I came across the old black & white picture above of the City of London a few weeks ago and I thought it looked really familiar to me. I went through the pictures I took from our last trip and found this shot of the View from the Shard. It’s almost the same view.
Since the View from the Shard opened, it has provided the highest place in London to see the city below you – something that could only have been done from an airplane in the 1930’s.
Here’s a closer view of the 1930’s shot:
And here’s my shot from January 2014:
I find it very interesting to compare what was there in 1930 to what is now there today. Much was swept away by Hitler during the Blitz, much more was swept away in post-war reconstruction. But St Paul’s endures, as do the many Wren churches.
What an interesting view into the past!
Author: Jonathan Thomas
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.
Looks as if they had a lot more trees in the city then.
I absolutely love London! My very first visit was in 1972, I was 18 & felt right at home! I’ve been back many times once for 6 months, working in a hotel in Nottinghill. Great memories & always want to go back!
And the City is still changing. See all the cranes around Bank, Barbican and Moorgate.
wonderful london i like u too much