Russell Square, London

An imposing presence in Russell Square, The Hotel Russell was built in 1898, and opened in 1900 – this photograph was taken around that time. Based on the design of the Chateau de Madrid in Paris, the architect was Charles Doll. The Hotel’s restaurant resembles the dining room on the Titanic – also designed by Doll.
A sister hotel (The Imperial Hotel) also designed by Doll was built in Russell Square. The Imperial was demolished in the 1960s.
The hotel survived the Second World War more or less intact with the exception of the large dome on the roof (see above). The dome was badly damaged during an air raid in 1941 and was never replaced.
 The hotel was renamed as the ‘Kimpton Fitzroy London’ in October 2018.
Image: Photographer unknown
A rainy day in September 2017 and the hotel still dominates the square. In 2002, the square was re-designed based on the layout as it was in the early part of the 19th century.
Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)
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Spur Road, London

Because of the stands erected behind the Victoria Memorial, and the scaffolding around the Memorial itself, it would appear that this photograph was taken in 1953 – either before or after the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth ll. Note the sentry standing outside the confines of the Palace Yard. This was the case until 1959. At that time, there was an incident involving a female tourist and a Coldstream Guardsman. Following constant pestering, the guardsman kicked the female tourist on the ankle. She complained and the guardsman was confined to barracks for ten days. Soon after this incident, sentries were moved inside the gates.
Image: Photographer unknown
From the same position in February 2019. It is noticeable that the trees are much larger now.
Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)
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Trafalgar Square, London

This photograph shows the famous statues of four lions in Trafalgar Square, at the base of Nelson’s Column. There are also known as the ‘Landseer Lions’ after the artist who created them. Landseer was famous for his paintings of horses and dogs, but was asked to design the lions in 1858. Landseer worked very slowly and the four lions were finally put in place in 1867 – nearly a decade after the commission was awarded. This photograph was taken in 1884.
Image: Tekniska museet
From approximately the same position in November 2019.
Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)
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Ordnance Hill, St. John’s Wood, London

The Ordnance Arms in St. John’s Wood, London, NW8 – on the corner of Acacia Road and Ordnance Road. This photograph was taken in 1966.
Image: Photographer unknown
In September 2019, the road’s name has been changed to Ordnance Hill.
Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)
A merged version of the 1966 and 2019 photographs. Use the slider in the centre.
A merged version of an earlier photograph (1930) and the modern version. Use the slider in the centre.

Aldwych, London

The Aldwych London Underground station was opened in 1907 and was called ‘Strand’. It sits on the street of that name and was the end of a short branch line (Piccadilly line) which ran From Holborn station. The station was served by a shuttle train and was open only during peak hours. This situation persisted between 1962 and 1994 when the station closed. This photograph (I would guess) was taken in the 1920s.
During World War 2, tunnels at the station were used to store works of art from London’s galleries and museums. In recent years, it has been used as a location for filming – for both TV and cinema.
Image: Photographer unknown
T he same location in June 2018. Now a tourist attraction and film location.
Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)
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Holborn Circus, London

An equestrian statue of Prince Albert (1819-1861) is situated in Holborn Circus – which lies between Chancery Lane and St. Paul’s. He is shown with his hat raised as if he is saluting a cheering crowd. The statue was placed here in 1874 (when this photograph was taken) and is on a granite plinth. Albert is in military uniform and is easily recognisable. At either end of the statue are two female figures which represent ‘History’ and ‘Peace’. There are also panels depicting –
‘The Prince laying the first stone of the Royal Exchange, Jan 17, 1842’ and
‘Exhibition of All Nations, 1851, Britannia distributing awards’
Image: Photographer unknown
The statue, despite being repositioned in 2014 to facilitate road improvements, has remained unchanged but look at the buildings behind it – by October 2017 the background is unrecognisable from the 1874 photograph.
Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)
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Westminster School, London

A misty day in a courtyard (Little Dean’s Yard) at Westminster School in 1936 with an exercise class in progress. Victoria Tower (Houses of Parliament) can be glimpsed through the mist. The school has been on the same site since 1461.
Image: Photographer unknown
When I took this photograph in September 2019, the Victoria Tower can be clearly seen. The school buildings have not changed a great deal in the intervening 80 years.
Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)
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Fleet Street, London

Taken in 1885, this photograph shows the location of one of the main ceremonial entrances to the City of London. The photographer is looking east, towards Fleet Street. In the middle ages, a series of gates (or ‘bars’) were erected on the main thoroughfares. The one at this location was known as ‘Temple Bar’.
This term refers to a notional bar on the route but was also used to describe the 17th century arched gateway which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. That was removed in 1878, preserved, and now stands in Paternoster Square near St. Paul’s cathedral. This memorial pedestal, which contains a statue of Queen Victoria and a dragon symbol was erected in 1880 to mark the location of the ‘bar’.
Image: Photographer unknown
The majority of the buildings have been replaced by November 2019 and there is a great deal more traffic.
Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)
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King’s Cross Station, London

King’s Cross Station in north London was built between 1851 and 1852 for the Great Northern Railway (GNR). The station was named after the King’s Cross Building which was a monument erected to the memory of King George IV. The building was demolished in 1845. The station was planned in 1848 and eventually opened in October 1852.
Image: Getty Images (Photographer unknown)
Over the years, the station has been extensively restored and modernised. I took this photograph in March 2019.
Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)
A merged version of the images above. Use the slider in the centre.