How 13 Iconic London Locations Have Changed in the Last Century

By Google Arts & Culture

Tower of London gezien vanaf de Tower Bridge (1855 - 1900) by anoniemRijksmuseum

Get the time capsule treatment by taking a look at what 13 iconic London locations looked like 100 years ago, and, now that its residents have swapped their carriages for cars, what they look like today.

Viaduct bij Holborn, Londen (1869 - ca. 1900) by anoniemRijksmuseum

Holborn Viaduct, around 1880-1920

The site of Royal processions and commuting workers from the West End alike, the Holborn Viaduct is an iconic piece of Central London architecture.

Tap to explore

In years since, the Financial District has sprung up around it, but you can still see the bridge in something like its original glory. Click and drag and use the arrows here in Street View to explore

Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, Westminster, Greater London (1871/1900) by York & SonHistoric England

Royal Albert Hall, around 1871-1900

From the Proms to pop gigs, the Royal Albert Hall has had it all since its construction in the 19th century. It has even played host to Sumo wrestling contests!

Tap to explore

It remains one of London's most iconic performance venues. Take a look around in Street View.

Gezicht op de Royal Courts of Justice aan Strand in Londen (1851 - 1880) by Valentine, JamesRijksmuseum

Royal Courts of Law, around 1870-1900

Order in the court! The gothic turrets and towers of London's Courts of Law are an impressive part of the Westminster skyline.

Tap to explore

Take a look at the building as it appears today.

Waterloo Bridge en Somerset House in Londen, gezien over de Theems (1878 - 1890) by anoniemRijksmuseum

Waterloo Bridge, around 1878-1890

Named to commemorate the victory of the British, Dutch, and Prussian armies in the Battle of Waterloo, this is one of the Thames' most famous crossings.

Tap to explore

It's a source of inspiration in the modern age too. The Kinks' famous song 'Waterloo Sunset' is all about watching London go by from the bridge. It was also the site of Banksy's first 'Balloon Girl' work.

Gezicht op Trafalgar Square met Nelson's Column (1870 - 1888) by Poulton, Samuel E.Rijksmuseum

Trafalgar Square, around 1880-1940

The lions, the plinths, and Nelson's Column. Trafalgar Square needs no introduction!

Tap to explore

It looks much the same today, opening out in front of the National Gallery.

Mansion House, City of London (1870/1900) by York & SonHistoric England

Mansion House, around 1870-1900

This neo-classical house is the official residence of London's Mayor.

Tap to explore

Today, it's a Grade I listed building and an architectural treasure in the heart of a modernised City of London.

Westminster Abbey in Londen (1855 - 1900) by anoniemRijksmuseum

Westminster Abbey, around 1880-1900

Burial place of Charles Dickens, Isaac Newton, and Stephen Hawking, and several Monarchs, Westminster Abbey bosts a rich, thousand-year history.

Tap to explore

A must-see for visitors to London, the royal abbey's gothic splendour is perfectly preserved to this day.

Gebouw van de Bank of England aan Threadneedle Street in Londen (1870 - 1881) by Stuart, Francis Godolphin OsbourneRijksmuseum

Bank of England, around 1870-1900

The UK's central bank occupies an imposing, neo-classical building from the late 19th century.

Tap to explore

Still a notable detail of Westminster's architecture, the Bank of England still operates as the UK's primary financial centre.

Rij huizen in Holborn, Londen (1870 - 1890) by Spooner & Co., W.M.Rijksmuseum

Staple Inn, around 1870-1890

This Tudor building in Holborn was the meeting place of the Faculty of Actuaries.

Tap to explore

Today, it's the last surviving Inn of Chancery in London, and houses shops and cafes.

St Paul's Cathedral in Londen (1855 - 1900) by anoniemRijksmuseum

St Paul's Cathedral, around 1880-1900

Sir Christopher Wren's most famous creation, St Paul's stands tall on the North Bank of the Thames.

Tap to explore

Still mighty and proud, withstanding the centuries and even the bombs of the Blitz during the Second World War, St Paul's is one of London's most iconic buildings.

Liberty & Company Limited, Great Marlborough Street, Westminster, London (1924-05-03) by Adolphe Augustus Boucher, Bedford Lemere & CoHistoric England

Liberty London, 1924

Founded in 1875, "Liberty's" originally sold fabrics, objets d'art, and fashion by The Costume Society designed to rival Paris. In 1924 this building was erected in the Tudor Revival style to house the growing business.

Tap to explore

The building survives to this day and still houses high-end fashion stores. A favourite stop for London's moneyed dandies!

British Museum in Londen (1890 - 1905) by anoniemRijksmuseum

The British Museum, around 1900-1925

Originally founded to house the extensive collections of the scientist Sir Hans Sloane, the British Museum in Holborn quickly became the Capital's premier cultural institution.

Tap to explore

Today it's the country's most-visited museum, boasting a permanent collection of over eight million items.

Gezicht op de Tower of London (1851 - ca. 1900) by anoniemRijksmuseum

Tower of London, around 1880-1920

Home of the Crown Jewels, imposing prison fortress, a treasury housing the Royal Mint - The Tower of London has performed many functions throughout its history.

Tap to explore

The White Tower was built by William the Conqueror in 1078, soon after the Battle of Hastings, and the whole expanded complex still stands today. It is still home to several ravens. Legend has it that if they fly away, the Crown and Britain will fall...

Liberty & Company Limited, Great Marlborough Street, Westminster, London (1924-05-03) by Adolphe Augustus Boucher, Bedford Lemere & CoHistoric England

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

Interested in Design?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites