20 Vintage Photos That Capture London’s Charm Through the Decades

Vintage Photos History Travel April 22, 2025

Last Updated on April 27, 2025 by Colby Droscher

London has always been a city of stories—its streets echoing with the footsteps of history. But there’s something special about seeing it through vintage photos. These snapshots capture everyday moments, grand events, and the subtle details that make the city unique. From bustling markets to quiet alleyways, each image offers a glimpse into London’s rich tapestry, reminding us of the lives and stories that have unfolded there over the years.

1. Lady Florence Norman, a suffragette, on her motor-scooter in 1916 London

A woman in early 20th-century clothing and a hat stands on a vintage motorized scooter on a city street, with buildings and a lamppost visible in the background.
8dmb8

Now that’s an impressive ride right there.

2. London back in 1949

A busy city street scene from the mid-20th century shows vintage cars, people walking, historic buildings, shops with bright signs, and double-decker buses in the background. The atmosphere is lively and bustling.
deleted

Looks like it was a bustling day out in London back then.

3. Children in London celebrate Christmas in an underground bomb shelter, December 25, 1940

Black-and-white photo of a large group of people, including many children, gathered along a decorated table for a festive meal inside an arched shelter. Everyone is smiling and wearing party hats.
sleepyhollow

Hopefully, you didn’t have claustrophobia if you were sitting at that table.

4. Asking for the time in London back in 1969

Two young women in skirts and sweaters laugh as they walk beside an older man in a suit, bowler hat, and glasses who checks his watch. Large columns and steps of a grand building rise behind them.
infamousleopard363

This guy’s got his fit absolutely on point.

5. London in 1904

A man in a long overcoat and top hat stands with his back to the camera, holding a cane on a busy city street with blurred horse-drawn carriages and historic buildings in the background.

The top hat really ties the whole fit together.

6. Fleet Street in London in 1897

A busy city street in the early 1900s with people in period clothing, horse-drawn carriages, and various shop signs, including "Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese." Buildings line both sides of the street.
jocke75

Those carriages could really generate some speed back in the day.

7. The Crowd at a London Pub, in 1967

Several people gather in a dimly lit bar with wood-paneled walls. A woman in a pink skirt and white boots stands drinking, while others sit at a table, chatting and drinking pints of beer. The mood is relaxed and social.
gagator43

Love all the colors going on here too.

8. London at night back in 1965.

A busy city street at night, featuring a red double-decker bus and brightly illuminated billboards advertising brands like Coca-Cola, BP, Martini, and others. Streetlights and people are visible in the lively scene.
gorillaz03

London at night could make for a truly magical place.

9. That dog looks utterly heartbroken.

A shopkeeper places a sign reading "NO DOG BISCUITS TO-DAY" at a shop entrance as a young girl, holding a basket and standing with her dog, looks on. The scene takes place on a quiet, residential street.
lovieweb

Not with the no dog biscuits update.

10. Bride leaving her recently bombed home to get married, London, Nov 4, 1940

A bride in a wedding dress and veil walks through rubble outside a damaged building, holding a bouquet. A woman waves at her from a broken window, and an older man in a suit stands nearby.
ancientage9577

Love was able to survive through some harrowing times.

11. Queen Elizabeth and Marilyn Monroe. This is them meeting at a movie premiere in London 1956, both at the age of 30

A black and white photo of elegantly dressed people at a formal event. Two women in evening gowns, one wearing a tiara, are shaking hands while men in tuxedos stand nearby, smiling and observing.

Talk about an iconic introduction if we’ve ever seen one.

12. Alan Rickman as high school student, London, 1964

A black-and-white photo of two young men indoors; one holds a canvas or painting, wearing a plaid scarf, while the other looks on. A third person's arm extends into the frame, pointing at the canvas.
anonymous

Rest in peace to a true legend.

13. London back in 1980.

Busy city street scene with people walking past neon signs, including one for "Rocky II." A man has his shoe shined by another man on the sidewalk, surrounded by shops, advertisements, and pedestrians in 1970s-style clothing.

What a decade that was to be alive in London.

14. Just waiting to catch a swift ride on the tube.

Commuters wait on a London Underground platform under curved, illuminated ceilings. Some read newspapers, while a "WAY OUT" sign hangs overhead. The scene is in black and white, evoking a vintage atmosphere.

It was quite the speedy and efficient way to get around.

15. Little girl holds a penguin’s flipper as they walk around London Zoo, 1937

A young girl in a fluffy hat and coat walks outdoors, smiling and holding the flipper of a large penguin. Two more penguins walk beside them. A woman stands in the background, watching.
jaykirsch

These two seem like they’re going to be fast friends, indeed.

16. There were two types of lads in 1930s London

A group of boys, two dressed formally in top hats and suits with canes and luggage, stand near three casually dressed boys by a stone building and iron gate, likely in an early 20th-century setting.
sunshineshadow

Oh to have been a fly on the wall in that moment.

17. Sir Ian McKellen in London, 1977

A person in a suit and scarf stands on a rainy city street in front of a theater with a bright "SHAKESPEARE COMPANY" sign, as people with umbrellas walk in the background. The scene is in black and white.
oktheentry5

What an undeniable legend right here.

18. Taken in 1953, at the Tower of London, with a Queen’s Guard Sentry into breaking protocol

A British royal guard in uniform and bearskin hat stands beside a young girl in a dress with a bow in her hair, both posing in front of a stone wall with signs and a cross symbol.
unkindfroggy08

Those sentry guards just had to be so serious, seemingly all the time.

19. London back in the 1910s

A vintage street scene featuring red double-decker and single-decker buses, an early car, and people in early 20th-century attire in front of grand buildings with large signs and advertisements.
gliggetty

London was big on those red automobiles.

20. Tottenham Court Road, London, 1954

Black and white photo of a busy London street with people walking, double-decker buses, and road signs pointing to cities like Cambridge, Oxford, and Chelmsford. Buildings line the street and overhead wires are visible.
lovieweb

Love the vintage wheels here.

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