hebbrecht says

    Seeing the destruction caused by the German bombing raids made me realize how much destruction and misery the Germans have created not only in London but all over Europe in those two world wars.