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

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.

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

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

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.

The King, Queen, Princess Elizabeth and Churchill Appear on the Buckingham Palace Balcony.

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.

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.

Civilians and soldiers celebrating in London.

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.

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

London Burns After a German Bombing Raid

Comments

Sheia Fox says
Dec 17, 2015 at 11:30 am
I was among the crowds on VE day in piccadilly circus, such memories, so great to look at the pictures thanks
Josie Gilpin says
Dec 17, 2015 at 12:44 pm
Wonderful photos of my dear London. I was among the crowds on VE-Day –never to be forgotten. Thak you so much
Denise says
Dec 22, 2015 at 11:10 am
Fascinating!
Jennifer gibney says
Feb 9, 2016 at 2:20 pm
Loved looking at London grew up in battersea, during the festival of Britain. Thanx.
Jo says
Mar 3, 2016 at 4:36 pm
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.
Julian Hebbrecht says
Sep 22, 2016 at 5:18 pm
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.
Barbara ~ near Chicago says
Oct 20, 2016 at 2:12 pm
Remarkable photos! They speak volumes on the times and the history ~ thank you for posting.