Category: London

Strand, London

St Clement Danes – an Anglican church situated near to the Royal Courts of Justice (left of picture) in Strand. According to legend, the first church on the site was founded in the 9th century by the Danish invaders, although the current building was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1682. Wren’s church was heavily bombed in World War 2 and restored in 1958. It then became the central church of the RAF.
Image: Photographer unknown (1900s)
This photograph (February 2022) was taken when there were no leaves on the trees – allowing the view. Considering that the church was badly damaged in the war, the restoration has worked well.
Image: © TimeViews Steven Miell
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Temple Church, London

A ‘Royal Peculiar’ – the Temple Church is located between Fleet Street and the River Thames in the City of London. Built by the Knights Templar as their English headquarters, the church was consecrated in 1185. Originally the royal treasury during the reign of King John, it is now owned by the Inner Temple and Middle Temple Inns of Court. The church was heavily damaged by German bombing during the second world war and has since been greatly restored and rebuilt.
The Knights Templar were a very powerful group which was eventually abolished in 1307. The church was later given to the Knights Hospitaller who leased the Temple to two colleges of lawyers. In 1540 the Crown took control of the church when King Henry Vlll abolished the Knights Hospitaller and confiscated their property.
In 1608 under King James l, the two Inns were granted use of the church in perpetuity – conditional on their agreement to support and maintain it.
The church was refurbished by Christopher Wren and further restored in 1841, and again in 1862. As mentioned above, the church was badly damaged on May 10 1941 by German incendiary bombs. The fire destroyed the organ and all wooden parts of the church. Restoration commenced after the war and was rededicated in November 1958. It was given Grade l listed status in January 1950. Image: Photographer unknown (1890)

While the church has retained its familiar round shape, the changes to the church’s roof (caused by German bombing) can be seen in this March 2022 photograph. Also, the trees have grown dramatically and the railings look to have survived. This view would not be the same in the summer!
Image: © TimeViews Steven Miell (2022)
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Kingsway, London

Bush House – seen here at the southern end of Kingsway – was commissioned, designed and originally owned by American individuals and companies. Plans for the building were approved in 1919 and it was meant to be a major new trade centre. The building was opened in sections over the years and fully completed in 1935.
When it was opened in 1925, two statues were unveiled at the entrance (not here in this photograph). Later installed, the statues symbolise Anglo-American friendship. The building also has an inscription – ‘To the friendship of English speaking peoples’. Bush House is constructed using Portland Stone and was once described as the most expensive building in the world. For many years it was the location of BBC World Service and is now part of King’s College. Also, to the left, the entrance to a tramway station can be seen.
Image: Photographer unknown

From approximately the same position in March 2022. The trees have come on a lot in the intervening 100 years.
Image: © TimeViews Steven Miell (2022)
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Strand, London

A view down Strand in 1930. The photograph is dominated by the Golden Cross Hotel and Lyons Corner House. To the right of the photograph, one of the turrets of the National Gallery can be clearly seen. This is also visible in the second image.
Image: Photographer unknown
Although the Golden Cross Hotel, and Lyons have long gone, the new building is similar to the one it replaced.
Image: ©TimeViews Steven Miell (2022)
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Strand, London

A photograph of four people standing outside Australia House in London’s Strand in 1935. All four are holding signs protesting Australia’s treatment of British ex-servicemen. Slogans include – ‘AUSTRALIA Celebrate the Jubilee by giving Ruined British Ex-service Settlers FULL JUSTICE’, and ‘DON’T BUY AUSTRALIAN GOODS Until British Ex-service Settlers Receive FULL JUSTICE What about it “Honest Joe Lyons”?’
Image: Photographer unknown (National Library of Australia)
From the same position in February 2022.
Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)
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Langham Place, London

This image shows All Souls Church on the left, and Queen’s Hall on the right – dominating the photograph. The Queen’s Hall in Langham Place was a concert hall which opened in 1893. It was designed by Thomas Knightley and accommodated around 2,500 people. It was London’s principal concert venue and, from 1895 until 1941, it was the home of ‘The Proms’ – a series of promenade concerts which was co-founded by Henry Wood. Many famous musicians performed there Debussy, Ravel, Elgar and Strauss. In the 1930s, the venue became the principal London base of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
On the 10th May 1941, the concert hall was destroyed by German bombing action. Following the war, it was decided not to rebuild the hall, and the Proms moved to the Royal Albert Hall.
Image: Bedford Lemere & Co (courtesy of Historic England) – 1894
In February 2022, the 1960s replacement building has just been renovated.
Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)
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Portland Place, London

Taken on October 1940, this photograph shows to damage inflicted on the BBC building – Broadcasting House in Portland Place – on October 15th, during World War II. There is a recording of a BBC newsreader reading the news as the German bomb struck the building. A slight cough, and he continued.
Image: Photographer unknown
From the same position in February 2022.
Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)
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St. John’s Wood High Street, London

This photograph is from the 1900s and shows a quiet St. John’s Wood High Street.
Image: Photographer unknown (Westminster City Archives)

Taken in January 2022, the buildings are largely similar, but the amount of street furniture, and the number of vehicles and cafes has grown dramatically.
Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)
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