Viral

11 vintage photos of London that will change how you see the city

Mr Turner briefs prospective taxi drivers on bicycles at taxi school at Harleyford Street, Kennington. 14 October 1947. PICTURE: KEYSTONE/GETTY IMAGES
Mr Turner briefs prospective taxi drivers on bicycles at taxi school at Harleyford Street, Kennington. 14 October 1947. PICTURE: KEYSTONE/GETTY IMAGES

Here are 11 photos from the capital that show nothing ever changes.

People are so rude on the Tube, nobody says 'hello' or even makes eye contact.

An underground train on the District Line in London, equipped with a new system of lighting. 13 October 1944. Picture:An underground train on the District Line in London, equipped with a new system of lighting. 13 October 1944. (Picture: Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

And getting a seat during rush hour is always difficult.

Chancellor of the Exchequer William Ewart Gladstone with directors and engineers of the Metropolitan Railway Company on an inspection tour of the world's first underground line. 24 May 1862.Chancellor of the Exchequer William Ewart Gladstone with directors and engineers of the Metropolitan Railway Company on an inspection tour of the world's first underground line. 24 May 1862.

Getting across London Bridge by any means is a nightmare.

Traffic on London Bridge, circa 1890.Traffic on London Bridge, circa 1890.

That sinking feeling when you realise the bus is too full.

No matter how much you breath in.

Comet, an elephant from Chessington, tries to board a bus in Shaftesbury Avenue, London. Date created: 1938.Comet, an elephant from Chessington, tries to board a bus in Shaftesbury Avenue, London. Date created: 1938.

And if you want to find a shop that sells ridiculous things you can.

Women load their Christmas shopping into a car with the aid of an attendant from Whiteley's department store in London. 3 December 1930.Women load their Christmas shopping into a car with the aid of an attendant from Whiteley's department store in London. 3 December 1930.

Hipster 'inebriation emporiums' are everywhere.

Picture:Victor Berlemont, a French publican working in an establishment of London's Soho, circa. 1939.

At the first glimmer of sunshine, Londoners flock to the nearest 'beach'

The crowded beach under Tower Bridge. 30 May 1939.The crowded beach under Tower Bridge. 30 May 1939.

The cycling gear is getting way too flashy and overpriced.

Models wearing a collection of modern wedding outfits from Youngs and proving their practicality by riding on bikes through London. April 1966.Models wearing a collection of modern wedding outfits from Youngs and proving their practicality by riding on bikes through London. April 1966.

And the City of London won't stop throwing up oddly shaped sky scrapers.

A construction worker at work on the water storage of a building in Golden Lane, Aldersgate, in the City of London. 1956.A construction worker at work on the water storage of a building in Golden Lane, Aldersgate, in the City of London. 1956.

Getting lost remains easy.

Mr Turner briefs prospective taxi drivers on bicycles at taxi school at Harleyford Street, Kennington. 14 October 1947.Mr Turner briefs prospective taxi drivers on bicycles at taxi school at Harleyford Street, Kennington. 14 October 1947.

And the pubs on Friday at 5pm are a welcoming place for all Londoners, of any creed.

A group of four newly-appointed clergymen enjoy a drink with the Bishop of Southwark at a local pub, circa 1965.A group of four newly-appointed clergymen enjoy a drink with the Bishop of Southwark at a local pub, circa 1965.

Dear London. Never change.

More: 10 incredible photos of defiance from history

The Conversation (0)
x