These incredible images show what London’s famous landmarks used to look like and how they have been preserved in this modern multicultural city.
From Tower Bridge, a view of the city from Bermondsey, to the modern skyscraper that is the Shard, London has certainly changed over the years.
The 1940s South Bank image shows how London has modernized with the famous Shard now towering over the Thames.
Meanwhile, the iconic Tower Bridge can be seen in both the 1906 and today shots, as the size and shape of the boats passing under it have changed dramatically.
Other images have captured how our beloved shopping streets have changed – including the storefronts.
Most dramatic of all, the tube and rail system has developed significantly over the years, giving way to more modern and modern transport systems linking the city to the rest of Britain.
Londoner and engineer David Bleicher, 47, has captured the incredible images of a modern London, piecing them together with old images, circa 1900s, and said he enjoys reflecting on the changes in the capital.
Speaking of the images, Mr Bleicher said: ‘I love exploring the city, it helps me reflect on the many changes that have taken place over the years.
“But it can be difficult to get the same point of view as the ‘then’ photos.”
Euston station in 1908 (left) versus in 2022 (right). Euston is Britain’s 11th busiest station and the country’s busiest intercity passenger terminal, London’s gateway to the West Midlands, North West England, North Wales and Scotland
Tower Bridge under construction 1889. The modern structure, pictured right in 2022, is a sight to behold. In 2014, glass floors were installed at the top of the bridge, allowing visitors to walk a whopping 42 meters above the River Thames
Tower Bridge circa 1906 (left) and a more modern photo, taken in 2022 (right). Tower Bridge is a Grade I listed combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, built between 1886 and 1894, designed by Horace Jones and engineered by John Wolfe Barry. The iconic Tower Bridge can be seen in both the 1906 and current shots, with the boat’s size and shape changing dramatically
Carnaby Street in the 1900s (left) seems a long way from the modern shops and restaurants that welcome hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. The area around Carnaby Street was once used as a huge burial ground for those who suffered during the Great Plague in the 17th century
A view of the town from Bermondsey 2005 (left) and a more modern photograph of the skyline from 2021 (right). Bermondsey is a busy area of converted warehouses and stylish riverside flats, now home to cozy pubs, eateries and independent shops
Kings Cross 1899 (left) and 2021 (right). This photo in particular is quite striking, as the facade of the station has remained virtually the same for decades. The station is known to most people outside London as the home of Harry Potter’s Platform 9 3/4
Trafalgar Square circa 1912 (left), versus 2022 (right). It is impressive to see that the statue still exists. The square is named after the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars with France and Spain that took place on October 21, 1805
St Pauls Joseph Gale broke in the 1880s (left) and David Bleicher’s version in 2021 (right). In the center you can see St Paul’s Cathedral, an Anglican cathedral in London and the seat of the Bishop of London. The cathedral serves as the mother church of the Diocese of London
South Bank & Golden Jubilee Bridge (taken in unknown year). The ‘then’ photo of South Bank was taken from the footbridge that ran along one side of Hungerford Bridge. The 2021 photo was taken from one of the Golden Jubilee bridges. The South Bank is a dynamic area at the heart of London’s cultural scene and is now home to The Southbank Centre, National Theater and BFI film theater
The Seven Dials in the late 19th century (left). The seven streets at Seven Dials originally had very different names than they have now. They were Great Earl Street, Little Earl Street, Great White Lion Street, Little White Lion Street, Great St Andrew’s Street, Little St Andrew’s Street and Queen Street