Whiteladies Road, Bristol

Pictured here in 1874, the Black Boy Inn was demolished later that year. The pub gave the area its popular (but not official) name of Blackboy Hill. A few years ago the nearby Elephant and Castle public house had its name changed to the Blackboy Inn. The house behind and to the left is the Coach & Horses in Highland Square.

The Blackboy Tavern wasn’t always called that. Years before, it was the Blackamoor’s Head. Blackamoor – a name popularised at the time of the crusades when it was used to describe North African Muslims. Many inns were given this name, together with an illustrated sign – necessary because, at the time, the majority could not read or write.

Image: Photographer unknown

Taken around 10 years ago from the same spot by Nick Howes, the modern photograph shows that only the cream-coloured building (on the right-hand side) can be seen. The roof of the church behind it can also just be seen in the 1874 version.

Image: Nick Howes (around 2013)

A merged version of the two images. Use the slider in the centre.

Coleford, Gloucestershire

This photograph shows a Home Guard exercise and show of strength in the centre of Coleford in either 1940 or 1941.

Image: Photographer unknown

The modern version was taken from the same spot by Terry Halford. Not much has changed in the intervening years – although the stone seat pictured in the earlier photograph is not there in the current one.

Image: Terry Halford

Trafalgar Square, London

A wartime (1941) photograph of what appears to be a Telegram boy outside the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. St. Martin-in-the-Fields – an Anglican church in the the north-eastern corner of the Square – can clearly be seen. There has been a church on the site since medieval times. but this building was constructed between 1722 and 1726.
Image: Photographer unknown

With the Square fully pedestrianised, the bus stop (seen in the older photograph) has long since gone. I took this photograph in May 2017.
Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)

Guildhall Yard, London

In the centre of this photograph (taken in the 1920s) is Guildhall – London’s ‘town hall’. Construction of the present building began in 1411, and it was completed by 1440. Guildhall was used for a number of trials of well-known people, including Lady Jane Grey and Thomas Cranmer. In 1605, it was also used for the trial of Henry Garnet for his part in the Gunpowder Plot.
The Great Hall within Guildhall was damaged during the Great Fire of London in 1666, and underwent a number of alterations and restorations. These included the addition of the present grand entrance (see above and below) in 1788. Guildhall suffered extensive damage following German bombing in late December 1940. The buildings to the left and right of Guildhall (dating from the 18th century) did not survive.
Image: Photographer unknown

By August 2020, standing in a more open space, Guildhall is still an impressive building. In 1988, the remains of a Roman Amphitheatre was discovered beneath Guildhall Yard. Originally built in AD70, by the 2nd century and following many changes, the amphitheatre had a capacity of around 6,000. It was used for public events, animal fighting, public executions, and gladiatorial combat.
When the Romans left in the 4th century, the amphitheatre was taken apart and the materials used for other buildings. It was left derelict until the 11th century when London’s growth necessitated the use of the land for buildings – ultimately, becoming the site for Guildhall.
There is a line of dark stone set into Guildhall Yard which follows the outline of the amphitheatre. This can be seen towards the bottom of the present-day photograph. The remains of the amphitheatre can be viewed (8 metres below ground) with the entrance to the site located in the Guildhall Art Gallery (to the right of the photograph).

Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)

Larkshall Road, Highams Park, London

This photograph of the railway crossing in Highams Park, London, E4 was probably (judging by the cars) taken in the 1960s. The listed signal box can be seen on the right-hand side.

Image: Photographer unknown

From approximately the same spot in April 2020. The building on the left has been extended, but the signal box remains. Image: © TimeViews Steven Miell

Cambridge Park, Wanstead, London

A view of The George pub in Wanstead, London taken in 1937.

Image: Photographer unknown

The same view of the pub in November 2020.

Image: © TimeViews Steven Miell

King’s Road, Chingford, London

Taken in 1900, this photograph shows a pub (for many years, the Bull & Crown) at the junction of King’s Road and Station Road in North Chingford.

Image: Photographer unknown

The same building in February 2021. The building now houses an Italian pizza restaurant.

Image: © TimeViews Steven Miell

Liverpool Street Station, London

Taken by David Granick in 1987, this photograph shows a view of Liverpool Street Station in London. the photographer is standing in the centre of the concourse, with Platforms 1-8 on his right-hand side.

Image: David Granick

The station has been extensively renovated in recent years and the wall to the right of the photograph is one of few recognisable features. The white structure (shown above) is long gone.

Michaelerplatz, Vienna

Michaelerplatz in the centre of Vienna. This photograph was taken in 1928.

Image: Photographer unknown

A photograph I took in January 2017 showing the same view. The area at the bottom of the photograph (surrounded by railings) contains some Roman ruins that were exposed when the area was being resurfaced. Image: ©TimeViews 2017

Baker Street, London

Looking north from Marylebone Circus, this view of Baker Street was taken in the 1930s. Baker Street underground station is to the right of the photograph.

Image: Photographer unknown

The same view in January 2022. The buildings are largely unchanged.