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
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).
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.
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.
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.
Highams Park station opened in 1873 and was originally known as ‘Hale End’. Neville Ashbee designed this station in 1903 – it was then renamed as ‘Highams Park & Hale End’. I’m not sure when the ‘Hale End’ part was dropped. Image: Photographer unknown
A view of the Media Centre at Lord’s Cricket Ground, flanked by the previous versions of the Compton (left) and Edrich (right) stands. The photograph was probably taken in the 2000s.
Image: Photographer unknown
By March 2022, the new Compton and Edrich stands have been opened.
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